Wichita State tennis coaches Darragh Glavin and Colin Foster join the podcast to discuss continued progress by both programs in 2024-25. Foster, who coaches the Shocker women, talks about how the Shockers added depth to its lineup and how an uncomfortable team meeting before a match turned into a positive. Glavin, in his third season as men’s coach, talks about setting a culture and learning on the job. We break down why the AAC is one of the nation’s top tennis conferences and why Shocker tennis enjoys a strong connection with the Wichita tennis community. The women’s team went 13-10 with wins over three ranked opponents, in addition to Kansas State and Kentucky. WSU ended the season No. 63 in the ITA computer rankings after peaking at No. 47 for its highest ranking since 2019. The men’s team finished the spring 12-13, its most wins since 2022 and best win percentage since 2021. Their ITA computer ranking of No. 75 in March was the program’s first appearance since 2023.
Seniors Orel Ovil and Zach Grueber discuss their careers at Wichita State, their advice for young college athletes and why they are involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Ovil talks about his future in coaching and how he used his life experiences in Israel to help the team. Grueber reveals his favorite Wichita pizza and both come prepared with several book recommendations. The Shocker tennis teams play their final home matches of the season on Saturday vs. Creighton.
Wichita State men’s tennis coach Darragh Glavin talks about his journey from Ireland to the United States to play college tennis and how youth sports differs in the two countries. He discusses why he missed tennis during a year away from the sport and why he chose coaching as his profession. Glavin, hired at Wichita State in June, also talks about his team, his coaching mentors and the importance of the connection between his program and the Wichita tennis community.
Seniors Murkel Dellien and Marius Frosa are preparing for their final season and a chance to add to the accomplishments of one of Wichita State’s greatest doubles teams. They reached the quarterfinals of the 2019 NCAA Doubles Championships to earn All-American honors, becoming the second Shocker duo to earn that honor. They talk about their teamwork, their goals for this season, favorite Grand Slam tournament and plans after college.
Seniors Emma Wright (volleyball) and Marta Bellucco (women’s tennis) are two of the leaders for Wichita State’s diversity and inclusion outreach. They discuss their motivation for getting involved in the athletic department’s educational efforts and what they’ve learned about navigating the discussions that issues such as social justice, race, cultural differences and sexuality bring about.
Wichita State coaches Keitha Adams (women’s basketball) and Danny Bryan (men’s tennis) join us remotely. Adams updates fans on three new Shockers, tells a few Don Haskins stories and discusses what she misses the most about pre-pandemic life (Hint: Social distancing is tough for Adams). Bryan describes the abrupt end to the season, how his international athletes adapted and his pick for TV documentaries to watch.