ROCKLIN – Jessup University has tabbed Nicole Briceño as the next head coach of its men's and women's tennis programs. Briceño will remain in the PacWest as she transitions from her head coaching duties at Academy of Art in San Francisco.
 
"I'm honored and extremely blessed to lead the Jessup University men's and women's tennis programs," said Briceño. "I'm excited to take this program to unimaginable heights, building a culture of high standards and excellence rooted in faith, developing strong, resilient leaders, and raising confident champions on and off the court, all while pursuing God's plan every step of the way."
 
Briceño transitions to Rocklin from San Francisco after completing her second stint as the head tennis coach for Academy of Art. Briceño led the Urban Knights from 2014 to 2017, and then rejoined the program in September 2023.
 
Academy of Art announced it would disband its athletic department at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
 
"I am so excited to have Nicole join our coaching staff," said Senior Associate Athletic Director and tennis administrator Farnum Smith. "She brings a wealth of collegiate playing and coaching experience at a very high level. Our student athletes will love her knowledge, motivation, and drive for excellence not only on the court but in the classroom."
 
Briceño led the Urban Knights to a PacWest Championship, the first in program history, in 2024. The Urban Knights finished the season 10-5 and went 6-1 in the postseason. The Urban Knights went on to defeat #46 Concordia in the NCAA Division II West Regional and followed it up with a win against #29 UIndy in the first round of the NCAA Division II National Championship, eventually ending their run in the NCAA quarterfinals.
 
The Urban Knights featured the PacWest Freshman of the Year, four PacWest All-Conference selections, and the PacWest Tournament MVP in 2024. Academy of Art was also the top-ranked team in the West Region that season.
 
Briceño's Urban Knights followed up their historic season with a PacWest Player of the Year honoree in 2025.
 
In her first stint with Academy of Art, Briceño guided the Urban Knights to the programs first conference final and a top five national ranking.
 
Before starting her tenure with the Urban Knights, Briceño experienced Division I tennis as an assistant coach for Saint Mary's College and the University of Maryland. With SMC, the Geals reached the West Coast Conference finals appearance and jumped into the NCAA Division I rankings. Briceño's Division I coaching career also featured a stop at Albany, where she helped the Great Danes to the program's first conference final appearance.
 
As a collegiate athlete, Briceño played Division I tennis for both Southern Methodist University and the University of Alabama. She led SMU to a top 25 ranking, the highest in program history, and won the Conference USA Championship. Briceño holds the SMU record for most doubles wins following a 21-1 season record. She was named Conference USA Newcomer of the Year in 2008.
 
During her high school career, Briceño won the Florida state singles championship.
 
Briceño graduated from SMU in 2010 with a degree in psychology and Spanish. While at SMU, she sat on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
   
Jessup University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Instagram & X).