Danny Witt is an All-American tennis player and UNF Hall of Famer. He is the founder of Witt Tennis and has worked with some of the best tennis players in the world. He enjoys being able to coach and mentor the next generation of athletes.
Tell us about Witt Tennis.
Witt Tennis is a comprehensive player-development program designed to guide athletes along a clear pathway, from their very first swing all the way to collegiate, and even professional, competition. I work with players starting at age 6 and continuing through NCAA Division I levels, with the occasional athlete pursuing the professional circuit.
I also offer adult private instruction. In addition, we partner with local schools, including Bolles’ Ponte Vedra campus and St. Paul’s Catholic School in Jacksonville Beach, to introduce children to the sport as early as Pre-K. These entry-level programs help spark a lifelong love of tennis.
Today, more than 100 kids participate in our programs on a regular basis, and we even host players who travel in from out of town for focused training blocks.
Tell us about your background, especially as it applies to your career.
I grew up at the Beaches with my brothers playing sports, and tennis quickly became my passion. My brothers went on to play professional tennis and baseball, so athletics were a central part of our family life.
After graduating from Fletcher High School, I played for the University of North Florida, where I earned All-American honors and was later inducted into the UNF Hall of Fame with two of the teams I played on.
Following college, I managed local clubs in the area and discovered a true calling for teaching and mentoring. Along the way, I was fortunate to learn from outstanding mentors who helped shape my coaching philosophy. Tennis has given me so much, and I feel incredibly grateful to give back to the game that shaped my life.
What do you like best about what you do?
I love coaching both juniors and adults, but what truly stands out is the relationships. Watching players grow; not just in skill, but in confidence and character and seeing them reach goals they once thought were out of reach is incredibly rewarding.
What is a typical day like for you?
Most mornings begin with private lessons, followed by individual and group player-development sessions in the afternoon. Midday is usually reserved for administrative work, scheduling and staying in close communication with families. I also try to fit in a workout most days to stay healthy and energized.
Are you from this area originally, or did you settle here from somewhere else?
I was born in High Point, North Carolina (go Heels!), but my family moved to Jacksonville when I was 6. I attended St. Paul’s Catholic School and then Fletcher Middle and High School. I may not be a true native Floridian, but I’m close, having lived in Ponte Vedra Beach since the early 1990s.
What do you like best about living here?
I love the climate — as I’m not a fan of cold weather — and the sense of community. It’s an incredible place to raise a family.
How do you like to spend your free time?
My family is everything to me so spending time with them is high on my list. I enjoy staying active, working out and following sports. I’m a Jaguars season-ticket holder and, of course, I love watching professional tennis.
What’s next for you and Witt Tennis?
Our focus is to keep growing Witt Tennis in a way that allows us to help kids of all levels reach their goals while continuing to be a positive influence in their lives, both on and off the court.
