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Cummings Athletics Owner, Darryl Cummings, has recruited players from around the world to play college athletics in the United States; Countries recruited include: Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Cypress, England, Estonia, France, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, India, Israel, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United States, and Venezuela.

Demonstrating national success as a collegiate coach for 23 years with men’s and women’s teams in the national NCAA Division I rankings and individuals earning high NCAA Division rankings in singles and doubles along with being named conference “Coach of the Year” multiple times.

Darryl has coached all three Universities in his hometown of Norfolk, VA: Old Dominion University NCAA DI 1992-2011, Virginia Wesleyan University 1989, 2013-2015, Norfolk State University 2016-present. With a 563-353 record, Darryl is ranked 3rd among all coaches with the most wins at Old Dominion University.

Former players Izak van der Merwe and Tzipi Obziler showed success on the ATP and WTA respectively. In the summer of 2008 both players were in the main draw of Wimbledon making it one of the few times where both a male and female player from the same college were playing in the main draw of a slam.

As a founder of the Universal Tennis Rating, Darryl assembled the original team comprised of former Old Dominion players for the creator Dave Howell. The Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) has been adopted world wide as the rating system for competitive tennis players.

Darryl is the owner of Cape Henry Racquet Club located in Virginia Beach, VA. The club has 2 indoor clay courts and 3 outdoor clay courts along with a quaint club house. The club’s name comes from the local area. Cape Henry is a Cape on the Atlantic shore of Virginia. It is the southern boundary of the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. Across the mouth of the bay to the North is Cape Charles. Named for sons of King James I of England in 1607, together Cape Henry and Cape Charles for the Virginia Capes. Cape Henry Racquet Club is located 2 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and the Virginia Beach Board Walk. There are many hotels and ocean front properties to choose from along with various entertaining activities.

During his career, Darryl has benefited from the experience of playing tennis with successful people such as; Frank Batten Sr., Donald Marron, Mary McFadden, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Fred Pressman (Barney’s of New York), George Soros, and spending time with Andy Bechtolsheim and former player Delphine Priest.

In addition:

• Former players have represented their respective countries in Davis Cup, Federation Cup, Olympics, along with playing World Team Tennis
• Instrumental in the design and funding of the 7.5 million dollar Folkes-Stevens Indoor Tennis Center in Norfolk, VA. along with serving as a consultant to a variety of other tennis facilities.
• Recruited, developed, organized and coordinated events featuring Vic Braden, Dennis van der Meer, Nick Bollettieri, Luke and Murphy Jensen
• Involved in the marketing and logistics for Anthem Live! The Fight against Cancer exhibition featuring James Blake and Andy Roddick (2006), James Black, Andre Agassi, Bryan Brothers, (2007), and James Blake, Mardy Fish, Serena Williams and Tatiana Golvin (2008)
• Cummings holds a B.S. in Arts and Letters along with a Masters Degree in Sports Management
• Certified with the United States Professional Tennis Association and the Professional Tennis Registry
  

  Tzipi Obziler, Rodrigo Leander, Darryl Cummings, Bruno Soares, and Andrea Sa at US Open

Cummings’ NCAA Tennis Accomplishments include:

• NCAA Conference Coach of the Year Awards: 6 total (3 men, 3 women)
• ITA NCAA Regional Coach of the Year Awards: 1
• NCAA Conference Player of the Year Awards: 13 total (6 men, 7 women)
• NCAA Conference Rookie of the Year Awards: 5 (3 men, 3 women)
• NCAA DI All-American Awards: 6
• Academic All-Americans Awards: 40 plus
• National Individual Champions: 1
• National Individual Finalist: 5
• National Individual Final Four: 7
• NCAA Team Qualifier Entries: 2 (1 men, 1 women)
• NCAA Singles Qualifier Entries: 12 (6 men, 6 women)
• NCAA Doubles Qualifier Entries: 8 (5 men, 3 women)
• Highest NCAA DI National Ranked Men’s Team Ranking: #18
• Highest NCAA DI National Ranked Women’s Team Ranking: #32
• Highest NCAA DI National Ranked Male Singles Player: #4
• Highest NCAA DI National Ranked Female Singles Player: #1
• Highest ATP World Ranking of a former player: #113
• Highest WTA World Ranking of a former player: #75
• Overall Dual Match Record: 633-439 (Men 333-190, Women 300-249) as of June 2019

Top 10 Winningest Coaches at Old Dominion University

1. Bud Metheny, 31 years, Baseball/Basketball 621-526-6
2. Beth Anders, 30 years, Field Hockey/LAX 583-168
3. Darryl Cummings, 19 years, Tennis 563-353
4. Wendy Larry, 24 years, W. Basketball 559-203
5. Mark Newman, 9 years, Baseball 321-167-3
6. Tony Guzzo, 10 years, Baseball 303-252
7. Marianne Stanley, 10 years, W. Basketball 269-59
8. Blaine Taylor, 12 years, M. Basketball 239-144
9. Alan Dawson, 19 years, M. Soccer 220-126-32
10. Paul Webb, 10 years, M. Basketball 196-99

Records as of June 2017

Here is what people are saying about Darryl Cummings:

“I have seen many coaches come and go and Darryl sticks out in my mind as one of the great difference-makers I have known in our sport. In addition to taking Old Dominion to national presence, Darryl has a positive “can do” attitude that continues to serve him well. He looks at a situation and visualizes what can and might be done, rather than choosing to see the disadvantages and liabilities involved. His ability to fund-raise and recruit is topped only by his vision.” – Bobby Bayliss, Retired Notre Dame Men’s Tennis Coach

