Faces of Florida Tennis: Tosin Awomewe

Tosin Awomewe, known as Coach Tosin to many, is a devoted tennis coach and founder of the Racquet Arcade Tennis Academy, located in Sebring. His journey in tennis began at the age of eleven, sparked by a simple suggestion from a friend to join the school tennis club. He asked his mother if he could join, so she went and purchased a 50-cent racquet from a garage sale, which would mark the humble beginnings of a lifelong passion for the sport.  

The Birth of a Lifelong Passion 

Coach Tosin’s early experiences with tennis were shared with his younger brother, as they played together and developed a deep love for the game. This bond over tennis laid the foundation for Coach Tosin’s future endeavors in the sport. As he grew older, his enthusiasm for tennis evolved into a desire to share his love for the game with others, particularly children. His initial role as a high school tennis coach ignited a passion for mentoring young players, which he has carried forward into his professional career. 

“I have always had a passion for helping kids,” he said. “After serving as a high school tennis coach, I wanted to expand my horizons and become an even better coach.” 

Founding the Racquet Arcade Tennis Academy was a dream come true for Coach Tosin. His vision was to create a nurturing environment where kids could train, feel at home, and develop their skills. The academy represents more than just a training facility, it’s a community where young players can grow both as athletes and individuals. Coach Tosin takes immense pride in seeing children leave the academy with smiles on their faces, proud of their achievements and more in love with the sport. 

Changing the Environment for Youth Players

“I am a firm believer in the saying, ‘not all superheroes wear capes, and this is a prime example of that,” Coach Tosin said. This philosophy drives his work, as he strives to be an inspirational figure for the children he coaches. 

One of the significant challenges Coach Tosin works to address is burnout among young tennis players. He recognizes that many kids are overwhelmed by the pressures of competition, which can cause them to lose interest in the sport. “My plan is to find ways to help these kids rediscover their passion for tennis,” he said. “By helping them understand how to combat burnout stages, I aim to support them in enjoying the sport while still being able to be kids and teenagers.” 

Coach Tosin has been working closely with Dr. T.C. Lackey, a prominent advocate for tennis in the Sebring community. “We are creating ways to help kids in tournament environments by building a more friendly structure where they can compete, have fun, and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day,” he said. The goal is to ignite that tennis passion for all participants. 

Instilling Positivity in All  

Tosin’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that success is a journey defined by passion and perseverance. He often reminds athletes that he coaches, you must fail over and over before mastering something. “Everything you do involves trial and error,’ he said. “Success can’t be measured, but as long as you love what you do, your passion will always reach others.” He drives the love and passion of tennis into his athletes, putting them in a mindset that encourages them to embrace the learning process and find joy in every step of their tennis journey. 

He sees tennis as a universal language that unites communities, allowing them to share knowledge and grow collectively. Tennis is not just a game, but a lifelong teacher that imparts valuable lessons applicable to everyday life. “We are always learning, and tennis provides us with a worldwide connection to help bring us together and learn new ways to grow collectively.” 

Tennis is a massive part of Coach Tosin’s life, and he wants everyone to know that what you learn on a court can be used in our everyday lives. “Tennis serves as a teaching lesson for what we encounter in our daily lives,” he said. “That’s why tennis is a sport you can play for a lifetime, the lessons we learn while playing tennis will follow us throughout our lives.” 

Coach Tosin’s impact on the tennis community in Florida, especially at Racquet Arcade Tennis Academy, is astounding. Through his academy, he is shaping the future of tennis by welcoming an encouraging and inspiring environment for young players. His dedication to promoting continuous learning and nurturing a love for the sport ensures that his legacy will endure. Coach Tosin is a star on and off the court and looks to continue to inspire Florida tennis players for generations to come. 

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Written by: Jaret Kappelman, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for USTA Florida. Be sure to check out USTA Florida, the governing body of amateur tennis in Florida, offering tennis programs for all ages and ability levels. Photos courtesy of USTA Florida.