USTA National Manager and Head Coach of Wheelchair Tennis, Dan James has won the 2011 ITF Coach of the Year Award.
From the start of his coaching career, James has stressed the importance of teamwork and his ability to connect with players has been critical to the Team USA's success in 2011. He was part of a U.S. team that captured five medals (three gold, a silver and a bronze) at the 2011 Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico last November. Among those influenced by James was Mackenzie Soldan, who earned gold in both singles and doubles competition at the ParaPanAm Games after being away from the game for over a year.
James continues to be an ambassador for Wheelchair Tennis, participating in camps, clinics and other programs across the nation. Through his communications with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), he managed to secure the first-ever Wheelchair Tennis athlete spot at the USOC’s training site in Chula Vista, Calif. in 2011.
This is the second time James has won this award, having received the honor in 2007 as well. He will be presented with the trophy at the 2012 BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Seoul, South Korea this May.