Brian Biernat enters his fourth season as head coach for the men’s tennis team in 2023-24 at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. 

Biernat played collegiately at the University of Minnesota under coaches Jerry Noyce and Craig Jones. Throughout his collegiate years he also played in Northwest USTA summer tournaments and eventually claimed the No. 1 ranking in the Northwest Open Doubles Division in 1981.

Following his graduation from Minnesota with a degree in economics, Biernat moved to Paris, France where he spent three years playing in tournaments. In addition to competing, he also coached Valerie Depoulain - one of the Top 100 female players at the time - in the French circuit.

Biernat later returned to the United States and continued to play in the Northern section while he started a career in the pharmaceutical industry where he has worked for over 30 years. He has earned top rankings multiple times and served as a USPTA Pro and coached at numerous clubs and academies, including the Woodhill and Northwest Clubs in Minnesota before transitioning into the corporate work. In addition, Biernat later returned to the U of M to earn a master’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis on leadership.

“I loved working as a teaching pro at these elite programs,” said Biernat. “I was always impressed with the work ethic of the athletes I coached, and I live by the quote, ‘hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.’”

The Edina, Minnesota native has also volunteered at the Northern USTA as a board member for eight years and led several committees as well as serving two-year positions as the Treasurer and Vice-President.

“I want to give my teams both a great on-court coaching experience, as well as share real-life business experiences that will prepare them for life after college,” said Biernat.

Updated: 7/6/2023