LIBERTY, Mo. – William Jewell College announces the hiring Jill Brown as the Director of Athletic Performance, effective July 10. Brown returns to Jewell after previously serving on staff for the Cardinals.
 
"This position is essential to our progress as an athletic department, and we are extremely excited to welcome back Jill Brown," said Head Volleyball Coach and search committee chair Carolyn Beck. "She has gotten the experience as a director and increased her knowledge through additional certifications and programming for a large population of athletes at her current institution. The value she brings to the department with her energy and enthusiasm is unmatched and we look forward to the growth of the department under her leadership."
 
With her appointment, Brown becomes one of eight women nationally to lead a Division II athletic performance program that includes football (169 schools). Interim head coach Neil Linhart was a member of the search committee and echoed Beck's statements on Brown's preparedness and benefit to the program. "Jewell football is excited to welcome Jill Brown back to campus. She brings with her incredible knowledge on how to develop our athletes and prepare them for success in the weight room and on the field," he said.
 
Brown spent three years as a Cardinal from 2018-2021, serving two years as a graduate assistant before being elevated to the Assistant Athletic Performance Coach role in 2020. During her time on campus, she worked with each of the Cardinals then-20 varsity teams while overseeing the primary training of men's and women's soccer, golf and tennis along with volleyball and softball.
 
In 2021, she accepted a position at Luther College (Iowa) as the Assistant Athletic Performance Coach and was promoted to Co-Director the following year. During the last year, she has directed the training of the Norse 21 teams, which included six conference titles along with six teams and five individuals who advanced to their respective NCAA Division III National Championships.
 
Brown got her start in the field as an intern at the University of Kentucky, working primarily with the women's basketball program. A native of Elkhart, Ind., she played collegiate volleyball earning All-Conference honors at Ancilla College (Ind.) before completing her career as a two-year starter at libero at Mississippi College (NCAA-II). She graduated ranked second in single season digs and fourth in career digs for the Mocs and earned the award for Outstanding Volleyball Senior Letterman.
 
"I remember how special Jewell and all the people were to me the first time around, which is what made the decision to come back a simple one," said Brown. "I want to thank Tom Eisenhauer, Carolyn Beck, and the search committee for trusting and believing in me to take on this role. I am thrilled to be back on The Hill to work with our student-athletes and to be part of building the best athletes in the GLVC!"
 
She holds an associate and bachelor's degree in exercise science and completed her master's from Concordia University Chicago in 2021.