Interview with Jacey Brooks

5 Min. Read

This past spring, I had the pleasure of partnering with Northern Illinois University on their Head Women’s Basketball search. I’m excited to feature the new Head Coach of the Huskies, Jacey Brooks in this month’s “Spotlight on Women”.  Brooks officially took the reins in April and has already injected the program with a surge of energy, passion, and a championship pedigree. Fresh off a landmark WNIT title with Buffalo and a standout résumé at SUNY Cortland, her arrival marks a bold shift for NIU Huskies—a winning culture is on the horizon.

Described by NIU Athletic Director Sean Frazier as “Superwoman,” Brooks brings a bold, high-octane presence to DeKalb. A tireless recruiter and strategic thinker, she has already made waves across the college basketball landscape—and now, she’s poised to do the same with the Huskies.

Get to know Jacey Brooks!

 
What do you love most about your current job?

The staff and my team.  It’s been amazing to see how everything is coming together in just three short months. They all keep me motivated, and everyone has been working so hard.  No day is ever the same and I genuinely enjoy going to the office and gym knowing that we are getting better every day.  I try to get them to understand that each season is unique, and a different journey is taken, all while trying to achieve a shared goal.  
 
I also love the location of NIU.  We are located in a college town, yet we are one hour away from one of the largest cities in the country. To me, it’s the best of both worlds!

What advice would you give to a young person looking to become a college basketball coach?

Please pursue it, it’s so rewarding!  Even through the highs and lows, I've never felt like I've worked a day in my life.  It's become a lifestyle for me.  The relationships you build are everything!  No job is too small, and you have to put in the time to advance in your career.  For me personally, being a Division I head coach for the first time has been 18 years in the making.  Also, learn from each experience and take something useful from every opportunity to add to your skillset. 

Who has had the biggest impact/influence on your career and why?

The four head coaches who I worked with as an assistant coach (Jim Crowley, Terry Zeh, Jennifer Roos, Becky Burke) have all been so impactful.  Coach Crowley gave me my first opportunity right out of college as a director of operations.  If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.  They each taught me so much about myself as a coach and person, which allowed me to grow in so many ways.  I learned a lot from each of them along the way and they helped mold me into the coach I am.

What is the best/most memorable sporting event you’ve attended?

The 2018 Final Four in Columbus when Arike Ogunbowale hit the game winning shot in both the semifinal and championship games. It was unreal!

Favorite Quote?

How you do one thing is how you do everything!

What is your guilty pleasure?

530am CrossFit every day 

Your “Go To” restaurant in DeKalb?

El Jimador - I love Mexican food and their guac might be the best I’ve ever had
 

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