Credit: Gwynedd Mercy University.
Gwynedd Mercy University is bringing home one of its own. Darnell “Speedy” Artis, a proud alum and GMercyU Hall of Famer, has been named the new head coach of the Griffins men’s basketball team.
Artis, a 2016 graduate, made his mark as a key player on the university’s 2015-2016 championship squad. But his story didn’t stop there. After college, he took his talents global as a standout with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters, dazzling crowds with his speed and showmanship. A graduate of La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Artis has always kept close ties to his Philadelphia roots.
“Darnell has always been more than just a great player,” said GMercyU Athletic Director Keith Mondillo. “He’s a leader, a role model, and someone who lives out the values of our university. We’re beyond excited to welcome him back—not just as a coach, but as someone who will shape the future of our program with heart, talent, and purpose.”
Off the court, Artis has also made headlines for his dedication to uplifting local youth. In 2018, he co-founded the UnderDawgs Summer League at Lonnie Young Recreation Center in East Germantown. More than just basketball, the league is a platform for mentorship, music, and community pride. It’s even drawn appearances from Philly icons like Tierra Whack, boxer Boots Ennis, and City Councilman Isaiah Thomas. Artis' impact was highlighted in a 2024 Philadelphia Inquirer profile and featured on NBC's Emmy-nominated series Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward.
Returning to the university that gave him his start feels like a full-circle moment.
“GMercyU took a chance on me when I was 18,” said Artis. “It built me up in every way—on the court and off. When I heard Coach Baron was moving on, it felt like a sign that it was time to come back home and give back to the place that gave me so much. I’m a Griffin for life. And the work has already begun. One word: culture.”
Artis’ return signals a new chapter not only for the men’s basketball program, but for the broader university community. He brings with him a blend of professional experience, deep community engagement, and a strong connection to GMercyU’s mission of service and leadership.
About Gwynedd Mercy University
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948, Gwynedd Mercy University offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, health professions, business, education, and the arts and sciences. The 145-acre campus is located in Montgomery County, just off Sumneytown Pike. Learn more at gmercyu.edu or follow @GwyneddMercyU on social media.
