Balling with Brooks: Introducing USU Women’s Basketball team’s new head coach

Utah State University welcomes the 2024-25 women’s basketball season with new head coach Wesley Brooks.

“I am thankful and honored that Diana and President Cantwell have given me the opportunity to lead the Utah State women’s basketball program,” Brooks said. “I am excited and look forward to establishing a program that Aggie nation can be proud of.”

Brooks kicked off his coaching career in 2005 as a graduate assistant coach for West Virginia. Since then, he has gained experience in basketball programs such as Michigan, Utah, North Texas, Texas Southern, and Robert Morris Universities.

Brooks brings almost 20 years of experience in coaching, directing operations and developing players. Cantwell says she is “confident in his ability to raise our program.”

Along with his excitement to coach for Aggie nation, Brooks brings his wife Yohanna and daughter Elsa to Cache Valley. For Brooks, basketball is a family affair.

“Our goal is to win championships,” Brooks said. “Yohanna, Elsa and I look forward to settling into the Logan community.”

At home, the Aggies faced off against Westminster University for an exhibition match last week where they started off the season on a 94-70 win.

Coming off a win is a confidence booster for the start of a long season.

“We have to continue to play our game,” Brooks said. “We still have a lot to clean up and we’ll work on that.”

Brooks continues to look ahead, encouraging the players to be diligent but have fun.

His key to progress is practice.

“The only way you play at pace is by practicing at pace,” Brooks said. “One of our goals is to be one of the fastest teams in the country.”

High expectations and keeping pace means obsessing over the small things. His role can feel heavy, but Brooks is passionate about the details of the game.

Former players and coaches noted Brooks’s joy for the game of basketball is tangible.

“He shows up every single day and gives 100 percent of himself to whoever he is surrounded by,” said Jacy Sheldon, former women’s basketball player at Ohio State University. “He’s got great energy and I’m excited to see his impact on Utah State.”

Starting fresh comes with a challenge, but with a season ahead of them, the Aggies are excited to see where Brooks will take the reins.

Utah State University Vice President and Director of Athletics Diana Sabau said of Brooks and his goals: “Under his leadership, we look forward to advancing the trajectory of women’s basketball at Utah State University.”

Brooks will take USU back to action against Kansas City University at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, a game Brooks said will be a “real test.”