Tennis instructor Danny Witt: Don’t specialize too early

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Tennis has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up here at the Beaches playing for Fletcher High School as well as the USTA Florida competitive circuit. I was fortunate to have played at UNF, where I was an All-American and inducted into the Hall of Fame with my teammates. I continue to be actively involved with the UNF tennis teams and athletic department because I feel the need to give back to the sport that has given me so much.

Growing up as an aspiring athlete, I competed in several sports with my younger brothers David (former ATP professional player and current/longtime coach of Venus Williams) and Kevin (former first-round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays and current hitting coach for the Miami Marlins organization). I believe that our various levels of athletic success was due, in part, to not specializing in one sport too early, which ultimately helped us to become better athletes overall. I encourage all of my tennis students to try as many sports as possible so that they have the opportunity to discover their true passion.

Tennis has created many opportunities for me that include managing tennis clubs, directing charity and junior tournaments, consulting, and coaching kids from 5 years of age to NCAA college and professional players. Several years ago, I partnered with Todd Martin, a former Top 10 ATP World Tour Player, to run a comprehensive junior development program. Following Todd’s hiring as the CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, I have continued running this type of program today as my own business.

Witt Tennis includes a junior development program and elementary school on-campus after school tennis programs as well as adult instruction. I am honored to work with several aspiring competitive players from around the country who come into town to train with me throughout the year. We have more than 150 kids participating in programs during the school year and we will offer several summer tennis camp options beginning in June. All program information is on my website, WittTennis.net.