Northern Illinois University head women’s basketball coach Jacey Brooks announced on Tuesday that Audra Clark and Mark Schwitzgable will join the Huskies coaching staff as assistant coaches.
Clark comes to NIU after two seasons on the coaching staff at Bowling Green. She was the Video Coordinator in 2023 before being named Director of Player Personnel last year. The Falcons reached the Mid-American Conference tournament in both seasons and earned a WNIT bid in 2024. Clark was an assistant coach on Brooks’ staff at SUNY Cortland, guiding the Red Dragons to an overall record of 45-11 and a pair of NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. The 2022-23 SUNY Cortland team went 24-5 and won the State University of New York Athletic Conference tournament for the first time since 2010 and won its first round NCAA Tournament game.
“I am so excited and fortunate to work with Audra again after winning a lot of games and a conference championship together at Cortland,” said Brooks. “She has grown tremendously throughout her career, which is a true testament to her dedication, work ethic, and passion for the game. I’m confident she will help build our culture here at NIU and have a tremendous impact on our program.”
Clark started her coaching career at SUNY Oswego from 2019-21. She graduated from St. Catherine University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Clark was a four-year starter and a four-time Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference all-conference selection. She finished her college career as St. Catherine’s all-time leader in points and assists with 1,483 points and 379 assists.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Coach Brooks again here at NIU,” Clark said. “Her vision for the program is exciting and I’m thrilled to contribute to that vision while being part of Huskie Nation and immersing myself in this community. I’m looking forward to collaborating with our staff to create a culture of excellence and competitiveness, ensuring our student-athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court.”
Schwitzgable arrives in DeKalb after serving as the head coach of the Walsh University women’s basketball team for the last three years. He had three student-athletes earn All-Great Midwest Athletic Conference honors in his three seasons at the helm of the Cavaliers.
“Since Mark and I initially spoke, I was convinced that working together could lead to building something special,” Brooks said. “His love for the game, relentlessness as a recruiter, and ability to develop players on and off the court are only a few of his very impressive qualities. I am confident he is going to play a big role in the success of our program and excited he is part of the Huskie family.”
Schwitzgable started his coaching career as a graduate assistant and video coordinator at his alma mater Ohio from 2015-2017. The Bobcats made back-to-back WNIT appearances in those two years, reaching the round of 16 in 2016. He then became an assistant coach at Urbana University from 2017-19, where he recruited Division II All-American Tyra James who also earned Mountain East Conference and Atlantic Region Player of the Year honors. Schwitzgable joined the coaching staff at Valparaiso in 2019 and was with the Beacons for three seasons.
“My family and I are incredibly excited to begin this new chapter at NIU,” said Schwitzgable. “Jacey’s vision for the program is inspiring and I’m deeply appreciative for the opportunity to join her coaching staff.”
Clark and Schwitzgable join E.C. Hill and Brittney Patrick as assistants on Brooks’ staff.
