Oh dear, have you heard about Darryl Cummings? Such a name everyone in the tennis world knows, especially around Virginia. He was a big deal, you see, a coach at Norfolk State, and even before that, he made a mark in the Hampton Roads area. Now, he’s gone, and it’s been hard for all who knew him.
He passed away suddenly on November 31st at the age of 59. Such a shock to everyone. The poor man didn’t even get to say goodbye. They say it was a sudden cardiac arrest. One minute, he’s there, and the next… just gone. You can’t believe it, can you? People say it was just too much for him. He had so much energy, so much love for tennis, but life had other plans.
Darryl Cummings wasn’t just any coach. He had a talent for bringing the best out of his players. He made Old Dominion University proud, you know. They say his record was something to be proud of too, 563 wins and 353 losses. That’s a whole lotta tennis games. It placed him third among all the coaches with the most wins in the history of Old Dominion. It wasn’t just the wins that people loved about him. No, it was his heart, his passion for the sport, and how he treated folks. That’s what everyone remembers most.
He wasn’t just a coach at Old Dominion; he also ran the Cape Henry Racquet Club. That place? It was like his baby. He put his soul into it. He wanted to make sure people, especially the young ones, had the best place to learn and play tennis. The club became a second home to many. You’d go there, and Darryl would always be there, cheering everyone on, giving tips, and making sure the courts were in top shape.
Folks came from all around to see him, and he always had time for a chat. It didn’t matter if you were just starting or had been playing for years. Darryl made time for everyone. And when he passed, well, it left a hole in many hearts. The celebration of his life, held at the Folkes-Stevens Tennis Center, was packed. You could see the love people had for him. Tears flowed that day, a lot of tears. That indoor tennis center—so much history in those walls—was the perfect place to honor a man like Darryl.
He’s being remembered for so much: his coaching, his hard work, and the community he built around him. It wasn’t just about tennis; it was about the people. It was about helping others and bringing them together. Darryl didn’t just teach tennis; he taught life lessons. It was all about hard work, dedication, and respect. And he sure did get a lot of respect back from everyone who had the pleasure to work with him.
It’s no wonder he’s being inducted into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame. That’s a big deal. And it’s something that’s been long overdue. Darryl’s legacy will live on for years to come. His name will be mentioned every time someone talks about tennis in the area. He was a legend, and legends don’t fade away that easy. His influence, his love for the game, and his care for people will always be remembered. So, if you ever find yourself near Norfolk or the Old Dominion area, think of Darryl. His spirit is in every swing of the racquet, every cheer from the courts, and in the hearts of all those he helped. A true treasure, gone too soon, but never forgotten.
Tags：[Darryl Cummings, tennis, Norfolk State, Old Dominion University, Hampton Roads, tennis coach, Cape Henry Racquet Club, sports, Hall of Fame, tennis community]
