Graphic: How did you start your tennis career?
Adam Steinberg: My older brother was playing the sport. He started when he was 14 and you always want to copy what your older brother does. He was a pretty good player, and I saw him playing competitively. I wanted to do that too and fell in love with the sport, and 37 years later I am still in it. I still love it as much as I did when I was 8 years old.
G: How did you get into coaching?
AS: Playing at Penn State was a true joy for me. Playing college tennis for four years was amazing and that’s what brought me to coaching.
G: What has your experience been like coaching Pepperdine men’s tennis for 10 years now?
AS: It’s been an honor and the greatest experience in my life professionally. I have coached at other schools, but I love Pepperdine. Honestly, coaching tennis here is so special with the tradition and everything that goes along with it. Hopefully, I will never take it for granted. I just love every day coming here.
G: Are there any lessons you’ve learned while coaching the men’s tennis team?
AS: I have learned a million lessons [laughing]. The most important thing you learn at Pepperdine is what’s most important in life. Winning is not the most important thing. There are too many to mention, but this is the biggest one. I have also learned how to prioritize my life differently and it has been a great life lesson for me.
G: What was the most exciting event for you in your Waves career?
AS: In 2006, winning the National Championship. That’s definitely our highest level. This season has been really special to me in a lot of ways also, because we went through a lot last year, through a lot of adversity. This year has been definitely up there, but honestly the biggest highlight was winning it all in 2006.
G: What did it take to win that 2006 National Championship?
AS: Playing as a team. We were not the most talented, but we were the best team regarding the true meaning of that word, that’s why we won. Guys came together and played for each other and not just for themselves and every guy on the team did that. That’s what I can point out as a reason why we won the championship that year.
G: Why do you think it worked out that year, and when do you think the team will be ready to have another run at it?
AS: We are ready now. We had a tough start and we have a tough schedule, but the guys are really getting on the same page and I feel great about our team. I am not saying we are the best team, but hopefully by May we improve even more and I think we have as good a chance as anyone.
G: What is the most important thing you want your players taking away from your program when they graduate?
AS: To learn to give to others and not just think about themselves, that’s what Pepperdine tennis is all about. The way we play, the way we practice, the way we handle ourselves on and of the court is all about giving to each other and thinking about others first. Hopefully they will take it with them to the rest of their lives, with their families, friends and whoever they become associated with.
G: In your opinion, which quality is the most important for an athlete to become successful?
AS: Mental toughness and work ethic. If you’re tough mentally, you can overcome anything and in sports there is so much adversity, so many outside distractions that come in. You have to stay strong. It is not just physical to me; it is way more mental. If you have those two things you can succeed in any sport.
G: Now that the team is ranked No. 8 and you’re progressing deeper into the season, what would you say the outlook is for the off-season right now?
AS: We are playing much better. I haven’t been this excited about our team in a long time. We are playing with a lot of confidence. Our primary goal is to win the national championship this year. That’s more so than ever right now.
