Commish Chat is a series of one-on-one interviews between Southern Conference Commissioner Jim Schaus and various student-athletes, coaches, administrators, media members and more as they discuss SoCon athletics and issues that affect college athletics on a broader scale.

Schaus's guest for Season 2, Episode 4 is Mercer women's basketball coach Susie Gardner. A three-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year, Gardner has led the Bears to four regular-season and three tournament titles since Mercer joined the SoCon in 2014-15. The defending tournament champion Bears were picked to win the league again this year, and Gardner has the squad off to a 1-0 league start after winning its opener over Chattanooga on Saturday.

Schaus and Gardner talk about Mercer's chances for a repeat, what she needs to see from her team to be successful, and what it means to her to be in the Southern Conference.

For past episodes of Commish Chat, click here.