Her Element: Abby Damon
For Abby Damon, tennis has always been about more than what happens between the lines. After 16 years in the sport, including a competitive collegiate career and six years of coaching, the court has become a place to build relationships, create community, and help the next generation find confidence both in their game and in themselves.
Abby began coaching at 18 as a way to stay connected to tennis beyond her own playing career. While studying Sport Management in college, she returned home each summer to coach and quickly realized that what she loved most was not simply teaching the game. It was getting to know her students, watching them grow, and realizing the impact a coach can have far beyond technique or performance.
That perspective continues to shape the way Abby coaches today. Now celebrating her first year at The Yards, she has made it a priority to create an environment where her students and members feel supported, encouraged, and genuinely known. For Abby, authenticity is one of the most important qualities a coach can bring to the court. She believes players know when someone cares about them as a person, not just as an athlete.
The sport has shaped Abby, too. Tennis taught her that even when you are behind, there is always another point to play. She has carried that mentality into life, learning to approach challenges with resilience, perspective, and the belief that difficult moments do not determine the outcome.
It is a lesson she now gets to pass along to the next generation. Whether she is coaching a junior clinic, encouraging a student through a difficult moment, or bringing members together for an evening on the clay courts, Abby hopes people leave feeling a little better than when they arrived.
Because for her, a life in tennis is not simply about developing great players. It is about building relationships, creating a place where people feel they belong, and helping others discover everything the sport can give them for years to come.
Read our full conversation with Abby below.
1. WHAT DREW YOU TO COACHING?
What first sparked your interest, and what continues to challenge, inspire, and fulfill you today?
When I began coaching at 18, I knew it would be a way to stay connected to the sport and remain on the court after finishing my competitive playing career in college. I studied Sport Management as an undergraduate because I knew I wanted to work in the sports industry, and I couldn’t imagine a career that didn’t involve tennis.
Throughout college, I would return home each summer to coach, where I began building strong relationships with many of my students. Seeing the impact I could have on their lives was incredibly fulfilling. With fresh knowledge and experience from competing at a high level, I had so much to share, and it was a joy to pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
Every conversation with both new and returning students continues to inspire me. Their growth, both on and off the court, motivates me to keep coaching and to continue making a positive impact through the sport I love.
2. WHAT HAS THIS SPORT TAUGHT YOU, BOTH WITHIN IT AND FAR BEYOND IT?
How has it shaped the way you approach life, leadership, or the person you’ve become?
Tennis has taught me to approach every moment with a fresh mindset. Unlike many sports, there is no clock in a tennis match. You can be losing badly, but the match is never over until the final point is played. There is always an opportunity to come back.
That mindset has taught me not to give up on myself, even when things feel overwhelming or don’t go as planned. I have learned how to dig deep during difficult moments, push through adversity, and find a way forward. Tennis has taught me strength, resilience, and the importance of believing in myself when things are at their toughest.
Because of these lessons, I have become someone that many people in my life turn to during difficult times. They know I will meet them with encouragement, perspective, and a positive mindset which are all lessons that I first learned on the tennis court.
3. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH OTHER WOMEN FINDING THEIR PLACE IN THIS SPORT?
Whether they’re just beginning or already on the journey, what’s something you hope they never forget?
The best advice I can give women in the tennis industry is to build a genuine relationship with your players. Yes, students are looking to get better on the court, but they can feel when you don't care for them as people and that you only care about their performance. Our authenticity can set us apart and will make them feel seen. We are more than a coach to them; we are their biggest supporter and encourager. Never forget how far your kindness and authenticity can take you!
4. WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO MAKE ON THIS COMMUNITY?
How do you hope your presence helps shape and strengthen this community for other women?
I hope that I have created a space for women to feel like they can be themselves and always have someone to lean on. I think I have brought passion to junior players just starting their journey as well as a sense of community at the yards for all of our members. Tennis is such a beautiful, lifelong sport that every woman should feel better after playing with their girls.
5. JUST FOR FUN... WHAT DOES YOUR PERFECT DAY IN YOUR ELEMENT LOOK LIKE?
Who’s there, where are you, and what’s always packed in your bag?
The perfect day in my element is on the beautiful clay courts with the sun shining and a nice ocean breeze. The morning, I have a junior clinic with all my kiddos having a blast, and in the afternoon, we have a great event for our members to enjoy as the sun sets. In my bag I have some electrolytes and some yummy gluten-free snacks!