In this powerful episode #184 of The BTB Project, host Kollman Gearhart sits down with former University of Washington tennis standout Mitch Stewart a 5-star blue chip recruit, NCAA Sweet 16 coach, and recipient of the prestigious ITA Arthur Ashe Leadership Award. From his early days as a top-ranked junior to his evolution as a Division I assistant coach, Mitch shares an inspiring journey marked by grit, growth, and an unwavering love for the game.
More than just trophies and rankings, this conversation dives deep into defining success on your own terms. Mitch opens up about the importance of intensity, gratitude, and the relationships that shape both athletes and coaches. He reflects on the highs and lows of his career including serious injury and recovery and how adversity helped shape the mentor he is today.
Whether you're a competitor, coach, or simply someone chasing purpose, Mitch’s story will remind you that true success is found in the process, not just the result.
Key Themes Covered:
Turning adversity into strength
Redefining success through mindset and process
The impact of mentorship and team culture
Transitioning from elite athlete to influential coach
Balancing intensity with respect and humility
Chapters Breakdown:
00:00 – Intro to Mitch Stewart
04:01 – From Player to Coach
07:15 – Discovering Tennis
11:11 – Regional Challenges in Development
14:29 – The College Recruitment Journey
17:41 – Defining Moments in College Tennis
20:33 – Modern College Tennis Landscape
24:59 – Mentorship & Coaching Philosophy
30:14 – Honoring Roots and Community
32:39 – Injury, Recovery & Resilience
38:17 – College to Pro Transition
40:54 – Leadership and the Perfect Season
46:55 – Coaching and Player Development
52:52 – Building a Legacy through Relationships
59:56 – Embracing a New Chapter
Mitch Stewart Career Highlights:
ITA Northwest Region Arthur Ashe Leadership Award (2018)
Pac-12 Player of the Week, multiple All-Pac-12 selections
Wins over Top-25 ranked players including #24 Johannes Schretter (Baylor)
Career-high ITA singles ranking: #57
Assistant Coach Roles at Washington, Elon, Arizona, and Denver
High School 4A State Champion & 4:12 miler in track
Don’t miss this conversation. It’s more than a tennis story it’s a blueprint for high performance, character, and growth on and off the court.
