P.H. Broyhill '11 Pulling Double Duty in Raleigh
Former Christ School tennis standout coaching men's and women's teams
Tennis players need a reliable forehand and backhand to be effective. Similarly, P.H. Broyhill '11 is learning to switch up his methods when coaching the men's and women's teams at William Peace University in downtown Raleigh, N.C. Broyhill was hired in July. After graduating from Christ School six years ago, he played for Presbyterian College from 2012 to 2016, before a season as a student assistant coach with the Blue Hose. Broyhill (the P.H. stands for Paul Hunt) spoke about the challenges of rebuilding the William Peace teams – the men and women had a combined record of 4-22 last season.
Question: Your first matches are still a few months away, but how are things as a college head coach?
Answer: It's been a challenge. We have our practices in the fall, and our matches in the spring. We're struggling a little bit with our numbers on the men's and women's side. With a limited roster size, I'm trying to come in here and recruit hard so we can rebuild a program. The positive is that I've really been able to emphasize individual player development.
Question: Coaching men and women is interesting, I'm sure?
Answer: You have to be very mindful of that when you are switching courts, just the language and verbiage you use. You have to be extra careful. Whenever you are establishing a culture moving forward, the players don't care how much you know. But they know much you care. In the end, all that matters is building something great that is lasting.
Question: Do you get physically involved in practices?
Answer: I hit with my players quite a bit. Coming from a Division I level program like Presbyterian, I think they enjoy having that kind of experience around. Just the training and the mentality.
Question: How is it living in Raleigh?
Answer: Raleigh is great. It's definitely a city that is growing. There's a lot of young people. I've enjoyed it so far. It's a big change coming from Clinton, S.C., where I was living. It's been a transition, but I enjoy it.
Question: How did attending Christ School equip you for the future?
Answer: Great question. I definitely think back on that a lot. I consider my time at Christ School to be come of the most formative years of my life. I always kind of rely on the growth and development I had at Christ School when I'm going through a hard time. It taught me my true self. I still have a lot of friends I keep in touch with. And I still structure my day in ways that were similar to my time at Christ School.
