Micha Mims, a 2012 graduate of Mount Mercy University, will return to her alma mater to lead the Mustang women's basketball program beginning March 15, Athletics Director Paul Gavin announced Monday.

"It's a thrill to bring Micha back home where she belongs," said Gavin. "She is a great choice for our university and has the personality, passion and drive to lead us in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, both now and for years to come."

Mims returns to Mount Mercy after serving as the assistant women's basketball coach at Culver-Stockton College (Mo.) in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. In two seasons with the Wildcats, she helped rejuvenate a program that won just four games the season prior to her arrival.

Culver-Stockton achieved its first 20-win season in 16 years last season, finishing 20-10 in 2014-15. The Wildcats also earned their first postseason win since 2005, defeating Missouri Valley in the quarterfinals of the Heart of America Women's Basketball Tournament. Culver-Stockton followed that with another 20-win season this year, finishing 22-9 overall.

Prior to join the staff at Culver-Stockton, Mims served as the graduate assistant women's basketball coach at Southwest Minnesota State University from 2012-14, where she earned a Master's degree in business administration. She graduated from Mount Mercy in 2012 with Bachelor of Science degrees in business marketing and business management.

"I am extremely honored to be welcomed back to an institution that has given so much to me," said Mims. "I would be lying if I said my experiences as a Mount Mercy women's basketball player weren't driving me in some way. I know what this university is capable of, what this program is capable of, and I want to give these young women the same experiences and help lead them to many more."

Mims is a Cedar Rapids native and prepped at Washington High School. After one year at Wayne State College (Neb.), she transferred to Mount Mercy and enjoyed a decorated three-year career.

Mims was a two-time first-team all-Midwest Collegiate Conference performer and three-time academic all-conference selection. She garnered third-team NAIA all-America honors as a senior, helping the Mustangs reach the quarterfinals of the 2012 NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship.

Mims is also a member of Mount Mercy's 1,000-point club, totaling 1,105 points in 93 career games. She also ranks second in school history in 3-point field goal percentage (.415), fifth in 3-point field goals (188) and free throw percentage (.789), 12th in steals (208) and 14th in assists (267).

Mims replaces Bob Kintzel, who compiled a 16-14 record as Mount Mercy's interim head coach this past season.