MADISON, N.J. (June 1, 2018) - After a national search, the Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Department of Athletics has announced Melissa Brooks as its next Head Women's Basketball Coach.

"I am honored to be named the next head women's basketball coach here at FDU-Florham," Brooks said. "I would like to thank Athletic Director Jenn Noon and the rest of the search committee for taking the time during this process and believing in me as a first time head coach. I am thrilled to come back to the New Jersey area, a place I can call home, and to work under the leadership of Jenn who is ready to grow this athletic department into a hard-working close-knit group. I am eager to bring my energy and materials from all the successful head coaches I have worked and played for in the past and continue to build upon the success of this program."

Brooks becomes the 13^th head coach in the program and replaces Marc Mitchell, who tabbed as the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Division I Saint Peter's University in late March.

"Our Women's Basketball program has had much success over the years and we know Melissa Brooks is going to continue that tradition," Director of Athletics Jenn Noon stated. "Melissa's experience at all divisions and her understanding of what it takes to be a student-athlete at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus solidified her becoming the programs 13^th head coach."

Brooks joins the Devils after spending two seasons at United States Military Academy as an Assistant Coach. The Black Knights won 39 games in her two seasons, including 22 in 2016-17 which was the fifth straight campaign they notched 20 or more wins in a season.

"I would like to thank my Army West Point family for the past two years," Brooks stated. "The leadership I learned not only from the athletic department but the women's basketball cadet athletes as well will set the foundation of this program here at FDU-Florham. This program's success on the court is unmatched. The hard work these young ladies put into this program will expand into the university and community as well. It is my goal to develop these strong, well-rounded females who will not only be successful and known here, but will be in their careers and life after FDU-Florham."

No stranger to Division III, Brooks was the lead assistant at nearby Stevens Institute of Technology for three years, leading the Ducks to a pair of NCAA Tournament Appearances. In 2015-16, Stevens went 23-7 and advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to Amherst College. Before Stevens, Brooks served as an Assistant Coach at Washington College and Marymount University.

"Throughout the entire interview process Melissa had the search committee hooked with her contagious energy, passion for the game and powerful leadership skills," Noon said. "We are extremely excited to have Melissa Brooks join the Devils family."    

Brooks played collegiately at Division II Holy Family in Philadelphia, Pa., where she helped lead the Tigers to a 116-13 overall record, four straight NCAA Tournament appearances, and Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) titles in 2007 and 2008. She finished her playing career with 1,115 points and collected a number of conference honors, including CACC Rookie of the Year in 2006 and CACC All-Tournament Team praise in 2007 and 2009.

Additionally, Brooks was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team in 2008 after helping Holy Family to a 32-1 record and a berth in the NCAA Regional Finals.
 
Following her graduation from Holy Family, Brooks spent two years as an assistant girls basketball and softball coach, physical education instructor, photography and film editor, and dorm teacher at The George School in Newtown, Pa. Brooks also brings experience as a coach with the United NJ AAU team, where she has served as head coach of the 8th, 9th and 10th grade girls squad since 2014.
 
The 2005 Bucks County (Pa.) High School Player of the Year, Brooks was inducted into the Neshaminy High School Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Hall of Fame in 2017. She graduated from Holy Family in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Arts Communications.
 
What They're Saying About Melissa
"FDU-Florham just hit a home run in the hiring of Melissa Brooks.  Melissa's energy and enthusiasm will make an immediate impact on the program.  A proven winner, fierce competitor and a talented motivator, Melissa inspires everyone around her to strive for excellence.  Her passion and knowledge for the game combined with her dynamic personality make her a great choice for their next leader." – Colleen Mullen, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Albany and former Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Army
 
"I have known Melissa Brooks for a very long time, having recruited her when she was at Neshaminy High School and then having coached her for four years at Holy Family University from 2005-2009.   With that being said, I have seen first-hand the positive and lasting impact Melissa has on every place she has been and every person she has encountered. She is one of the most outstanding athletes that I have ever had the pleasure of coaching and one of the most motivated recruiters and driven coaches I have had the opportunity to mentor.  Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham has chosen a true winner both on and off the court in Melissa Brooks." – Mike McLaughlin, Head Women's Basketball, University of Pennsylvania.

"Any degree of success I've experienced over my 35 years as an NCAA Division I head coach is in large part due to the assistant coaches I've been fortunate enough to work with and Melissa Brooks has proven to be one of the best. Her terrific communication skills along with her maturity and knowledge of the game, that goes beyond her age and experience, is what makes her an excellent recruiter. Melissa is an outstanding choice as the head coach at FDU-Florham and she will make an immediate and positive impact on their program." – Dave McGarity, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Army

"I am so excited for the next phase of Mel's career. She will bring passion, energy, and a tremendous knowledge of the game to FDU. Mel has a gift in her ability to teach the game and relate to her players." – Megan Haughey, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Stevens Institute of Technology