From Sideline to Spotlight: College Coaches Compete Under the Lights in INTENNSE™ Coaches Dual
INTENNSE Tennis
3 MINS | Published on 07/28/25
Saturday’s INTENNSE™ Coaches Dual was a celebration of the sport of tennis, a showcase of leadership, and a glimpse into the future, where college tennis meets professional opportunity. With some of the most respected names in collegiate coaching stepping between the lines at the INTENNSE Arena in Decatur, Georgia, the afternoon delivered nonstop action and a strong message about what INTENNSE is building.
“This was an unbelievable clash between some of the best college coaches in the country,” said analyst Filipe Costa.
The Blue Team
Coached by Greg Davis (Western Kentucky University)
Axel Damiens (University of Florida)
David Fox (Arizona State University)
Juan Calero Alonso (Harvard University)
Natalie Pluskota (Gonzaga University)
Ruth Seaborne (University of Maryland)
Courtney Vernon (Florida Gulf Coast University).
The Yellow Team
Coached by Austin Roebuck (Georgia Tech)
Drake Bernstein (University of Georgia)
Maciek Sykut (Elon University), Juan Lugo Cirkovic (Rice University)
Irina Cantos Siemers (Ohio State University)
Courtney Nagle Broadstone (University of Oregon)
Tayo Bailey-Duvall (Middle Tennessee State University)
David Fox opened the Dual with a hot hand for Team Blue, but it was Irina Cantos Siemers of Team Yellow who turned the tide, electrifying the arena with aggressive backhands and fiery energy.
“Yeah, I haven’t really been competing,” said Cantos Siemers. “Especially in this format, you need to be in shape to some extent. I definitely felt it within the first couple of minutes. I had my team say ‘breathe’ like three times within the first 30 seconds. But then I put myself into college dual match mode.”
Team dynamics and chemistry played a huge role, even with many of the coaches having just met.
Everybody was cheering each other on,” Roebuck said. “Everybody wanted the best for everybody else. I couldn’t have had a better time enjoying the INTENNSE format today.”
Coach Drake Bernstein, fresh off a national championship with Georgia, praised the balance of competition and camaraderie.
“Yeah, we had a great time,” Bernstein said. “I think our team was pretty loose throughout. We had a great little singles player in Irina who took care of a lot of business out there and padded the scoreboard. It was non-stop action and a good time for everybody.”
Maciek Sykut, now head coach at Elon, also relished the return to competition.
“Started a little cold and slow and nervous,” he admitted. “But once we got into the doubles and got in a good groove, I really enjoyed it. Being around like-minded people, that’s one of my favorite parts of college tennis.”
But the story extended far beyond the court.
The Dual highlighted the pipeline INTENNSE is building between college tennis and the pro circuit, providing real opportunities for players and coaches alike.
“I think the big deal is that our student-athletes have an option in the summer that keeps them competitive and keeps them playing tennis,” said Bernstein. “Even if they have a job in the middle of the week, this is sustainable for the whole summer.”
Roebuck agreed. “It’s hard to make money out on the pro tour. I feel like this is a great way to bridge the gap, a good way to make some money, and use some expenses to continue to play longer.”
Sykut added, “From what I’m hearing, just having conversations after the match, I know the registrations are shooting up. Heck, if this were closer to home, I’d probably come out on a Thursday and try to play some more.”
“Seeing the social media buzz our College Coaches Dual created is exactly why INTENNSE exists,” said INTENNSE CEO Charles Allen. “We heard stories of coaches stepping onto the court because their student-athletes urged them to—and, just as fun, of coaches joking that their players gave them a hard time for missing out! That’s the kind of genuine excitement and connection we want to ignite at every level. When the coaches become the players and their teams are watching, you know you’ve tapped into something truly special for college tennis.”
RELATED
