Derek Boone was born and raised in Gastonia, NC.  He graduated from Gaston Day School in 1999 where he was a two sport star.  As a tennis player, he was a state singles champion and MVP.  On the basketball court, Derek scored over 1000 points, had over 500 assists, was  co-MVP of the the varsity basketball team, and first team all conference.  

After graduating from Gaston Day School, Derek received a tennis scholarship to play Division 1 tennis for Appalachian State University and received his Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Management with a minor in Business.

Derek is a certified PTR professional and has over 22 years of head pro teaching experience.  After college, Derek worked as the Head Tennis Professional at Blakeney Racquet Club in Charlotte, NC.  He also spent time working as a tennis professional for the Charlotte Tennis Academy before moving to Chapel Hill.  Since moving to Chapel Hill, he spent 3 years as the Head Tennis Professional for  Southern Village Club and then 3 years as the Head Tennis Professional for the Chapel Hill Country Club.  Under Derek's leadership, the junior programs  at both clubs more than tripled in size and developed numerous high level juniors.  

Derek now is realizing his true dream of owning and directing his own tennis academy.  Derek founded Coach D Tennis, LLC in December, 2014.  Currently, Coach D Tennis Academy trains over 100 players, including some of the nation's highest ranked juniors. 

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