‘Love Her to Death’ – Danielle Collins Breaks Down as She Sends Out an Emotional Farewell Message for Integral Team Member

After almost seven years at the helm, Kathy Rinaldi, captain of the Billie Jean King Cup team of America, has stepped down from her role. One of the longest-serving captains in the tournament, Rinaldi, bowed out with a loss in her last match against the Czech Republic.

Following the defeat, her compatriot and teammate Danielle Collins delivered an emotional farewell message. Collins has been part of the American team for the BJK Cup since 2018 and as someone who received guidance and support from Rinaldi firsthand, she had a lot to share about her role model, on and off the court.

Danielle Collins breaks down in an emotional interview

After the match, Danielle Collins proceeded to an interview with Kathy Rinaldi. Emotions ran high as Collins broke down while giving a fitting farewell to her captain. Collins said, “This week has been, you know, emotional for all of us because we love Kathy so much and she’s so near and dear to us. I mean, we all feel the same exact way about Kathy, and there’s been a lot of tears.”

Further, she added, “If I had it my way, I would bring back Kathy every tie, and I would have her at every tournament and I’d have her be my neighbor, game night. My roommate, you know, anything. We just have so much fun together and we, yeah, there’s never a dull moment with Kathy and Kathy has been one of the consistent themes and consistent people in our lives. And, you know, I love her to death.”

Kathy Rinaldi was named the captain of the US team in December 2016. During her tenure as captain, Rinaldi led America to a record-breaking 18th win in the Billie Jean King Cup in 2017 and the team also reached the finals of the BJK Cup in 2018, and the semi-finals in 2021.

Playing alongside each other as part of the American team, Danielle Collins and Kathy Rinaldi shared an emotional bond that transcended the limits of the court, as Collins’ comments clearly indicate. As Rinaldi’s stint drew to a close, the 29-year-old player revealed why she had been such an integral part of the team.

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Danielle Collins reminisces about her time with Kathy Rinaldi

The American player revealed that Kathy Rinaldi stood out for the way she treated her players. She was always there for her team in wins and defeats and adjusted her coaching techniques according to the athletes’ playing styles. Rinaldi, in a 2022 interview, would reflect a similar philosophy of player development and the culture she fostered within the team, saying: “When you can make an impact on somebody, not just in their tennis, but their life, I think there’s nothing more rewarding than that, at least for me.”

The 56-year-old has an amazing record as the captain and coach of the American team, having won the very first season that she joined; in 2017, the American team brought home the BJK Cup trophy – then known as the Federation Cup.

Rinaldi will be succeeded by former world no.1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Lindsay Davenport, who will hope to build on the lasting effect Rinaldi has had on the team. However, Rinaldi will continue to remain in her role as the USTA Player Development’s Head of Women’s Tennis.

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