Beyond DI: Taking a Look at NAIA

Summary

Lisa Stone interviews Hannah Keeling, head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Georgia Gwinnett College (NAIA), about the opportunities NAIA provides for student-athletes beyond Division I. Keeling and Stone first met at the INTENNSE League inaugural kickoff weekend in Atlanta. The episode covers Keeling’s journey from UK junior tennis through D2 at Clayton State to head coaching positions at Missouri State, Georgia State, and now GGC. A significant portion discusses how Keeling has incorporated the INTENNSE format into her team’s training and its direct impact on player development.

Guest Background

• Hannah Keeling: Originally from England. Played high-level junior tennis in UK/Europe. Played D2 at Clayton State University (top-4 national program). Coached at Old Town Athletic Club (Atlanta), then assistant at Georgia Gwinnett under Chase Hodges (now SVP at UTR), head coach at Missouri State (MVC), head coach at Georgia State, then returned to GGC as head men’s and women’s coach (2022-present). GGC: 13,000+ students, 16-court facility, private gym, national championship program.

Key Topics

NAIA as a Viable Pathway

• More flexibility than NCAA D1: Longer eligibility windows, fewer restrictions on admissions/timing, students can play pro events while enrolled, less restrictive recruiting rules.
• Not subject to NCAA roster/scholarship limits: Huge advantage in current landscape of D1 program cuts.
• Level is extremely high: Top NAIA programs are comparable to top D1. GGC plays all divisions. Former GGC player DK won NAIA national championship, then transferred to Wake Forest when D1-eligible — “double championship.”
• Jordan Cox example: Won national championship at GGC, took non-traditional path, returned to complete degree and play more tennis. NAIA accommodated his unique timeline.
• Academic focus: NAIA emphasizes student-athlete academic experience. GGC offers quality academics as a public institution.
• Community support: Lawrenceville community sponsors and attends matches. Restaurants sponsor events. City-college relationship is strong.
• Growing American awareness: Keeling now attracting high-level American players alongside majority international roster.

Recruiting Advice

• Student-athlete must lead the process — coaches want to see the player ask questions, not parents.
• Key questions to ask coaches: Goals for the program, where do you see the program in 3-5 years, who else are you recruiting, how will you help me grow (not just in tennis — career, academics, personal development).
• Budget questions are essential: Just because NCAA allows 10 scholarships doesn’t mean a school funds all 10. Ask about program longevity given recent mid-major program cuts.
• Transparency from coaches: Expectations about lineup position should be clear from the start. Players 7-8-9 on roster are just as important culturally but need honest conversations about playing time.

INTENNSE League Integration (Direct Content)

• Keeling coached the Atlanta team at INTENNSE’s inaugural kickoff weekend. Described it as “an amazing experience” and “completely different format.”
• GGC adopted INTENNSE format elements in practice:
  • One-toss serve: Creates sustained pressure. Players practice big-moment serving.
  • Two-point winner rule: Teaches shot selection, patience, when to go for it vs. play safe.
  • Used for team bonding (men’s and women’s teams together) before nationals.
• Direct player impact: One GGC women’s player said she “feels a lot more comfortable with my second serves now” because the INTENNSE format forced her to rely on it. Players also improved at running down balls while exhausted and maintaining point structure under fatigue.
• College coach network: Georgia Tech and UGA coaches were also at INTENNSE opening weekend and began using elements in their summer camps.
• Keeling wants to return: “I really hope so. I loved every second.”
• Lisa Stone’s endorsement: Called the INTENNSE format “a game changer” and recommended junior coaches incorporate it into training.

NCAA Landscape Concerns

• Many mid-major D1 programs being cut. NAIA programs have more stability due to different funding models.
• NIL and House settlement creating uncertainty. Families should ask about program stability during recruiting.

Actionable Advice for Families

1. Look beyond D1 — NAIA, D2, D3 all offer competitive tennis and great college experiences
2. Watch local college matches across all divisions — you’ll be surprised by the level
3. Student-athlete must drive recruiting conversations — ask about goals, roster plans, budget, program future
4. Ask the uncomfortable questions during recruiting — better to know before committing
5. Consider NAIA as a pathway to D1 — transfer is possible once D1-eligible
6. Use INTENNSE-style drills in practice — one-toss serve and two-point winner for pressure training and second serve development

INTENNSE Relevance

This episode is high-value INTENNSE content with multiple angles:

1. Coach Testimonial: A current NAIA head coach describes coaching at INTENNSE opening weekend as “phenomenal” and has adopted the format in her college program. This is direct evidence of INTENNSE influencing college-level training.
2. Format Adoption in College Programs: GGC, Georgia Tech, and UGA are all using INTENNSE format elements — the league’s competitive innovation is spreading organically through the coaching network.
3. Player Development Impact: Specific example of a GGC women’s player improving her second serve confidence through INTENNSE format practice.
4. Lisa Stone as Amplifier: Stone met Keeling at INTENNSE and booked her on the podcast specifically because of that connection. INTENNSE is driving media placement.
5. Network Effect: Keeling’s involvement connects INTENNSE to the NAIA world, UTR (via Chase Hodges, her predecessor and now SVP at UTR), and the broader Atlanta tennis community.
6. Repeat Interest: Keeling hopes to coach again next season, signaling retention among volunteer/contract coaches.

Notable Quotes

“That one serve… one toss. When you’re in there and it could be three-three and you’re serving to win, if you can do it and try and get those feelings in practice, then it will translate into when it matters in the big moments in matches.” — Hannah Keeling on INTENNSE format in practice

“One of the girls said she feels a lot more comfortable with my second serves now, because at the end of the day, that’s all she could rely on when she did the intense format.” — Hannah Keeling on direct player impact

“Don’t always think D1. For some students, that may not necessarily be the right fit. There are other ways to have an incredible college experience in different divisions to maximize your potential.” — Hannah Keeling