Coach Jensen (also known as AJ) enters the sixth year as the head coach of the Banana Slugs. In Jensen's first season, UC Santa Cruz made the 2016 NCAA tournament as champions of the Great South Athletic Conference.
While AJ competed in women's tennis, they now identify as a Trans or Two Spirit creature, one of the few openly gender non-conforming coaches in the NCAA.
Long term, Jensen sees a lot of opportunity for success. "I believe it's possible for UCSC to again compete for national titles in tennis. California's great climate helps make this region a hotbed for tennis talent," Jensen said.
"UCSC is an 'uncommon' institution and this uniqueness is what makes us stand out to potential recruits. Our history of tennis success, along with UC academic strength and our superb location, are an unbeatable combination. We will make sure we attract the right student-athletes who will seek challenge and excellence on the court and in the classroom".
Before UC Santa Cruz, Jensen was the NorCal Manager of Player Development for the USTA (United States Tennis Association), working with athletes from youth through the pro circuit. Coach Jensen was also Head Coach, Director of Tennis, and created a popular Junior Academy at Mills College. Prior to that, Jensen found success as the Women's Head Coach at Division I University of Denver from 2006-2009. Upon arrival, Coach Jensen's team shot from No. 60 in the nation into the top 20 within just 18 months. Jensen accumulated a 63-18 dual record and was named Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year in consecutive years in 2008 and 2009. Jensen also served as an Associate Head Coach for Cal from 2001-2006, where Jensen helped recruit and develop 9 Division I All Americans and 2 NCAA Champions.
As a player Jensen was a 5-time All-American at the University of California and also a NCAA record holder, winning 3 consecutive NCAA doubles titles in 1998, 1999, and 2000, all while managing to complete a Pre Med degree in Biology, with an emphasis in Human Biodynamics.
The first NCAA title came after being unseeded in the tournament, which had never been done before by any player.
As a professional, Jensen held WTA pro rankings in singles and doubles and played in both the US Open (1998, 1999, 2000) and Australian Open (2001). Jensen was inducted into the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011, received the prestigious honor of being voted "Pac-12 Women's Double Team of the Century" as well as being added to the "Pac-12 All Century Team" for tennis.
AJ has also spent time doing commentary for the Pac 12 Networks
