Berea, KY- Athletic Director Mark Cartmill names James Montgomery the next head men and women’s tennis coach at Berea College. Coach Montgomery moves up into the head spot after spending the previous year as the assistant coach for the Berea College men and women’s teams.
Coach Montgomery spent last year as a volunteer coach under Coach Jackson and was asked to move into the head coach position after Coach Jackson announced his retirement. Athletic Director Mark Cartmill commented, “We are very excited to announce Coach Montgomery as the new head coach of the men and women’s tennis teams, his familiarity with the program and athletes as well as love for the sport was exactly what we were looking for and we believe he will do a great job continuing to build these programs.” Assistant AD and Compliance Coordinator Ryan Hess added, “James Montgomery is a great addition to the coaching staff here at Berea College. He has extensive knowledge of the game and is very involved in the Mountain Tennis Circuit, which has afforded him a series of terrific mentors and contacts. His playing experience and background have prepared him well for this opportunity.”
James has been coaching tennis since 2008 to all ages and skills and was a tennis instructor at Eastern Kentucky University in 2014. Coach Montgomery has been very active in the tennis community helping create and/or direct several tournaments including the Whitney County Open, Swing for Hope Corbin and several KHSAA sectional and Regional tournaments. He also has spent time as an assistant coach at North Laurel and was the head coach and founder of the Mountain Tennis Circuit junior program. Last year, in his first season, at Berea College he helped coach five academic All-Americans between the men and women’s teams.
When asked about his new position Coach Montgomery stated, “When I first heard that I was getting the nod as the new head tennis coach at Berea; I was very proud and excited. Since high school, I wanted to make a career out of coaching and now I have that chance. I know last year wasn't our best year. There's no silver bullet that will make everything better this year. However, the first thing we will have to do as a team is change our philosophy. We must strive to improve ourselves every time we step out onto the court. Every day, I want everyone to be one percent better than yesterday. We’ll have times where we will take a step backwards and that’s ok. If we can adopt that kind of mindset, we will always take two steps forward. I was always was taught that the team comes first, no matter what. It doesn’t matter if you’re having an off-day, or that the opponent is really good, or whatever the excuse. If you’re out on that court, you’re representing not just yourself, you’re representing everyone on your team, your coaches, and your school.”
James holds a Bachelors of Arts in Health Sciences and as well as a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and currently resides in Berea, KY.