Is Playing College Tennis The New Pro Path?

Season #25 Episode#:22 Shaun Boyce & Bobby SchindlerIn this episode of the Atlanta Tennis Podcast, hosts Shaun Boyce and Bobby Schindler sit down with Wofford College Men’s Tennis Head Coach, Rod Ray, to explore whether college tennis has become a more viable pathway to the professional tour than ever before.Coach Ray brings decades of experience, deep personal stories, and inspiring coaching philosophy to the mic—highlighting how today’s elite players are thriving in the college system before turning pro. From players like Ben Shelton and Cam Norrie to the role of NIL deals and improved college facilities, this episode dives into the evolving tennis landscape.💡 Key Topics CoveredWhy more pro-level players are coming through the college systemThe impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on player decisionsHow athletes are peaking later—and why that changes everythingReal-life stories of late bloomers, adversity, and resilienceThe lifelong value of tennis, competition, and communityCoach Ray’s book “Hard Comes First” and his philosophy on personal growth through hardship💬 Memorable Quotes“Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to be mediocre.”“The greatest tax you’ll ever pay is that of your own unmet potential.”🎁 Special Offer Coach Rod Ray is giving away three signed copies of his book “Hard Comes First” to listeners! DM him on Instagram with your mailing address to claim yours. (Details in the show notes.)📚 About the GuestRod Ray is the head coach at Wofford College, one of the smallest Division I programs with a big tennis presence. Beyond coaching, he's a dedicated mentor, author, and father whose personal journey adds depth to his professional mission.Learn more about Coach Rod Ray: https://woffordterriers.com/sports/mens-tennis/roster/coaches/rod-ray/1356YouTube Full InterviewKing of Tennis AnswerShaun Boyce USPTA: [email protected]://tennisforchildren.com/ Bobby Schindler USPTA: [email protected]://windermerecommunity.net/ Geovanna Boyce: [email protected]://regeovinate.com/ This podcast is powered by GoTennis! Atlanta: Membership has its privileges https://letsgotennis.com/ https://letsgotennis.com/join/https://shop.letsgotennis.com/https://letsgotennis.com/podcast/ Do you want to read about some good things going on in the world of tennis?https://letsgotennis.com/stories/Check out our GoTennis! Atlanta Facebook page for deals, updates, events, podcasts, news, stories, coach profiles, club information, and more https://bit.ly/gt_facebook_pageAlso, you can support this show (and save some $) by shopping at https://letsgotennis.com/deals/Or, donate directly HEREWant donate with Bitcoin? Here’s the address: 3EqTU1gQBLoieMeFLC1BQgCUajPpPMCgwBConsidering your own podcast? We (obviously) recommend Captivate: This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.