Venus Williams' coach receives top honors

He has served as the glue in Venus Williams' career. Now, David Witt, the "longest-standing non–family member" in her camp, finds himself the winner of a prestigious pro-coaching award. Doled out annually by the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Witt is the recent recipient of the organization's Touring Coach of the Year honor.

The 43-year-old Jacksonville, Fla. native, who first worked with Venus—and Serena—ahead of the WTA Tour stop in Amelia Island in 2002, has traveled with Venus specifically since 2007. Thus the pair has now celebrated more than a decade of hits together.

"Many fans often wonder why a world class athlete even needs a coach,” Witt said. “If you’re one of the best players in the world, what can someone else tell you? The fact is, professional sports are more complicated than most people realize, and the stakes are incredibly high. Every athlete can use an extra set of expert eyes on them.

"It’s an honor to be a part of what Venus has accomplished and to get to coach one of the greatest players of all time."

Even the ever-quotable Venus couldn't have said that better.

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