03/07/2026
It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of Rico Policarpo, a Calgary tennis legend.
My family and I will remember Rico as a warm-hearted man from Milano, Italy, who opened the door to so many kids in tennis, including me. We will never forget how he helped my family in my early years of tennis and accepted us "as is," immigrants from Yugoslavia. It was something that Rico did, in my early years, which shaped me into the person I am today. Rico did not bill my parents for a couple of months of group lessons when we really could not afford it - he just wanted me to play with the other kids. Rico had a heart of gold and saw how much I loved tennis and how hard I worked. If it were not for Rico and the decision he made, I probably would never have stayed in tennis after that point; the 7 provincial titles, 6 singles, 1 doubles, 3 outdoor U18 provincial titles in a row, ITF ranking, and Alberta Women's Open #1 ranking - none of that would have happened. Because of Rico's decision, I continued to represent the Rico Tennis Academy at tournaments for many years after I left the club to train in Australia, Serbia, and Florida. Rico's compassion left an impact on me; to this day, when I coach a child from an underprivileged family that wants to learn, work hard, and shows shared love toward this wonderful sport, I don't charge them...all because of the 12-year-old girl that Rico helped in the early 2000s.
My family will remember Rico as a man of kindness, respect, and generosity. May he rest in eternal peace, and may his family find strength in this difficult time. 🤍🕊🎾
Thank you, coach ❤️
Jelena Tomasovic,
- Former player of the Rico Tennis Academy (No other variation of the club's name).
