On a lively afternoon in South Florida, former ATP professional and Academy Director of Wellington Tennis Center, Scoville Jenkins stepped back into competition mode during the Legends Event at the Delray Beach Open. The setting connecting with fans, and reflecting on the incredible legends and their careers. Between matches, Jenkins shared insights on why he embraces Delray Beach, how his academy philosophy took shape, and what he believes truly drives player development. The conversation moved naturally from the day’s action to coaching, confidence, and the evolving facilities that now define his training environment.
Jenkins first gave his take on the Legends Event at the Delray Beach Open. For Jenkins, the experience still carries genuine excitement. “I think it’s incredible, this is going on the third straight year that i’ve done this and i’ve had just the best time ever doing this.”“It’s really fun to actually prepare for this little bit. I don’t wanna embarrass myself, so I hit a little bit before so, I get a little practice.” The event allows for past players to get back on court in front of crowds, and the legends feel at home. “Everyone’s just so nice and it’s actually really good to get back on that court again too.” The joy of competition, even briefly, can be seen as the Scoville resonated on his career on tour.
The conversation soon shifted toward how Jenkins found his current home base. “That’s a great question. It really was Chuck Gill, the Tennis Director of the Wellington Tennis Center?” The relationship traced back years. “He was the director of the Club at Ibis where i worked previously and we developed a good relationship and i was really looking to build my own academy and kind of my own thing.” The opportunity aligned naturally. “And it really worked out with Wellington and Chuck. I’ve been really excited about what the future holds to.” Scoville representing his love for Wellington.
Jenkins described what players can expect inside his program with direct clarity. “Well, what number one is you get a lot of one on one attention.” That individual focus is central to his structure. “I want the best for you and i’m not just like a regular coach where we just go out and play.” Accountability plays a defining role. “I hold you accountable to everything.” The daily process reflects intensity and intention. “With me, it’s a lot of one on one and it’s just nonstop hard and smart work.”
Photo courtesy of Wellington Tennis Center.
When asked about the qualities he prioritizes as a coach, Jenkins didn’t hesitate. “Confidence. The biggest thing is confidence.” He views belief as something earned through experience. “Which you have to basically earn by playing, but always feel when you’re a confident player, you’ll make the right decisions.” That principle shapes his interactions with students. “So i really instill confidence in you all the time so you can play the way you want to play.” His conclusion was firm and uncomplicated. “Without confidence is really hard to play this game.” For Jenkins, development begins with the confidence to improve.
“No matter what i’m going to push you to your very limit to where you don’t think you can do it, but I will never ever, ever make you do something you can’t do.” The philosophy reflects lessons from his own career. “My coach took me to places physically, mentally and emotionally that I couldn’t take myself.” This is one major guideline he wants to pass down to his students.
Photo courtesy of Wellington Tennis Center.
Jenkins also highlighted the infrastructure supporting that philosophy at Wellington Tennis Center. “I don’t know any better courts, really in south Florida area, there’s twenty six clay courts right now.” Expansion is already underway. “They’re in pristine condition. They’re building three more right now. There’ll be three hard courts that will be done in march and then seven padel courts later this year.” Scoville continued to emphasize the other amenities Wellington has to offer. “We have Swingvision technology as well, so actually watch the practice and watch the match, which I do.” Review and analysis remain integral. “I really believe that’s a big development, a big part of developing your game is a coach watching your match with you.”
Ultimately, Jenkins returned to the core mission driving his work. “Yes, the number one thing is I want all of the students to reach their ultimate goals.” Expectations are intentionally high. “The number one goal is to overachieve and I really push you to the max.” He acknowledged that intensity can sometimes feel demanding. “Sometimes i, sometimes i could push you a little too hard.” Yet his reasoning remains rooted in player welfare. “But I want people to always know it’s for your own good. I’m not doing this to help myself. It’s to always help you and be the player that you think you can be.” In the end, the day’s exhibitions, reflections, and philosophy echoed a consistent theme: purposeful work in pursuit of progress.
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Written by Florida Tennis Assistant Editor Alex Binstok.
