FOREST GROVE, Ore. – A new era begins for Pacific women's basketball as first-year head coach Alex Brown leads the Boxers into the 2026-27 season with a young roster, an emphasis on player development and a commitment to building a competitive culture.

Brown takes over the Pacific program after spending the previous three seasons as an assistant coach at George Fox. As he prepares for his first season in Forest Grove, one of his biggest priorities has been establishing expectations while creating an environment where players enjoy the process of improving.

"I think the biggest priorities are establishing a competitive culture, where people enjoy the process of getting better," Brown said. "Setting the standard of how we compete every day in practice, but also creating an environment where it's hopefully fun for them to be competing."

That approach has been well received by a group Brown describes as competitive, coachable and eager to improve. The Boxers have embraced accountability during the early stages of his tenure, something he believes will benefit the team as the season progresses.

"They want to learn. They want to grow, they want to be coached," Brown said. "They have requested more accountability, which I think is a really good sign moving forward."

Pacific will lean on sophomore Karina Franco, a 6-foot forward from Portland, who returns as the team's leading scorer and rebounder. Franco averaged nine points and six rebounds per game as a freshman and will be an important part of the Boxers' plans in year two.

Brown has been impressed with Franco's maturity and willingness to put the team first, particularly her desire to be held accountable and continue improving.

"She's a phenomenal player. We're so lucky we have her on the team," Brown said. "She has a great maturity for her age. She wants to get better, and really, she is all about the team. With her, it's never about her."

While Franco provides returning experience, Pacific's roster features plenty of youth. The Boxers have just three seniors on the varsity roster, with the remainder of the group consisting of underclassmen, including eight freshmen.

Brown said the senior leadership of Brookelynn Burke, Alynn Crooms and Victoria Prochazka has stood out during his first few months with the program, particularly as the veterans have helped establish accountability and organization.

"They've come in and they've really held the group accountable and organized things on their own," Brown said. "Everyone's looking up to them, and they're leading by example and doing a great job that way."

The freshmen and sophomores will have opportunities to learn on the court, with Brown anticipating significant playing time for the younger players. He hopes they can quickly apply lessons learned through mistakes and make adjustments as they become more comfortable with the college game.

"They're going to get playing time. Some of their learning is going to be done in game," Brown said. "What I want to see from them specifically is for them to take the lessons that they're learning and be able to quickly turn around and implement the adjustments they need to make."

One area Brown has identified as a priority is rebounding. As the Boxers work to establish their identity, he believes controlling the glass will be an important component of their success.

Pacific opens the season Friday, Nov. 6, with a challenging stretch of three games in four days in California. The opening trip will provide Brown an opportunity to evaluate his roster, establish a rotation and see how players respond to the demands of playing on consecutive days.

"I think it's a great opportunity for people to prove themselves in game," Brown said. "It's an opportunity for us to establish a rotation and have a really positive competition between teammates."

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