Chambana Sun

Former University of Illinois tennis player Oliver Okonkwo is embarking on a new journey in the realm of coaching after a period of balancing on-court play and coaching stints. During his collegiate tenure at Illinois from 2022 to 2024, Okonkwo was engaged in both activities but has since decided to concentrate his efforts on coaching. In the months following his graduation, Okonkwo played tennis and coached globally, ultimately choosing to dedicate himself to coaching.

"I love the game of tennis, and I have always seen coaching as a way to give back to the sport," Okonkwo stated. He emphasized his goal to enhance players’ skills and passion for the game, influenced by the impactful roles his coaches played in his own life. "If I can be a part of not only increasing the level of tennis for players but also increasing their love for it as much as I do, then it brings me a great sense of accomplishment."

Currently stationed at College Park Athletic Club in Bannockburn, Illinois, Okonkwo joins fellow Illinois alum Blake Bazarnik, the general manager, who played for Illinois from 2013 to 2015. Okonkwo, originally from Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, achieved a peak ATP doubles ranking of 455 in February and a singles high of 1350 in July.

Okonkwo started his collegiate career at Iowa before transferring to Illinois in 2022, where he impressively compiled a 19-12 singles record and a 20-14 doubles record. His academic accolades include Academic All-Big Ten and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar recognition. In his final season, Okonkwo reached a No. 27 rank in ITA doubles, contributing notably to Illinois’ victory over North Carolina in February 2024. Beyond athletic achievements, his scholarly recognitions expanded to ITA Scholar Athlete honors.

After obtaining a master’s degree in kinesiology in 2024 from Illinois, Okonkwo participated in ITF and ATP Challenger tournaments, reaching finals in various locations across the United States. He attributes significant learning and coaching influences to Illini coaches Brad Dancer and Tim Kopinski.

"I have learned a lot from both Brad and TK," he expressed, highlighting the multifaceted nature of player-coach relationships beyond court training, and viewing coaches as mentors for life challenges. Okonkwo aims to extend this relational approach to his own coaching.

While adapting to post-tournament life, Okonkwo aspires to coach at collegiate and professional levels, having already engaged with ATP players Giles Hussey and James Mackinlay. Despite physical struggles influencing his decision to coach, Okonkwo sees this transition as timely, planning to impart knowledge gained from competitive play to his future students.

"Now is the right time for me to transition from playing to coaching because I've been struggling a lot physically with my body," Okonkwo mentioned. "Coaching is a way I can still be a part of the sport and use what I have learned on the tour and in college to teach other players different things that I didn't know at their age."