When the Detroit Mercy women’s basketball team takes the court this season, they’ll be led by a familiar face, just in a new role. After serving as an assistant coach for several seasons with the Lady Titans, Kiefer Haffey was promoted to head coach in April. Now, he enters his first season at the head of the Titans program with high expectations, a competitive mindset and a clear vision for the future.
For Haffey, the move from assistant to head coach has been very exciting.
“The way that my brain would always process things, it’s as if I’m putting pieces towards a puzzle to get the outcome we all want, and because of that it feels good to feel like I’ll be the one to try to design it all and make it come together,” Haffey said. “I’m feeling extremely good about that.”
Haffey has always been known for his ambition and drive for the game of basketball. From his attention to detail in practice plans and scouting information all the way up to the energy he would pour into the team and players on an everyday basis. Those qualities, players say, have carried over into his leadership as a head coach and his authority of setting the tone for the entire program.
Senior guard Myonna Hooper, who had been with the program the last three years, implies that the team is in good hands.
“With his transition he still has the same positive intentions,” Hooper said. “He pushes our team to be better every day He uplifts me and gives me advice whether it’s basketball related or not, and for that I am extremely grateful.”
For the Titans this season, several new assistant coaches have joined the staff, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to practice. They include, coach Kevin Mondro a Detroit mercy alum, coach Kayla Bridges, and coach Tania Davis, all who have had a ton of success. Returning are coaches Juanita Cochran and Antonio Capaldi, who have a very big impact as well.
“I really trust in my staff and what we are building together,” Haffey said.
In addition, the roster features a mix of returners, new transfers and freshmen eager to make an impact. Some new faces in the program include Allison Basye, Amaya Burch, Nisea Burrell, Kailee Davis, Naima Diawara, Cameron McMaster, Rayven McQueen and Brendha Schwartz.
According to returning sophomore guard Maya Anderson, she thinks this is a leap in the team’s progress.
She said, “Everyone is open to learning and adjusting so team chemistry is headed in a great direction.”
The program may have a new face, but a vet on the court in grad student Nisea Burrell.
“I was drawn to UDM because of Coach Kiefer and the culture,” Burrell said. “My vision for myself and basketball aligned with the connections here, the coaching staff believed I could accomplish great things here. They also accepted my situation with my brother and didn’t shut me down, instead they saw me as more than just a basketball player, and that meant a lot to me.”
While the Titans are focused on day-by-day improvement, Haffey isn’t shy about setting lofty goals.
He said, “I want us to be the team with more passion. Not the best dressed team, just the team that’s really about it. We will not be entitled; we will be a discipline team who just loves the game.”
With a new head coach and roster, the Titans are ready to make their mark.