“I didn’t want to let Casey down.”

Those were the words Boston University women’s soccer coach Nancy Feldman would hear time and time again when she would do end-of-season interviews with her entire team.

“My players would tell me that they wanted to play better and train harder, because they didn’t want to let Casey Brown down,” Feldman said.

“Casey’s value as our leader was tremendous. It is so rare to see a 21-year-old have that kind of effect on their peers. She just has this aura that demands respect without ‘demanding it.’ She leads by example and she cares about everyone around her.”

That’s part of the reason the 2010 Boston University graduate is part of the NSCAA’s recently announced 30-Under-30 program, focused on identifying the next great soccer coach.  And, for sure, it’s why Feldman has added Brown to her coaching staff.

“Casey has worked so hard during and after her playing days. She received valuable experience the last two years as a graduate assistant at Long Island University under Tracey Bartholomew, she has so much passion for the program, she has so much passion for coaching, so much passion for the game." Feldman recalls. "She is the kind of person that would be great at anything she does, but certainly I am glad that he has chosen coaching as her profession.  It’s great to have her here as part of our team.”

Brown was the first player in America East conference history to earn three straight Defender of the Year awards as she led BU to four NCAA tournament appearances and three conference championships. The 2009 team captain capped off her career with NSCAA All-America Third Team honors and was a three-time All-Conference First Team selection. Brown anchored the Terriers' defense that forced 12 shutouts and boasted a 0.66 goals-against average that ranked 23rd in the nation during her senior campaign.

"It means everything to me to be able to come back to the place, program and school that I love," Brown said. "I am so grateful to have the opportunity to fully invest myself to a program that gave so much to me as a player and person.

"I could not be happier or feel more fortunate to join Coach Feldman and Coach (Jessica) Clinton on the sidelines. I have the utmost respect for this program and they are a direct reflection of that. I hope to greatly influence and assist them in reaching new and higher goals as we make our Patriot League introduction this fall.

“I get to do what I love and do it where I love to live,” Brown said cheerfully. “My family never missed a BU game -- home and away -- when I played and I am sure it will be similar as an assistant coach.”

Brown, a native of Natick, Mass., holds an NSCAA National Diploma and a Massachusetts Youth Soccer E License. She has served as a counselor at several Terrier Training Soccer Camps while also volunteering with her hometown soccer club, Natick Soccer Club, and the Scorpions club team.

As a person who is incredibly dedicated to her family – she coaches her younger sister and will watch her brother, Cameron, represent the University of Maine hockey team when they play Boston U at Fenway Park next January -- Brown has already seen the value of the NSCAA family.

“I am constantly trying to soak up as much information as possible and simply learn,” Brown said. “I value what you can learn from everyday experiences and everyone associated with the NSCAA is more than willing to offer up those experiences. Coach Feldman made sure I became a member of the NSCAA as soon as I could. In fact, I was an NSCAA member when I was still playing for Coach Feldman. Coach Bartholomew had the same message and I can tell you that I will be a lifetime member of the NSCAA, just like Coach Feldman and Coach Bartholomew.”

Brown’s willingness to learn has never been in doubt. While serving under Bartholomew at LIU, Brown obtained her master's degree in exercise physiology and sports nutrition.

“On the field or off the field, Casey will always put in the work. That’s why adding her to our staff and the NSCAA family will mean great things for the future of our program, the NSCAA and soccer in general. We need more people like Casey Brown who want to share their knowledge and passion as coach who cares about the development of each and every player she comes across."

Brown humbly pushes that praise to the players that she coaches.

“I am around high caliber student athletes at BU,” Brown said. “They do so well in the classroom, in the community, we are talking about first-class people we are working with. They are highly motivated, I am highly motivated and it makes what I do so rewarding.”

At just 25 years of age, you can bet the rewards and awards will continue to roll in for Casey Brown.

NSCAA members log in to comment. Not a member? Learn more today.