[TENNESSEE] One of the most surprising coaching moves of the offseason was Brian Pensky's decision to leave Maryland, which he built into a top 10 program, and take the job at Tennessee left vacant by Angela Kelly's move to Texas. Pensky, the 2010 Soccer America Coach of the Year, did not think at first of leaving the Terrapins, but the offer from Tennessee was too good to pass up.

There was still the issue of telling his children.

“My twins were two months old when I got the call to come work for the University of Maryland, to come and be Sasho’s [Cirovski] assistant on the men’s side,” Pensky said. “I told my team at Maryland that I was terrified to tell my kids, because you change their world. Sometimes I’m a little soft, but thankfully my wife [Abby] is a bit of a hammer, she’s like, ‘You’ve just got to tell them’ and she was right and here we are.”

In 2010, Maryland earned a No. 1 regional seed in the NCAA Tournament. Over the last three seasons, Pensky led the Terrapins to their most successful three-year run in program history, with a 44-14-9 record.
 
Pensky guided Maryland to NCAA Tournament appearances in each of the last three consecutive seasons, including Sweet 16 appearances in both 2009 and 2011.
 
“I am humbled and honored to be the next head women’s soccer coach at the University of Tennessee,” said Pensky. “There were a number of factors that went into this decision, including the tradition of athletic excellence, the passionate fan base, and the first-class facilities. But most importantly, Abby and I were impressed by the family atmosphere within this athletics department, and we were very much drawn to that. We are very thankful to have the opportunity to join the Tennessee family.”