Meet the ex WTA pro and IT executive heading up Panama girls' tennis
When the numbers surrounding junior tennis in Panama were analysed last year, alarm bells started to ring.
Put simply, the volume of girls competing in high-performance scenarios was way below expected levels, while the comparison with the number of Panamanian boys having such opportunities reflected particularly badly.
Cecilia Ancalmo, the ITF’s Development Officer for Central America, Jorge Arrue, President of the Panama Tennis Federation, and National JTI [Junior Tennis Initiative] Coordinator Bobby Johnson considered their options.
The trio landed on the need to have female coaches who could build trust with players and families so there was a greater likelihood of talented girls from Panama travelling as a team and honing their skills within international competition.
It just so happened that Darlene Kahn, a former WTA player turned business executive, was in the process of transitioning back to the game following a lengthy career in IT. Problem solved.
“Darlene was a competitive player in the 1980s when Panama was a leader in female tennis within Central America, so we started talking about developing girls’ tennis under Darlene’s leadership,” Ancalmo tells itftennis.com.
“Back then, there was a group of very strong female players, which is proof that Panama is a country that can produce high-level competitive players if the environment is right.
“The goal now, with Darlene leading this project, is to involve more girls in competitive tennis and nurture their development so Panama can have consistent and strong representations in all regional and ITF team competitions.”
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Kahn, who had a stint as her nation's Billie Jean King Cup captain in 2019, is the only tennis player from Panama to have held either an ATP or WTA ranking, having reached a career-best No. 468 in August 1988.
Following a stint on the WTA Tour, Kahn left tennis and embarked upon a hugely successful IT career, during which she worked for the Panama Canal Authority for 30 years. However, a change of direction beckoned.
“Last year, I reached retirement age in Panama and had a decision to make, whether to keep working at the Panama Canal Authority or follow another dream that I have always had,” said Kahn.
“I am still open to work in IT projects, but right now I am more focused on the future development of tennis athletes. I never lost my love or passion for tennis.
“Right now, I want to transmit my experience and contribute to growing the sport in Panama. After all, tennis has given me so much and I would like others to have incredible experiences.
“I want to help people achieve their goals, whether that is just having fun, playing at university or becoming a professional player. I especially feel a great motivation to inspire female players.
“I know this will be a long road, but I am sure that with realistic short, medium and long-term goals and the support of people with the same vision, results will be accomplished.”
Growing up, Kahn’s father – a former international swimmer – influenced and motivated her sporting life, while her mother focused more on her academic potential. As such, she became extremely disciplined in both areas.
As it happened, Kahn developed into a promising tennis player and had visions of becoming a professional, with a tennis academy in the United States a potential destination. Her mother, however, insisted she finished High School and College before pursuing her dream.
That is exactly what happened and Kahn studied computer science at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida on a full scholarship and thrived within the College game, from where the world of professional tennis called.
Kahn tasked herself with being in the Top 100 within three years but, after falling short, decided to pursue a career in IT and “become the best IT professional” she could.
Thirty years and several promotions later, the 58-year-old has swapped the corporate world for a return to her roots.
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Having obtained her ITF coaching certifications, she recently travelled with Panama’s girls’ team to Dominican Republic for ITF World Junior Tennis – the premier ITF team event in the 14-and-under age category – pre-qualifying.
“The first thing I did after returning to tennis was to get my ITF coaching certifications, which was key,” added Kahn, who has previously featured on the ITF Masters Tour. “This has complemented my previous experience as a professional tennis player and has given me an edge.
“Then there was Dominican Republic in March. It was a great motivation to work with the girls and compete again, albeit in a different way. I was satisfied to be able to coach them on and off court and share my experiences and advise their tennis development.
“In this role, it is very important to know the players well, have good player-coach communication and trust each other. I believe we have started building a team identity for girls in Panama.”
For Kahn, however, these are very much first steps, with her ambition for Panamanian tennis matching the drive she exuded during her past life at the Panama Canal Authority.
“This is just the start," she insists. "I really, really want to contribute to the growth of tennis in Panama and develop players at the highest competitive level.”
Exciting times lie ahead.