2011 Volleyball Coaches
The husband and wife team of Charlie and Londa Brown took over the Indiana University East club volleyball program in 2005 when the program was at its lowest participation level.
The goal was to turn the IU East program around and to build a respectful and successful program the school and community could be proud of. They sought out and recruited talented athletes who shared the same vision and goals for the future of IU East volleyball.
The Browns quickly proved they had a winning strategy.
They made history in 2006 when they led IU East to the best record in the program's existence.
They again made history early in 2007 by signing the first official athletic recruit in IU East's history. The Browns' 2007 team set another school record for wins, finishing 21-3 overall during IU East's first year as an NAIA institution.
The next step was to contend for the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title. The Browns made it their mission to build the IU East volleyball program into one of the most respected and recognized programs in the KIAC.
The 2008 season brought more highlights. IU East finished second in the KIAC regular season standings and in the conference tournament. The Red Wolves defeated multiple NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III teams during a 15-17 season.
The IU East volleyball program reached even greater heights during the 2009 season. The Red Wolves started 8-0 and won the title at the Grace College Ramada Plaza Tournament. IU East attracted votes in the NAIA Coaches Top 25 Volleyball Poll for the first time. The Red Wolves won 10 consecutive games at the end of the regular season plus the KIAC tournament. IU East clinched the program's first KIAC regular season and tournament titles during that stretch. Charlie Brown was recognized as KIAC Coach of the Year, and the Red Wolves made their first appearance in the NAIA National Championship.
IU East continued its climb in 2010. The Red Wolves set a school record with a 26-0 start and went on to a 39-4 season. IU East repeated as KIAC tournament champions and made a return trip to the NAIA National Championship. The Red Wolves finished the regular season ranked 27th in the NAIA Coaches Top 25 Volleyball Poll, the highest rating in the program's history.
The Red Wolves remained among the NAIA's elite programs during the 2011 season. IU East picked up its first wins against teams ranked in the NAIA Top 25 and also climbed as high as 22nd in the Tachikara-NAIA Volleyball Coaches Poll. IU East won its third consecutive KIAC tournament championship and advanced to the NAIA Volleyball National Championship Opening Round for the third consecutive season. Charlie Brown won the KIAC Coach of the Year award for the second time in three seasons.
The Browns expect the Red Wolves to make more history in the games and seasons to come.
The Browns share an extensive volleyball background. They played and coached club volleyball at various levels in the Ohio Valley Region and Hoosier Region, as well as in local leagues and tournaments.
Charlie and Londa both still have a great passion for the game and love to play when time permits. In addition to their commitment to IU East, Charlie is a Transportation Manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition, and Londa is a Procurement Manager at Neaton Auto Products.
The Browns currently live in Liberty, Ind., with their dogs, Brodie and Hannah.
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