Leah Earnest has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Northern Illinois University (NIU) women's basketball team, a move that has been welcomed by the program's leadership and sets the stage for a new chapter in the Huskies' pursuit of excellence.
A Coach With a Proven Track Record
Earnest's basketball journey began at Valparaiso University, where she emerged as a two‑time All‑Missouri Valley Conference selection and became the first player in more than three decades to lead the Beacons in scoring, rebounding and assists.
During her senior season in 2024 she earned Second Team All‑MVC honors after averaging 16.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, and in 2025 she was named First Team All‑MVC, finishing fourth in conference scoring and seventh in rebounding.
Her collegiate career culminated with Earnest becoming Valparaiso's all‑time leader in games played and rebounds and the program's third‑all‑time leading scorer, a testament to her durability and impact.
From Classroom to Sideline
Beyond the hardwood, Earnest holds a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science and a Master's of Business Administration from Valparaiso, and she has been recognized as a College Sports Communicators Academic All‑District honoree in 2023 and 2024, as well as MVC Third Team Academic All‑Conference in 2025.
Prior to joining NIU, she served as an assistant at Wisconsin‑Stevens Point, where she guided players such as Maija Rice to All‑WIAC, All‑Region and WBCA Collegiate All‑Star Game selections, underscoring her ability to develop talent.
Coach's Praise
NIU Head Women's Basketball Coach Jacey Brooks praised Earnest's experience and passion for developing student‑athletes, noting that her blend of competitive drive and scholarly discipline aligns perfectly with the university's mission.
Earnest will now work alongside the Huskies' roster, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent on and off the court.
Looking Forward
The addition of Earnest signals a continued emphasis on integrating athletic excellence with academic achievement, a philosophy that resonates throughout the Huskies community and promises to elevate the program's trajectory in the coming seasons.