Tennis Community Mourns Over the Sudden Demise of 59YO American Coach

As Darryl Cummings stood tall as an athlete, he left the world with his tennis lessons. At the age of 59, the tennis coach passed away, dedicating more than 25 years to the sport. As the shocking news of his demise came to light, a lot of tennis communities came forward to mourn the unexpected death of one of the best Virginia coaches.

A former left-hander from Norview who played in neighborhood parks grew up to become an inspiration to many tennis players who went on to compete in the Billie Jean King and Davis Cups. As part of the Old Dominion, the tennis community sent out a message to mourn the loss of their best coach.

Tennis community mourns Darryl Cummings’ death 

The brilliant star of Virginia passed away on November 31st, at the age of 59, from a sudden cardiac arrest, shocking the entire tennis world. He has spent two decades coaching the Old Dominion tennis program. He created a name for himself with his consistency and his power to hit tennis shots.

After his sudden and unexpected demise, the ODU shared their thoughts on the American tennis coach’s contribution to the tennis world. According to The Virginian Pilot, ODU athletic director Wood Selig released a statement after hearing the sad news.

He said, “The news of Coach Cummings’ death is absolutely devastating for all of us at ODU. Darryl has meant so much to ODU tennis with his vision for the world-class Folkes-Stevens Tennis Center and his tireless efforts as our head men’s and women’s tennis coach for 20 years.” He had a total of 20 NCAA qualifiers during his tennis days and even had seven doubles tandems and 11 singles entrants.

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In addition, he has had a remarkable influence on the tennis world with his six-time Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year, four Rookies of the Year, six All-Americans, and more than forty Academic All-American titles. Two of his ODU players, Tzipi Obziler and Izak van der Merwe, made it to the 2008 Wimbledon main draw.

However, earlier this year, Cummings was honored for his contribution to American tennis, as he received a special tribute at the ‘Light of the Valley’ luncheon.

Cummings honored for his tennis contribution 

Earlier this year at Wheeling Park’s White Palace Ballroom, the 59-year-old tennis court honored him for his passion for helping others and being a pillar of strength over the span of decades. Through his church, he has affected the lives of countless children and their families by being an active member of the church and sponsoring back-to-school celebrations at every precious event.

Along with that, she also received a special review where Jamie Bordas, president of the YMCA Board of Directors, praised him. He said, “He doesn’t talk to talk; he walks the walk. He doesn’t just give his treasure. He doesn’t just give his talent. He doesn’t just give his time. He gives it all.” In addition, his friends and family talked about his caring nature and how he always goes the extra mile to help those in need by sharing a special tribute video.

Nevertheless, Cummings contribution will always be remembered as a part of American tennis.

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