YEARS AS THE OWLS HEAD COACH IN 2024-25: 5th
Daniel Talley took on the head coach duties for The W in 2020-21. He, previously, served as the Owls' assistant coach for two seasons, as well (2018-20).
in 2023-24, Talley ushered in the NCAA Division III era for The W tennis, as well as the University's first season as a member of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) South Division. Both teams participated in the UMAC's post-season tournament, as well, in Year One. A total of 10 players - five from each team - were recognized on the UMAC's All-Academic squad.
The 2022-23 campaign saw MUW produce a 6-8 women's record and a 1-13 men's mark. Six women and two men were honored on the USCAA All-Academic Team for their respective sports. Freshman Maggie Etheridge had a modern school record 8-match win streak in singles.
In 2021-22, The W men went 2-7 and the women 2-6. Six women and two men were honored on the USCAA All-Academic Team. in the spring of 2022, the Owls' women had a department-high 3.75-grade point average as a team, and the men at a 3.1 GPA.
His first official year as the head coach was severely disrupted due to COVID. The men went 0-6 and the ladies 0-8, with all matches taking place in the Spring of 2021.
As the assistant coach of the Owls men’s and women’s tennis teams, he worked with then-head coach Laura Marro to launch The W tennis program. They created two teams that have been competitive against established teams.
Prior to joining the Owls staff, Talley headed the New Hope High School tennis program. Taking over the team in 2013, he started with only 10 percent of the previous roster and practically built the team from the ground up. During his five-year tenure, Talley recruited and developed players with a team-first mindset, focusing on the player and not the results. The Trojans went from last place in the district to district champs with three playoff appearances (2015, 2017, 2018).
Coach Talley is an active member of the Columbus Community Theatre and the Tennessee Williams Tribute. He participates in numerous southeastern comic-cons and cosplay events and has hosted multiple comic-con panels. The first-year head coach works with the youth group at Shaeffer’s Chapel UMC and occasionally hosts trivia nights at local eateries.
Coach Talley holds an associate degree from East Mississippi Community College and a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from The W.
