VYPE: How long have you been a coach?

Darren Cobble: I have been coaching since 2011. I started out as the head men’s tennis coach at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Then I became a teaching pro at the Greens Country Club in Edmond. Then I moved to Duncan and started coaching in 2017

VYPE: How many years at Duncan?

DC: Started as an assistant to coach Barnes in 2017, and took over the head coaching job in 2020.

VYPE: Do you coach any other sports or teach any classes?

DC: I am the PE teacher at Horace Mann Elementary. I previously taught math and computers at the high school. I only coach tennis.

VYPE: Who or what inspired you to get into coaching/education?

DC: I have always loved the game, and I have had great coaches throughout my career in high school and in college. The love of tennis and wanting to teach the game to others and all the lessons tennis can give you is why I got into coaching. 

VYPE: Why is coaching important?

DC: I think coaching is important so you can help kids learn the importance of goals, and showing what it takes to reach those goals. Showing that it’s the steady consistent work over time that leads to big things. Also, the importance of being a good teammate, being a good sport, and winning and losing the right way.

VYPE: What advice would you give to a new coach?

DC: Set the culture you want in your program. Culture and kids first. Winning and losing is secondary.

VYPE: What can we expect to see from Duncan tennis this year?

DC: Both boys and girls teams are pretty strong this year. Hoping to finish top 5 in 5A in both. We have a lot of depth on each side.

VYPE: What’s your favorite coaching memory?
DC: All of our road trips and dinners together as a team are great memories. 

VYPE: How do you like to spend your free time?

DC: I spend my free time usually on the tennis courts or working around the house.