Earlier this month, the Alberta tennis community lost a legendary coach, a trailblazer, and a larger-than-life character. Rico Policarpo passed away peacefully on March 3 in Lake Country, BC.
Originally from Milano, Italy, Rico’s tennis story began when he was working as a ball boy at a professional event. On those courts, he fell in love with the game. Tennis would become Rico’s lifelong passion, and he would leave his mark on the sport. But he would do so not in Milano, but in a world far away.
Following a short stint as a touring professional, Rico was led to Alberta by his brother. Like many before him, and many after him, he fell in love with the province’s beauty, the lifestyle, and the people.
He got to work quickly. With his experience, he was brought on to coach and manage the Calgary Tennis Club, and was responsible for bubbling the courts. When the lease ran out, he made the jump and opened Rico’s Tennis Academy. It was 1974. He was just 24 years old.
The rest, they say, is history. The academy evolved, earned numerous awards, and developed champions. Rico was named Tennis Alberta Coach of the Year in 1989 and earned the title of Canadian Coach of the Year three times (1988, 1992, and 1995). He developed six National Junior Champions who together claimed 15 Canadian titles in the under-14, 16, and 18 age groups.
Rico’s influence went far beyond the trophy case, notably helping many athletes get scholarships to US colleges. He also believed in making the sport more accessible. He offered Patrick Thomas—and many others—opportunities for free coaching, as they were unable to afford the numerous lessons required to be competent players. Rico encouraged Patrick to pursue his instructor’s certificate and provided the necessary training to become a coach himself.
Rico’s passion lives on through his kids, the players he coached, and the friends he made. His sons, Alex and Chris Policarpo, suggested that donations in his memory be made to the Calgary Tennis Society (CTS), as its mission carries on their father’s work of keeping the game accessible. Carrying the torch, two of Rico’s former students, Trish Barton and Patrick Thomas, now serve on the CTS board of directors.
In recognition of this legacy, the Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre (ATC) has donated $5,000 to the Calgary Tennis Society in Rico’s memory. Tennis Alberta has also contributed $2,000 to the CTS to support the mission.
It was a wild ride. With so many lives touched, friendships made, and memories shared. A life spent instilling a love for the game. From bubbled hard courts through our cold prairie winters, all the way back those sun-baked clay courts in Milan, tennis connected it all.
Thank you, Rico.
