Athletics Team
Athletics Event
Coach Info
HEAD COACH: DAN LINLEY
If winning begets winning, then this year's crop of IHS tennis players is in for the season of their lives thanks to head coach Dan Linley and his impressive record of success. Coach Linley began playing the game at a very young age, and as his passion for the sport grew, so too did his list of achievements. Dan was a varsity standout in high school, twice earning the MVP distinction (first in singles and then in doubles), and as a senior was named team captain. Although an untimely injury sidelined Dan in college, coaching gave him a way to stay connected with the sport.
Since then Dan Linley has amassed decades of coaching experience, including over 16 years at the Bay Club (formerly Golden Gateway Tennis and Swim Club) and 5+ years at International. Coach Linley relishes the opportunity to build a team from the ground up. One of his favorite coaching memories comes courtesy of 2012's graduating class, a group of young women whom Dan helped transform from tentative freshmen to tenacious leaders and champions. Dan insists there's nothing particularly mysterious about his success; like many great high school coaches, he encourages students to believe that with hard work, perseverance, and above all else, team chemistry, they can achieve anything. Coach Linley also wants his players to understand that he is a "what you see is what you get" type of coach: brusque and assertive at times, but always respectful and honest.
When Dan isn't coaching, he enjoys reading, writing and kayaking.
COACH: NICHOLAS LEWIS
Nick Lewis comes to us from the International School in Dallas. He began playing tennis at a very young age. And has not stopped since. While he had many memorable individual moments playing nationally in USTA events, his most meaningful tennis experiences come from being part of a team. His high school tennis team was one of the best in the state of Ohio. During his senior year, he won the OHSAA State Doubles title. After high school, he attended Davidson College, a small, liberal arts school that competed in a Division 1 Conference. While it was extremely competitive and difficult, he had an amazing team. Hard working. Fun. Lively. Dynamic. And more. They remain his closest friends to this day. Coach Lewis learned so much from his college coach and mentor Jeff Frank, a man who led the Davidson Wildcats for over 30 years. A true legend. Coach Frank inspired his team to be unified and invested in the sport and in each other.
For the past 10 years, Coach Lewis has tried to mirror that very atmosphere with the teams he has coached. He strives to create an inclusive environment where players are pushed to learn, to improve, and to care about each other. And while he wants the team to work hard, Coach Lewis also loves to have fun. A vital component of a healthy life.
Nick Lewis just recently moved to San Francisco with his wife and his energetic dog, Huxley. He teaches IB English and Theory of Knowledge at International High School as well.