Amid a challenging season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian Morehouse led and supported his Hope College women’s basketball team on and off the court.
Despite numerous obstacles, the Flying Dutch continued winning and completed back-to-back undefeated seasons. With a 16-0 record, Hope extended its winning streak to a school-record 45 games — which ranks eighth all-time in NCAA Division III women’s basketball history.
For his efforts, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association selected Morehouse as the 2021 recipient of the Pat Summitt Trophy presented to the United States Marine Corps/WBCA NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year.
Senior forward and special education major Courteney Barnes said Morehouse’s second consecutive Pat Summitt Trophy is well-deserved.
“Mo is an incredible leader. He instills competitive excellence across our entire program and cares for our team on and off the court,” Barnes said of Morehouse, who has been named national coach of the year three times in his career. “We appreciate him.”
Under Morehouse’s guidance, Hope repeated as Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association regular-season and tournament champions this season. It was the Flying Dutch’s 19th MIAA regular-season championship and 16th MIAA Tournament title.
“We are so excited and proud of Brian for receiving this award,” said Tim Schoonveld, director of athletics. “His record speaks to the long-term impact he has had on our program and the impact that he has had on the game of women’s basketball. The success of our team the past two years has been remarkable considering the constraints and struggles associated with COVID. This is a fantastic honor for him and so well deserved.”
Added WBCA Executive Director Danielle M. Donehew, "Brian was chosen for this honor after leading his team to an exceptional season,” “The WBCA recognizes and applauds his leadership example that can be seen in his student-athletes, institution, and community. The WBCA is also incredibly thankful for Brian’s leadership and contributions to his peers and the association as a member of our board of directors.”
Morehouse also was named National Coach of the Year in 2006 after he led the Flying Dutch to their second national title and a 33-1 record. He received the award again in 2020 after guiding Hope to an MIAA title and a 29-0 record. The Flying Dutch were ranked No. 1 when the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the NCAA Tournament prior to the sectional round.
In 25 seasons, Morehouse has a career record of 627-90. His winning percentage of .874 ranks second active Division III women’s basketball coaches.
Earlier this month, Morehouse was named the 2021 D3hoops Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year.