LYNN — Have you ever had multiple job interviews lined up, but knew with one of them that – deep down – you’d take it right away?
That’s what happened with Sydney Brennan: your new girls basketball coach at Lynn English.
Brennan, who’s replacing Travonne Berry-Rogers, had been speaking with athletic director Dick Newton for a few weeks before landing an in-person interview in April. From there, he offered her the job that day.
“Sydney was a very good fit for the position,” Newton said. “I was hoping to bring stability to the job.”
After thinking things over the rest of the day, Brennan – who was seeking head coaching opportunities across the state – made up her mind and scratched all other interviews.
“The Lynn English opening was the best fit,” Brennan said. “I’m super excited.”
She certainly is. The former Masconomet and Bishop Fenwick assistant coach spent her Wednesday breaking down film, writing notes, and looking further into English’s 2023-24 schedule.
“I’m already getting practice plans ready to go,” Brennan said.
Brennan saw firsthand what a girls basketball team can accomplish while at Masco. The Lady Chieftains advanced to the round of 32 in Division 2, and saw four players become Northeastern Conference All-Stars last season.
“She’s coached at one of the most successful programs on the North Shore in Masco,” Newton said. “She’s got all of the support at Lynn English.”
On top of her Masco experience, Newton was seeking someone who could make his or her players love the sport of basketball.
“It’s something I’m capable of doing,” Brennan said.
When asked why, Brennan pointed to her competitive nature – mixed with some fun.
“I want to find the right balance between joy and competition,” Brennan said. “I’m a super competitive person… I really feel like this program can build and be a winning team.”
English went 11-10 this past winter, but Brennan feels the Bulldogs are capable of making it past the first and second rounds of the Division 1 state tournament. Step one of that mission begins Thursday when Brennan meets the girls.
“I can’t wait to be actually at the school and with the girls,” Brennan said.
And once she arrives, there’s a lot to look forward to. In front of a passionate, maroon-colored fanbase, Brennan said she’s “of course” ready to compete against Lynn Classical, and looks forward to the Walter J. Boverini Tournament come wintertime.
“I’m extremely excited for that,” Brennan said of the English faithful. “I feel like a lot of the Lynn community loves its basketball.”
And so does she. After growing up in North Reading – and playing basketball since second grade – Brennan was a guard at Fenwick before winning a state championship her senior season (2016). From there, she played two years at Regis College, which is where her love for the game jumped to another level.
“When I stopped playing, I realized how much I missed it,” Brennan said.
Brennan is a seventh grade special education teacher at Thurgood Marshall Middle School, and now, she’ll be leading some Bulldogs.
“She’s a wonderful person who I’m excited to work with,” Newton said.
