Northern Illinois University has added Leah Earnest as an assistant coach for the women's basketball team. Head Coach Jacey Brooks highlighted her track record as a player and coach, emphasizing her commitment to developing student-athletes and contributing positively to the program's culture. Earnest previously spent a year as an assistant coach at Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she helped guide the team to an 11-0 start and produced two All-WIAC selections. She was a standout player at Valparaiso, earning multiple all-conference honors and setting records during her collegiate career.

By the Numbers
  • Led Valparaiso University with 16.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 2024.
  • Holds Valpo鈥檚 all-time records for games played (145) and rebounds (887), with 1,664 total points as the third all-time leading scorer.
State of Play
  • NIU seeks to build on previous seasons with a fresh assistant coach bringing energy and experience.
  • Earnest鈥檚 previous tenure at Wisconsin-Stevens Point showcased her ability to develop successful teams and players.
What's Next

The women's basketball program at NIU will focus on integrating Earnest into the team as the offseason progresses. Her immediate impact on training and player development is anticipated in preparation for the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

Leah Earnest鈥檚 combination of coaching experience and proven player skills is poised to drive NIU women's basketball toward new accomplishments, underscoring the investment in building a competitive and supportive environment for student-athletes.