Frankie Brennan has been part of the Stanford women’s tennis program so long; he has his own legacy with the team dating to his days helping father Frank with the program.
Get in his van and you’re liable to hear loud, motivational music en route to a match. He’s been a friend and mentor to many players.
After serving as an assistant coach for 15 seasons, Brennan was officially named an associate head coach for Stanford it was announced Thursday by head coach Lele Forood.
“It is a great honor to be named to the position of associate head coach and a privilege to be a part of this storied program,” said Brennan. “I would like to thank Lele Forood for her support and am very fortunate to work with someone I consider a mentor, colleague and most of all, a close friend. I would also like to thank our administration for its continued support, specifically Bob Bowlsby and Beth Goode, along with our Director of Tennis Dick Gould.”
During his time as an assistant coach, Brennan has tutored numerous student-athletes to All-America and Pac-10 accolades.
“As part of the Stanford tennis family, I have had the opportunity to work with the most amazing student-athletes while training and competing in the nation’s premier facility,” Brennan said. “I look forward to upholding the high standards for success that this program represents, and continuing the dynasty that great coaches like Anne Gould and my father, Frank Brennan, helped build many years ago.”
Since joining the staff, he has helped guide the Cardinal to a 399-24 overall record, eight national championships and 14 conference titles.
“Frankie’s promotion to associate head coach is well-deserved and his contributions to Stanford Athletics and the women’s tennis program have been remarkable,” Stanford Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby said. “He has been critical to the outstanding accomplishments of the women’s tennis program and the loyalty of our student-athletes and alumni speaks to Frankie’s dedication to the personal development of these young women.”
Brennan’s contributions last year were highlighted with Hilary Barte and Lindsay Burdette capturing Stanford’s 13th overall collegiate doubles title and first since 2005. During the fall season, Forood designated Brennan as the primary coach for Barte and Burdette in doubles. The move worked well as Stanford’s top duo flourished under Brennan’s tutelage, with Barte and Burdette finishing 42-6 overall and winning three doubles titles in addition to the national championship.
“This is a promotion that is well-deserved, as Frankie has been very instrumental to our success since his arrival,” Forood said. “Our success over the last decade has been simply incredible, both in the form of team and individual accomplishments. Much of that credit goes to Frankie.”
Stanford won its 16th NCAA team championship and first since a dominant three-year title run ended in 2006. The lower half of the singles lineup (Nos. 4-6) proved to be a strength for Stanford, with the group combining for a 65-11 record as Brennan patrolled the back courts.
In 2005, Brennan was recognized as the 2005 ITA Northwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year. In 2003, Brennan’s efforts were recognized on a higher level when he was named the ITA National Assistant Coach of the Year.
Brennan, son of legendary former head coach Frank Brennan, Sr., was a two-time all-conference player for the University of Redlands, where he helped the team to a Final Four appearance in 1993 and a fifth-place national finish in 1994. He was also a two-time All-Conference honoree at Foothill Junior College, where he helped lead the team to a semifinal appearance in the state championships in 1991 and a runner-up finish in 1992.
Brennan was head coach of the women’s tennis team at the University of Redlands in 1995 before coming to work for his father in 1996. He has also worked for the United States Tennis Association, assisting in the Area Training Center and serving as a USTA zonal coach.
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports