We recently connected with Brian Coxton and have shared our conversation below.

Brian , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I grew up in Atlanta, where football and basketball dominated, but in my family, tennis was everything. My father was our first coach, and my older brother, who is 13 years older than me, was my inspiration. Watching him compete fueled my love for the game. However, I quickly realized how few Black players were in the sport. Navigating that reality wasn’t easy, but I learned early to focus on my game and carry myself with dignity.

At Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU, I played Division II singles and doubles while developing my leadership skills. Coaching wasn’t initially in my plans, but mentoring teammates, both men and women, showed me how much I enjoyed developing players. Coaches like Norman Wilkerson, Coach Peterson, William Fulton, and my father, Jerome Coxton, shaped my approach. By my senior year, recruiting new players, especially those who looked like me, became a passion. That was when I knew coaching was my future.

After graduation, I joined Winston-Salem State’s coaching staff, and within a year, I was named head coach for both the men’s and women’s teams. It was a dream come true. I focused on building a strong team and creating opportunities for players who might not have had a pathway to college tennis. My first season was tough, but we battled through adversity. The defining moment came when we faced Shaw University in the conference championship, the same team that had beaten me as a player. This time, I was on the sidelines, leading my team to victory. We went on to win our first-ever CIAA Men’s Tennis Championship, a goal I had once set as a player but now achieved as a coach. That victory solidified my coaching journey and reinforced my commitment to helping players reach their full potential.

Today, that passion drives B Major Tennis Academy, where I focus not only on developing technical skills but also on building confidence and a sense of belonging for players who may feel like outsiders in the sport. My coaching philosophy goes beyond tennis. It is about mentorship, education, and empowerment. I take pride in helping my players achieve success on and off the court, whether they are high school athletes preparing for college, collegiate players refining their competitive edge, or adults looking to improve their game.

Brian , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in Atlanta, where football and basketball dominated, but in my family, tennis was everything. My father was our first coach, and my older brother, who is 13 years older than me, was my inspiration. Watching him compete fueled my love for the game. However, I quickly realized how few Black players were in the sport. Navigating that reality wasn’t easy, but I learned early to focus on my game and carry myself with dignity.

At Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU, I played Division II singles and doubles while developing my leadership skills. Coaching wasn’t initially in my plans, but mentoring teammates, both men and women, showed me how much I enjoyed developing players. Coaches like Norman Wilkerson, Coach Peterson, William Fulton, and my father, Jerome Coxton, shaped my approach. By my senior year, recruiting new players, especially those who looked like me, became a passion. That was when I knew coaching was my future.

Today, that passion drives B Major Tennis Academy, where I focus not only on developing technical skills but also on building confidence and a sense of belonging for players who may feel like outsiders in the sport. My coaching philosophy goes beyond tennis. It is about mentorship, education, and empowerment. I take pride in helping my players achieve success on and off the court, whether they are high school athletes preparing for college, collegiate players refining their competitive edge, or adults looking to improve their game.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What has helped build my reputation in the market is the distinctive coaching style and values that define B Major Tennis Academy. I focus not only on developing players’ technical skills but also on building their confidence and creating a strong sense of belonging. This is especially important for athletes who may feel like outsiders in the sport. I work hard to create an environment where every player feels seen, supported, and valued. My mission goes beyond tennis. It is about mentorship, education, and empowerment.

I take pride in tailoring my coaching approach to meet the unique needs of each player. Whether it is helping them gain confidence, sharpen their skills, or simply enjoy the game, I aim to make sure every athlete gets the most out of their training. I have built strong connections with my students through open communication and consistent encouragement, which has become a key part of my reputation.

While leading and operating B Major Tennis Academy, I am most proud of the impact I have had on my players, helping them succeed not just on the court but in life. For those considering getting their children involved in tennis, I want them to know that I am deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of tennis players, leaders, and well-rounded individuals. I am passionate about helping athletes reach their full potential, whether they are aiming for collegiate competition or simply looking to improve their game and grow through the sport.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

In addition to training and knowledge, I believe that building a player’s self-esteem and confidence is essential to their success in tennis and in life. Whether I am coaching high-level competitors or working with someone returning to the sport after time away, my goal is always to support their growth both on and off the court. I focus not just on tennis fundamentals but also on mental wellness, which plays a major role in performance and development.

Tennis requires physical ability, mental strength, and quick decision-making. My role as a coach is to help players develop a solid foundation while guiding them through the challenging moments that come up during practices and matches. While I may not be able to help them navigate every aspect of daily life, I do aim to support them in becoming the best version of themselves on the court. That often carries over into how they carry themselves off the court as well.
One of my strengths as a coach is motivating players to push beyond their limits, reflect on their process, and stay committed to their personal and athletic growth. When I see my players working hard, gaining confidence, and truly enjoying the game, that is when I know I have done my job well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Bmajortennis
• Youtube: @TenniswithBMajor

Image Credits

Photos by Diamm