text: Suzy Merchant returns to sidelines for Michigan State womenSUBSCRIBE NOWto get full accessHomeNewsSportsBusinessLifeEntertainmentOpinionArchivesInsiderUSA TODAYMediaMoreHomeNewsSportsBusinessLifeEntertainmentOpinionArchivesInsiderUSA TODAYMediaFireflyHi Already a subscriber?Log inSubscribe today for full access on your desktop, tablet, and mobile device.Subscribe NowAlready a print edition subscriber, but don't have a login?Activate your digital access.Manage your account settings.My AccountView the E-NewspaperManage your NewslettersView your Insider deals and moreMember ID CardChat SupportChat SupportLog OutSearchSocialFollowGet the newsLog In or Subscribe to skipAlready a subscriber?Log inSubscribe today for full access on your desktop, tablet, and mobile device.Subscribe NowAlready a subscriber, but don't have a login?Activate your digital access.
  Share This Story!Let friends in your social network know what you are reading aboutFacebookEmailTwitterGoogle+LinkedInPinterestSuzy Merchant returns to sidelines for MSU womenSpartan women's basketball coach missed last six games while on medical leavePost to FacebookSuzy Merchant returns to sidelines for MSU women Spartan women's basketball coach missed last six games while on medical leave Check out this story on lansingstatejournal.com: http://on.lsj.com/2l44Xus
  CancelSendSent!A link has been sent to your friend's email address.Posted!A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the ConversationTo find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQsSubscribe TodayLog InSubscribed, but don't have a login?Activate your digital access.Suzy Merchant returns to sidelines for MSU women Brian Calloway , Lansing State Journal Published 1:52 p.m. ET Feb. 12, 2017 | Updated 6:19 p.m. ET Feb. 12, 2017CLOSESkip in SkipxEmbedxShare
  MSU women's basketball coach Suzy Merchant gives thanks to school officials and her staff for their support in her absence after being away on medical leave for nearly a month. Brian Calloway/LSJ
  Brian Calloway/Lansing State JournalMichigan State coach Suzy Merchant, right, gives instructions to Lexi Gussert against Maryland Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in East Lansing, Mich.(Photo: Al Goldis | For the Lansing Stat)
  CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMOREEAST LANSING – Suzy Merchant is back on the sidelines.The 10th year Michigan State women's basketball coach made her return to the court Sunday afternoon during the Spartans' 89-72 loss to Big Ten leader and No. 3-ranked Maryland.Merchant had been away from the program on medical leave since Jan. 17 after experiencing symptoms during a road game against Rutgers that were similar to the ones she felt when she fainted on the sidelines during a New Year's Day home victory over Illinois.Merchant, who received an implant the size of a paper clip to monitor her heart, said she had been feeling better in the last week. She expressed her thanks to Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis, President Lou Anna K. Simon and others for the support she's received while away."You just have a special place if people rally around you as a coach," Merchant said. "Our job is to be out there no matter what. When you go through a tough time and to have that kind of support, that's what I always say separates Michigan State from so many places. It's never the bricks and mortar, it's the people inside."I really owe a lot to Amaka (Agugua). She did a great job stepping in. I tell her all the time she's going to be a great head coach and I don't think she was ready for this six-inch step this season. That's not easy to do. I'm just really proud of her. I'm proud of our entire staff to be honest with you. Everybody had to chip in and do some things, but certainly that six inches is a long journey. It doesn't seem very far, but when it kind of all falls on you it's a different mentality. I really owe her a lot and I think the kids did a great job rallying behind her too. We wouldn't be where we're at with out her."Couch: Merchant embarrassed by collapse, haunted by her kids' facesThe Spartans went 3-3 under Agugua during Merchant's absence the last several weeks, and find themselves in control of their NCAA tournament destiny with four games left until the Big Ten tournament.Merchant returns at a critical time with the Spartans (16-9, 6-6 Big Ten) in a logjam in the middle of the conference standings with two weeks remaining in the regular season and in a battle for an NCAA tournament spot. Sunday's contest kicked off a busy and big eight-day stretch for MSU, which will also face Minnesota at home Thursday and rival and No. 21-ranked Michigan next Sunday in Ann Arbor.Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @brian_calloway.