South SFV Today

Stanford’s Peter and Helen Bing Director of Women’s Tennis, Lele Forood, announced on Tuesday that she is stepping down after leading the program for 24 seasons. Forood's tenure at Stanford spans nearly five decades, beginning with her All-American playing career before transitioning to a 14-year stint as an assistant coach and associate head coach.

Forood compiled a 560-63 overall record, guiding Stanford to 10 NCAA team championships. Her coaching career never saw a title drought longer than three seasons. Additionally, Forood directed Stanford to 16 conference crowns and six Pac-12 Tournament titles while mentoring 28 All-Americans, five NCAA singles champions, and five NCAA doubles champions.

“I will forever cherish the many incredible moments leading Stanford women’s tennis, a program that has meant so much to me since arriving on campus nearly 50 years ago,” said Forood. “I have been fortunate to learn from my mentor, Frank Brennan, and remain sincerely appreciative of everyone who has unconditionally supported me and our program. Most importantly, I have been inspired daily by our players on and off the court. It’s been an honor to be a small part of their success while remaining invested in their lives outside of tennis.”

“Lele has enjoyed success at every level of her career while cementing our women’s tennis program as the sport’s gold standard,” said Bernard Muir, Stanford’s Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics. “The 10 NCAA championships, 560 wins, and 22 conference titles combined are incredible achievements and a testament to Lele’s adaptability, resilience and ability to recruit and develop elite talent. While the numbers immediately jump out, I’ve always admired Lele for the meaningful relationships forged with her players.”

A two-time ITA National Coach of the Year and eight-time conference coach of the year, Forood led teams that were successful whether they were favorites or underdogs. Notably, she amassed more NCAA championships (5) than overall losses (3) through her first six seasons. She became the first female head coach to win an NCAA title in 2001 but also led lower-seeded teams to victory in subsequent years.

Under Forood's leadership from 1999-2011, Stanford won 184 consecutive dual matches at Taube Family Tennis Stadium – recognized as the longest home winning streak in any NCAA Division I intercollegiate sport at that time. The Cardinal also had an 89-match winning streak from 2004-2007.

Individual success was a hallmark during Forood's tenure as well; she coached five NCAA singles champions and five NCAA doubles teams. This includes Amber Liu (2003-04) and Nicole Gibbs (2012-13), who each claimed back-to-back singles titles.

Forood was also instrumental as an assistant coach for five NCAA championship runs between 1989-1991, in addition to those in 1997 and 1999. In recognition of her efforts in 1997, she was named ITA Division I National Assistant Coach of the Year.

An All-American at Stanford in 1976 – the first year such accolades were awarded – Forood was a National Collegiate singles finalist as a freshman and semifinalist during her sophomore year before turning professional. She earned her degree in sociology from Stanford in 1978.

Stanford women's tennis has secured 20 out of all possible all-time NCAA championships since its inception. The Cardinal boasts an additional national title from winning the AIAW crown in 1978 – marking the first women’s team title in any Stanford sport.

Associate head coach Frankie Brennan will serve as interim head coach following Forood's departure.

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