In this episode of the SMART Tennis® Podcast, host Garcian D'Cruz sits down with Akira Matsuguma, assistant coach at Tusculum University.

Akira shares his journey from growing up in Japan to competing and coaching in the United States… and the pivotal moments that shaped both his playing career and his leadership style.

This conversation goes far beyond wins and losses. It explores identity, transition, adversity, and the lessons that only college tennis can teach.

Akira reflects on his early tennis development in Japan and how the structure, discipline, and expectations there shaped his competitive foundation.

Relocating to the United States opened new opportunities… but also introduced cultural adjustments, different training philosophies, and new competitive environments. Akira explains how adapting to life and tennis in Florida challenged him to grow both on and off the court.

What is college tennis really like behind the scenes?

Akira and Garcian break down:
• The physical and mental grind of a college season
• How lineup pressure impacts performance
• Why team chemistry often determines outcomes
• The difference between individual junior tennis and representing a program

They also discuss the demands of NCAA competition and what separates programs that consistently compete at a high level.

Akira shares memorable matches that tested his resilience and confidence… including moments where adversity became a turning point in his growth as both a player and future coach.

One of the most powerful stories in the episode involves navigating a hurricane while traveling for a tournament. The experience highlighted leadership, trust, and the strength of team camaraderie under pressure.

It’s a reminder that some of the most important lessons in tennis happen far from the baseline.

Transitioning from athlete to assistant coach at Tusculum University, Akira reflects on:
• What he now sees differently from the coaching perspective
• How he builds trust with players
• The importance of communication and emotional intelligence