After his first three seasons, Brooks resigned and was assistant coach to Raider boys basketball coach Chris Stoebner.
Stevens’ daughters went 19-1 in the 2019-20 season under the guidance of interim head coach Travis Swartz. There was no state tournament because of the Covid pandemic. Brooks returned as head coach in 2020-2021, with Swartz once again being his assistant.
Brooks, who came to Rapid City Stevens after serving as NCAA Division I head coach Bradley University, said he enjoyed his time at Stevens and thanked former manager John Julius and Vasquez for the opportunity to rebuild the program.
“It was an incredible adventure. Travis Swartz has been a constant man on the sidelines for boys and women for the past few years, how many years? Without it, we would all be lost sometimes. I am just sad that I cannot continue on this path, ”he said.
Even after four seniors graduated from the squad last year, the Raiders are dismissing other young talents who are expected to put them back in the running this coming season.
Despite the disappointment at this turn of events, Brooks said he was excited about this team and the future of the program.
“They worked and did things over the summer and sacrificed themselves to put themselves in a position to be successful for many years. It was the goal of creating a program, ”he said. “Last year all the seniors played college basketball. You’re looking at this next promotion and there might be four or five more to play college basketball. When these kids graduate and pursue their passion, get involved in the community, then I think the program is going in the right direction. I can’t wait to see how these girls continue to move the program in the right direction.
