Ep. 9: Beyond the Rating (Guest James McKie)

In Episode 9, hosts Ryan Redondo and Steve Adamson welcome James McKie, Director of College and Pro Player Development at UTR, to discuss player development, college tennis, the role of UTR, and why ratings and rankings should never become more important than the process of becoming a better player. James McKie brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey from Scotland to Division I college tennis, 12 years of college coaching, and his current role helping connect collegiate and professional player development at UTR.James McKie reflects on beginning tennis at four years old in Scotland, including being coached by Judy Murray, before eventually coming to the United States to play at Drake University. He shares how his experiences as a player shaped his approach to development, including one lesson he wishes he had understood earlier: the importance of truly believing in yourself and developing the confidence to compete against anyone.The conversation then turns to James McKie's coaching career at Fresno State, Tulane, and Tennessee and the environments that help players develop. James McKie explains why athletes need to become comfortable being uncomfortable, why coaches shouldn't make everything easy for their players, and why competing, relationships, character, and enjoying the game are critical parts of long-term development.In this episode, they explore:✅ Growing up playing tennis in Scotland and being coached by Judy Murray✅ Playing Division I college tennis at Drake University✅ Why James McKie wishes he had believed in himself more as a player✅ How confidence, competitiveness, and environment shape player development✅ Coaching at Fresno State, Tulane, and Tennessee✅ Why players need to become comfortable being uncomfortable✅ The importance of making tennis challenging while keeping the game fun✅ Why parents need to trust the coaches and environments they choose for their children✅ How UTR is being used throughout junior, collegiate, and professional tennis✅ How the changing landscape of college tennis is affecting junior players and recruiting✅ Why young players should use increased competition for college roster spots as motivation✅ How the UTR Pro Tennis Tour can help aspiring professionals develop through meaningful match play✅ Why players and parents shouldn't obsess over their UTR rating✅ Why character can sometimes tell coaches more about a player than rankings or ratingsJames McKie also offers a particularly important message for players and parents: stop checking the number all the time. While UTR can provide an accurate benchmark of a player's level, James McKie argues that development should remain focused on environment, coaching, competition, enjoyment, and consistently showing up to improve.The episode closes with a powerful example from James McKie's recruiting career about taking a chance on a player because of his character rather than simply his rating. That player entered Tennessee as a 12.1 UTR and eventually developed into a 14.5-level player ranked around No. 200 in the world.Whether you're a junior tennis player, parent, coach, college athlete, or aspiring professional, this episode offers an inside look at what ratings can tell you, what they can't, and why the person and player you become matters more than the number next to your name.Connect with The Serving the Future ShowFollow us for clips, behind-the-scenes content, guest highlights, and conversations about tennis, pickleball, padel, athlete development, and the future of racquet sports.Instagram: @servingthefutureshowX: @TSTF_ShowTikTok: @servingthefutureshowFacebook: Serving the Future ShowYouTube: @ServingtheFutureShowHosted by Ryan Redondo and Steve Adamson and recorded at the Barnes Tennis Center, home of Youth Tennis San Diego.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Your support helps us reach more players, parents, coaches, and fans across the racquet sports community.