Reflections: Janet Hourihan Brooks '86

On January 28, 2023, five Holy Cross women’s basketball alumnae will have their jerseys hung in the rafters of the Hart Center Arena forever, in honor of their significant impact on and off the court as a part of the storied women's basketball program.

Number 45 — Janet Hourihan Brooks '86 — will be one of those five honored with the retirement of her jersey. Hourihan competed on Crusader teams which compiled an overall record of 81-27, including an EAIAW championship, a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship and a 1985 bid to the NCAA Tournament. Hourihan still ranks second all-time at Holy Cross in rebounds (1,178) and fourth in points scored (1,909), and was the first player in program history to record over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. A three-time first team All-MAAC selection, Hourihan was named both the New England Player of the Year and the MAAC Player of the Year in 1985. She was also the Most Valuable Player of the 1985 MAAC Tournament, while leading Holy Cross to the title to secure its first NCAA Tournament berth. 

Hourihan Brooks passed away on Sept. 19 after a brave battle with cancer. Holy Cross women’s basketball alumnae, and her loved ones, reflected with memories of Janet. 

For the big moments, I think of Jan beaming as she ceremoniously cut the net after we won the championship game that led HC to its first ever NCAA women’s basketball tournament in 1985.

For the little moments, I think of Jan on the baseline pushing us all to finish one of the many challenging minute drills that ended practice each day. 

Jan was a fierce competitor who rose brilliantly to the occasion, bringing with her an unfettered desire to win. She instilled team confidence leading by example. 

Thank you for never cutting corners, giving unselfishly your whole self as a teammate, coach, and mentor, and exemplifying true courage and grace. Forever in our hearts. 

- Gabrielle Higgins, Esq. ‘85

I never played with Janet, but I am so glad I got to know Janet through the strong Crusader WBB alumni connection. I have many fond memories of Janet, but I will always remember when she showed up at the Mercy Center to help support Coach Gibbons. She was in the midst of her treatment and she took time away to support a great man. Janet was a leader and someone who I always had the utmost respect for. She always greeted everyone with the warmest smile and I always looked up to her as a basketball player and, more importantly, a mom.

- Kathleen Courtney M.D. ‘97

My favorite memory: Building a sense of community with each of the three teams we were on together. She never talked smack about anyone. She was always positive, encouraging, supportive and kind. She had a great sense of humor and perspective - play as hard and as well as possible and laugh (because we ALWAYS found humor in what we were doing) at the pub after a late practice or game. She was a person filled with joy, and her joy was infectious.

- Karen Grutchfield ‘85

Janet was a great teammate. She was always trying to lift everyone up. She was never negative to anyone - no matter how badly you were playing, she would encourage you. 

As a player, she was an amazing rebounder. She never stopped moving under the basket and as a result got tons of rebounds. It was fun to watch her play.

What I would say to Janet, is that this honor is well deserved and I’m really sorry she didn’t live to see it.  Furthermore, I’m sorry I didn’t get to see her before she died.

- Phyllis Townsend M.D. ‘84

This memory is on behalf of my dad, Togo, who coached Janet. 

Often my father and I would talk about his memories of coaching women’s basketball at Holy Cross.

He loved talking about Janet. In particular, about their 1984-85 season, when HC won the MAAC championship and eventually moved on to the NCAA Tournament. During the game, Janet received an elbow in her face which required stitches. They weren’t sure that she would be able to continue to play, but she insisted they stitch her up so she could get back on the court. My dad always said she was one of the toughest basketball players he had ever coached.  That toughness helped HC win that game.

More importantly, my Dad spoke of her character. She was a kind, caring, and loving person. Always had a smile on her face. He adored her for her strength and courage and was especially grateful and honored to be her coach.

-  Mary Ann Palazzi '83

My memories of having Janet as a teammate was her always showing up to compete. Janet was someone who valued excellence and competitiveness. We were able to enjoy so much success during those years because of our collective heart and desire to do our best. Coach Togo Palazzi would always stress for us to give our all, and Janet was someone who did! I know she and her family would be so proud of this recognition for putting her heart and soul into HC women's basketball.

- Sherry Levin ‘84

As a friend, Janet was generous with her time and talents. She was our social secretary, always getting a local get-together on the calendar to check in with everyone. It was not uncommon to meet at Bertucci’s in Needham on a random Sunday at 1:00 and still be there at 8:00! (Don’t worry, we always took care of our server.) It was never about the food – always about the stories, love, tears and laughter.

As a teammate, Janet was the consummate professional. She set an example by working hard and doing her best for the team. She was always there to pick you up. Dependable, upbeat and ready to offer up a “Mary, Queen of Victory, Pray for us.”

While I was very blessed to have Janet as a dear friend and teammate, her most important and joyous title was Mom. Janet’s Texas-sized heart was full of love for her family. Nothing mattered more to her. She was an amazing mom. 

- Jeanmarie Buckley ‘87

Janet was a role model to me in so many ways. I loved watching her games as a young girl…she was so talented and such a leader on the court. I first remember meeting her during my freshman year at Holy Cross in 1995. She was always so positive and genuine, and that never changed throughout the years. After a tough loss or poor performance, you could count on Janet to offer a smile and much-needed words of encouragement. After graduation, I loved chatting with her at HC women’s games or alumni events. Despite her courageous battle with cancer, she never complained, and her optimism and gratitude shined through. She was truly an inspiration and it was an honor to be her friend. I am humbled to be in her company at the jersey retirement.

- Amy O’Brien Davagian ‘99

Recently, the local PTO had their annual three-mile Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. They asked if they could honor Janet in some way. In addition to several other tributes on the shirt, the sleeve said the following: “JHB - Kind, Compassionate, Enthusiastic, Competitive, Loyal, Funny and Positive. You’re Simply the Best - Better than all the Rest.” 

- Bill Brooks, Janet’s husband

(Responses have been lightly edited for grammar, clarity and brevity).

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