“I worked with Damian Sancilio as my personal coach on the WTA tour for four years. During this time, my ranking steadily improved and I ultimately rose to World #13. In 1994, I was nominated for the WTA’s Most Improved Woman on the tour award. Damian also coached me as I reached the quarter finals of the 1994 French Open. Damian’s tactical advice and positive attitude gave me the confidence I needed to achieve such results. In Damian, I not only found a skilled coach but a friend whose unwavering support helped me reach my personal best on the tennis court. I highly recommend Damian to any player who wants to take their game to the next level.”
“I started working with Damian when I was in 8th grade. My game at the time was passive and lacked any weapons that would help me break through into a more elite junior level. Together we developed my forehand and my serve into the weapons that helped me play Division 1 college tennis at Columbia University and professionally on the ATP World Tour. Damian’s philosophy of outworking your competition and having a growth mindset for improvement really resonated with me. As Damian and I started to get to know each other better, he would make extra time in his day to meet me at 6 a.m. before school and help me improve my agility and fitness. He felt that part of my game was just as important for me to reach my potential as the on-court aspect. Damian was as eager as I was for me to improve – and the results showed over time. I went from #20 in the Mid-Atlantic in 14s to #2 as an 18-year-old. In the years since I left Richmond, Damian still finds time to follow my results and mentor me in ways that extend far beyond the tennis court.”
“Damian is the best tennis coach … I look forward to learning a new skill at every clinic through creative drills and from hitting lots of balls. Damian is great at teaching both the technique and strategy of this complex sport in easily understood ways. Most of all, I respect his positivity and support for each and every one of his students no matter their age or skill level. I have been able to raise my tennis game to the next level thanks to Damian!”
“Our son and daughter participated in Damian’s clinics and summer camps for years and always had a great experience. The instruction is of the highest level, they learned a lot, and always had so much fun. Damian and his team really understand how to create a fun and exciting tennis experience.”
“I started playing tennis with Damian when I was 8 years old. At that time, I had played in a few tournaments and had taken some lessons, but I had never worked with a true tennis instructor. That all changed with Damian. Damian taught me for 10 years and is the best teacher that I have ever had. Not only did Damian teach me the fundamentals of tennis he also mentored me throughout the years. Damian taught me about teamwork, how to maintain focus, and he taught me how to set goals and follow through with them. The best thing about each lesson was that no matter how many mistakes I made, Damian never leaned towards negativity. Damian always remained positive and compassionate towards my feelings. He showed me that within each loss or failure, there was something to learn. Most importantly, Damian demonstrated how to be a good person. He showed me how to uphold good sportsmanship and maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. During every lesson, Damian would ask me about school and check in with me about my life. Working with Damian was never just about tennis, it was about growing as a person. Damian always built me up, and I will forever be grateful for the lessons he taught me.”
“Damian and I worked together for about 6 years during my early development. He strived to make me a better player every time we stepped onto the court. Damian was always enthusiastic in his coaching, and it fueled my personal excitement on the court. My time spent with him building my tennis game helped set me in motion for many years to come!”