June 4, 2008

BOCA RATON, FL - Brandon Stokes, a former assistant tennis coach at the University of Central Florida, has been named Florida Atlantic University's men's tennis coach.

"We are excited to have Brandon join the FAU Athletics family," said Melissa Dawson, FAU's associate AD. "Our men's tennis team finished the season ranked 75th nationally, and we are confident that Brandon's tennis knowledge and enthusiasm will continue to build upon this success."

During Stokes' two years at UCF, beginning in 2006, the Knights consecutively won 12 or more matches, advancing to the 2008 Conference USA semifinals for the first time since joining the league. In 2007, the Knights spent eight weeks in the national rankings and claimed three wins against ranked opponents. UCF also was signed as a Top 10 recruiting class in 2007 by www.tennisrecruiting.net.

Prior to coaching at UCF, Stokes spent the 2006 season at Wofford University in South Carolina, where he worked with both the men's and women's tennis programs. During his tenure, the men's team set a school record for wins in a season, and two players earned All-Southern conference honors. The year prior, Stokes was the assistant men's and women's coach at the University of North Alabama, where he assisted in recruiting, player development, and strength and conditioning.

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 in the high school ranks, as an assistant girl's 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.