Matt Halfpenny 2025-26 Women's Tennis Staff

The University of Notre Dame and women’s tennis head coach Alison Silverio announced Matt Halfpenny as an assistant coach on Sept. 2, 2024. During his first stint, the Irish found tremendous success: The Irish achieved a 21-6 overall record, marking the most wins in the Coach Silverio era and the most since 2012 as well. Notre Dame also achieved its most wins in league play since joining the ACC in 2013 with nine. 

In addition, last season, the Blue & Gold qualified for their third consecutive NCAA Tournament under Coach Silverio, ultimately reaching the second round. Halfpenny has now rejoined the staff ahead of the 2026 spring campaign.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt back to our staff. His extensive collegiate coaching experience, history with Notre Dame, and record-breaking 2025 with our program set the table for a fantastic season ahead!”

Halfpenny has an extensive career in coaching with previous stints as head coach at Norfolk State for both the men’s and women’s programs, as well as serving as an assistant men’s coach at NC State and Brown.

During his time in the collegiate ranks, Halfpenny led his team to multiple NCAA Tournaments, national rankings and numerous conference championship appearances. As an assistant with the Wolfpack, he helped the team to a record 20-win season and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. At Brown, he was named the 2002 Region One Assistant Men’s Coach of the Year for his leadership in helping the team win the Ivy League Team Champions.

He’s also served as the Michiana Tennis Academy Director until 2020, where he developed and promoted junior team players in the surrounding area and oversaw the training of over 100 athletes.

Halfpenny’s wife, Chris, is the head women’s lacrosse coach at Notre Dame. The couple resides in South Bend and have two sons, Jack and Cole.