SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that High Performance Director David Tenney has left the club to join the National Basketball Association’s Orlando Magic in the same role. Tenney, a Sounders FC original that was hired in January of 2009 prior to the organization’s inaugural campaign, has led the club’s sports science and fitness efforts since the club’s inception.
“On behalf of Seattle Sounders FC, we want to thank Dave for nine years of exemplary service within our club,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “Dave has made an indelible and long-lasting impact as the founder of our sports science program and will be greatly missed. As arguably the best in his field, Dave has been an industry-leader in sports performance during his time in Seattle, and one of his lasting marks is the staff he’s assembled that helps our team perform each and every day. As we wish Dave every success on the next step of his journey in the NBA, we know we’re in capable hands for the remainder of our season with his staff.”
With the search for Tenney’s replacement already underway, the club is bolstered by its current sports science staff, led by Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Chad Kolarcik, Sports Science Data Analyst Ravi Ramineni, Assistant Strength Coach & Sports Scientist Sean Muldoon, Video Analyst Tom Childs and S2 Fitness Coach Brandon Moran.
“I’d like to thank Sounders FC for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the organization for the last nine years,” said Tenney. “I could never have imagined the success we’ve seen as an organization in that time. I’d like to thank Adrian Hanauer, Garth Lagerwey, Brian Schmetzer and Chris Henderson for allowing me to grow as a practitioner, and having the chance to create one of the very first true sports science departments in MLS. Sounders FC management, coaches and players have been nothing but supportive in all of our efforts to do things that were unique in MLS and team sports in the United States, and I am so grateful to have been a part. I wish nothing but success for the organization and fans as I move on to accept a new challenge in my career.”
Tenney was promoted to High Performance Director prior to the 2017 season, after previously serving as Director of Performance & Sports Science (2016), Sports Science & Performance Manager (2014-2015) and Fitness Coach (2009-2013). He has one of Major League Soccer’s most respected and progressive minds in sports science, implementing the Catapult GPS program that measures player movement in training and matches, as well as the Omegawave technology that tests players’ heart rate variability and state of readiness before and after participation. He also founded the Sounders FC Sports Science Weekend in 2011, an annual event in Seattle that has attracted some of the top sports science minds from around the world.
“As someone who has been with us since the very beginning, Dave has been an instrumental part of this club and we’re very sad to see him go,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “As one of the top sports science professionals in the business, he has contributed a lot to our success over the years, and I have no doubt he’ll do the same in his new role with the Magic. I wish him all the very best in the next chapter of his professional life. He has left Sounders FC much stronger than when he joined us nine years ago, and for that we are thankful.”
Prior to joining Sounders FC, Tenney served as both Fitness and Goalkeeper Coach in Kansas City in 2007 and 2008, helping the Wizards reach the postseason both years, including a Conference Championship appearance in 2007. He also holds an “A” license from the Czech Republic FA and NSCAA 'Premier' Diploma. Before MLS, Tenney held the same dual role with the George Mason University men’s and women’s teams for two seasons, helping the Patriots advance to the 2006 NCAA Tournament for the first time in 12 years.
“Dave and I have worked together since 2007 while with Kansas City and I was thrilled when we both made the move to Seattle,” said Sounders FC Vice President of Soccer & Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “Since then, he’s been an integral part of our club, helping us win six trophies while also building a sports science department that is held in high regard around the world. We wish Dave the best of luck with his new club and thank him for contributions to Sounders FC.”
While at George Mason, Tenney also served as Director of Coaching for the Washington Freedom youth teams from 2004-2006 and as Maryland’s girls Director of ODP, winning two ODP National Championships (2005 and 2006). Tenney’s playing career featured both collegiate and indoor professional honors. A goalkeeper at Virginia Tech (1989-1991), he served as team captain the final two seasons and was voted Metro Conference Defensive MVP in 1989.
Tenney and his wife, Allison, who is an assistant coach for the Seattle University’s women’s soccer team, have two daughters, Quinn and Cameron.
Currently amidst a club-record 13-match unbeaten run (6-0-7) and one point shy of first place in the Western Conference with five games remaining in the 2017 campaign, Sounders FC continues its two-match road swing on Saturday against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT on JOEtv, in addition to radio coverage on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM and El Rey 1360 AM.
