Brown returns to lead Lady Bison basketball program
Lipscomb Athletics |
Lipscomb University Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson has announced that Greg Brown has been named the fourth head coach in the history of the women’s basketball program.
Brown, 41, was the associate women's basketball coach at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and is a former assistant for Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt. He has spent the last five seasons at UCF, helping lead the Knights to two Conference USA championships in 2009 and 2011, resulting in two NCAA berths.
For two seasons, Brown worked with Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee, first serving as a graduate assistant before being promoted to assistant coach in 2003-04. During that time, the Lady Vols compiled a record of 64-9, earned two Southeastern Conference championships and were twice the runners-up in the NCAA championship game. His responsibilities at Tennessee included coaching post players, including several current WNBA players such as the 2004 Kodak All-America selection Shyra Ely.
“I’m extremely excited for Greg to be our next women’s coach,” said Hutcheson. “He brings to Lipscomb a strong coaching background and has been mentored by some of the top coaches in the country.
“I’m confident that he will continue to mentor and train our student-athletes to become leaders on the court, in the classroom and in their Christian walk. He has been a part of successful coaching staffs at every level and I’m excited that he’s bringing that leadership to Lipscomb.”
Brown was officially introduced to the Lipscomb community on May 17.
A 1993 Lipscomb University graduate, Brown began his coaching career as a student assistant under former Bisons men’s basketball head coach Don Meyer.
“I’m honored to be named the head basketball coach at Lipscomb,” said Brown. “Lipscomb is a special place for me and my family. I’m excited to represent the university and be part of its growth, and I look forward to building on the traditions of excellence at Lipscomb. I've been fortunate to be a part of some unique experiences. I've coached at the junior high level and national championship games against UConn and I've seen everything in between. I've seen what it's like to be on top of competition and where we've built a program from the ground up. We want to create an atmosphere in which everyone can succeed. We want our players to be more successful in life because they were a part of our program, because they were a part of this university and because they were a part of this community."
Brown said he wants to develop a program this is vital to the community and to build a loyal following among students and fans. He also said he is particularly interested in cultivating local talent as well as "putting ourselves in positions to win championships."
Brown has spoken across the country at numerous Fellowship of Christian Athletes events and clinics. He also has published an article in American Basketball Quarterly on developing low post players at Tennessee and also writes a regular blog on coaching.
Prior to coming to UCF, Brown served as head girls' basketball coach at Goodpasture Christian School in Nashville. He also led Friendship Christian School (Lebanon, Tenn.) girl's basketball team to three district championships, a regional championship and a sub-state title. He earned two District 8A Coach of the Year awards.
He replaces Frank Bennett, who has accepted a position as associate athletic director after 32 years as head coach.
Brown and his wife, Teresa, have two sons, Cole and Carter.