The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announced its men’s and women’s basketball coaches of the year at its basketball tip-off awards luncheon, today.  The luncheon brought together CIAA players, coaches, administrators and sponsors to recognize superlative performers through its All-Rookie Teams, All-CIAA Teams and Coaches of the Year.

This year’s women’s coach of the year is Jessica Kern, head coach at The Lincoln University. Coach Kern led her team to an overall 19-7 record and Co-Northern Division title.  Last year the Lady Lions finished sixth in the division but enter this year’s tournament as the number one seed in the North.

The men’s coach of the year is Darrell Brooks of Bowie State University.  Coach Brooks’ Bulldogs were also Northern Division Co-Champions and finished the regular season at 21-7, the only CIAA men’s team to surpass 20 overall wins.  BSU successfully defended its division title from last year and enters this year’s tournament as the top seed in the Northern Division.

Kern and Brooks will be formally recognized at the annual Coach of the Year Awards Luncheon held in the Spring.