After a year of being the interim head coach for women’s basketball and six seasons as the assistant coach, Ollie Brent was named the official head coach for the Long Beach City College Women’s Basketball program after a very successful 2019-2020 season.
“Ollie Brent has done a remarkable job in his first year as our Vikings women’s basketball head coach,” said Interim Athletics Director Bill Husak. “He resurrected a program to a Conference Championship and a playoff participant. He made it fun to play basketball, while holding the women accountable for their academics and behaviors.”
During the 2019-20 season under Brent, the Vikings were named the South Coast Conference Champions with a perfect 10-0 record. After being named the SCC Coach of the Year, the Vikings finished the season 20-9 record, a playoff berth and were ranked No. 14 in the state.
“I am honored beyond belief to join such a dedicated hardworking team of players, coaches, and colleagues,” said Brent. “This is my opportunity and my duty to develop the talents, skills and characters of each player, and to help foster a championship mindset. It is both an honor and a privilege to embark on this journey as the women’s head basketball coach here at LBCC.”
As an assistant coach, Brent has helped the Vikings to a 116-60 (.659) overall record and the winning of four South Coast Conference- South Division Championships, with the last being in 2017. With the help from Brent, the Vikings made five consecutive California Community College Athletic Association playoff appearances. With the program so far, Brent has pushed and guided three post position players to Division 1 Universities, such as Darshana Taafua (Long Beach State), Miranda Martinez (Long Beach State), and Jessica Njoku (Florida A&M).
Prior to his coaching job at LBCC, Brent was the Varsity Head Coach at Compton High School for three years. During his time at Compton High School, Brent received the Harry J. Moore Coach of the Year Award, led his team to the CIF quarterfinals playoffs, and helped increase the programs winning percentage and academic grade point averages.
Brent founded Inner City Elites (I.C.E), a youth basketball organization targeted at inner city underprivileged kids, particularly within the Inglewood and Los Angeles area. This program helps inner city youth to build the fundamental skills needed to succeed both on and off the court. Brent has also served as a camp instructor at Point Guard College, Magic Johnson Camp, and the John Wooden Basketball Clinic.
He attended Metropolitan State College of Denver, where he played under former NBA Coach Mike Dunlap. Brent contributed to the team’s advancement to the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen. After Brent’s freshman year, he transferred to Prairie View A&M University to play under Coach Elwood Plummer. Unfortunately, Brent was in a severe car accident which ended his basketball playing career. However, this tragic event ignited his passion for coaching and mentoring the youth.
Brent earned a Master’s degree in Education from California State University of Dominguez Hills, his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Education from Prairie View A&M University, served four years in the Army Reserves and is a proud father to Marlie Brent.
Photo Courtesy Long Beach City College Athletics
https://www.lbccvikings.com/sports/wbkb/2019-20/releases/20200331qh7e5l
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