SMART Tennis™ Podcast | Presented by Tennis Time Academies

The SMART Tennis Podcast™ shares real conversations with players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of the game.Each episode highlights stories of growth, resilience, and life lessons learned from college courts to on the rise community programs. Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, you’ll find insights that inspire a deeper connection to the sport.Presented by Tennis Time Academies, the SMART Tennis™ Podcast brings together voices that remind us why tennis matters... both on and off the court.Learn more about our mission here: https://tennistimeacademies.com

SMART Tennis™ Podcast | Presented by Tennis Time Academies is a sports podcast hosted by Tennis Time Academies, with 9 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Tennis Time Academies hosts SMART Tennis™ Podcast | Presented by Tennis Time Academies, a sports show with 9 episodes published.

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  SMART Tennis™ Podcast | Presented by Tennis Time Academies

  Anita Ivanova | Bulgaria | Lees-McRae College

  Jul 2, 202654 min

  Help Support SMART Tennis: ⁠https://smart-tennis.com/your-donation-helps Connect with Anita on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ani.ivanova.02 From Player to Coach: Anita Ivanova's Journey from Bulgaria to US College Tennis and Beyond In this episode, we explore Anita Ivanova's unique progression from a young tennis talent in Bulgaria to a successful college athlete in the US, and now a coach balancing her passion for tennis and nutrition. Anita offers insights into cross-cultural athletic development, the realities of international college tennis, and the lessons learned from coaching at the Division III level. Timestamps:00:00 - Intro and episode overview00:57 - Anita's initial steps into tennis in Bulgaria02:08 - Growing up in Bulgaria and sport culture differences03:36 - Recognizing her talent and competitive milestones05:00 - Cultural differences in sports participation in Bulgaria and the US06:52 - Training routine and development as she approached college age08:54 - Coach education and training differences in Bulgaria11:42 - High school and preparing for college tennis13:33 - How Anita decided to pursue US college tennis14:03 - The college recruiting process during COVID15:23 - Role of international player opportunities in US college sports17:31 - Cultural shock and adapting to life in the US20:30 - Transition from student athlete to graduate student and coach22:53 - The sacrifices and challenges faced by international student-athletes24:43 - Choosing Lise McCrae and initial impressions26:31 - Transition into college life and team integration29:28 - First impressions of US culture and surprises31:04 - College tennis practices and team culture34:04 - Coaching transition with Randy and impact on Anita’s performance37:49 - Success stories stemming from coaching changes40:34 - Experiences with teammate Begum and team culture43:37 - Transition from player to student assistant coach and future plans45:26 - Lessons learned about coaching and program management49:20 - Balancing grad school and coaching responsibilities52:03 - Key takeaways from coaching and adapting strategies54:31 - Closing thoughts and future outlook Thanks to Our Sponsors: https://tennistimeacademies.com/

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  SMART Tennis™ Podcast | Presented by Tennis Time Academies

  Begum Gumussoy | College Champion to Academy Coach

  Jun 19, 202654 min

  Connect with Begum Gümüşsoy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/begumelifgumussoy/ Begum Gümüşsoy’s Tennis Path from Turkey to the US and Beyond. This episode dives into Begum Gümüşsoy’s inspiring journey from her early days in Istanbul to competing at top U.S. college programs and now coaching at the elite Mouratoglou Academy. Her story highlights resilience, sacrifice, and passion, revealing what it truly takes to thrive in international tennis while navigating cultural and personal challenges. Chapters: 00:00 - Begum’s early tennis roots in Turkey and her athletic family influence 02:20 - Discovering tennis at age five and her natural talent 05:29 - Winning her first medals and early competitive spirit 07:10 - Realizing the importance of mental resilience in tennis at age nine 09:56 - The love for the game blossoming through tournaments 11:33 - The last-minute decision to pursue college tennis in the U.S. 14:50 - The intense training and sacrifices during her college years 17:24 - Transitioning to American college culture and overcoming language barriers 20:08 - The rigorous training routines at division one college programs 22:46 - Team camaraderie and cultural exchange among international athletes 24:26 - Life as a college athlete: early mornings, injuries, and balancing academics 34:05 - Moving into coaching at Mouratoglou Academy and working with tennis legends 36:11 - The transition to adulthood and handling new responsibilities 37:30 - Overcoming homesickness and embracing opportunity 39:55 - The international camaraderie that forms independent of family support 42:01 - The debate around international versus American players in college programs 44:00 - The future of college tennis and global politics' influence on the sport 48:01 - The structure and training philosophy at Muratoglu Academy 50:13 - Inspiration from Serena Williams and her playing style 51:22 - Predictions for the French Open men’s and women’s champions Learn More About Tennis Time Academies: https://tennistimeacademies.com/

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  SMART Tennis™ Podcast | Presented by Tennis Time Academies

  Hugo Kezen | Pfeiffer University

  Apr 28, 202648 minS0

  <p>From Brazil to College Tennis</p><p>How Hugo Kezen built his path at Pfeiffer University</p><p>In this episode of the SMART Tennis™ Podcast, we sit down with Hugo Kezen to explore what it really takes to go from international tennis to competing at the college level in the United States.</p><p>From growing up in Rio de Janeiro to building a new life in North Carolina… Hugo shares the real challenges, adjustments, and opportunities that come with the journey.</p><p>If you're a player or parent trying to understand the college pathway… this is a conv...

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  SMART Tennis™ Podcast | Presented by Tennis Time Academies

  Declan Berndt | Player - Coach - Parent | Watching Kids Learn through the SMART Tennis Method

  Apr 4, 202647 minS0

  <p>In this episode of the SMART Tennis™ Podcast, we sit down with Declan Berndt to explore how tennis evolves across different stages of life… from competitive play, to coaching, to raising kids in the game.</p><p><br></p><p>This conversation highlights how tennis is more than just a sport.</p><p><br>It becomes a framework for learning, growth, and connection: shaping players, coaches, and families over time.</p><p><br></p><p>Declan shares insights from his experience as a competitive college player, a coach, and now a parent navigating the game alongside his kids. Together, we u...

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  SMART Tennis™ Podcast | Presented by Tennis Time Academies

  Ivan Yatsuk | Recruiter.Pro

  Mar 31, 202643 minS0

  <p>🎙️ Unlocking College Tennis Recruiting with Ivan Yatsuk</p><p>In this episode, we sit down with former Division 1 player and entrepreneur Ivan Yatsuk to break down what it really takes to navigate the college tennis recruiting process.</p><p>If you’re a parent trying to guide your child…<br>a player with college tennis on your mind…<br>or a coach looking to better support your athletes…</p><p>This conversation gives you a clear look at how recruiting actually works today… and how technology is changing the game.</p><p><br></p><p>👉 Learn more about Recruited Pro</p><p>If you’r...

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