Passing the Torch: Stanford Women's Tennis Welcomes New Leader Frankie Brennan

On August 24, Stanford women's tennis witnessed a significant transition as longtime head coach Lele Forood announced her retirement, marking the end of an era. However, the Cardinal swiftly found their new leader, promoting longtime associate head coach Frankie Brennan to the prestigious role of Peter Helen Bing Director of Women's Tennis.

Elevating a Proven Mentor to Lead Stanford's Tennis Dynasty

A Lifelong Dedication to the Cardinal Cause

Frankie Brennan's journey with Stanford women's tennis began at a young age, as he has been involved with the program since he was 10 years old. With 29 years of college coaching experience and a part of 12 out of Stanford's 20 NCAA championships, Brennan has earned a reputation as one of the most respected assistants in all of college tennis. As a third-generation coach, he has spent time on the staffs of both his father, Frank Brennan, and the outgoing Forood, gaining invaluable knowledge and expertise.Brennan's impressive career accolades include being named the 2003 National Assistant Coach of the Year and an eight-time ITA Northwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year. His dedication and contributions to the program have been instrumental in Stanford's sustained excellence on the court.

Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

Brennan's appointment as the new Peter Helen Bing Director of Women's Tennis marks a significant milestone in his career and the continued success of the Stanford women's tennis program. During his tenure as associate head coach, the Cardinal have evolved into one of the best teams in the country, amassing an impressive 700-71 record, 12 NCAA championships, over 20 conference regular season titles, and six conference tournament titles.Under Brennan's guidance, Stanford has seen individual national championships, with former Cardinal legend Nicole Gibbs winning the singles title in 2012 and 2013, as well as a doubles title in 2012 with Mallory Burdette as her partner. Brennan's coaching prowess was particularly evident in 2018, when the Cardinal won the NCAA championship as the lowest-seeded team in the tournament, echoing their 2016 triumph.

A Player-Turned-Coach with a Proven Track Record

Brennan's journey in the world of college tennis began as a player himself. He competed collegiately at the University of Redlands, where he was a two-time all-conference selection. Helping the team reach the Final Four in 1993 and a fifth-place finish in 1994, Brennan then transitioned into coaching, becoming the head coach of the women's team at Redlands in 1995 before joining his father's staff at Stanford in 1996.Brennan's extensive experience as both a player and a coach has equipped him with a deep understanding of the game and the ability to mentor and develop student-athletes. His proven track record of success, both as an assistant and in his own right, has earned him the trust and respect of the Stanford community, making him the ideal choice to lead the women's tennis program into its next chapter.

A Seamless Transition and a Bright Future

In his own words, Brennan expressed his gratitude and excitement about the opportunity to lead the Stanford women's tennis program, stating, "Stanford University and its women's tennis program has 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." He also acknowledged the invaluable mentorship and guidance he has received from the outgoing Lele Forood, whom he considers a sister-like figure.With Brennan's extensive experience, proven leadership, and deep-rooted connection to the Stanford tennis tradition, the transition to the new head coach is expected to be seamless. As the Cardinal embark on a new era, the future looks bright, with Brennan poised to build upon the program's storied legacy and continue its dominance in the world of collegiate women's tennis.