Welcome to hardcomesfirst.com, my little corner of the Internet. I wear a few hats – coach, athlete, and writer to name a few – but at my core, I’m a lifelong learner always chasing the next big challenge. As you might’ve guessed, I’m writing a book about my unique experiences in both athletics and the autism space. If you’ve ever faced adversity (and who hasn’t?), I think you’ll find a thing or two in my story that resonates.
I’m a coach primarily to the 18-22 age bracket, and let me tell you – it’s an absolute blast. This is the stage when young adults start to ponder the big questions: “Who am I?” “What do I want to do?” It’s a turning point, and I’ve been lucky enough to play a part in this pivotal time for many.
I’ve had the privilege of coaching some real talent. We’re talking athletes who’ve gone toe-to-toe with some of the top college players in the country – and won. College tennis isn’t for the faint-hearted; it’s raw, it’s bold, it pushes boundaries. It’s a test of character as much as a test of skill. Watching these young athletes evolve and grow, not just on the court but off it, is one of the most rewarding experiences you can imagine.
And then there’s the autism space. I’ve learned more about coaching (and life) from working in this field than anywhere else. It’s a realm that teaches you about perseverance, patience, and the sheer power of breakthrough moments. And it’s taught me that communication isn’t always about words.
So, that’s the essence of my story – the intersection of athletics and autism. It’s about combining the spirit of competition with the patience and understanding required when working with autism. And it’s my hope that by sharing my journey, I can give some strength to those of you who might be going through your own struggles. Because let’s face it, life is tough. But as I’ve learned, the tough stuff usually comes first. And just around the corner? That’s where you’ll find the good stuff.
I’m excited to take you with me on this journey, so let’s dive in and see what we can learn together. Because life is all about moving forward, no matter how hard it gets.
Coach Ray expects you to be a third set player. What distinguishes him from other coaches is his embodiment of that mindset.
If there is someone you want in your corner in life, it’s Rod Ray. There is not more of a kind-hearted, caring, determined, encouraging, motivating, and dependable man of God that will go out of his way to help you become the best version of yourself. In his humility, he values others before himself.
Coach Ray is a great tennis coach and an even better mentor and leader. His dedication to his players’ growth as both athletes and people is second to none.