July 2, 2001

DURHAM, N.C. - Duke University head women's basketball coach Gail Goestenkors announced on Monday Shaeeta Brown will be returning to the program as assistant coach beginning in July.

"We are looking forward to having Shaeeta on board," said Goestenkors. "I always knew if I had the chance to bring her back to Duke I would do so because she was a great leader and role model as a player. She has a great passion and mind for the game."

Brown, a native of Brusly, La., is a former four-year letterwinner under Goestenkors from the 1993-98 seasons. She was a member of Goestenkors' first recruiting class at Duke and saw action in 80 games in four years. Brown was the 1997 recipient of the Blue Devil Club Student-Athlete of the Year, which is awarded to the top rising senior who exemplifies excellence, academic achievement, leadership, and sportsmanship. She missed the 1995-96 season due to a knee injury.

"I am really excited to be back and to coach in a program where I had the opportunity to play," said Brown. "To see the success of the program over this past few years makes it that much more exciting to be back."

She comes to Durham from Brusly High School where she was the varsity girls basketball coach the past two years. Prior to her stint at Brusly, Brown was the women's basketball assistant coach at DePaul for the 1998-99 season.

Brown's responsibilities at Duke will include top exchange, scouting , and floor work with the guards. She will also serve as the director of the Blue Devils' summer basketball camps. Brown replaces Shonta Tabourn, which had been assistant coach the past six years under Goestenkors.

"Shaeeta will bring intensity, great enthusiasm, and a positive attitude to our staff along with her dedication to the game," said Goestenkors."

A three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll selection at Duke, Brown received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics.

"The intensity here at Duke is great, but I hope to take it to another level," said Brown. "I would like to develop a really good relationship with the student-athletes and let them know to appreciate what they have before they get out in the real world."