At RPS Academies, development goes beyond technique. Under the leadership of CEO Gabe Jaramillo, one of the most respected figures in tennis coaching, the academy continues to build players through a long-term approach centered on structure, discipline, and mindset.
Speaking with Florida Tennis Magazine Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman during a visit to the academy, Jaramillo reflected on his career and the principles that have defined his work for decades. His experience includes developing top players at a young age alongside Nick Bollettieri, where he helped guide some of the biggest names in the sport.
“I worked with players like Agassi, Courier, Sampras, Mary Pierce, Monica Seles,” Jaramillo said. “They got there when they were 12 or 13 years old, and they stayed with us for years. We made sure they developed on the right path.”
That development-first mindset still drives his philosophy today. Jaramillo draws a clear distinction between teaching and true player development. “We’re developmental coaches. We make players,” he said.
While many programs emphasize stroke mechanics, Jaramillo sees that as only a small part of the process. “The mechanics are the least important part in the creation of a player,” he explained. “We divide development into three areas: mechanics, the mental part, and competition. And we train all three at the same time.”
That philosophy is reflected in daily training, where players are consistently exposed to live-ball situations and competition. “The only way to develop the right contact point is with live ball,” Jaramillo said. “You can look great in drills, but if you can’t do it in a real point, it doesn’t work.”
A key part of his methodology is periodization, a structured approach to training that aligns preparation with competition schedules. “I was one of the first to develop a periodization plan in tennis,” he said. “It’s about taking the player to competition without fatigue, hungry to compete, and ready to perform.”
Rather than training at the same intensity year-round, players follow a plan built around their tournament calendar. “You start with the tournament and work backwards,” Jaramillo explained. “Not all tournaments have the same value, so you don’t train the same way for each one.”
Beyond physical preparation, the mental side of the game plays a central role. “Everything starts with a dream,” he said. “If they dream big, they will work hard. If the dream is small, they will work small.”
Players are taught how to manage pressure and emotions during matches through specific routines and habits. “When players start losing, they rush,” Jaramillo noted. “That’s when they dig a deeper hole. We teach them how to slow down, control emotions, and stay in the moment.”
Competition is introduced early and treated as an essential part of development. “Competition is part of life,” he said. “You have to learn from the losses and move on.”
Jaramillo also emphasized the difference between a training program and a full academy environment. “An academy is not just tennis courts,” he said. “We have school, boarding, food, fitness, everything. Very few places can offer that.”
RPS Academies integrates multiple sports—tennis, golf, soccer, and volleyball—along with a private school, all built around three pillars: academics, intellectual development, and athletics. “We want to make champions on and off the court,” Jaramillo said. “To me, a champion is someone who falls seven times and gets up seven times.”
The academy is currently undergoing a major expansion. “We’re building more courts, a stadium, indoor facilities, and improving all areas,” Jaramillo said.
When asked for advice for younger players, Jaramillo focused on long-term development. “Don’t worry about results today,” he said. “Invest in your game.”
He also pointed out a common mistake in modern junior tennis. “A lot of players play not to lose,” he said. “They push the ball. That’s not going to take them anywhere. You have to be aggressive.”
For Jaramillo, improvement comes from taking risks and learning through competition. “If you lose, you lose—but you’re building your game,” he added. “By the time you’re 18 or 19, it will pay off.”
To learn more about RPS Academies, its programs, training philosophy, and the opportunities available for players looking to develop both on and off the court, visit rpsacademies.com.
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Written by Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy. Photo credits:
RPS Academies.