June 20, 2008

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Chris Brandi, a former team captain at the University of Florida, has been named assistant coach for the Wake Forest men's tennis team.

Since Brandi wrapped up his collegiate career in 2006, the Florida native has coached in both the junior and professional ranks. In 2007, Brandi gained top experience working with Vera Dushevina and Laura Granville who both ranked in the WTA's Top 35, as well as 2005 U.S. Open Junior Champion Ryan Sweeting.

While lettering at Florida, Brandi was instrumental in helping the Gators achieve a No. 1 national ranking, earning doubles All-American status as well is All-Southeastern Conference honors in singles.

Brandi's father, Andy Brandi, is widely recognized as one of the top collegiate coaches in recent history. Upon his retirement from the head coaching position of the University of Florida's women's tennis team in 2001, Andy Brandi had an incredible career record of 460-43 through 17 years with the Gators.

"Chris is born and bred from a strong tennis family. His father is one of the most successful college women's coaches in the field," Wake Forest head coach Jeff Zinn said.

"He was also heavily influenced by Andy Jackson, his coach at Florida, who has consistently kept his team in the top tier of college teams. Chris will be extremely valuable to us and I'm so excited to have him on board."

Brandi will be taking over for Andrew Simpson, who is headed to the University of Tennessee to continue his education after three successful seasons as the Demon Deacon Assistant Coach. Simpson earned the 2007 ITA Regional Assistant Coach of the Year award for his vital role in guiding the Deacs to their first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.

- www.WakeForestSports.com -