Chad Berryhill, Head Women’s Coach at Embry Riddle, didn’t even start playing tennis until his freshman year of high school, when his basketball coach encouraged him to try the sport as a way to stay in shape. That introduction quickly turned into a passion that led him to the Professional Tennis Management program at Ferris State University and eventually into college coaching. At just 22 years old, Chad became the head coach at Hillsborough Community College and has since built a highly successful career at the NCAA Division II level, with head coaching stops at Ferris State and Saint Leo. Along the way. he’s earned multiple ITA National Coach of the Year honors, won the ITA Men’s Indoor National Championship title and has been deeply involved in growing the sport through his service with the ITA. In this podcast, Chad discusses the lessons he learned from working under legendary tennis coach Steve Smith, why coaches should go the extra mile for the industry, and how he gets builds university support in a time of limited resources.

In 2025, Sam made history, becoming the first woman to be named the ITA Division II Men’s coach of the Year, a milestone that speaks to her competitive excellence and leadership. Sam has spent her entire collegiate in NCAA Division II as both a player and a coach. In this episode, Sam and Dave discuss the mentors who shaped her, the lessons that molded her leadership, what it takes to build a championship-caliber program and the advice she has for young coaches - especially women - who want to build long, impactful careers in our profession.

Chuck Kriese spent 33 years at Clemson University before retiring in 2008. He became the winningest coach in ACC history, piling up 685 victories, 10 conference titles, and a legacy that produced All-Americans, national players of the year, and future ATP standouts. A former US National Coach and the author of four influential tennis books, Chuck has shaped how generations of coaches think about development, leadership, and building programs that last. In 2013, Chuck surprised many by returning to college coaching at The Citadel, driven by the same passion for teaching and growth that defined his career.