Atlanta United Hires David Tenney as Director of High Performance

Atlanta United announced today the hiring of David Tenney as the club’s new Director of High Performance. Tenney, who brings more than 20 years of experience in elite sports performance, joins Atlanta from Austin FC, where he spent the past four years leading the club’s High Performance department.

“We’re excited to welcome David to the club as Director of High Performance,” said Atlanta United President and CEO Garth Lagerwey. “Considered a leader in our industry, David brings 20 years of experience in elite sports performance during which he worked for multiple MLS teams and across multiple different sports. He will oversee the club’s performance department that includes the First Team, Atlanta United 2, and the club’s Academy.”

Tenney’s tenure at Austin FC began in September 2020, prior to the club’s inaugural MLS season in 2021. He previously spent three years as High Performance Director with the NBA’s Orlando Magic from 2017 to 2020, where he led the team’s high-performance department during back-to-back playoff appearances, a first for the franchise since 2012.

“Throughout my experience in MLS, it’s been evident that Atlanta United has the ambition to compete for trophies on an annual basis and to ultimately be one of the most successful teams in the league,” Tenney said. “With the infrastructure and resources available, I think the club is one of the top destinations in MLS, and I’m honored to join the team. I want to thank Garth Lagerwey for this opportunity and look forward to getting started ahead of next season.”

Tenney has an extensive history in Major League Soccer (MLS), particularly with the Seattle Sounders, where he spent nine seasons (2009-2017). He was promoted to High Performance Director in 2017 after serving as Sports Performance Director for eight years. During his time with Seattle, the Sounders reached two MLS Cups, winning in 2016, and captured four U.S. Open Cup titles (2009-2012). The Sounders also made the MLS Playoffs in all nine seasons of Tenney’s tenure. In addition to his work on the field, Tenney created the Sounders Sports Science Summit, which became one of the premier conferences in sports science.

Prior to Seattle, Tenney served as both Fitness and Goalkeeper Coach for Sporting Kansas City (2007-2008). He also held similar dual roles at George Mason University from 2004 to 2006, where he helped lead the men’s team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 12 years. During this time, he also served as Director of the Maryland Girls Olympic Development Program and Head of Fitness and Youth Technical Director for Washington Freedom SC.

Tenney’s soccer background includes playing as a goalkeeper for Virginia Tech, where he served as team captain during his final two seasons and was named Metro Conference Tournament Defensive MVP in 1989. He also played professionally in Germany and for several U.S. indoor teams, including the Baltimore Blast (1998-2000) of the National Professional Soccer League.

In addition to his professional achievements, Tenney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Coaching Science from George Mason University, a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s certificate in Tactical Periodization Methodology by Vitor Frade. He furthered his education by earning a Doctorate in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of Arizona in 2022. He currently serves as President of the Professional Soccer Performance Association.

Tenney’s wealth of experience across MLS, the NBA, and other elite performance environments makes him a key addition to Atlanta United as they continue to build a competitive edge in the league.