Support UTPA Men's Tennis
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow the Broncs on Twitter
Follow the Broncs on Instagram
EDINBURG – The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday that Brandon Stokes, who had previously been the head coach at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), is the new Broncs men's tennis head coach.
"Brandon Stokes brings a lot of experience and passion to our men's tennis program," UTPA Director of Athletics Chris King said. "He has a strong coaching background and came highly recommended by a number of coaches and administrators in my circle of colleagues. We are looking forward to having Brandon lead the men's tennis program into the Western Athletic Conference."
Stokes was named head coach at FAU in June of 2008 and met immediate success, going 18-8 during the 2008-09 season. He led FAU to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament finals during his first season and semifinal berths in 2010-11 and 2011-12. Overall, Stokes led FAU to four winning seasons and a record of 56-37 (.602) while coaching eight All-Conference student-athletes.
Off the court, Stokes had 25 student-athletes earn spots on the FAU honor roll and 14 earn spots on the Sun Belt Conference honor roll. His team earned the FAU outstanding team academic performance award in the spring of 2011. In 2010, a member of the Owls earned ESPN The Magazine First Team Academic All-District honors while a teammate earned the athletic department's Sportsmanship Award.
"I am thrilled to work within an organization that has a shared vision for academic and athletic excellence that are mutually connected. Success in one area strengthens the entire whole," Stokes said. "The shared vision emphasizes serving and improving the lives of the local community, the region, and state. It is a vision grounded in reality. Administrators, faculty, coaches, alumni, supporters, students, and student-athletes manifest this vision with a committed work ethic.
"The culture of Bronc athletics starts at the top with our Director of Athletics, Chris King, and resonates deeply through the staff and coaches. A culture based in contagious positive energy, purpose, and a committed work ethic to something bigger than ourselves. Everyone prioritizes a meaningful and special experience for Bronc student-athletes. It is awesome to feel."
Stokes started his college-coaching career in 2004-05 at the University of North Alabama. As the assistant for the men's and women's teams, he assisted in recruiting, player development, and strength and conditioning while helping both teams to NCAA Tournament berths.
In 2005-06, Stokes joined the Division I ranks at Wofford College as the assistant coach for the men's and women's teams. During his tenure, the men's team set a school record for wins in a season, with 10, and two men's players earned All-Southern Conference honors.
Stokes spent the next two seasons as an assistant coach for the men's tennis team at the University of Central Florida. While with the Knights, he continued to assist in recruiting, practice design and implementation, and player development. The Knights won 12 dual matches each year. In 2006-07, the Knights made the semifinals of the Conference USA tournament for the first time in program history after spending eight weeks nationally ranked. In 2008, the program was honored with a top-10 national ranking for mid-major programs by tennisrecruiting.net.
Before coaching in the collegiate ranks, Stokes worked as an independent tennis coach in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in junior development. He also was an associate head coach at ACE Tennis Academy and an associate tennis pro at Northside Athletic Club. Stokes began his coaching career at the high school level, as an assistant girls' tennis coach at Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School in New Philadelphia, Ohio.
The 1994 University of Toledo graduate was a two-year letter-winner for the Rockets. He was named to the Dean's List three times and to the President's List, and earned Mid-American Academic Honorable Mention honors.
Stokes is married to Alisha Stokes and they have one son, Wyatt Jackson Stokes.
Stokes takes over a Broncs program with 10 national championships on its resume, including five team championships, six doubles championships and four singles championships in addition to 13 team and one individual conference championship.
This season will be the Broncs' first in the WAC after competing in the Southland Conference since 2001.
"This is a ripe moment for UTPA and the department of athletics," Stokes said. "It is exciting to be here at the right time with the right people headed in a positive and powerful direction. [UTPA] President [Dr. Robert S.] Nelsen and Chris have committed to making men's tennis and all of our sports compete at the highest levels in the WAC as well as at the regional and national levels."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT BRANDON STOKES
Bobby Cashman, University of Central Florida head coach
Coach Stokes will raise the expectations of the UTPA's men's tennis program. His teams will be well prepared and will compete for championships. They will also become leaders within the community. It's a great hire for the entire Athletic Department.
Matt Hill, University of South Florida head coach
To me, Brandon is one of the most passionate and determined coaches in the country. He is constantly striving for not only his players' best but his own as well. I couldn't be more excited for him and his family and I think it is an incredible hire by Chris King!
Chuck McCuen, Clemson University head coach
I am very excited to see Brandon Stokes named as the new head coach at The University of Texas-Pan American. Having known Brandon for over a decade, the Broncs' new coach will bring a passionate and intellectual style of coaching that will blend well in the Western Athletic Conference. Brandon has always impressed me as a student of the game and a tireless worker. The young men he will mentor will not only excel on the court, but in the classroom and the community. Get ready Broncs tennis fans, Coach Stokes' high energy and love of the game will become infectious and fun to be part of!
Billy Pate, Princeton University head coach
UTPA has made a terrific hire in Brandon Stokes. His work ethic will be unmatched as he provides a style of leadership that will get the most out of his student-athletes. Player development is at the core of his coaching philosophy and his expertise in that area will build a foundation for success at UTPA.
Danny Westerman, Denver University head coach
Brandon is a meticulous, tireless coach. He is very detail oriented and cares a great deal about his players and the sport. The UTPA players will feed off Brandon's intensity and professionalism. I have no doubt the program will achieve some great results with Brandon leading the charge.
