Building Bonds and Raising the Bar: HPU Men’s Tennis Finds Its Rhythm

This week’s Sharks Weekly served up an inside look at Hawai‘i Pacific University Men’s Tennis with head coach Dan Pollock and newcomers Seth Newman and Ethan Terry, as they discussed team chemistry, coaching philosophy, and what lies ahead for the Sharks.

Pollock, now in his second year leading the men’s program, brings a wealth of experience from a coaching career that spans nearly two decades and multiple collegiate levels. A former University of Hawai‘i at Hilo player, he previously guided the Johns Hopkins women’s tennis team to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, earning Centennial Conference Coach of the Year honors three times. His coaching journey has been defined by adaptability and a people-first approach that has shaped programs and athletes across the country.

“Every team is different,” Pollock explained. “You can’t treat any year the same. What worked last season might not fit this group. It’s about finding what helps these players thrive.”

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Across the Net and Around the World

Newman and Terry—both from England—represent the new generation of Sharks talent. Terry, who transferred from the University of North Dakota, and Newman, a junior from St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York, bring high-level collegiate experience and a shared friendship that stretches back to their childhoods in the U.K.

Their chemistry is already showing up on the courts. Terry, once known for going for the big shot early, said Pollock has been instrumental in teaching him how to play with patience.

“He’s been trying to get me to see tennis in a different way—being more consistent, constructing points instead of just firing winners,” he said with a laugh.

Newman echoed the sentiment, adding that Pollock’s engagement in daily practices has elevated the group’s energy. “He’s with us every session, helping each guy improve where they’re not confident,” Newman said.

Lessons Beyond the Baseline

For Pollock, coaching extends beyond technique.

“It’s not about showing up only when you feel good,” he explained. “It’s about who you are on your worst day—how you push yourself when motivation isn’t there. That’s what separates successful people.”

It’s a message his players have taken to heart. Between early-morning workouts, classes, and long practice blocks, the Sharks are learning that success demands balance and persistence.

“People think you just play tennis,” Terry said. “But it’s school, recovery, conditioning—there’s not much downtime. You’ve got to learn how to manage it.”

Friendship, Fitness, and a Few Games of “Among Us”

Off the court, team bonding has become a pillar of the program. Weekly activities range from group hikes up Koko Head to lively rounds of Among Us, a multiplayer game that’s become a team favorite.

“I tried playing once,” Pollock joked. “I had no idea what was going on—but it’s great seeing them build that camaraderie.”

Preparing for the Fall Invitational

As the Sharks prepare to face UH Hilo, UH Mānoa, and Air Force in the Hawai‘i Fall Invitational, Pollock says the focus is internal.

“It’s about taking everything we’ve built these past months and putting it on the match court,” he said.

With no easy contests ahead, Pollock believes his team’s strength lies in its collective effort. “We don’t have superstars who just show up and dominate. What we do have is depth, fitness, and a team that can overwhelm opponents with energy and discipline.”

Both Newman and Terry are fine-tuning their games—Terry working on mental composure and stamina in Hawai‘i’s heat, and Newman refining his serve to become a more complete offensive threat.

The Next Era of Sharks Tennis

Looking ahead, Pollock envisions a program that embodies the best of HPU—competitive, close-knit, and grounded in hard work.

“We want our alumni and Shark Nation to come out, connect with the team, and see how special this group is,” he said. “They’re fiery, fun, and a blast to be around. I’m excited to see how far they can go.”

As the fall season concludes and the Sharks eye spring play, one thing is clear: HPU Men’s Tennis isn’t just rebuilding—it’s redefining what it means to compete with purpose, passion, and aloha.