Lisa Brooks is in her third season as Head Softball Coach at Monroe University, where she is building a competitive program rooted in development, resilience, and purpose. Since taking over the Mustangs, Brooks has quickly made her mark—guiding the team to a 6-0 start this season, the program’s best in over a decade, while continuing to push Monroe toward regional and national contention.
A native of Houston, Texas, Brooks’ journey to Monroe reflects both determination and vision. She played collegiately at NCAA Division I Grambling State University before returning home to coach with Houston RBI, the same program where she developed as a player. She later served as a high school coach and geometry teacher in Texas, all while setting her sights on the collegiate level.
Brooks took a leap of faith to pursue that goal, leaving her high school position mid-season to accept a college coaching opportunity in Oklahoma. She went on to serve as an assistant coach at NCAA Division II Cameron University, gaining valuable experience in recruiting, player development, and program operations before being named head coach at Monroe at just 27 years old.
In her first season with the Mustangs, Brooks inherited a roster she did not recruit—a challenge she embraced. That initial group helped lay the foundation for the program’s culture, and notably, all three sophomores from her first roster advanced to the NCAA Division I level, highlighting her ability to develop talent and prepare student-athletes for the next step.
Now firmly established, Brooks has expanded Monroe’s recruiting footprint, assembling a diverse roster that spans the United States and internationally, including student-athletes from Texas, Canada, and Australia. Despite the varied backgrounds, her focus remains consistent: building confident, empowered women prepared to lead beyond softball.
Brooks’ coaching philosophy centers on authenticity, trust, and holistic development. She challenges traditional definitions of toughness, emphasizing mental health, accountability, and team support. Her approach fosters a culture where players are encouraged to show up as they are and rely on one another—creating a tight-knit, resilient team environment.
Beyond wins and losses, Brooks is committed to shaping leaders. Her influence extends off the field, where she prioritizes academic success, personal growth, and preparing student-athletes for life after softball. Raised in a family of strong women, Brooks carries those values into her leadership style, striving to create opportunities and representation for the next generation.
With a clear vision and growing momentum, Brooks continues to elevate the Monroe softball program—driven by a belief that success is measured not only by championships, but by the strength and confidence of the women who leave her program.
