ABOUT OUR TEAM

Francisco (Paco) Bendana

Languages: English and Spanish

Professional

• UTR – 12.8 singles 13.02 doubles

• Davis Cup player for Nicaragua

• Silver Medal in Central American Olympics (2017)

College (University of the Incarnate Word)

• Nationally Ranked #108 in singles & #90 in doubles (Partner Josip Smoljan)

• Southland Conference Champion (‘17-‘18)

• First Team All Conference (‘18, ‘19)

Juniors

• Number 1 in Nicaragua U12, U14,U16

• Number 1 in Central America (U-14 & U-15)

• ITF – #1006

• USTA (Texas)- #13

Education

• University of The Incarnate Word (Current)

– Masters in SportsManagement 

– Bachelor in Financial Planning

Coaching Experience (8 years):

• Current Assistant Coach for UIW (NCAA D1)

• Have worked with kids of all ages(4-18)

• Worked with kids with special needs

Leonard Ivic is a name that resonates with tennis enthusiasts around the world. The Croatian tennis player and coach has had a remarkable career, starting from his junior days in his home country to becoming a notable coach in the United States.

Early Years

Leonard Ivic was born and raised in Split, Croatia. He started playing tennis at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the top junior tennis players in his country by the time he turned 18. Ivic was a force to be reckoned with on the court, dominating the Croatian youth circuit and winning numerous titles.

International Success

Ivic’s success didn’t stop at the national level. He also made a name for himself on the international scene, climbing up the ranks and competing in various tournaments around the world. Ivic achieved his highest ITF ranking of #600 and was part of the Croatian Davis Cup team that won the championship in 2005.

Collegiate Career

After his success in junior and international tennis, Ivic decided to cross the pond to attend the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. He played collegiate tennis for the Cardinals and quickly established himself as a star player, winning numerous titles and setting records along the way. Ivic was part of the team that won the National Championship in 2006 and was ranked #1 in the nation at the collegiate level.

Academic Achievements

Ivic’s success wasn’t limited to the tennis court. He also excelled academically, earning a Bachelor’s degree in International Business, a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, and a Master’s degree in Marketing. His academic achievements were just as impressive as his athletic accomplishments.

Coaching Career

After graduating from the University of the Incarnate Word, Ivic turned his attention to coaching. He started coaching junior players and quickly established himself as a top-level coach. Ivic’s coaching philosophy is centered around developing players’ skills, techniques, and mental toughness. His approach has produced numerous success stories, with many of his students going on to earn college scholarships and play at the collegiate level.

Ivic’s coaching success isn’t limited to the junior level. He has also coached college players, leading them to success on the court and in the classroom. Ivic’s coaching resume includes signing 15 players with full ride tennis college scholarships, a testament to his coaching abilities and dedication to his players.