Iowa native Calvin Song returns to home state to coach at Drake University

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month occurring in May in the United States, USTA Iowa is featuring Calvin Song, head coach of the Drake University women’s tennis team.

Last year Calvin Song was named the head coach for the women’s tennis team at Drake University in Des Moines. After spending time as an assistant coach at West Virginia University, Fresno State University and Wake Forest University, he’s glad to be back in his home state of Iowa.

“This place shaped so much of who I am—not just as a coach, but as a person,” Song said. “I saw an opportunity to give back to the community that gave me so much and to help build something meaningful with the next generation. There’s something special about being able to make an impact where your roots are.”

Song attended Ames High School and Iowa State University. Though he didn’t play for the Cyclones, he did work with the women’s tennis team, taught at Ames Tennis Academy and was president of the club tennis team. He has always wanted to coach tennis because of the opportunity to build meaningful relationships.

“It’s about standing by your players through both the highs and the lows, and making a lasting impact that goes far beyond the court,” he said.

Since he was named head coach at Drake last year, Song has been getting to know the team, understanding players’ goals and helping them achieve those goals as much as possible. The Bulldogs wrapped up their 2024-25 season in late April.

“What I’ve enjoyed most so far with the new job at Drake has been the opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up,” he said. “Stepping into this role, I knew I wanted to create a culture that’s competitive, supportive and focused on growth, both on and off the court.”

Song is also making an imprint in the Des Moines community. Later this year on June 6, Song will be involved in the USTA Missouri Valley Wheelchair Coach Development Workshop. And on June 7-8, Song will coach at an All Comers Wheelchair Tennis Camp. Both events are taking place at Drake University.

Song added that diversity months like Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month build awareness and encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation across different communities. In addition, Song said representation matters and those stories, cultures and histories deserve to be seen and celebrated.