Lou Brown is a 6’3 stretch Forward who has spent time at the Australian Institute of Sport, won a Bronze medal for the Australian U19 Gems and is a 2 x WNBL Champion.
Learn more about Lou’s story here:
Hi Lou in 50 words or less, Introduce yourself:
My name is Lou Brown, I live in Melbourne, Australia, currently play basketball for the Frankston Blues and Tokomanawa Queens, I played college basketball at the University of Tennessee and am also a basketball coach at Rowville Sports Academy.
Tell us about your college basketball experience:
It was a large experience that I am very grateful to have had, it allowed me to receive an education while doing something I love. I met some of my best friends, faced many highs and lows as an athlete, and had a life experience I wouldn’t change.
How did this shape who you are as a person and basketball athlete?
One of the biggest takeaways from college was the lesson of resilience – learning how to perform at a high work rate and keep going no matter what, whether you are sore, tired or anything else in between. This helped me both as an athlete and also with managing my hectic schedule as a basketball coach.
How do you juggle the needs of being a professional basketball athlete and also working a part time job as a school basketball coach?
At times it can be challenging but having strong relationships with the people I work with as well as relying upon consistent communication is the key. I am very lucky to have a great workplace that is understanding and wants to see me play basketball and compete. My biggest struggle is prioritising between the two.
Part of my role is marketing for the Sports Academy which has elements that can be completed from anywhere in the world!
What do you enjoy most about your coaching job at Rowville Sports Academy?
The thing I enjoy most would be the relationships I make with the kids and being able to see them grow as people and athletes throughout their high school years. I feel like they are at a super important age where they need the right role models and I enjoy playing my small part in this.
What does it take to be a 2 x WNBL champion?
Choose the right team hahaha, but also there is a lot of work that needs to be done behind the scenes from athletes, coaches, support staff and the front office. Having an organisation who backs their athletes is the first step.
What do you enjoy most about the SRA community?
The people who are within the community, and the consistency from Shaun who always knows how to get the most out of me. SRA came at a time in my career where I knew a lot about my body but didn’t realise how much more I could be doing to get better.
What are you most excited about for your upcoming basketball season in New Zealand?
I’m most excited about getting to play with two of my former college teammates – Tamari and Jordan who have both been doing incredibly well with their basketball careers. I also can’t wait to start exploring New Zealand and all the beautiful things the country has to offer!
If you could provide one line of advice to young female basketball athletes, what would it be?
Never compare yourself to others! It’s all about running your own race and learning from the experiences that come your way, one day at a time.