Support for Coach Daniel Davis's Family
HJTEP Coach Daniel Davis passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, while on vacation with family in Vermont, leaving behind his beautiful wife Danielle, and their three young children, Hunter, Hailey, and Hendrix.
A New York City kid, Daniel was introduced to tennis by a local summer camp program hosted by the same grass-roots program that he would return to as a coach– Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program. A gifted athlete, Daniel rose through the Eastern ranks achieving a high of #7 in the Eastern section and move onto D1 college tennis at Temple University, where he went 13-5 in singles and 5-3 in doubles. Upon graduation, he returned to New York City and began to work at HJTEP in 2008.
For over 14 years his infectious smile and positive demeanor impacted the lives of hundreds of children in his community through the game of tennis. Daniel worked to provide under-served children with the opportunity to be physically engaged, grow their self-worth, and focus their energy towards a positive goal.
In the words of HJTEP Executive Director, Katrina Adams, "Daniel was the true image of what HJTEP represents. He was selfless, supportive, ambitious, and had a need to give back. His infectious smile always warmed those around him. Not only was he a great coach but he was a leader, a mentor, a motivator, a friend, and a father figure to many who passed through our program. He will be sorely missed but his spirit will live forever”.
Always present, always with the same calming demeanor, Daniel gave equally to the novice player just learning to swing a racquet as he did to the elite players. He gave up weeks and weekends with his own family to take Harlem players to compete in tournaments so they too could have the same opportunities tennis provided him.
What made Daniel Davis even more interesting was the ability to switch roles and mindset away from the tennis court. He developed a 6-part original series – StreetPolitics – that he directed, produced, and acted in. Shining a light on life in a Harlem housing project, Daniel was a storyteller whose star was rising.
As he would say to the kids: “Come on friends!”. It’s now time for his extended tennis family to give back his own. Let’s come together to honor this gentleman who always spoke with a smile and served his community with pride. Money is being raised to help defray funeral, and living expenses for his family so that Danielle and their children can mourn the loss of their father, husband, and friend, without the immediate worries of financial obligations.
His life, his love of the game, and his creativity made an immeasurable positive difference to so many. Rest in peace, Daniel.
All funds go directly to the family.
