“Do your homework”: Trisha Brown talks college athletics and career advice

By Caleb Tobin

Women’s basketball head coach Trisha Brown talked about the importance of students doing their research during a talk on Wednesday.

Brown, who has been at Stonehill since 2001, has led the team to numerous NE-10 championships and NCAA tournament appearances.

The talk, attended by students, staff, guests, and Brown’s players, highlighted the importance of students being honest with themselves and how they can achieve their coaching dreams.

“The biggest thing for young women or men that wanna get into coaching is be willing to do anything. You’re not gonna get rich in coaching, but I think that’s what really holds some young women back, that you’re not gonna step into a high-paying job, you have to pay your dues,” Brown said.

Throughout the talk, Brown focused on the importance of researching different programs and seeing what the best fit for someone will be.

“I really wanted to do my homework, and it’s something that we talk to recruits about, always doing your homework. You young kids that are looking for jobs, you know, you’re excited, you get offered a job, but you really need to do your homework to make sure it’s the right fit,” she said.

A question from the moderator centered around Brown’s coaching philosophy and why the program has been so successful. Brown said the program’s success is largely due to people, pointing to her players and athletics staff sitting in the front rows.

“Surround yourself with great people, recruit great people, and success will come,” Brown said. “The recruiting piece of it is so important to your success and it’s really about character. All my team is right here, and they're all such talented players, but, you know, hopefully they would say the same thing that our culture, our chemistry is the reason that we win.”

Brown also gave advice for young student athletes looking to commit to a college program.

“The biggest piece of advice I have for high school athletes is advocate for yourself. Don’t wait around to have somebody come notice you,” she said. “There is such great basketball at every level, and I think you need to start to figure out again the homework piece. What level do you think you fit at? Do that research, have honest people give you that input.”