March 27, 2009

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech soccer coach Becky Fletcher picked a familiar face to fill the assistant coaching position when she added Ronda Brooks to her staff. Brooks played at Auburn University while Fletcher was an assistant with the Tigers.

Brooks racked up many accolades as a defender at Auburn from 2003 to 2006. In addition to being named to the SEC all-freshman team in 2003, she was a three-time first-team all-SEC selection, as well as a second-team Buzz Soccer All-American in 2004 and earned 2005 SEC tournament MVP honors, as well as the 2006 SEC Defensive Player of the Year award.

After four years of playing at Auburn, Brooks served as a volunteer assistant for the Tigers during the 2007 season, Fletcher’s final season at the school.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with such an outstanding head coach as Becky Fletcher,” Brooks said. “I only hope I can be as inspiring and instructive to the girls on this team as Becky has been to me.”

Brooks will work with Tech’s defenders on the field, and handle many off-the-field responsibilities including team travel, scouting and recruiting.

“Ronda will be involved in all facets of our program,” Fletcher said. “She knows what it takes to be successful on and off the field. She is a great role model for our young ladies and will be instrumental in the continued growth of our soccer program.”

Brooks is a native of Marietta, Ga., and graduated from Auburn with a degree in geography and a minor in sport coaching.

The position came open when former assistant Chris Walker accepted a job in the Indianapolis area at the Westfield Youth Soccer Association.

“I knew exactly what qualities I was looking for in the assistant coach position, and Ronda possesses them all,” Fletcher said. “I wanted someone who not only loves the game of soccer, but can have a positive impact on the lives of these young ladies, on and off the field.”

Brooks began working with the team last week.

“Having had the opportunity to know Becky as both my coach and colleague, I was eager to come and join her and the Tennessee Tech family,” Brooks said. “We work extremely well together.”