New Coach, Same Goal: Assistant coach Brian Miller is introduced to the boys tennis team

Embracing a fresh direction, SM East’s boys tennis program introduced their new assistant tennis coach, Brian Miller.

Before arriving at East, Miller worked several years as the head coach of Kansas City Christian School, where he won numerous titles, including a total of 15 boys and girls regionals.

Miller expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with head coach Andrew Gibbs, whom he believes shares the mindset.

“I got a pretty good relationship with Coach Gibbs. We’ve known each other for like, nine years now,” Miller said.

When former assistant tennis coach Susan Hallstrom decided to retire from coaching tennis, Miller was the perfect replacement due to his strategic approach to teaching the fundamentals, according to Gibbs.

Though winning championships is the end goal, Miller finds his greatest pride in moments like watching a player perfect their serve, rally through a tough match or master a skill that seemed impossible at the start of the season.

“My goal is to get these guys to get their best potential out,” Miller said. “Because I know how they’re insanely talented.”

Gibbs shares the same vision as Miller to boost player performance in order to compete for the state championship.

“Each season is also a bit of a puzzle to figure out how we maximize the abilities of the players,” Gibbs said. “We have to put together the best team that we can.”

Athletes might need to adjust to different roles and positions in the lineup and embody the core values of the program SPORTSMANSHIP, TEAMWORK, ACCOUNTABILITY, and RESILIENCE, according to Gibbs.

“It felt a little different, especially since we got a new assistant coach and many seniors were gone,” sophomore and varsity player Bush said. “But for the most part, it felt normal. I feel like I am a little higher up than last year in terms of leaders on the team, since this year, I’m a sophomore.”

Athletes learn that sometimes they need to change their individual approach, attitude, execution or strategy. Sometimes, they aren’t at their best or conditions are tougher than expected. Regardless, they still find ways to compete, according to Gibbs.

And the difference is clear.

Players can be seen executing sharp cross-court volleys and employing smarter court-positioning. These are subtle yet significant changes shaped by the new assistant coach.

“No matter how great you are, there’s always something you can tweak to make it a little bit better,” Miller said.

As the season unfolds, East’s tennis program stands with a coaching staff that values both tradition and innovation, and with young players eager to make their mark. 

“I love the process of working with players and helping them to succeed,” Gibbs said. The journey of each season is unique, and I am fortunate to have been part of journeys with many teams and players at different levels.”