David Darling serves as Director of Racquet Sports at Spring Arbor University, leading the men’s and women’s tennis teams and overseeing the University’s pickleball program. He enters his 10th season as head women’s tennis coach and fifth season as head men’s tennis coach in 2026-27.
Darling returned to Spring Arbor in June 2017 as Director of Tennis and head coach of the women’s program. He assumed head coaching responsibilities for the men’s team in 2022, succeeding his father, longtime Cougar coach Terry Darling.
His responsibilities expanded to include pickleball as Spring Arbor added the co-ed club sport for the 2025-26 academic year. As Director of Racquet Sports, Darling oversees the program alongside his leadership of both tennis teams.
In 2025-26, three Cougar tennis players earned All-Crossroads League recognition. Aziz Madatov represented the men’s team, while Moorea McNalley and Victoria Herrington earned honors for the women. Herrington received her third consecutive all-conference selection.
Darling was inducted into the Spring Arbor University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023 following a decorated playing career with the Cougars from 2009-13. He compiled a combined singles and doubles record of 181-48, finishing his career as the winningest player in program history. A four-time team MVP and three-time captain, he earned all-conference honors in each of his four seasons.
Darling received NAIA Second Team All-American honors in 2013 after earning honorable mention recognition in 2012. He was also a four-time NCCAA All-American, a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and a two-time NCCAA Academic All-American.
During his collegiate career, Darling helped Spring Arbor capture two conference tournament championships and one regular season conference title. The Cougars reached the NAIA National Championship in both 2012 and 2013 and finished as the NCCAA national runner-up in 2012. Darling posted a 26-2 singles record as a senior and recorded a 25-match winning streak during the 2011-12 season.
Before returning to SAU, Darling worked as a tennis teaching professional at Dunwoody Country Club in Georgia. He previously spent six years at Jackson Country Club, including three as head tennis professional, and coached the varsity boys team at Lumen Christi High School to a regional championship and a state tournament appearance.
Darling’s connection to Spring Arbor extends beyond the court. His wife, Jenna, is also an SAU graduate and former member of the women’s tennis team. His coaching approach reflects that connection, emphasizing student-athletes’ development as players and their growth in relationships and faith.
