Former UNC-Asheville coach fills ETSU women’s basketball role

On Monday, Aug. 8, ETSU confirmed Brenda Mock Kirkpatrick Brown as the new head coach for the women’s basketball team during a press conference.

Interim Athletics Director Richard “Doc” Sander introduced Brown at the press conference, explaining that in his search he prioritized finding a coach who would put the wellbeing of athletes first. According to Sander, Brown “checks every box.”

“She has great concern for student athletes, she’s won conference championships with a limited resource program, she’s gone to the NCAA tournament,” Sander said. “She’s been the coach of the year not only in her conference, but she’s been coach of the year in a national publication.”

Brown served as head coach for the UNC-Asheville Women’s Basketball team from 2012-2020, leading the Bulldogs to consecutive Big South tournament titles. She understands the expectation for success from the community and administration alike.

“What I’ve always admired was the support that this women’s basketball program received,” said Brown. “From the administration, from the university, from the community. Johnson City loves women’s basketball and it matters. Basketball matters to this town.”

This news comes a week after the university’s announcement of their intent to terminate Simon Harris, former women’s head basketball coach, after Title IX complaints from former team members.

In this same time frame, Scott Carter resigned from his position as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Sander, who has filled the position before, will serve as interim AD until a permanent replacement is hired.

During the search for a new coach, Jackie Alexander assumed the role of acting head coach. Alexander began working with the team in April 2021, and she spent the two previous seasons as an assistant coach at Eastern Kentucky University.

ETSU President Brian Noland started the press conference off by discussing his expectations and plans for the athletics program moving forward. He wants students to excel in the classroom, coaches to play by the rules and coaches to win championships, as well as focus on the mental health and support for student athletes.

“The past few years have been extremely difficult for our student athletes, as they navigate the post-COVID landscape,” said Noland. “This past week has been extremely difficult for members of our women’s basketball team. Dr. Sander is going to find unique partnerships with ETSU Health, and he’s going to bring those to fruition in a very short time period that will allow us to provide dedicated mental health support for our student athletes.”

Noland noted Sander’s intent to create a professional development program for coaches and staff and foster a student-first culture within the program.

“No longer can the athletics department sit on an island, it must return to the days when they were an integral part of the university landscape. I’m confident that the athletics department will meet these expectations, building best practice new models for college athletics.”

While remaining optimistic, Brown understands the reality ETSU student athletes are facing.

“The unexpected brings a lot of uncertainty and challenges, but what I was telling these young ladies, in the unexpected lies the opportunity to respond. To demonstrate resilience and resolve, and for all of us here to set our faces forward to what lies ahead.”

For more information ETSU Athletics, visit https://www.etsubucs.com/.