Adam Gross was an integral part of the Georgetown men’s tennis team for four years. Now, less than a year after graduating from Georgetown, Gross has a completely different relationship with the tennis team—assistant coach.
Gross entered Georgetown as a highly accomplished high school tennis star, accumulating no less than 20 wins each of his four years on varsity. Upon reaching the Hilltop, he struggled to overcome illness in 2006, leading to a disappointing and short season. In 2007, he regained his prowess on the court, posting an overall record of 11-6 in dual-match singles play, helping lead the Hoyas to one of the most successful seasons in team history. After co-captaining the squad last year in his senior season, Gross is back to impart his skill and consistency on this year’s crop of Hoyas.
During his playing years, Gross did not foresee becoming a coach after graduation.
“After my senior season, I saw myself going to law school,” Gross said. “Actually, I am still planning on attending and am hoping to enter the Georgetown Law School next year.”
However, when the assistant coach position was made available, Gross jumped at the opportunity.
“I was proactive in seeking out the position,” he said.
A host of qualified individuals were hoping to get the nod, but Gross beat them out for a multitude of reasons.
“Adam bleeds blue and gray,” head coach Gordie Ernst said. “We’re excited to have him back in a coaching role.”
Ernst hopes that Gross’s Georgetown experience and energy will benefit the program this season.
“I knew that this is where I wanted to be,” Gross said. “I love Georgetown, and I love this team. I am really glad and excited to get this job.”
Now that the tennis team is back in action, Gross has had to adjust to his completely different role. Whereas before he could joke around with his friends on the team as a teammate and captain, now the relationships must be strictly professional.
“I have to be totally different,” he said. “I can’t have the same relationship with my teammates as I did last year.”
Gross acknowledges that it will not be easy to change his role and gain complete respect as a coach right off the bat.
“It’s a process. The guys are getting used to me being an assistant coach more and more every day,” Gross said. “There have been no respect issues so far at all. The guys have taken my new role as an assistant very well. That’s all I can hope for.”
The Hoyas are looking to have an extremely successful season with the guidance of their new coach. And likewise, the native son belives in his former teammates.
“We can get top four in the Big East,” Gross said.
