Finding success on and off the court

By: 

Allex Brown, Photo by Brian Drumm

Senior Honors student Allexandra "Allex" Brown is nothing short of superhuman. When she’s not practicing or travelling with IUPUI's women’s basketball team, she is hitting the books or attending classes as an IUPUI Honors student in the Kelley School of Business Honors Program. A Marketing major minoring in Psychology, Brown plans to graduate in May 2019.

Originally from Perrysburg, Ohio, she played basketball at Perrysburg High School when she was noticed by IUPUI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Austin Parkinson. Brown was recruited early in her high school career, but it was an unofficial visit to the IUPUI campus that sold her on becoming a Jaguar. “I fell in love with the Kelley School of Business and the rigorous learning experience it has for its students, the abundant opportunities to get involved on campus, the intense and successful basketball program, and the great city lifestyle Indianapolis provides with incredible businesses and activities galore!” says Brown.

Shortly after her first semester, Brown learned of the Honors College and applied to the Kelley School of Business Honors Program. She enjoys the people, the atmosphere, and the ability to grow and learn as both a leader and a student. “I have always enjoyed a challenge,” says Brown, who believes the Honors College has enriched her experience as a Kelley student.

The Kelley Honors Program has been an even greater experience for me, especially the last few semesters as I've become very close to some of my hardworking classmates and have learned so much more than I would have ever dreamt.

Allex Brown

Brown has an equally impressive work ethic on the court. Primarily a power forward and a small center, she can actually play any position her coach asks her to. In fact, she’s been playing basketball since third grade. Given her natural athletic talent, it’s not surprising that basketball isn’t the own sport she’s played. Brown played soccer from age three until her senior year of high school. “I also tried tap dancing, swimming, softball, and tennis,” she says.

As a collegiate student athlete, Brown enjoys seeing and playing with some of her best friends every day. She says she’s fortunate that her team “has been great in regard to team chemistry and battling through adversity.” With leadership roles on the Horizon League Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Brown has had the opportunity to “bring voices to those student athletes who may not have had a voice before…The work representatives and I put in and the changes that are happening bring such fulfillment to me.” She also has enjoyed travelling the country, seeing new places, and playing in different arenas.

Among her favorite student athlete memories are:

  • Making it to the Summit League Conference tournament championship her sophomore year
  • Traveling to new places with her closest friends like San Antonio and Denver
  • Team bonding events like paintball and movie nights
  • Winning against high ranked teams like Purdue, Missouri, and Ole Miss

Brown sees similarities in what it takes to be an Honors student and a Division I collegiate athlete. “Both share similar qualities like being hard-working, dedicated, self-motivated individuals as well as a having close-cultured community,” says Brown. Using the Honors College study abroad stipend, she was able to travel across the world to China. She is grateful for IUPUI Athletics and the Honors College working together to create a “beyond memorable experience.”

In addition to basketball and Honors, Brown serves as President of IUPUI SAAC, Vice President of Outreach for IMPACT Christian Fellowship, and member of ALDPES National Honors Society. She also volunteers for Jags Reading Club and Indy Reads, teaching English and business etiquette to refugees.

After graduation, she hopes to find a health administration career in a hospital or healthcare network. Brown has been honored to be able to interact with highly intellectual and captivating people in the Honors College and to be pushed to be a better player by her teammates and coaches. “Being a student athlete encompasses everything from my studies, future career, and ability to play basketball and everything else life has to offer!”