What was it like transitioning from Bristol, England, to Milwaukee, Wis., as a student-athlete and how did you choose to compete and study in the U.S.?
Coach Brennan – It was definitely an adjustment! Leaving my home, family and friends to move to another country, that was two-plane journey away, was fairly daunting. 

And this was prior to FaceTime, Whatsapp or Skype, so communicating with anyone back home could only be done through e-mails or expensive calls on landlines. Homesickness was a constant battle.

I was assisted by a recruiting agency who sent my info to their network of universities in the States and the school I ended up at basically gave me the best scholarship offer.


How did your time as a student-athlete and then as the head coach of the men's and women's soccer teams at Cardinal Stritch prepare you for Drake?
Coach Brennan – I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student-athlete, but always felt our team could've been more successful with some organizational, structural and coaching tweaks. 

So, when I returned to my alma mater in a coaching capacity I had immediate tangible ideas to implement, and fortunately, they bore fruit for the team.

Being the Head Coach simultaneously of both programs was an incredibly steep learning curve and it instantly gave me a huge amount of experience in a short period of time. I learned how to do more with less, how to multi-task, how to balance two budgets, how to manage 60 people and how to function on very little sleep!


What inspired you to accept this position at Drake on Coach Horner's staff in 2016?
Coach Brennan – I was good friends with the previous assistant coach, Mike Regan, and he always spoke very positively about Drake. I was ready to move on and I was really excited to have a mentor with the experience and success that Lindsey Horner has. Luckily she decided to hire me!


How would you describe your coaching style and philosophy?
Coach Brennan – Player-centric. To create an environment where the student-athletes enjoy working hard. To create a playing style that gets the best out of your best players.


Who or what has influenced you to become the coach you are today?
Coach Brennan – My obsession with the sport! I am completely addicted to the sport and this is being painfully highlighted during this current shutdown!

A person who has shaped me is Jamie Shore, my coaching director when I worked back in England.


What are some similarities and differences between you and head coach Lindsey Horner?
Coach Brennan – We share a lot of similarities but differ enough that constructive discussions occur naturally. 


What do you like to do in your free time?
Coach Brennan – Watch soccer (unsurprisingly). I am a huge fan of Liverpool FC so try to watch all of their games. I also enjoy rock climbing and try to get out to Climb Iowa when I can and when it reopens.


What adjustments have you made as a coach during the COVID-19 situation?
Coach Brennan – It's been a complete readjustment, obviously. However, by nature of only being able to speak to the players via a call or video-call, I hope to actually build stronger relationships with them as individuals.


What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Drake women's soccer program?
Coach Brennan – I love being around incredibly smart, ambitious, high achieving people – both student-athletes and staff – that are constantly striving for success.