In this episode
In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, Steve Smith is joined by Dave Anderson and Ryan Fleming for a reflective and forward-looking conversation about the launch of a new tennis program at Ave Maria University in Southwest Florida. Steve shares the personal and professional journey behind accepting the position as men’s and women’s tennis coach, while diving into his vision for reshaping player development at the college level.
The discussion covers everything from NCAA structure and NAIA opportunities to the cultural values of the university and how they align with long-term tennis development. Steve, Dave, and Ryan also explore big-picture themes, including coaching education, team culture, training structure, facility limitations, and the potential for Ave Maria to become a model for how American college tennis can be rebuilt from the ground up.
Episode 268 is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and program directors looking to improve tennis through education, values, and long-term vision.
show notes
In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, co-hosts Steve Smith and Dave Anderson are joined by Ryan Fleming for an in-depth conversation about tennis development, coaching, and the evolving landscape of college tennis. The discussion opens with a lighthearted exchange as Ryan and Dave connect for the first time, setting the tone for a thoughtful exploration of how values, education, and player growth intersect within the sport.
The conversation turns to Ave Maria University, a young institution founded in 2007 with a distinct Catholic foundation. Steve reflects on his visit to the campus with fitness trainer Johann Früling and highlights the potential for the university to foster both athletic and character development. The story of a local family—three brothers who advanced under his coaching—illustrates tennis’s transformative impact on youth and community, emphasizing how the game can serve as a vehicle for personal growth and family unity.
Shifting to the broader landscape of collegiate tennis, the hosts and guest discuss the challenges facing student-athletes today, advocating for a more holistic approach to player development. They propose integrating club and varsity teams to cultivate teamwork, competition, and a stronger love for the game among American players, balancing domestic and international talent.
Drawing from decades of coaching experience, the group examines recruitment, training, and long-term player engagement, emphasizing the importance of academic balance and life preparation. They also discuss the potential of Ave Maria’s tennis program, envisioning strategic facility improvements and deeper community involvement to elevate its reach and impact.
The dialogue explores the advantages of competing within the NAIA division, where personalized mentorship and manageable team environments can foster genuine growth. Throughout the conversation, the hosts underscore the importance of protecting the educational and developmental core of college tennis amid an increasingly results-driven culture.
The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of Ave Maria University’s tennis program—a vision built on education, discipline, and lifelong passion for the sport. Listeners are invited to reflect on how coaching, culture, and community can come together to create a more meaningful path for the next generation of tennis players.
