The second in command of eight athletes finds himself coaching the best, most talented players in the country.

During practice, he stands on the court, hands in his pockets, with a racket tucked neatly under his arm handing out direction. Equipped with a quiet demeanor, his voice rarely elevates over a soft yell, but he coaches among the best, and is at home at his alma mater.

Associate head coach Will Glenn is in his third year assisting head coach Manuel Diaz with the Georgia men’s tennis team.

As a coach, he has seen the Bulldogs capture back-to-back national championships, and has witnessed the transformation of current Bulldogs from little playground kids to full blow tennis studs.

“Alex Hill has been watching Georgia Bulldogs tennis since he was probably ten-years-old,” said Glenn. “I used to see him out on the courts when I was a player, and he would come watch our matches.”

Hill is not the only current Bulldog who sat in stands as a youngster, watching the serves and volleys of Glenn and other Bulldogs after Glenn.

Senior Josh Varela and sophomore Drake Bernstein came around the Dan Magill Tennis Complex as striplings, filling the rolls of ball boys and exchanging forehands with Glenn despite a clear height disadvantage.

“I remember hitting with [Varela] when he was six. He would come out onto the court. He’s always been a Bulldog. I think he was a ball boy here as well, and same with Drake Bernstein,” said Glenn. “They know what the program is about more than most people, so they already come in knowing what it’s about to compete and fight.”

Not only has Glenn seen some of these men grow up, he has also observed admirable attributes in each member of the tennis squad, and is seemingly able to give a synopsis of each player’s story and where it is they hail from all off the top of his head.

In his fledging coaching career, Glenn has noted the importance of establishing worthwhile, meaningful rapports and relationships with athletes to ensure not only success as college athletes but also to help in the development of these athletes into well-rounded people.

“As long as you treat others with respect and treat them fairly, and are open and honest with them that trust goes a long way. They will compete and come together,” said Glenn. “It’s the best group, the best guys that work best together always win it. It would seem like the most talented team or the most talented players together would win it, but the team makes the difference and helps set us apart.”

Championships aside, the young coach bids nothing for these Bulldogs, but success in life, whatever path each of them decide to journey down.

“Basically [I want them to] just learn some of their strengths, said Glenn. “And what can help them in the future as far as what they want to do in their lives.”