PEORIA, Ill. -- First-year Bradley women's basketball head coach Mike Brooks took a step closer to completing his coaching staff, announcing Lindsay Bronson will join the Braves for the 2012-13 season as an assistant coach Friday afternoon.  A standout player at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wis., Bronson comes to The Hilltop after spending the previous year as an assistant coach at Wisconsin-Parkside.

A native of Glendale, Wis., Bronson helped the Rangers to a 24-6 record, Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) title and an NCAA Midwest Regional Final appearance last year.  In addition, UW-Parkside produced a pair of First-Team All-GLVC selections during the 2011-12 campaign and two GLVC All-Defensive team selections as the Rangers limited opponents to 58.3 points per game and boasted a league-best +10.9 points per game scoring margin. 

"Lindsay will bring a lot of energy to our team and will certainly have an impact on our student-athletes," said Brooks. "She comes from a family of coaches and possesses the work ethic and determination vital to change the culture of our program.  Lindsay has had success at every level of coaching from AAU to Division I, which is a direct reflection on her dedication and desire to improve.  She has a great ability to help individuals reach their potential."

Bronson joined the staff at Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2006-07 as the team's Director of Basketball Operations and Video Coordinator, before spending the next three seasons as an assistant coach with the Panthers.  Working primarily with the squad's post players, she helped coach center Traci Edwards, who was a two-time Horizon League Player of the Year selection and the all-time leading scorer in Horizon League history.  An all-region selection as a senior in 2008-09, Edwards is also the all-time leading collegiate scorer in the state of Wisconsin.

"I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of the newest chapter of Bradley women's basketball," said Bronson.  "Coach Brooks and the Bradley administration have a great vision and know what it takes to win and build a successful program.  I look forward to making a positive impact on the student-athletes and being part of the Bradley family."

A 2004 Cardinal Stritch graduate with bachelor of arts in mathematics and secondary education, Bronson served as assistant coach at her alma mater for the 2005-06 season where she helped the Wolves to the NAIA Division II Elite Eight and a 28-5 record. 

Bronson also coached at the high school level prior to returning to Cardinal Stritch, serving as assistant varsity coach at Nicolet High School.  She also coached AAU basketball, guiding the Rising Force Basketball Academy in Milwaukee, Wis., for six years. 

A two-time NAIA All-American Scholar recipient, Bronson was given the NAIA Champions of Character Award in 2004 and helped the Crusaders to three NAIA Tournament appearances.  During her junior season, Cardinal Stritch posted a school-record 31 victories.

Bronson spent the 2010-11 season as a graduate assistant with the women's basketball team at Cardinal Stritch, earning a master's degree in sport management in December 2011. 

Her mother Jody is the women's tennis coach at Marquette, while her sister Corey played basketball at Marquette and was head coach at Nicolet High School for nine years where she won the 2011 state title and six conference titles.  Lindsay's brother Tanner is an assistant coach with the men's basketball staff at Saint Louis.