Ollie Brent, who has served six seasons as assistant coach for Long Beach City College Women's Basketball, has been named the new interim head coach at LBCC.
"Coach Brent has been an assistant with the program for many years. His care for the program has been evident. His previous collegiate and high school experience has prepared him well for serving our women's basketball players and leading the Vikings into the future." said LBCC Athletic Director Dr. William Husak.
As an Assistant Coach, Brent has helped the Vikings to a 116-60 (.659) overall record and the winning of four South Coast Conference- South Division Championships. With the help from Brent, the Vikings made five consecutive California Community College Athletic Association playoff appearances. With the program so far, Brent has pushed and guided three post position players to Division 1 Universities, such as Darshana Taafua (Long Beach State), Miranda Martinez (Long Beach State), and Jessica Njoku (Florida A&M).
Brent is honored and eager to continue the success of this program at LBCC.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Long Beach City College. Words cannot express how grateful I am to Superintendent-President Dr. Romali, Athletic Director Dr. Husak, and the entire Viking family," said Brent. "I look forward to building on this already wonderfully laid foundation, and I cannot wait to get to work."
Prior to his coaching job at LBCC, Brent was the Varsity Head Coach at Compton High School for three years. During his time at Compton High School, Brent received the Harry J. Moore Coach of the Year Award, led his team to the CIF quarterfinals playoffs, and helped increase the programs winning percentage and academic grade point averages.
Coach Brent founded Inner City Elites (I.C.E), a youth basketball organization targeted at inner city underprivileged kids, particularly within the Inglewood and Los Angeles area. This program helps inner city youth to build the fundamental skills needed to succeed both on and off the court. Coach Brent has also served as a camp instructor at Point Guard College, Magic Johnson Camp, and the John Wooden Basketball Clinic.
He attended Metropolitan State College of Denver, where he played under former NBA Coach Mike Dunlap. Brent contributed to the team's advancement to the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen. After Brent's freshman year, he transferred to Prairie View A&M University to play under Coach Elwood Plummer. Unfortunately, Brent was in a severe car accident which ended his basketball playing career. However, this tragic event ignited his passion for coaching and mentoring the youth.
Coach Brent earned a Master's degree in Education from California State University of Dominguez Hills, his bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Education from Prairie View A&M University, served four years in the Army Reserves and is a proud father to Marlie Brent.