Dave “The Koz” Kozlowski: Tennis, Family, and a Legacy of Giving Back

Florida Tennis Podcast host Adam Ross recently welcomed Florida Tennis Legend Dave “The Koz” Kozlowski — a teaching pro, commentator, broadcaster, and one of the first 17 Master USPTA (now RSPA) professionals. Recognized as Broadcaster of the Year and USPTA Pro of the Year, the Koz has spent decades promoting tennis across Florida and beyond. His appearance on the podcast was all about what has fueled him throughout his career: a lifelong love of the game, his family, and the friendships he built through tennis.

“It’s love of the game and it’s [a] dedication to your improvement of the game and your tennis knowledge as well,” Koz said when asked about what it means to be a Master Professional. “Why be in the game if you’re not going to know the game?” That passion for knowledge extended to honoring tennis history. Koz stressed the importance of young players knowing the legends who came before them, much like kids in baseball and basketball collect cards of their heroes.

 Photo courtesy of Dave Kozlowski.

That same love carried over to his broadcast career. “It was fun being involved with [Tennis Channel] and we were on eight years. We were on many times because they needed airtime,” Koz remembered.

One of his biggest adventures came when Hall of Famer Gene Scott sent him to Russia to cover the Fed Cup in 2003. “We were on regular budgets, and they wanted us doing more things, and I’m getting a little nervous what happens when we check out,” Koz admitted. But thanks to friends like USTA Past Presidents Merv Heller and Alan Schwartz, things worked out. “It was great fun. It was great being there, just being where the Olympics were in Moscow was worth something itself.”

Photo courtesy of Dave Kozlowski.

Koz’s tennis roots trace back to age 14, a “late” start by today’s standards. “I started at 14, but Stan Smith didn’t start until he was 16. That made me feel better,” he laughed. “Tennis is more than a sport or a game, it’s an art. And that’s what we want to keep the game as… there’s a love for this part of athletics.” That philosophy shaped his teaching career, from country clubs like Laurel Oak to mentoring countless juniors — including a memorable encounter when Monica Seles became part of the fabric of his family’s tennis life.

Broadcasting became a natural extension of that mission. “Everything I’ve done in life has never had experience or training,” Koz said about his first live tennis TV show. Mentors like Bud Collins shaped his approach, even down to how to talk about nerves. “It’s not nervous, it’s eagerness. You’re not nervous, you’re just eager to show everybody what you have, what you can do.”

Photo courtesy of Dave Kozlowski.

When asked what tennis still means to him and why newcomers should try it, Koz didn’t hesitate. “Tennis is the best exercise for losing weight, staying in shape. The movement from right to left gives you rhythm, gives you timing. It’s taking some pride and being able to swing… things just become more rhythmic. It’ll come, it’ll come.”

From teaching to broadcasting, from his family to his friendships, Dave “The Koz” Kozlowski has built a life around tennis — and made countless others fall in love with the sport. His story on the Florida Tennis Podcast showed exactly what has always driven him: a passion for sharing the game, honoring its history, and keeping its spirit alive for the next generation.

Exclusive Podcast (Part 1)

Exclusive Podcast (Part 2)

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Written by Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Top photo credit: Dave Kozlowski