SAN MARCOS, Texas- Kendall Brooks, the assistant coach of Texas State for the last two years, has been named the new head coach of the Bobcat women's tennis program, Director of Athletics Don Coryell announced Thursday.
 
Brooks will be the eighth coach in program history, following the retirement of Tory Plunkett who held the role for 19 years. 
 
"We are honored to have Coach Brooks as the next leader of our women's tennis program," said Coryell. "She has a familiarity with the program and Texas State but also a strong vision for the future. And what excites me about that vision is it's fed by her championship background and proven ability to take teams to the postseason and earn national rankings. She is also highly respected throughout collegiate tennis and her deep recruiting ties in the state of Texas will lift the program in the long-term. I know her leadership and integrity will benefit the student-athletes and take Bobcat tennis to new heights." 
 
After spending the last two seasons as an assistant under Plunkett, Brooks moves into a familiar role of head coach. The Corpus Christi, Texas native was the head coach at St. Edward's University (DII) for seven years from 2013 to 2020.
 
"I'd like to thank Don and Tracy Shoemake for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to lead the Texas State women's tennis program and to stay here at home as a Bobcat," said Brooks. "I am thankful to my family for supporting this journey, as well as Coach Plunkett for bringing me on board two years ago and showing me how special San Marcos is. There is a renewed energy and vision for the athletic department, and I am excited to remain a part of that. I truly believe we can be successful, and I am ready to get to work towards building a championship culture and competing for Sun Belt Conference titles." 
 
Brooks joined the Texas State women's tennis staff during the 2020-21 season as a volunteer assistant coach before being promoted to assistant coach the following season. In her second year, she recruited all the newcomers on the team, including All-Sun Belt Doubles Second Team honoree Kate Malazonia and Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week Mae McCutcheon. She helped lead the team to quarterfinal appearances at the conference championship in both of her seasons on the staff. 
 
In her seven years guiding St. Edward's, Brooks made the Hilltoppers a perennial contender in the Heartland Conference and consistent performer in the NCAA Tournament. She led the team to a conference championship in 2019, after finishing runner-up four times, as well as a South Central Regional Championship. The team also achieved the program's highest national ranking at No. 16 that same season.
 
In total, St. Edward's made five NCAA appearances under Brooks, including the Round of 16 in 2019, which was the furthest the team advanced in 10 years. The team was also 93-53 (.636 pct.) in her tenure.
 
The 2018 Wilson ITA South Central Regional Coach of the Year produced 23 all-conference selections, Regional Rookie of the Year twice, 16 ITA Scholar-Athletes of the Year, an ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership National award winner, and four ITA All-Academic team awards.
 
Before St. Edward's, Brooks was the Director of Junior Development at the Austin Tennis Academy for seven years. 
 
Brooks began her career in coaching as an assistant at her alma mater, Texas Tech, from 2004-06. In those two years, the team was nationally ranked in the top-60 with a 24-21 overall record. 
 
She was a four-year letterman at Texas Tech from 2000-2004 and served as team captain for the Red Raiders during her final two seasons. 

What They Are Saying About Brooks

Tory Plunkett | Former Texas State Tennis Head Coach
"I am so excited for the Texas State tennis program. With Coach Brooks at the helm, the future looks bright. Kendall is a great coach and has had much success in the college arena, and I know she will bring that success to Texas State."

Alison Ojeda | Tennessee Women's Tennis Head Coach
"Having grown up in San Antonio, I am a big Bobcat fan! I am also a big Kendall Brooks fan. We have been friends for over 25 years and through that time, we have been able to discuss a lot about life and our coaching careers. She is someone who I trust and admire greatly. In regards to tennis, Kendall has head coaching experience and knows the responsibilities that come with that title. She is an excellent recruiter who knows how to develop talent. I am certain that she is going to do a tremendous job while pursuing championships!"

Cristina Moros | South Florida Women's Tennis Head Coach
"Texas State's tennis program will no doubt excel under Coach Brooks' leadership. Kendall brings a wealth of knowledge as a now leader of a Division I program. Her players are not only getting an exceptional tennis coach, but an incredible mentor which will serve them well beyond the court. Looking forward to seeing how far this program will advance under Kendall's guidance."