Former Jacksonville State standout NcKell (pronounced nah-KELL) Copeland joined the Bradley women's basketball coaching staff in June 2008, coming to The Hilltop after two years as an assistant coach at Toledo and is in her second year as an assistant coach under 10th-year Bradley head coach Paula Buscher.

Copeland works primarily with the guards and helped the Braves to their first 20-win season since the 1979-80 in her first year. Bradley concluded the 2008-09 season with a 21-10 record and finished fourth in the MVC standings, marking the team's best showing since the 1991-92 season. The Braves boasted an impressive 12-2 record and advanced to the MVC Tournament semifinals for the first time since 1996-97 and just the second time in program history.

She assists with scouting and recruiting in addition to working directly with the guards.

Copeland worked with the guards while on the Rockets' coaching staff and was involved in recruiting, scouting and individual workouts in addition to helping monitor the academic progress of student-athletes. In her first season at Toledo, Danielle Bishop earned honorable mention All-Mid American Conference honors, while TaYani Clark earned MAC All-Tournament honors in 2007-08.

"NcKell has been a great addition to our coaching staff and Bradley University," head coach Paula Buscher said. "She is a very positive person with a dynamic personality. She is concerned with player development both on and off the court. She will be working primarily with the guards along with recruiting and opponent scouting."

Born in San Jose, Calif., Copeland's family moved to Marietta, Ga., and she later attended Jacksonville State where she graduated cum laude with a degree in communication in 2003. She finished her career as the Gamecocks career leader in steals (151) and also had 456 points and 222 assists during her four-year career. A three-time All-Academic performer, Copeland led the team in minutes, assists and steals during her sophomore season.

She served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Jacksonville State for three years following her graduation, helping the Gamecocks to an 18-10 record in her first season. The 18 victories is Jacksonville State's highest win total as an NCAA Division I member and was the most wins since the 1992-93 team finished with an 18-11 record.