Brookdale Athletics

Rich Brunson

Title:

Head Women's Basketball Coach
Phone:

732-224-2737
Email:

rbrunson@brookdalecc.edu
Awards:

2016 Region XIX Coach of the Year

Bio

Rich Brunson is entering his sixth season as the head coach of the Brookdale's women's basketball program. In his first three seasons, his teams earned their way to the Region XIX conference championships. In Brunson's first year (2016), he was honored with Region XIX Coach Of The Year, as his Jersey Blues qualified for a trip to the national tournament.

In his first five seasons at the helm, Coach Brunson has won four conference championships, looking to win his fifth this season. Coach Brunson produced two 1st team All-Americans and Players Of The Year; Che'Kasha Andrews (Willmington University), who is Brookdale's women's basketball all-time leading scorer, and Haley Dalonzo (NYIT).

Brunson was an assistant coach for the Brookdale's men's basketball program from 2012-2016. In his first season, the Jersey Blues were crowned the national champs and conference champs the following year as well. The men's program had an outstanding record of 102-25 in his four-year tenure.

Coach Brunson served as the boys assistant coach at Matawan High School, Piscataway Vocational High School, and Raritan Valley Community College. He also served as the Head Coach for New Brunswick Vo-tech and St. Peters (girls) High School. Brunson has played a crucial role in over 74 players receiving athletic scholarships in major programs and professional careers overseas, including five NBA players. Brunson also serves as a Special Education Aide at Monmouth Regional High School.

Coach Brunson played four years for the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights Basketball team from '79-83. He lead the Knights to Conference Champs his senior year and a trip to the NCAA March Madness in which they lost in the second round to St. John's University.

Additionally, Brunson is the Director of Recreation of Shrewsbury Township and owns his own pest control company. A native of Jamaica Queens NY, Brunson has a son Tyler and currently resides in Tinton Falls with his wife Katrina, the Head Cheerleading Coach at Brookdale.