Former Oklahoma State Head Tennis Coach | National Indoor Champion | Former #1 Ranked Women’s Team
Chris Young is a coach who has built his teams the right way.
His impact on the game goes far beyond wins and rankings.
As a coach, Chris led his program to a National Indoor Championship and a #1 ranking in the country. But what stands out most is how he built his teams—through culture, accountability, and a clear standard of excellence.
His approach is rooted in the day-to-day—what gets emphasized, what gets reinforced, and what players are expected to bring every time they step on the court.
He’s not just focused on developing great players.
He’s focused on developing great people.
Inside the Conversation
In this episode, Chris shares what it really takes to build a successful program—from daily habits to long-term culture.
He talks about setting a clear standard, creating consistency, and building an environment where players take ownership.
His approach is rooted in culture—and it shows up in everything they do.
It’s about consistency.
Clarity.
And creating an environment where players take ownership.
In His Words
“You can have all the team rules and policies you want, but whatever you allow as the leader, that becomes your standard.”
“Every night I would go home and try to think of someone I could text on my team and just let them know that I noticed something they did that day.”
“Never underestimate the impact that you as a coach can have in a kid’s life… you just never know what a little encouragement and a little belief in somebody can do to change their life.”
Key Takeaways for Coaches
1. Culture is built daily
What you emphasize every day becomes your program.
2. Clarity drives performance
When players know what’s expected, they can perform with confidence.
3. Accountability matters
Strong teams hold each other to a higher standard.
4. Develop people first
Better people lead to better teams.
5. Consistency creates results
The small things done well over time lead to success.
Going Deeper
Culture is built through what you reinforce
Every rep and every interaction either builds your culture or takes away from it.
Accountability has to be shared
The strongest teams don’t rely on the coach alone—players take ownership of the standard.
Why This Matters
Chris represents what great coaching looks like.
Not just in results—but in how those results are built.
Through consistency.
Through standards.
Through doing things the right way.
You can find more from Chris here:
Instagram: @coach_chrisyoung
Facebook: @chrisyoung.599314
Linkedin: @chris-young-1ba9a43
