Howard “Curly” Davis

Howard “Curly” Davis has built a life around tennis—and tennis has built a legend around him. A Kentucky native with a serve full of spin and a sense of humor to match, Curly has coached players from local juniors to Wimbledon semifinalists, served as an on-the-spot TV reporter at both Wimbledon and the US Open, and authored multiple tennis books that blend insight with wit (and the occasional backhanded compliment).

Curly’s coaching journey has taken him around the globe, but his heart (and bald head) now shine brightest in Naples, Florida, where he runs Curly Davis Tennis. Over the years, he’s been named Kentucky Pro of the Year three times, recognized by the USTA as one of the top 25 player development coaches in the country, and honored with induction into the Kentucky Tennis Hall of Fame.

Known for his trademark saying—“Curly coaches for the outcome, not the income”—he combines deep tennis wisdom with contagious enthusiasm. Whether he’s running a junior camp, leading a “Doubles Trouble” clinic. 

And if you ask Curly his secret? He’ll grin and say, “Simple—keep your eyes on the ball, your mind on the court, and your humor intact. Tennis is serious business, but it’s still just a game.”

Players interested in setting up a private individual lessons can contact the South Campus Tennis Center at marcotennis@ymcacollier.org for more information.

RATES FOR PRIVATE LESSONS

Please prepay online for your session for private and semi-private lessons. The tennis pros will receive an email and contact you to set up a time and day that meets your needs. Sessions may be used for up to 6 months in case of rain or the need to reschedule.