Idaho State women’s basketball Head Coach Seton Sobolewski has announced the hiring of two new assistant coaches for the 2020-21 season: Travis Brewster and Courtnie Smith.
Brewster, a two-time Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year, comes to Pocatello after serving eight years as the head women’s basketball coach at the University of North Dakota. 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.
“During this time in the world, my family and I are thankful and excited about the opportunity to join the Bengal Family,” said Brewster. “Coach Sobolewski is an excellent person, hard-working, and highly respected in this business. Through the years, Coach has matriculated a winning culture based on toughness, hard work, and an ultra-competitive mentality.”
Prior to being named head coach at UND, Brewster spent nine years with the program as an assistant coach. His career as a Fighting Hawk began in 2001 as a graduate assistant for the men’s basketball team before making the move to women’s basketball in 2002.
“Travis and I have been friends for many years now,” said Sobolewski. “I always thought he did a great job with his teams at North Dakota and I’m excited to learn and work with him. With Travis, we will have close to 60 years of Division I coaching experience on our bench.”
As a player at the collegiate level, Brewster played two seasons at Iowa Lakes Community College (’90, ’91), before moving on to Division I Charleston Southern (’92, ’93). At ILCC, Brewster played on teams that went 49-12; at CSU, he was a two-time defensive MVP and team captain in 1993.
“I look forward to contributing to the hard-working and dynamic group of players and staff. Go Bengals!” Brewster added.
Smith was named the head women’s basketball coach at Blackfoot High School in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. In just three years, she has led a program that was previously 0-20 to the state tournament twice including an appearance in the 2020 tournament and a 2019 State Consolation Championship.
“Courtnie is someone I’ve always respected,” Sobolewski said. “She is one of the best girls’ basketball coaches in our area. The time and effort she has put in to grow the game of girls’ basketball in southeast Idaho is remarkable. I’m glad she’s joining us.”
In 2019-20, Smith’s hard work was acknowledged as she was named District 5/6 Coach of the Year.
“Being a college coach has been something that I have always inspired to do,” Smith said. “I am overwhelmed with excitement to work and learn from the best as I transition from high school coaching to college. My family and I have been watching the ISU women’s basketball program for 11 years and it seems surreal that I will be coaching for them now. I want to thank Seton and ISU for this extraordinary opportunity!”
Her move to Idaho State returns her to her Alma Mater where she graduated with a degree in social work. Smith is currently seeking her master’s degree in school counseling.
https://isubengals.com/news/2020/5/26/womens-basketball-adds-to-coaching-staff.aspx
Tagged with: Big Sky Idaho State
