DES MOINES, Iowa – Mai-Ly Tran has been named head women's tennis coach at Drake University, Associate Athletic Director Brian Brown announced Wednesday, July 27.
 
"I am thrilled that Mai-Ly Tran will be joining our Drake Bulldog family," said Brown, who coordinated the nationwide coaching search. "Mai-Ly's professionalism, preparation and passion to win makes her the perfect coach to lead our women's tennis program on and off the court. She has helped reinvigorate the program at Cal State Fullerton and created a winning culture. We look forward to continued success under her leadership."
 
"I would like to thank Brian Brown and the rest of the Drake University Athletic Department for this incredible opportunity and for welcoming me to the Bulldog Family. I would also like to express my gratitude to Cal State Fullerton for its unwavering guidance and support of my professional growth," Tran said. "I am honored and humbled to be chosen to lead this group of talented young women. I am eager to build upon the wonderful potential these student-athletes have demonstrated as we begin our journey towards taking the women's tennis program to the next level."
 
Tran comes to Drake from Cal State Fullerton, where she spent the last three years as assistant women's tennis coach. She helped lead the Titans to a 35-33 overall record the past three seasons, while also compiling nine Big West Conference awards, six Big West Player of the honors and 11 Big West All-Academic accolades.
 
Tran tutored Alexis Valenzuela, who was three-time Big West singles first-team selection and the first Titan to earn first-team honors in program history. This past spring, Valenzuela and doubles partner Camille De Leon became the second Titan duo to receive first-team All-Big West honors.
 
Tran's tireless work over the last three seasons resulted in the best season in program history in 2016 with 17 wins and the Titans' first winning season since 2004.
 
Prior to her stint at Cal State Fullerton, Tran served as the Director of Tennis at Hope International University before coaching four years at Orange Lutheran High School.
 
Tran played for Cal State Fullerton from 2004-07 and accumulated 38 wins during her career. As a senior, she earned all-Big West second-team honors with her doubles partner Gina Le.