From Ball Boy to Coach: Emmanuel Kwesi Frimpong’s Tennis Origin Story

When Emmanuel Kwesi Frimpong sat among his peers at the Coach Inclusion Summit this past December, he wasn’t just there to learn new drills; he was there to bridge the gap between two worlds. 

 

For the American coaches in the room, the summit – a collaboration between USTA Coaching and the USTA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) department – was a premier professional development event. For Frimpong, it was a bridge between his life’s work in Ghana and the global standards of the game. He wasn't just there to observe; he was there to absorb every methodology, from advanced feeding techniques to mental toughness strategies, to take back to a community where tennis is a lifeline.

 

Frimpong’s tennis journey did not begin with private lessons or elite training. It began when he was eight years old, standing outside a tennis court in Ghana. While members were playing, a ball rolled through the fence. Frimpong picked it up and tossed it back. That small moment changed his life.

 

A coach noticed him, struck up a conversation and asked a simple question: do you want to play tennis? Frimpong said yes. From that day forward, the sport became more than just a game. It became a pathway to a future he hadn't yet imagined.

Frimpong developed quickly, eventually rising to the top of Ghana’s junior tennis ranks. However, as his own playing career reached its peak, he became increasingly aware of a systemic gap in his home country. There were too many talented young players and not enough qualified mentors to guide them. He saw a generation of athletes lacking the structure and opportunity needed to reach the next level.

 

Despite his success as a player, Frimpong made a difficult decision. Rather than continuing to focus on his own competitive career, he chose to coach. “In Ghana, the kids need support,” he explained. “They need coaching. So I decided to sacrifice.”

 

Frimpong began informally, sharing techniques he had learned through competition and online resources. Over time, more players sought him out. Today, he coaches more than 35 young athletes, many of whom aspire to play tennis at the college level. His work is driven not by financial stability – coaching jobs are scarce in Ghana – but by commitment and belief in what tennis can provide.

Tennis in Ghana faces significant cultural and logistical challenges. The sport is not widely understood, equipment is limited and facilities often need repair. Football (soccer) dominates the sports landscape, and tennis remains inaccessible for many families.

 

Frimpong took it upon himself to change that narrative. He spends his weekdays visiting local schools, introducing children to a sport many have never seen before. He invites everyone, from students to adults, to step onto the court, emphasizing that tennis offers not just physical exercise, but mental discipline and educational benefits. 

 

Progress is visible, but support remains limited. Many of his players lack rackets, shoes and proper training gear. Despite this, they continue to show dedication, talent and ambition.

Frimpong’s impact grew significantly when he connected with the Dono Foundation, led by former Davis Cup player Isaac Donkor. After competing in – and winning – an under-18 tournament organized by the foundation, Frimpong shared his vision for coaching and development.

 

Recognizing a kindred spirit, Donkor invited Frimpong to train players at the foundation’s facility and eventually named him Head Coach. Frimpong credits Donkor as one of the few leaders actively pushing Ghanaian tennis forward, and together, they’ve built a sanctuary for more than 35 young athletes, many who now dream of playing college tennis in the United States.

Attending the Coach Inclusion Summit in the U.S. was a transformative experience for Frimpong. Beyond the tactical training and behavior management strategies, the summit reshaped his entire philosophy on accessibility. For the first time, he was introduced to adaptive disciplines such as blind tennis.

 

“It touched my heart,” he said. “I want to support players with disabilities, too.” He realized that inclusion isn't just about economic status; it's about ensuring every person, regardless of their physical ability, has a place on the court.

Frimpong left the summit feeling empowered as a leader. His goals for the coming year are ambitious:

 

• Help his top players secure U.S. college scholarships.

• Improve the infrastructure of local Ghanaian courts.

• Return to the summit with a cohort of fellow Ghanaian coaches to ensure the knowledge he gained spreads throughout his country.

 

Frimpong’s journey, from a ball boy at a fence to a leader at a U.S. national summit, is a powerful reminder of how access and education can create a lasting impact. By bridging the gap between Ghana and the U.S. coaching community, he’s helping make tennis inclusive for generations to come.