Johns Hopkins University Athletics introduced Jonathan Flombaum as the Faculty-Coach for the Johns Hopkins men’s tennis team on Oct. 7, 2026. Flombaum, an associate professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, will serve as an additional academic and career resource for the team’s scholar-athletes.
The Johns Hopkins Department of Athletics debuted its Faculty-Coach initiative during the 2025-26 academic year. The program connects faculty members with athletics in a mentoring and supportive role, while Faculty Coaches serve as honorary members of coaching staffs and help scholar-athletes navigate available academic resources.
Jonathan Flombaum joins Johns Hopkins men’s tennis
The 2026-27 academic year is Flombaum’s 17th year at Johns Hopkins. He became involved in the program after students from his Introduction to Cognitive Psychology class suggested him for the role.
Flombaum said he does not have extensive organized sports experience. He played basketball in middle school and high school, continued with pickup basketball during college and graduate school, and now uses weights, yoga and running to stay healthy.
“I love basketball. I’m addicted to the NBA. Because of my kids, I’ve also become a big tennis fan,” Flombaum said.
Flombaum outlines his role with the team
Flombaum said he has been impressed by the discipline and commitment of Johns Hopkins scholar-athletes. He also said the men’s tennis players appear relaxed and deliberate while practicing and competing.
“They all seem so relaxed and deliberate as they practice and compete. I realized how much their training is mental as much as it is physical,” Flombaum said.
Flombaum hopes to become an advocate and resource for the men’s tennis team, particularly as its members consider academic and career plans. He also said he and his family hope to host the team at some point.
“But most of all, I hope to be an advocate and a resource for them,” Flombaum said.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Jonathan Flombaum’s role gives Johns Hopkins men’s tennis an added connection to the university’s academic community. The Faculty-Coach initiative provides scholar-athletes with another faculty resource for academic questions, campus resources and broader support.
Flombaum’s background in Psychological and Brain Sciences and his stated interest in helping with academic and career plans align directly with the program’s purpose. His experience becoming a tennis fan through his children also gives him a personal connection to the sport.
Source: Original report
