Head Coach Jen Brown has built the women's basketball program on two rules: be a good human being, and work "hard-ER." As students get ready for classes next week, it's a reminder that those rules don't stop at the free-throw line. 

Mia Moore '27 feels that standard in the classroom just as much as on the court. "My coaches and the program have always made it clear that academics are important and that being a student comes before being an athlete," she says. Coaches check in regularly, and mandatory study hours keep everyone on the same page. "I know that I am expected to go to class, complete my work, communicate when I need help, and keep my grades up," she says. 

That accountability comes from a program built around it, one made possible by ongoing investment in the team. Brown pairs every player with a mentor for everything outside of basketball, points players toward the university's student success center, and runs a "life lessons" series that brings outside community members in to speak with the team. It's that series, she says, that's made the biggest difference in the team's academic performance. 

This support has helped the program carry a multi-year cumulative team GPA above 3.0. 

"Having people checking in and holding me accountable has helped me stay focused academically," Moore says. 

The mentors, the tutors, and the guest speakers who show up for the life lessons series are part of a culture of support. To build that culture takes investment — in time and resources. Generosity helps make this structure possible.  

Get Involved This Year 

This kind of support doesn't happen without a community behind it. Royal Ralliers, our new way for fans, families, and alumni to show up for the Royals jersey, launches this fall: cheer from the stands, share a post, or start a conversation with a fellow fan. Learn more and sign up today. 

We also invite you to mark your calendars for October 2-9, when the Queens Athletics community joins together in support of our student-athletes for Investing In Champions, the annual week of giving. Early giving starts now, and your support unlocks benefit tiers and Royals Club membership. If you're interested in building momentum and increasing the impact of your gift, reach out to us at athletics@queens.edu to set up a giving challenge.