“Darryl Cummings produced impressive, almost miraculous results in his 19 years as the head coach of Old Dominion University’s tennis teams.  His teams were nationally ranked; his players competed for national championships.  The quality of Old Dominion’s tennis facilities skyrocketed under his leadership.  Most impressive, he achieved all of this while more than 40 of his players achieved Academic All-American status.  He epitomizes what a coach should be—someone who is concerned with all aspects of his players’ improvement and development, on and off the court.” – James V. Koch – Old Dominion University Board of Visitors Professor of Economics and President Emeritus

“Coach Cummings has had a massive impact on the lives of others through the game of tennis. His competitive drive to win and maximize the talent and opportunity around him define him best. He made ODU a national tennis power and his players went on to play in the Slams. A true innovator and leader, the game of tennis is better because of Coach Cummings” – Luke Jensen – 93 French Open Champ

“I have observed Darryl Cummings for over a quarter century, both as a player and later as a coach.  Not only did he become a world class player himself (world ranking in men’s doubles), but he then transferred his passion for the game into coaching and is now recognized as one of the leading tennis coaches in the nation, mentoring players who have competed in events at our sport including all four Grand Slams, Davis Cup, Fed Cup.  Darryl’s tennis IQ is second to none and his ability to help a player get the most out of his/her potential is what really makes him special.” – Roy S. Beskin – 4 Time National Amateur Mixed Doubles Champion; Va. Tech Sports Hall of Fame Inductee; ODU tennis donor

“Playing on the ODU Men’s tennis team from 2002 to 2005 I developed as a person and as a tennis player. With Darryl Cummings as the Head Coach I achieved All American honors three times, twice for singles and once for doubles. I also reached the semi-finals of the NCAA tournament in singles and doubles. Darryl played a significant role developing my game and preparing me for the professional tennis tour. Since turning pro, Darryl has helped me in all aspects of becoming a better player and in reaching the top 200 on the ATP in singles and doubles. I owe a great deal to Darryl for all his input and expert coaching over the years.” – Izak van der Merwe – Former Monarch; Top 200 ATP Player, South African Davis Cup Team

“Darryl Cummings is a successful and respected tennis professional.  I have had the pleasure of knowing him almost 20 years during his tenure at Old Dominion University as the Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach.  His coaching abilities have garnered him numerous CAA, ITA, National individual and NCAA team, singles and doubles awards.  He has played a significant leadership role in the recruiting and training of young men and women both on and off the court.  I am sure that the Cape Henry Racquet Club will benefit from the extensive background and accomplishments of Darryl Cummings.” -Oliver Purnell, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, DePaul University

Darryl has shown throughout his career his ability to produce competitive programs, NCAA national contenders, WTA and ATP professional players and fund raise like no other – George Pilkington, Coach of 5 Time Virginia State Tennis Champion Cape Henry Collegiate and NCAA DI Tennis Parent

“I have known Darryl for about 20 years and our teams have competed against each other every year.  Darryl is the only coach besides me that coaches both the women and men’s tennis teams, which have been ranked nationally. During the last five years, his men’s tennis team has been kicking my boy’s butts.  He is one of the greatest coaches that I have had the privilege to know and play against.  It did not matter whether his teams or my teams won, we respected each other.  He is not only one of the great competitors that I have faced, but he also one of my best friends outside the competition.  He has tremendous knowledge of the game, and we love to bounce ideas between each other. What he has done at ODU is very remarkable.  He took the school from nowhere to National prominence, and a lot of his players became All Americans. I hate to see him leave college coaching; but, I know that he will succeed with his new endeavors.  Darryl made ODU a recognized, nationally ranked tennis program.  He has also made a huge impact on my coaching and life in general.  Whoever fills his position, will have a heck of a time filling his shoes.” -Paul Kostin, Head Tennis Coach, Virginia Commonwealth University

My relationship with Darryl is very special. It started when I came to ODU and it fell like he was my longtime coach and one of my best friends. Even thought we do not see each other often he stills one of my best friends. During the 1995-96 when I played for Old Dominion I gained experience that helped me in my professional tennis career. Darryl has supported me throughout my career whenever needed. His knowledge in tennis and life gave me the needed mentoring for my future success. As a professional tennis player Darryl and I have shared some great experiences. He served as my coach in 2004 when I made the 2^nd round of the U.S. Open main draw losing to the #1 seed Justin Henin in three sets on Arthur Ashe Stadium and in 2006 I won the Legg Mason in Washington, DC. I wish Darryl good luck in his new journey. I’m sure the Cape Henry Racquet Club will be a big success in the near future. – Tzipi Obziler, Former Monarch, WTA top 100 player, Israel Fed Cup player

“Darryl has enjoyed a magnificent career at ODU, both as a student athlete and as our head men’s and women’s tennis coach. ODU tennis has thrived nationally under coach Cummings leadership,” We will be hard pressed to find someone to match Darryl’s talents and energy level. All of us at ODU wish Darryl great success in his private business venture.” – Wood Selig – Old Dominion University Athletic Director

“Darryl brought a new meaning to college tennis at Old Dominion University.” – Dr. Robert Screen Former Hampton University Tennis Coach

“Darryl Cummings is as knowledgeable and winning a coach as you will find in the country and is a pillar of our tennis community in every sense of the word. He does more to bring about tennis awareness to the masses than anyone else whether it be marketing his college teams, his programs, or steering our kids in the right direction for their college careers.” -John Fraser, Princess Anne Country Club Tennis Director