Thank You, Coach Karen Brown

3/21/2023 12:15:00 PM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –– Florida A&M Head Bowling Coach Karen Brown announced she will retire following the 2023 SWAC Bowling Championships.

"Although I've only worked with Coach Brown for a short period, it is clear that she is one of the most beloved coaches I have had the opportunity to work with," said Vice President and Athletic Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes. "There is no shortage of support for Coach Brown by former and current bowlers, alumni, and parents. I have watched her lead the bowling program, with the support of her husband, with a level of competence and care that should be commended. I appreciate her for her years of service to FAMU athletics. I wish her the best in her retirement and know she will enjoy it with Al!"

"Over the past 11 seasons, I've had the opportunity to do something in reality that I previously had only imagined, head coach at Florida A&M. Al and I have been blessed to work with incredible, gifted young ladies that allowed us to coach them and brought us much joy. We cannot over-emphasize our gratitude to the players, all our volunteers, donors, parents, coaches, and administrators who have been a part of this journey with us. As we move on, it allows VP/AD Tiffani-Dawn Sykes to embrace her vision for athletics," said Head Coach Karen Brown.

Coach Brown became the head coach for the Rattlers in 2012 and spent the last 11 seasons leading the Rattlers. Brown always emphasized success in the classroom for her student-athletes. During her time, Brown compiled 357 wins with a .590 winning percentage. Brown led the Rattlers to postseason play every season in both the MEAC and SWAC, including a second-place finish in the 2014 MEAC Tournament.

In the inaugural year of the TNBA/HBCU Championship, Coach Brown led the Rattlers to the championship match. The task was repeated the following year in 2020, with one exception, the Rattlers made NCAA history in traditional, with three Rattlers finishing in the top three positions with what has been described as a "statistical miracle," with identical 199.88 averages for five games. FAMU had three MVPs that year.

Most recently, Brown has coached Jordan Shipp to back-to-back All-SWAC First Team (2022 and 2023) and Francesca Olay to All-SWAC Second Team this season.

Coach Brown also enjoyed leading the Rattlers with her husband, Al Brown, who was the assistant coach.

"Life's journey has presented us with many choices. Eleven seasons ago, Karen and I debated but ultimately decided to coach the FAMU bowling team. At the conclusion of this bowling season, the journey ends with no regrets," said Assistant Coach Al Brown.

The Rattlers travel to Dallas, Texas, for the 2023 SWAC Bowling Tournament this weekend.

A national search will be conducted to identify the next head coach.

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