History of Stanford Womens’ tennis and 45+ years of success

Stanford Women’s tennis is the most successful program on the Stanford campus. Frankie will share his thoughts on the many factors that have contributed to its success and his outlook for the upcoming tennis season.  He will also comment on the state of college athletics today, especially in relation to how it pertains to non-revenue sports on the Stanford campus. 

Frankie Brennan completed his 31st year on The Farm in 2026 and second as the Paul A. Violich Director of Women’s Tennis after being elevated to the position on September 11, 2024. Brennan had spent the previous 14 seasons as associate head coach following 15 as an assistant coach.

Since joining the staff in 1996, Brennan has enhanced Stanford's reputation as the country's top program by helping guide the Cardinals to a 731-91 overall record, 12 NCAA championships, 21 conference regular-season titles and six conference tournament crowns. During his tenure, Brennan has mentored 39 All-Americans.

Brennan is an eight-time ITA Northwest Region Assistant Coach of the Year (2003, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2019, 2023, 2024) and his efforts were recognized on an even higher level in 2003 as the ITA National Assistant Coach of the Year.

A third generation coach, Brennan and his family have been involved with coaching tennis for years. His grandfather was Billie Jean King's coach for 18 years, as well as the personal instructor to former president Jimmy Carter and his family while he was in the White House.  His father, Frank Jr., was Stanford Womens Head Coach for 21 years and won 10 NCAA titles.In May of 2002, Inside Tennis named the "Brennan Clan," Frank Sr., Jr. and III, to their top-10 list of "Guys Who Have Lent A Hand" to women's tennis.