MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Alverno College Interim Director of Athletics Joshua Steffen has announced Erik Brooks as the new head golf coach and Avery Maxwell as the assistant golf coach for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Brooks, who is already on the athletics staff as the assistant basketball coach, will take charge of the program as it continues to compete in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). Brooks brings more than 10 years of coaching experience, along with leadership experience across a variety of professional roles, including communications and public service, where he has served as mayor of South Milwaukee and as a member of the city council. Maxwell, a 2025 graduate of Alverno College, will assist Brooks after serving as a volunteer assistant last season and following three strong years with the program. She holds the program's two-day scoring record and ranks fifth all-time in career scoring average.

"We could not be more excited about Erik Brooks becoming our head golf coach," said Steffen, "He has shown a strong commitment to Alverno and our student-athletes, and I know he will bring that same enthusiasm and leadership to leading and growing the golf program. To have an alum like Avery Maxwell assisting with the program is also an amazing positive, and we look forward to the program's future growth."

Brooks arrived at Alverno in the spring after serving as an assistant coach for the basketball program at nearby Mount Mary University for two seasons. There, Brooks' responsibilities included recruiting, managing the team's social media, leading and planning community and team-building activities, and assisting with practices and in-game coaching. He also helped develop the Blue Angel Basketball Classic, a two-day holiday event that welcomed nine high school teams for six games. Brooks also helped the program to one of its best two-year stretches (19 wins) and its best-ever start, opening last season with a 5-1 record.

Outside of basketball, Brooks owns and operates his own independent communications consultancy, Brooks Communications+Community. It operates with a focus on strategic storytelling -- starting with communications planning and then assisting in bringing those plans to life through writing and editing, digital and social platforms, video, meetings, media and government relations, and more. He has worked in various communications positions over his professional career, including as a Marketing Specialist for Skyline Catering and Bucyrus Club, as Regional Director in the Carl Collective with Trozzolo Communications Group, and as a Communications Manager for Miller Brewing Co. Brooks also served in local politics in the City of South Milwaukee for 12 years, including as the city's mayor from 2014 to 2021.The Milwaukee native earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Science from Marquette University in 1997.

"I am really excited for the opportunity to lead this group of young women, helping them find success on and off the golf course, and in and out of the classroom. We will work hard and get better every day, give back to the community, and have some fun along the way – together," said Brooks. "Working alongside Coach Avery will make this even more special for our student-athletes and me. She will bring invaluable experience and an unmatched passion for Alverno and Inferno athletics to help us build our program."

Maxwell will continue in her role after serving as a volunteer assistant last season and will look to pass along the knowledge that helped her achieve a successful three-year career with the Alverno golf team from 2022-25. As an assistant, she has helped the head coach with recruiting efforts, practice planning, and the coordination of competitions and tournaments. She has also supported player development by evaluating performance, teaching fundamentals, and fostering a positive team environment. In addition, Maxwell has managed the team's social media presence across Instagram and Facebook, creating content to promote events, achievements, and program visibility.

"Alverno College holds a very special place in my heart," said Maxwell. "As an alumna, I experienced firsthand the support, growth, and opportunities that the program provides. Coaching at Alverno gives me the opportunity to give back to a team that gave so much to me while helping the next generation of young women develop both as golfers and as individuals. I am passionate about teaching the game of golf and mentoring student-athletes, and I believe this team has tremendous potential. I'm excited to contribute to its growth, help build a strong culture, and support our players as they work toward their goals both on and off the course!"

Maxwell graduated from Alverno in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Administration.