Chadron State College athletic director Joel R. Smith announced on Friday the hiring of Travis Brewster as the school’s next head women’s basketball coach.
“Our committee reviewed a strong pool of applicants,” Smith said. “Travis stood out for his experience and success. Once we got him on campus he was also a great match with our staff and college. We are excited to have someone of his caliber coaching our women’s basketball team.”
Brewster has been the coach of Saint Xavier University (NAIA) in Chicago the past two seasons.
While at Saint Xavier, Brewster had an overall record of 45-16. In 2021-22, the Cougars qualified for the national tournament and won their conference regular season championship with a record of 21-1.
“I’m blessed to be able to leave a place like Saint Xavier University that has great people and join Chadron State College, another place with great people,” Brewster said.
During the 2020-21 season, Brewster was an assistant coach at Idaho State (D1). Idaho State finished 22-4 while qualifying for the NCAA Tournament and winning both the Big Sky regular season and tournament championships.
Brewster was the Head Coach of the University of North Dakota (D1) from 2012 to 2020.
The Fighting Hawks went 128-120 during his tenure.
During his second season in 2013-14, North Dakota went 22-10 overall and were named Big Sky Regular Season Champions. Brewster was named the conference’s Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the season.
In 2015-16, the team went 19-14 with a second-place finish in the Big Sky.
Brewster earned his second Big Sky Coach of the Year award in 2016-17 after leading the Fighting Hawks to their first National Invitation Tournament (NIT) berth in school history and an overall record of 20-10.
His 100th career win occurred on February 8, 2018 against Weber State.
During his final two years with the Fighting Hawks, Brewster developed Lexi Klabo, who was a semifinalist (Top 10) for the Cheryl Miller Award. The Cheryl Miller award is annually given to the nations top small forward in college basketball.
UND saw outstanding success under Brewster’s direction including over 100 victories, four consecutive postseasons (2014-17), two Big Sky Championships, and an NCAA tournament appearance.
From 2008 until 2012 at North Dakota, he held the role of assistant basketball coach for one year before being named the Associate Head Coach.
Brewster was an assistant coach for one year at South Dakota State University and one year at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 2006 until 2008.
Brewster first called Grand Forks, North Dakota home from 2001 until 2006 when he was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for North Dakota, who was NCAA Division II at the time.
The five years were highlighted by a 34-1 finish a National Tournament Regional Final berth during the 2005-06 season.
Brewster’s coaching career began as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Iowa Lakes Community College. His two seasons at Iowa Lakes included a combined 45-21 record and a seventh-place finish in the nation in 2001.
During his ten years as a head coach, Brewster has had many players earn postseason honors. Eight have been First Team All-Conference and another eight have been Second Team. Another five players have been Honorable Mention All-Conference.
In addition, Brewster coached one of each of the following: Conference Player of the Year, Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Conference Newcomer of the Year and Conference Women of the Year.
Three players have been named Honorable Mention All-American.
Brewster’s overall record as a head coach is 173-135.
A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Brewster graduated from Charleston Southern University in 1994. His family includes his wife, Rebecca, daughter, Reganne, and sons, Drake and Kaid.
“There are a lot of people that made this possible and I’m thankful for their continued support through the years,” Brewster said. “I want to say thank you to President Dr. Ron Patterson and Athletic Director Joel Smith. I look forward to building on the vision and mission of athletics and CSC. It’s a special opportunity for my family to be a part of the college and the community.”
https://chadroneagles.com/news/2023/8/25/travis-brewster-to-lead-csc-womens-basketball-program.aspx
