South SFV Today

Frankie Brennan has been appointed as Stanford's Peter and Helen Bing Director of Women’s Tennis, announced Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics Bernard Muir on Wednesday.

A third-generation coach, Brennan has contributed to 12 of Stanford’s record 20 NCAA championships. Recognized as one of the most respected assistant coaches in college tennis, he is an eight-time ITA Northwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year and was named National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2003. Brennan spent 29 years working under his father, Frank Brennan, and Lele Forood before being promoted to associate head coach in October 2010.

“Stanford University and its women’s tennis program have been a major part of my life since I was 10 years old, and it is an honor and a privilege to be chosen to lead the program into its next chapter,” said Brennan. “I’d like to thank Lele Forood for her mentorship, guidance, and friendship. She has been like a sister to me since the day I was born, and it has been an incredible journey to spend the last 24 years working alongside her. I’d also like to thank Bernard Muir for entrusting me with the leadership of Stanford women’s tennis and acknowledge our sport administrator Angie Jabir for all her unconditional support through the process.”

“Frankie’s promotion to head coach is well-deserved,” Muir stated. “His contributions to Stanford Athletics and Stanford women’s tennis have been remarkable. He has been a critical part of the program’s outstanding accomplishments over the past 30 years and knows what it takes to succeed. Beyond the on-court achievements, the loyalty of our student-athletes and alumnae speaks to Frankie’s dedication to their personal development. I’m ecstatic to have him as our new head coach.”

Since joining Stanford's staff in 1996, Brennan has helped guide the Cardinal team to a 700-71 overall record, securing 12 NCAA championships, 21 conference regular-season titles, and six conference tournament crowns. During his tenure, he mentored 38 All-Americans.

Brennan's coaching skills were prominently displayed in 2018 when Stanford won its 19th NCAA championship while matching its lowest-seeded squad position at No.15 from their victory in 2016. Prior to winning their latest title in 2019, Stanford had claimed four NCAA titles as lower seeds: No.12 in 2015 and No.8 in 2010.

Following his promotion to associate head coach, Stanford achieved four individual national titles under his guidance. Nicole Gibbs repeated as NCAA singles champion in 2013 after defeating Mallory Burdette in an all-Stanford singles final before teaming up with Burdette an hour later for doubles victory—a campaign that marked three consecutive NCAA doubles champions from Stanford between 2010-12.

“My family’s long-standing connection with Stanford women’s tennis goes back to when my father was named head coach in 1979,” added Brennan. “There is immense pride in following his footsteps at Stanford where I've worked with amazing student-athletes who develop into strong young women.”

Brennan played collegiate tennis at the University of Redlands where he earned two-time all-conference honors helping them reach a Final Four appearance (1993) followed by a fifth-place national finish (1994). At Foothill Junior College earlier on he led them towards semifinal state championships (1991) finishing runner-up next year(1992).

Before joining his father at Stanford (1996), he coached women's tennis team briefly at University Of Redlands (1995). Preceding this phase during high school days spanning St.Francis High School-Los Altos High School(Mt.St.Joseph HS-Vermont), notable achievements included four-year letterman status across both sports:tennis-football culminating standout running back role leading State Championship football team senior year east coast stint(Vermont).

Currently residing San Carlos(California), Brennan prides himself being proud father daughters Madeline-Francesca.

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