In the latest ITA Coaches Podcast, University of Georgia head coach Drake Bernstein shares valuable lessons from his journey in college tennis, including the importance of mentorship, community, and personal growth. Drawing from his experience as a Georgia student-athlete and the influence of his coaching mentors, Drake discusses how relationships and family should remain priorities in coaching. He also opens up about the challenges of becoming a head coach, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and preparing for the demands of leadership. Reflecting on his early success and national championships, Drake explains why continuous learning and improvement matter more than accolades alone. For aspiring coaches, his message is clear: prioritize your team, build meaningful relationships, and remember that the best coaching often happens behind the scenes.

Alistair Higham draws on more than 40 years of coaching experience to explore the power of momentum and how it can shape the outcome of a tennis match. He explains that momentum is about more than the score, emphasizing the importance of recognizing how players respond to individual match events and changes in performance levels. Higham shares how coaches can help players identify shifts in momentum, capitalize on their strengths, and remain composed when a match begins to turn. For college coaches, particularly those managing multiple matches, understanding when to intervene and when to allow a player to work through a momentum shift can be a valuable tool for maximizing performance.

This episode explores practical strategies for players and coaches to understand and leverage momentum for better performance.

Listen as Gabrielle Moore (Indiana) and Ronni Bernstein (Michigan) join ITA Director of Coach Education, Lauren Conching, on this special ITAW Coaches Corner Podcast.