Where Are They Now? Jodi Brooks '94
3/26/2014 12:00:00 AM | Pirate Blue
March 26, 2014
The latest installment of the SHU Athletics "Where are they now?" series catches up with one of the greatest players to ever don a Seton Hall women's basketball uniform, Jodi Brooks.
Brooks was at the forefront of the most successful era in Seton Hall women's basketball history and led the team to its deepest run in the NCAA Tournament, a berth in the Sweet 16 20 years ago this month. That 1993-94 squad stands as one of the most decorated groups in school history.
Brooks wrapped up her career as an all-time great, having her #12 retired at the end of her senior season after she scored 595 points and earned Honorable Mention All-America honors and First-Team All-BIG EAST accolades. Her 1,558 career points still rank fifth all-time at Seton Hall and she is also second in program history in assists (441) and 3-point field goals (156) and third with 240 steals.
She was inducted into the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame on Jan. 20, 2002, one of just eight players from the program to earn that distinction.
Her illustrious career culminated with a run through the NCAA Tournament. The signs were there that her senior season would be a special one once the Pirates topped No. 8 Connecticut, 74-53, on Jan. 5 in Walsh Gym. That victory came in the midst of a 10-game winning streak and the Pirates would lose just one more regular season game the rest of the way. Seton Hall drew a No. 4 seed in its first-ever postseason appearance and hosted first and second round action in historic Walsh Gymnasium.
A 70-60 win over Vermont set up a showdown with the Texas Longhorns in the second round and even 20 years later when the team reconvened to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that storied season, the victory over Texas and coach Jody Conradt still resonates as the most significant moment of the season, trumping even the home win over the UConn Huskies. Brooks scored a game-high 26 points in that program defining win and averaged 24.7 ppg during the Pirates' postseason run.
Brooks saw her senior season come to an end with a close four-point loss at second-ranked Penn State in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. She led the team with 18 points against the Nitanny Lions and shot 6-for-13 from the field.
Q: Where do you live now and what are you up to these days?
Brooks: I currently reside in Lake Hopatcong, NJ and own a Dog Daycare, Boarding, Training and Bathing facility called Canine Country Club of the Lake.
Q: How did your time as a Seton Hall student-athlete prepare you for your future?
Every experience as a student-athlete carries over into life after college and athletics but you do not realize it at the time. Things like time management, being able to work together as a team, being accountable for your behavior and actions, strong work ethic and dedication to tasks and the ability to handle pressure situations are a couple of examples.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a Pirate?
My favorite memory is when we beat the University of Texas to go the Sweet 16. Playing against Coach Conradt (one of the greatest coaches is Women's Basketball) on our campus, with a sold out crowd of standing room only. Amazing moment to think about to this day.
Q: Do you still keep in touch with any of your former teammates and if so, who?
I keep in touch with several former teammates. We have a group text set up with every member of our 1994 team and speak frequently. I am also fortunate to have met Robin Cunningham at Seton Hall. She was one of my mentors and biggest influences in my life. Mentor then, one of my closest friends today.
Q: Do you still follow the Pirates and what are your thoughts on the program today?
I do follow the Pirates. I met Coach Bozzella at the beginning of the season and was just at the last home game this week. The energy level and team play was impressive and very nice to see. There will always be a connection and support of the program.
