Rich Brunson Chosen to Lead Women's Basketball Team as Head Coach
Rich Brunson has been named the new head coach to lead the Brookdale women's basketball program as announced today by director of athletics Shawn Noel.
Lincroft, NJ - Rich Brunson has been named the new head coach to lead the Brookdale women's basketball program as announced today by director of athletics Shawn Noel. Brunson was the former Brookdale men's basketball assistant coach for the past five seasons. "I am excited for the opportunity and look forward to teaching the student athletes how to compete on the court while keeping their grades up in the classroom" said Brunson. Brunson brings more than 25 years of extensive coaching experience to Brookdale, which includes working in the ranks from high school to semi-professional. A former NCAA Division I scholarship basketball player, Brunson was a member of the Rutgers University Men's basketball team from 1979-1983. "We are lucky to have someone whose experience, positive attitude, and understanding of the basketball program at Brookdale lead our women's team." commented Noel.
Coach Brunson served as an assistant basketball coach at Matawan High School, Piscataway Vocational and Raritan Valley Community College. He also served as head coach at New Brunswick Middle school, New Brunswick Vo-tech and St Peters (New Brunswick) High School girls' basketball team. He currently serves as Director of Recreation for Shrewsbury Township and an assistant coach in the JSBL (Jersey Shore Pro Basketball League).
Coach Brunson has played a crucial role in over 68 players receiving scholarships in major programs and professional careers overseas, including five NBA players. He brings a hard work ethic and relentless recruiting style to the Brookdale program. A native of Jamaica Queens, Brunson currently resides in Tinton Falls with his wife Katrina, the head cheerleading coach at Brookdale. He also has a 16-year-old son Tyler.
Brookdale women's basketball has won 229 games (22.9 games per season) over the past ten years winning 76 percent of their games. They won 31 games in 2013-14 season finishing in third place at the NJCAA national championship tournament. Brunson on the importance of taking over this successful program "I will continue to work hard and keep this program nationally competitive."