Texas Tennis Coaches Podcast

Send us Fan Mail The best coaches don’t just coach tennis—they coach kids through life. 🎾Some of the biggest lessons have nothing to do with forehands or footwork. Trust, patience, and understanding your athletes matter more than chasing perfection. The coaches who make the biggest impact are willing to adapt to the kid—not just the scoreboard. That’s what makes coaching so special. If you’re a c...

Send us Fan Mail Joey Cantu’s move from tennis coach to athletic director came from one thing most people overlook: He networked with every coach on campus, not just tennis. He learned how the whole athletic department actually works. He stopped trying to do it all alone and started leading better. A coach's success in sports isn’t just Xs and Os. It’s trust, communication, and knowing how to...

Send us Fan Mail The season's starting and it feels like everyone is already on the move! 🏃‍♂️💨 Drop a 🔥 if you’re feeling the pressure to hit the ground running! Even seasoned coaches admit—nothing prepares you for that chaotic rush when practice, matches, and professional development collide. But here’s the truth: understanding your game, your players, and staying flexible is what really...

Send us Fan Mail Family, growth, and good coaching go hand in hand.  🎾 In this episode, Coach John Latham shares his journey into coaching tennis, the importance of family, building a coaching community, and strategies for team development and competition. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice for tennis coaches at all levels. #TexasTennis #CoachingLife #TennisCoach #HighSchoolTennis...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what makes a coach truly impactful? 🚀 Tony Martinez's story is full of lessons on growth, mentorship, and staying hungry to learn. Drop a 🔥 if you're committed to leveling up your coaching game! From humble beginnings in Wichita Falls to guiding camps at UT and transforming programs — his journey proves that every moment is a chance to teach more than just...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Eddie Marquez shares his inspiring journey from weighing over 415 pounds to transforming his health and life through dedication and hard work. We explore his coaching philosophy, the rich tennis culture of South Texas, and his efforts in mentoring fellow coaches and athletes, all while balancing his passions for barbecue, family, and community involvement. Connect...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging interview, Coach Logan Daniell shares his journey from small school tennis to leading a large program, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, discipline, and community support. Discover practical insights on coaching, team management, and building a successful tennis program at any level.

Send us Fan Mail "If you’ve never been to a high school tennis tournament, you’re missing out on the best show in town." 🎾 This isn’t just about tennis—it's community, passion, and a whole lot of heart. From big-name players to the smallest towns rallying around their teams, the energy at the state tournament is unforgettable. Seeing kids celebrate whether they win or lose — that’s...

Send us Fan Mail The last tournament of the year is here, and it’s a big deal! Are you ready for the UIL state tennis championship? 🎾 Tag someone who needs to hear about the excitement! This week, we’re diving into the UIL state tennis tournament happening in San Antonio! 🏆 With multiple sites hosting the event, coaches and players alike get to experience a unique atmosphere that only this champ...

Send us Fan Mail We're back! Texas tennis coaches know that March brings tournaments, spring break, prom, and so much more! So we greatly appreciate your patience, and hope you enjoy this recap episode of the TTCA 3A and Under Team Tennis, 2A and Under Team Tennis, Private School Team Tennis, and Wheel Chair State Tournaments! TTCA Reminders: Academic All-State nominations are due Wednesday,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches Podcast, Amanda and Ruben  discuss the challenges and strategies of coaching tennis during the spring season. They share insights on tournament preparations, the importance of self-coaching, and the logistics of managing multiple sites during competitions. The conversation also touches on the significance of nutrition for athletes, the t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches Podcast, hosts Amanda Sterling and Ruben Vargas welcome David De Leon Jr., from Canyon High School. The conversation explores the importance of building relationships with players and the challenges David has faced in establishing a successful tennis program. They discuss the role of technology in coaching, the significance of sportsmans...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches podcast, host Amanda Sterling and co-host Ruben Vargas interview Sasha Shkorupeieva, a young and dynamic tennis coach originally from Ukraine. Sasha shares her journey from starting tennis at a young age in Odessa to becoming a head coach in the U.S. The conversation delves into her experiences transitioning from a player to a coach, the...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches Podcast, hosts Amanda Sterling and Ruben Vargas reflect on the TTCA 2025 convention, share insights from interviews with Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander and Andy Zodin, and discuss the importance of sportsmanship, coaching philosophy, and the role of team spirit in tennis.  Ruben and Amanda want to thank Bobby Kleinecke and Wilson for...

