Today we’d like to introduce you to Chandler Brady.
Hi Chandler, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When you look at Arrowhead Tennis Academy, it stands as the community’s academy— one created for everyone to enjoy no matter where they are in their tennis journey. The privilege of bringing ATA to life has been one of the most rewarding experiences. My mission is to give the community an opportunity that has never been in reach.
Growing up in Madison,Georgia I discovered my love for tennis at a young age. What started as a childhood passion quickly grew into a pursuit of excellence, leading me into high-level tournaments and eventually ranking among the top players in the state. That success, however, came with sacrifice. To access advanced coaching and stronger competition, I had to travel inside the Atlanta perimeter—a challenge that revealed the gap in resources for players outside the city.
That drive and persistence opened the door to collegiate scholarships, allowing me to learn a deeper meaning within the sport. After completing school and stepping briefly into a career outside the tennis industry, life eventually brought me back home on the courts. There, I began coaching on Sundays w.ith what started as a few hours quickly grew into many hours each weekend. It was in those long Sundays on the court that I realized my true passion wasn’t just in playing the game, but in teaching it, sharing it, and building opportunities for others as well.
That passion led to a vision to establish a local tennis academy that would bring high-level training to Madison, Georgia. Giving kids and adults the opportunities I once had traveled so far to find. Today, that vision is a reality. Through partnerships with local Recreation Departments and school P.E. coaches, the academy has expanded into surrounding counties,creating access to quality coaching and competitive tennis close to home.
Arrowhead Tennis Academy goes far beyond a tennis training program. It is an investment into the community. Our goal is to ensure that local players don’t have to look elsewhere for opportunities when they have access to them in their own back yard.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is never smooth when starting a new business unfortunately, but I’ve learned that the most rewarding journeys rarely are. Building ATA from the ground up has come with its fair share of challenges, but every obstacle has helped shape our identity and culture.
One of the biggest hurdles has been finding quality coaches who are not only technically strong but genuinely invested in helping kids grow, improve, and have fun. In the tennis world, most of the top coaches are European, and while they bring incredible value, it can be extremely difficult to keep them long-term due to visa complications . As a result, I’ve had to get creative, especially with housing. Being located in a rural area makes it difficult to offer many of the conveniences coaches might find elsewhere. In the early days, I had to get creative, even asking family members to rent out rooms in their homes so we could provide housing for our staff.
Our rural setting also meant I had to be extremely flexible when the academy first launched. In the beginning, the focus wasn’t just on coaching. It was on retaining consistent clientele, slowly building a book of business, and laying the groundwork for something sustainable. Overall, I wanted to create a culture where players and families felt connected to a bigger purpose.
At 23 years old, another challenge I faced was earning respect, especially when leading large groups of young athletes. Early on, some players weren’t sure how to respond to someone so close to their age in a leadership role. Over time, though, they came to see that I was here to push them, support them, and help them become the best version of themselves, both on and off the court.
Every part of this journey from the staffing and logistics to gaining trust and building a reputation has required patience and resilience. I’m deeply proud of what the academy has achieved so far. I’m even more proud of the non stop results and identity that is forming within the academy as time goes on. Knowing that there is no cap on the level of growth for the academy, players talent, and Madison tennis allows ATA to continue to work harder on the academy and community each day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Arrowhead Tennis Academy ?
We’re a local small-town tennis academy based in Madison, Georgia, and we’re passionate about growing the sport of tennis in our community. Whether it’s private lessons, group clinics, school PE classes, or taking players to competitive tournament play, we’re hands-on in every aspect of player development.
What sets us apart is the way we blend fun with structure. We’re known for having some of the best coaches and players in the area, and our coaching style is all about pushing players to be their best without losing the joy of the game. Our sessions are high energy, tailored to each player, and always evolving to make improvement exciting. Plus, our flexibility is unmatched — we’re ready to step in for lessons any day, any time.
What truly sets us apart, though, is our passion for player growth and our deep roots in the Madison community. We’re not just another academy.We’re a homegrown operation that takes pride in offering consistent, high-quality coaching without the big-city price tag. Our goal is simple: help players improve, have fun, and stay local.
We’re especially proud of our brand because it reflects where we come from. Our logo is shaped like Morgan County, and every part of our program reflects the values of the community we love. We want readers to know that we offer a place where athletes can grow competitively while staying connected to their hometown. We’re affordable, accessible, and most importantly, dedicated to helping every player find their rhythm, confidence, and love for the game right in their own backyard.
Arrowhead Tennis Academy is designed to fit all player’s unique needs to allow them to elevate their game. Some coaches try to establish their physical techniques on a player instead of working with what the player does well and growing off of it. We work off the player. Whether it’s changing a stroke, just out to have fun/relax, or trying to play college tennis we can help you achieve your goals.
What matters most to you?
My “why” is simple: I want to see Morgan County become a true tennis mecca. Our community has everything it needs to build a culture that’s a respected powerhouse in the tennis world . Most importantly, I want to give kids the chance to pursue college tennis here in Madison rather than having to travels hours to Atlanta for high-level training.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://arrowheadtennisacademy.org
- Instagram: atatennis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17HE2iomMp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Maddie Miller
Lori Kate Macdonald
Katie Hansen
