Over the next several months, Director of Athletic Communications, Donavon Martin Jr. will sit down and ask the same 12 questions to a different member of the Millsaps College Athletics family. Next up: Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach Davis Elkins.

1) If you weren't coaching tennis at Millsaps College, what would you be doing? 

I would be pursuing an administrative role in collegiate athletics. 

2) What is special about the town or area that you grew up?

Davidson, North Carolina is the "Town that Steph Curry Built." Pretty surreal to have watched him put Davidson on the map during his time there.

3) What is the best (or most memorable) moment from your playing days?

There were a couple of memorable matches and wins, but the best moments came from the time spent with my teammates. Whether it be road trips, post-practice dinners, Spring Break trips, etc., I'll always cherish creating lifelong relationships with teammates over any individual match played.

4) What is the best (or most memorable) moment from your coaching career?

My first year of head coaching when both the men and women defeated Austin College in Shreveport in two come-from-behind wins. Also my first competitive weekend as a head coach, and watching both the men and women compete like they did was truly unforgettable. They gave me confirmation that I was in the right line of work. The two matches finished within minutes of each other, which made the experience even more tremendous!

5) If you could leave for vacation tomorrow...one week, all expenses paid...where are you going?

Tokyo, Japan. Definitely an underrated vacation destination.

6) What is the most recent thing you have binge watched? 

Ted Lasso on Apple TV. Best new show available right now.

7) I came up with these questions one morning while I was drinking my morning coffee, so it has me wondering: What is your relationship with coffee?

Coffee and I have an extremely healthy relationship. Not an overbearing relationship, however we will use each other when necessary. 

8) What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? 

"Are you hearing or are you listening?" There is a huge difference between hearing and listening, as we all can find ways to listen better. If we're listening, it's a conscious effort.. and we're engaged; but if we're just hearing, we're distracted, missing out on what could be important conversations. I was always told and keep having to remind myself to focus on listening.

9) What is your favorite food?

Steak Tacos.

10) Tell me your best *tennis related* joke?

How do aliens schedule a tennis match?
            
            They plan-et..    If you don't think that joke is funny then lose my number!!!

11) In your mind, what makes Millsaps College such a special place?

The community. Easily. Probably a cliché answer, but the minute I arrived on this campus in 2017 I felt comfortable despite previously never stepping foot in Mississippi. These are the intangibles that cannot be portrayed in text, or on the internet, rather you have to experience it. 

12) Each week, I'll ask a coach to give me a question for the next interview. Last time we talked with Coach MacBean (men's and women's golf), he wanted to know...What inspired you to coach tennis after college?

With tennis being known for its individuality, I was drawn to the idea of coaching tennis in a team environment, rather than an individual one. In junior tennis, each match is played for yourself and yourself only… which makes college tennis so significant. In college tennis, your performance at practice and in matches can directly influence the teammates around you. It's no longer about the "you", it's about the "us" in college tennis.

The next interview will be with Coach Courtney Murdoch (women's soccer). Do you have a question I can ask her? 

What's one rule you would change in professional soccer?