COACH JAKE BROWN RETURNS HOME TO HEAD UP TRAILBLAZERS ACADEMY

Derby Trailblazers are delighted to welcome coach Jake Brown back to the club, after two
years of working in the USA.

His new role will see him becoming the Head Coach of the Trailblazers Academy, Assistant
Coach of the BCB Men’s team and the club’s Community Coaching lead. It is an absolute joy
for the club to showcase this kind of exceptional homegrown talent, providing the perfect
local role model to inspire the next generation across the Derby community.

Twenty-six-year-old Brown was born in Belper, as one of four brothers, all of whom
have played for the Trailblazers. Jake’s playing career started with the Blazers minis at the
age of five, before progressing through every level of the club’s junior section and
culminating with appearances in the men’s programme.

By the age of 18, his thoughts were turning more towards coaching and just like his playing
career, he spent time with every age group, before taking up a role as Performance Analyst
and Assistant Coach in the D1 Men’s team. His scouting reports and role as Offensive
Coordinator were key factors in the 2024 Trailblazers D1 League Title.

For the past two seasons, he has worked as Assistant Coach at Midwestern State
University, a top 25 Ranked Team in 24/25, which picked up an NCAA Tournament win.
Whilst there, he completed a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology with straight A’s,
gained valuable experience of recruiting, scouting and building a super wide network of
coaching contacts which can be leveraged to place upcoming players as he works to build
the Academy into one of the elite development programs in the country.

Prior to that, he spent a year learning from National Championship coach Tony Bennett
during a year at the University of Virginia in 21/22.

Derby Trailblazers Head Coach Kyle Henderson shared his excitement about welcoming
Brown back to the coaching staff:

“I am absolutely delighted to have Jake back involved with the club. He already has a wealth
of experience at this level, and combining that with the new experience and perspective he’s
gained over in the States makes him the perfect person to join our coaching staff. We’ve
been doing as much as we can behind the scenes, but I am really excited to get to work with
him and see what we can achieve together. Jake is a Derby boy who has been a part of this
club for a long time, similar to myself, so it’s great to have that in common as we work to
lead this team to success.”

Brown also has huge plans for his new roles at the club, and can’t wait to get started:

“I’ve been a Blazer almost as long as I can remember, starting when I was just five. I’ve
been through every age group within the club and Academy as a player, before transitioning
to coaching around 18 whilst I was still playing.

“The club is always growing and changing, but the number of long-time members shows
what a special organisation it is. So whilst I’ve coached at every level previously, coming
back with new experience, new connections and a new perspective, I’m excited to have an
even bigger role and take both the Academy and club to new places.

“I now have a better understanding than most on what the next level looks like, so I am
excited to provide an experience which truly prepares an athlete for taking that next step in
their career. Who better to develop guys for college than a college coach?

“Whilst basketball is my life, working and guiding these young men through such a formative
part of their lives is an honour and one that I will not take for granted a single day. I hope to
inspire the next generation of players and show how much the club can do for you and also
how far sport can take you. Playing, officiating, coaching; I want to help people find their
calling.

“While the BCB may be a different name than I was used to, I have my sights set on chasing
silverware once again, like I did in my last season.

“I’ve known Kyle for a long time, so it’s a partnership which will allow us to hit the ground
running. Still having some of the players around from my time on the staff will be great as
they already know what I’m about, and I just can’t wait to get to work and build something
that the juniors can look up to next season.

“The club has such a great history, and I’ve been there for most of it. But what’s even more
exciting is the future.”