Send us Fan Mail  It's the final day of the Team Tennis season and Ruben Vargas discusses various aspects of coaching tennis, including team dynamics, injury management, and the importance of resilience in sports. He emphasizes the role of coaches in player development and the challenges of event management in tennis. The conversation also touches on the future of tennis in Texas and the sign...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches podcast, host Amanda Sterling and co-host Ruben Vargas interview Tim Cochran, our third Wilson 2025 TTCA Hall of Fame inductee. Tim shares his journey from a young athlete to a successful coach, discussing the importance of mentorship, building strong relationships with students, and creating engaging programs that foster a love for tenn...

Send us Fan Mail We are interviewing our second 2025 Wilson Hall of Fame inductee, Norm Smith. This week, Norm Smith reflects on the legacy of coaching in tennis, emphasizing the contributions of pioneering coaches who paved the way for current and future generations. He expresses pride in being part of this legacy and acknowledges the importance of these figures in making tennis a significant spo...

Send us Fan Mail Summary In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches Podcast, Amanda and Ruben  welcome Terry Hunter, this year's Texas Tennis Coaches Association: Wilson's Hall of Honor Inductee. They discuss Terry's journey in tennis, the importance of relationships in coaching, and the role of vendors like Tennis Outlet in supporting coaches. The conversation also covers preparat...

Send us Fan Mail Ruben takes over the podcast during the first day of the 2025 UIL State Team Tennis Tournament at the Waco Regional Tennis Center. Unfortunately, he couldn't be in two places at once and missed out on the 5A Semifinals at the Baylor Hurd Tennis Center. We hope you enjoy interviews from the 6A and 4A State Qualifiers. While there is no crying in tennis or baseball, there are s...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches Podcast, hosts Amanda Sterling and Ruben Vargas interview Manuel Moreno Jr., a Hall of Fame inductee with over 44 years of coaching experience. They discuss his journey in coaching, the importance of teaching life lessons through sports, and the value of building relationships with players. Moreno shares insights on discipline, sportsman...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches podcast, Amanda and Ruben  discuss the excitement surrounding the playoffs, the importance of facilities in hosting tournaments, and the need for coaches to recognize and nominate their peers for TTCA Special Awards, COTY and Assistant Coach of the Year (nominations are due November 1). Plus THSCA All-State Academic and SET nominations a...

Send us Fan Mail This week we chat with THE Coby Velez! He shares his experiences and insights on coaching, mentorship, and community impact. Coby discusses the importance of gratitude, the difference in responsibilities from head coach to assistant coach, and the lessons learned throughout his coaching career. The conversation also emphasizes the role of coaches in shaping not only athletes but a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches podcast, host Amanda Sterling and co-host Ruben Vargas interview Alex Johnson, a dedicated tennis coach from Shallowater. Alex shares his journey from being a student-athlete to becoming a coach, highlighting the influences of his parents and mentors. He discusses the challenges of managing a busy coaching schedule and how to build a str...

Send us Fan Mail Hey everyone! We are back... kind of. Ruben is enjoying his endless summer of retirement with golf tournaments and pool parties. I am kicking off the team tennis season, going to inservice, and unpacking. In this episode we quickly discuss- Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor Class of 2025 TTCA Registration is now OPEN! Serve Tennis New teams, new seasons Check out previous episodes, L...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches podcast, Greg Gipson shares his unconventional journey into tennis coaching, discussing his early experiences with the sport, the challenges of engaging young athletes, and the importance of mental game training.  It's THSCA Convention this week! Come check out the tennis sessions in San Antonio. Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHAR...