David Ensignia Family Named USTA Florida’s Tennis Family of the Year for Their Trailblazing Contributions to the Sport
April 30 2024 - 9:55AM
Renowned for their extraordinary 35-year dedication to fostering
the spirit of tennis, the David Ensignia family was named Tennis
Family of the Year by USTA Florida.
"We are truly honored to be recognized by USTA Florida," said
David Ensignia Sr., CEO and founder of the David Ensignia Tennis
Academy in Miami. "This award is emblematic of our love for tennis
and symbolizes the positive impact it can have on lives, stretching
well beyond the boundaries of a tennis court."
From South America to their suburban-Miami home, the passion for
tennis held by Ensignia; his son, David Ensignia Jr.; and his wife,
Jacit Gonzalez and granddaughter Diana, has been the driving force
behind the David Ensignia Tennis Academy's success. Since launching
the academy in 1990, the family has played a pivotal role in
nurturing emerging tennis talents and fostering the development of
tennis in South Florida.
The David Ensignia Tennis Academy operates four locations in
Miami-Dade County and hosts numerous USTA local, regional and state
tournaments every year, including wheelchair tennis. In May, the
academy will host the USTA Florida Diversity Camp for women and
girls at Continental Park Tennis Center in Kendall.
To further advance its training of up-in-coming tennis players,
the Ensignias introduced DETA International Tournaments, a junior
tennis competition that draws 250 players from 37 countries. The
tournament runs two weeks in December and serves as a satellite
event to the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis
Championship.
The academy offers private lessons, clinics, training for
high-performance athletes, tournaments, and after-school and summer
camps, often discounting and waiving fees for players and families
on limited budgets.
"Throughout their tennis careers, both Davids have supported a
diverse range of players including creating a home for wheelchair
tennis athletes,” said Jacit Gonzalez, the director of business
development, who collaborates closely with her husband, David
Ensignia, to manage the academy. “Anyone in need of assistance,
whether on or off the court, knows exactly whose door to knock
on."
The Ensignia family has also played a vital role in engaging the
local community, offering outreach programs that emphasize
inclusivity and diversity. Earlier this year, the Ensignias
launched DETA Friends, a nonprofit that provides sports programs
for lower income children and families and individuals with special
needs. Granddaughter Diana takes an active role on the court and
off. As a player, she dominates in competition. And when she’s not
playing, Diana volunteers her time in the academy’s tennis
afterschool programs and camps.
"Our family, my family, has seen the needs in our tennis
community throughout the years, realizing that there is still a lot
to be done," Gonzalez said. "We're committed to leaving behind a
thriving legacy for generations to come through DETA Friends."
Through the nonprofit, the Ensignias offer free tennis and
pickleball for adults over 55. They offset the cost of tennis
programs, including lessons and summer camps, for underserved
communities. They offset the cost of coaching for junior athletes
looking for elite training and team up with nonprofits to offer
programs for individuals, children and families in need.
Eager to promote racquet sports of all kinds, the Ensignias
established the DETA Pickleball Club, which stands as the largest
pickleball facility in the greater Miami area with 17 dedicated
courts. Pickleball Magazine named the club at the Miccosukee Golf
and Country Club one of the top places to play in the U.S.
For additional information regarding the David Ensignia Tennis
Academy, visit www.davidensigniatennis.com.
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About David Ensignia Tennis Academy
Founded in 1990, David Ensignia Tennis Academy offers
state-of-the-art tennis instruction tailored for players at all
levels of skill. The academy takes pride in fostering the future
stars of tennis and serving the community through comprehensive
tennis programs. With facilities at four locations in South
Miami-Dade County, the academy remains a hub for tennis excellence,
recognized by both USTA and the International Tennis Federation
(ITF).
- Ensignia Family_USTA Florida April 2024
- David Ensignia Sr., and wife Jacit Gonzalez
Patricia Maldonado
David Ensignia Tennis Academy
305-490-8831
patriciam@davidensigniatennis.com