Advertise on podcast: Texas Tennis Coaches Podcast

Send us a text 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 sportsmanship, and the lessons learned throughout David's coaching career. The episode emphasizes that success in coaching comes from caring for the players and fostering a positive environment. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of setting non-negotiables in coaching, particularly in youth sports. They emphasize the role of discipline, character building, and sportsmanship in shaping young athletes. The conversation also covers the significance of strength and conditioning, mental toughness, and injury prevention, especially for female athletes. Additionally, they explore the value of match play, coaching philosophy, and community involvement, as well as the benefits of coaching organizations. The use of technology in coaching is highlighted as a means to simplify tennis and enhance athlete performance. LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE if you enjoy our podcast!

Send us a text 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 importance of building relationships with athletes, and the challenges of balancing coaching with personal life. Sasha reflects on her coaching philosophy, emphasizing the need to understand each player's unique motivations and the significance of teamwork in tennis. Sasha reflects on her coaching philosophy, the dynamics of working with a head coach, and her personal life, including her recent engagement. The conversation also touches on the ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on her family, as well as her insights on the life lessons learned through tennis. Be sure to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE! Plus find us on Facebook (Texas Tennis Coaches Podcast) and Instagram (@texastenniscoachespodcast)

Send us a text 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 making this interview happen. Another special thanks to Andy and Mats for taking the time to sit and chat with us before the 2025 Wilson Hall of Fame Banquet!  LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if you enjoyed this episode!

Send us a text  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 significance of building a winning culture within teams, reflecting on personal coaching experiences and achievements. Ruben also speaks with THE 2025 UIL Team Tennis State Champion Coaches 6A- Kevin McIlvain (The Woodlands) 5A- Douglas Fair (Frisco Centennial) 4A- Brett Robins (Wimberley) Like, Subscribe, and Share! Plus we will be LIVE at TTCA Convention, Friday, December 12! Come see us!

Send us a text 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 tennis. He emphasizes the significance of collaboration among coaches and the need to adapt coaching styles to meet the individual needs of players. Tim also reflects on the impact he has had on his students and the joy of introducing tennis to thousands of kids throughout his career. Come see us at TTCA Convention 2025 and we will be LIVE! Like, share, and subscribe!

Send us a text 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 sport. Like, share, and subscribe!

Send us a text 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 preparations for the upcoming TTCA Convention, the significance of team unity, and the impact of weather on events. Terry shares insights on the offerings of Tennis Outlet and emphasizes the importance of helping coaches succeed. Check out Tennis Outlet at atennisoutlet.com! Like, subscribe, and share!

Send us a text 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 some tears shed around the 40-minute mark by one co-host. Like, subscribe, and share this episode!

Send us a text 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, sportsmanship, and the significance of community among coaches. He reflects on his experiences running successful tournaments and offers words of wisdom for aspiring coaches, emphasizing the need for passion and dedication in the coaching profession. Like, subscribe, and share! 

Send us a text 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 are due November 1 as well. We also highlight the upcoming Hall of Fame inductions and emphasize the significance of sportsmanship and teaching valuable life lessons to young athletes.

Send us a text 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 also the communities they serve, and the need for future generations of coaches to embrace mentorship and leadership. In this conversation, Coby Velez shares his insights on coaching tennis, emphasizing the importance of community, discipline, and the value of boring drills. He discusses his coaching philosophy, which balances fun with the necessary discipline to improve skills.  AND for our next Round Table panel we are looking for coaches who are between their first and third years! Message us on social media (@texastenniscoachespodcast) Like, follow, share, and subscribe!

Send us a text 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 strong junior high program (on a limited schedule). TTCA UPDATES:  NOVEMBER 1:  1) Convention payment is due 2) Coach of the Year Nominations are due Be sure to like, follow, subscribe, and share!

Send us a text 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 2025TTCA Registration is now OPEN!Serve TennisNew teams, new seasons Check out previous episodes, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE! We will see you on the court!

Send us a text 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 SHARE!

Send us a text In this episode of the Texas Tennis Coaches Podcast, host Amanda Sterling and co-host Ruben Vargas welcome Len Turner, a seasoned tennis coach with a rich history in the sport. Len shares his journey from growing up in a coaching family to his extensive coaching career at Will's Point High School and his recent transition to Little Elm. The conversation delves into the importance of building relationships with players, the dynamics of coaching, and the challenges and successes of team tennis. Len reflects on his coaching philosophy, the significance of junior high programs, and his aspirations for the future as he aims to grow the tennis program at Little Elm.  Be sure to like, share, and subscribe! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @texastenniscoachespodcast