Donna Zambito: From Tampa Catholic Alumna to Inspirational Tennis Coach
A Legacy of Passion and Persistence
Donna Zambito, Tampa Catholic class of 1980, has a storied history with the sport of tennis, deeply rooted in her formative years and guided by the unwavering support of her father. Introduced to tennis by her father, who attended every match and supported her throughout her high school and college journey, Coach Zambito's early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the sport.
From Tampa Catholic to College Success
After graduating from Tampa Catholic, Coach Zambito's passion and skill for tennis led her to try out for the Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Lady Hawks tennis team. Within just two months, her dedication and talent earned her a scholarship, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her tennis career. At HCC, she was mentored by two inspiring coaches, Jerry Townsend and Donna Jordan. These mentors emphasized the power of persistence and the potential for growth, teaching their athletes to treat every match as a learning experience.
A Return to Tampa Catholic
Coach Zambito first coached the TC tennis team at the request of Nick DiMaggio after she graduated from college. She fondly recalls driving an old white van to transport the team to matches and reporting the scores to the Tampa Tribune newspaper. She remembers her early years of coaching as an incredible opportunity that allowed her to inspire others and grow personally.
This past year, Coach Zambito was given the opportunity to coach at TC again, embarking on an incredible journey with an amazing group of kids who showed great potential both on and off the courts. Under her guidance, the girls' team achieved remarkable success, winning districts and seeing the team's top two girls compete at the state level. Coach Zambito is immensely proud of her athletes for their remarkable performances this season.
Teaching Life Lessons Through Tennis
As a coach, she hopes to impart the same lessons of perseverance, kindness, and potential that she learned from her mentors. She believes that through tennis, her players can learn to never give up in life, always be kind to others, and believe in their potential to create positive change. Coach Zambito's story is a testament to the enduring impact of dedication, mentorship, and the love of the game. Her journey from a Tampa Catholic student to an influential coach exemplifies the power of passion, persistence, and the joy of giving back to the community that shaped her. Her legacy continues to inspire and uplift the next generation of tennis players at Tampa Catholic.