Queens University of Charlotte Head Women’s Basketball Coach Jen Brown has signed a four-year extension, director of athletics Cherie Swarthout announced. The extension keeps Brown at the helm of the Royals program through the 2027 season.
“Jen has done a remarkable job recruiting a culture that is consistent with our university,” said Swarthout. “I see the compassion she has towards her athletes and their development on the court, in the classroom, and their matriculation into the working world. I marvel at her passion for life, her family, and the game. Her players notice, our fans notice, and I notice. Congratulations Coach Brown!”
Since coming to the Queen City in 2020, Brown has made an immediate impact on recruiting and development. The Brooklyn, New York native has developed four all-conference performers, including Kristian Eanes, Amari Davis, Kalaya Hall, and Jordyn Weaver. In 2021-22, Hall poured in the fifth most points in a single season with 497 and set a single-season record with 19.9 points per game. The Beulaville native sits second all-time in scoring average and eighth all-time in three-point field goals made.
In addition to Hall, Brown developed Kiana Barkhoff who pulled down 7.8 rebounds per game last season which was fifth all-time. Under Brown’s direction, five different Royals have averaged double-digit scoring, including Adia Brisker, Kasey Kidwell, Kalaya Hall, Kristy Hamze, and Kristian Eanes.
“It is reassuring to know that the administration has faith in me and my ability to lead our women’s basketball program into the future,” said Coach Brown. “I am fully committed to Queens and our mission to building a winning culture on and off the court. All of my student-athletes and staff mean the world to me and I am honored to be their head coach.”
Brown brings 18 years of Division 1 experience as a coach and former player. Before coming to the Queen City, Brown spent four seasons as the top assistant at Virginia Tech and helped the Hokies accumulate an 86-49 record, three WNIT appearances, and four consecutive 20-plus win seasons. As the recruiting coordinator, Brown brought in two top-25 recruiting classes leading to the most ACC wins in 12 seasons. Additionally, Brown recruited and coached eight ACC All-Conference selections, one ACC Rookie of the Year, and one Sixth Player of the Year.
Before joining the Hokies, Brown spent six seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater, James Madison University. While on staff, the Dukes put together six consecutive 25-plus win seasons and a 165-42 record. The Dukes captured four CAA Regular Season Championships and four CAA Tournament Championships while also making four NCAA Championship appearances. Brown recruited and coached 28 CAA All-Conference selections, four Players of the Year, two Rookies of the Year, and two Defensive Players of the Year. Additionally, two of Brown’s recruits went on to be WNBA draft picks.
Prior to getting her coaching career underway at Colgate University, Brown played for James Madison from 2005-08. The standout forward helped the Dukes to a 75-23 record, including a runner-up finish in the CAA Tournament and an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament her junior season. That same season, JMU was ranked as high as No. 22 in the AP Poll and No. 25 in the USA Today Poll.
The Royals are coming off their first Division 1 season as a member of the ASUN Conference. Queens took down a pair of ASUN Tournament teams in Kennesaw State and Stetson in Curry Arena. In the Royals 68-53 victory at North Florida, Queens held the Ospreys scoreless for the entire second quarter as they took a 38-17 lead into the break. The defensive performance guided the Royals to their first ASUN win in program history.
“I am thankful for Cherie Swarthout, President Dan Lugo, and our Board of Trustees for their continued support of me and our women’s basketball program. Queens and the surrounding city of Charlotte is a special place with extraordinary people. My family and I are blessed to call this home. Go Royals!”
https://queensathletics.com/news/2023/8/3/womens-basketball-queens-jen-brown-signs-extension.aspx
