Florida Atlantic University head coach Jody Brown embarked on a new journey in 2006 as he guided the Owls into the Sun Belt Conference. He will look to build on the team's accomplishments as he enters his 13th season at the helm of the Owls.

Heading a program that has only been in existence since 1987, Brown has been the guardian for more than half of the program's existence, and has amassed a 185-156 record, three conference regular season titles, three conference championships, three NCAA Tournament appearances and produced two All-Americans. In 2005 he guided the team to an impressive 29-3 record, which was ranked in the top-10 in the nation in winning percentage and a 9-0 mark in conference play. For his efforts he was named the A-Sun Coach of the Year, his second recognition in that category.

Brown came to FAU in 1995 as FAU's fourth head coach with the task of developing the relatively new program after FAU's move to Division I in 1993. The Iowa native's national and international playing and 13 years of coaching experience brought a confidence level that the program needed. He promised his initial three recruits, "If you come to FAU and continue to strive for excellence, both academically and athletically, you can be part of building a championship team."

Coach Brown's first opportunity as a Division I head coach proved fruitful. In just four years, the program earned its first A-Sun Championship and FAU's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament at the Division I level in any sport. The team finished the season with a 16-6 record and was undefeated in conference play.

After winning the A-Sun Tournament as the number three seed, the team returned to the NCAA Tournament in 1999, to fall to the eventual national runner-up, Stanford, in Palo Alto, Calif.. FAU holds an impressive streak in the conference tournament; the team advanced to the semifinal round in each of its first 10 appearances.

In Brown's 12 years at FAU, the team has not only earned recognition on the court but in the classroom. His squad has maintained above a 3.0 GPA and has produced two conference Players of the Year, nine First Team All-Conference selections, 12 conference tournament selections, two conference Freshmen of the Year and three conference tournament MVPs. The team averages six members on the conference All-Academic Team, and volleyball players were named the FAU Student Athlete of the Year in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2004.

Before coming to FAU, Brown served three seasons as West Virginia University's assistant coach. His vast knowledge and experience enhanced all aspects of WVU volleyball. While at WVU, his duties included conducting practice sessions as well as helping with recruiting and administering the summer volleyball camp. All of this was done while he completed his master's degree in physical education ('94), with emphasis in professional coaching.

A native of Knoxville, Iowa, Brown joined the staff at WVU after completing his bachelor's degree in health, physical education and recreation at Graceland University. While at Graceland, he captained the volleyball team for three seasons and was selected twice to the All-Conference Team. In addition, he was named Most Valuable Player during his freshman and sophomore seasons and was twice honored as the best all-around player. During his senior season, he was honored with the best setter and best defensive player awards to cap off a stellar career. Following his collegiate career, Brown competed on the Australian State Professional Beach Tour.

Brown brings an impressive list of coaching credentials to the program. He served as the Graceland women's volleyball assistant coach from 1986 to 1991 and the men's assistant from 1988 to 1991. In 1988-89, Brown coached the Graceland University JV men's club team in the off-season to the Collegiate Club Division II title. He is also a Level I and Level II United States Volleyball Association certified coach and was employed as assistant director of the USVBA camps for two years, after serving as a master coach for seven years.

In the summer of 1998, Brown and the entire FAU volleyball team traveled to the Czech Republic for a two-week tour. The team competed in several international events and stayed in the International Sports Training Center in Brandys nad Labem.

Brown has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 12 years. Dr. Michelle Brown is the director of the Center for Academic Excellence within the athletic department at FAU. The couple has an infant son, Kaja.