USPTASoCal LINECALLS T r e n d S o c i a l E d u c a t i o n E d u c a t i o n S o c i a l T r e n d Nov/Dec 2022 Year-End 2022 NEWSLETTER
President'sMessage HelloFellowteachingprofessionals ofSouthernCalifornia! It’swithgreathonorandrespectfor ourdivisionandmycolleaguesthatI writetoyou.Ifeelprivilegedtoshare onbehalfofyourBoardofDirectors hereinSoCal.Thepastyearandahalf hasbeenspecialonsomanyfronts, butoneofthemostexcitingthingsfor mehasbeenthereturnofin-person events. (continued....) 1of8
(continuedfrom1) I’mguiltywhenlookingbackprepandemicoftakingourUSPTA educationaleventsforgranted.It’strue thatracquetsportshaveexploded nationwideasaresultofCOVID,yet manyofusteachingprofessionals (myselfincluded)havefeltabitofa disconnectfromtheindustry,andour colleagues.Wegototheworkplaceand grindoutlonghoursonthecourt.Most ofusdon’tworkonalargestaff,and oftenwefeelaloneonanisland.Iknow attimesIfeelthisway.I’mthankful thatwehaveresumedin-personUSPTA (continued....) President'sMessage 2of8
(continuedfrom2) eventsformanyreasons.I’velisted belowafewthataremostmeaningfulto me,andIhopeyou’llagreeandfeel similar. Networking:Conferencesarenotonly aboutthecontentthatwelearnand rechargeourprofessionalbatteries from.Theyareopportunitiesforusto comebacktogetherfromdifferentareas aroundSoCalandbeyond. Wehavethe chancetoshareideasandstories.Most ofourtimeisspentwithourstudents, teamsetc. (continued..) 3of8
President'sMessage
(continuedfrom3) Whatabetterplacetofocusonour needsandplaceagreatervalueonour educationandprofessional relationships. Knowledge:Whatkeepsmeexcitedis theopportunityforlearningand expandingmyknowledgebase.Online learningisgood,yetbeingoncourt,or nexttothecourtismuchmore engagingthanmostanythingcompared towhatI’vedoneviatheinternet.The sharingofideasamongproshasalways beengreatforme.Wealllookat teachingandthe (continued) 4of8
President'sMessage
(continuedfrom4) gamethroughdifferentlenses,and whenweshareasacollectiveit broadnessourperspective.Wedon’t needtoagreeonmethodology,butat leastwecancollaboratetogetherand fromthatwegrow. Industrytrends:Whetherits equipment,orthelatesttrendsinthe gameitself,in-personeventsofferso much.Itcouldbeademocourtthatyou playon,orthelatestlargemotorskill gameforour5yearoldstogettosee. It’salmostalwaysbetterin-person. (continued) 5of8
President'sMessage
(continuedfrom5) Collaboration:WhenIbeganmyterm asPresident,Iknewthatonething stoodoutforme.Iwantedtoreunite andbringusallbacktogetherpandemic allowing.Itwasaroughstart,butwe arewellonourwaytorestoringsome senseofnormalcyinourcommunities, solet’sgettogetheragain!When attendingeventsIalwayslookforward toseeingthosepro’sthatIonlysee occasionally,likeataUSPTAevent! (continued) 6of8
President'sMessage
(continuedfrom6) Ifyou’vebeeninthisprofessionforany lengthoftime,youquicklyrealizethat wearesofortunatetodowhatwedo, andwithwhomwedoit.In-person eventsbringoutthosefriendlyfaces withintheindustrythatwe’vecometo lookforwardtoseeingandsharing ideaswith. So,keepyoureyesopenforSouthern CaliforniaUSPTAeventsinthecoming year.It’sawonderfulwaytoremain passionateaboutwhatwedofora lifestyle.Weneverreally (continued) 7of8
President'sMessage
(continuedfrom7) knowwhatliesahead,socontinue toelevateyourstandardasa professional,andusetheUSPTA membershiptonetworkandget betteratwhatyoudo. Ihopetoseeyouatournextevent! ~Scott (END) 8of8
President'sMessage
President's Message Award Winner Event Pictures Resources for You Certification Corner World Conference More Revenue SoCal Division Table of Contents #usptasocal Educational Event Health Honor Service Introduction Competition In Memory Accreditation New Coaches Pathway and MORE!
SoCalNATIONAL AwardWINNER
USPTA
SoCal NATIONAL Awards 2021-2022, Simon Paek Congratulations to Simon Paek, hard working “Best of the Best” USPTA professional, who was recently recognized for his outstanding achievements by the National Awards Committee. He was awarded at the World Conference in New Orleans in September this year.
SIMON PAEK, 2022 USPTA GEORGE BACSO COACH DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT, LED THE WAY IN USPTA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION FOR DELIVERING THE TE-3 CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP. SIMON HAS ALSO BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING TO DESIGN THE CURRENT PICKLEBALL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM. THANK YOU SIMON FOR BEING A MENTOR TO SO MANY PROS ENTERING THE ASSOCIATION!
WAY TO GO!!
YOU DID IT. THANKS TO THE ALMOST 70 PEOPLE THAT MADE THE 2022 SOCAL USPTA DISTRCIT 1-3 EVENT A SUCCESS. OCT 16 2022
USPTA DISRICT 1-3 2022 EVENT "START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN." (ASHE)
USPTA DISRICT 1-3 2022 EVENT "START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN." (ASHE)
Hello Fellow Teaching Pros! Our division has many exciting events taking place throughout the next couple of months. Make sure to check in with your district president for more details about district events. As a member of the executive board (treasurer), I wanted to (continued) EVAN PARRY *RESOURCES FOR YOU* TREASURER
EVAN PARRY TREASURER inform you all that we will be hosting a USPTA SoCal General Membership meeting on in late January or early February 2023. You should receive an email invite from National about this event. The main topic I would like to emphasize for this quarter is the USPTA's unique relationship with Universal Tennis. Universal Tennis is proud to be the official Club (continued)
EVAN PARRY TREASURER Software and Rating System of the USPTA. Universal Tennis offers USPTA Teaching Professionals: - A free demo to learn how to run current club and academy events on the Universal Tennis platform, as well as education on the UTR Rating that is free to every player - A free 45-Day Trial or a free month when signing a software agreement (continued)
EVAN PARRY TREASURER - Invitation to join Universal Tennis Junior Circuits and Universal Tennis Junior Team Tennis For more information, contact Mike Miringoff, at mike@universaltennis. com or at 760-8220656 (END)
(continued) "Certification Corner" by Simon Paek, Head Coach Developer Tennis/Pickleball I was fortunate enough to administer certification to six Professionals into the world USPTA Pickleball back on Sept. 10. What an incredibly gifted group they are – from L to R: Lisa Filpi, John Stiepel, Xavier Rogala, Mike Thoeresz, Sewong Lee and Frank 1ST VP SIMON PAEK 1ST VP
(continued) Weiskirch. Don’t miss the boat, add to your arsenal by becoming PB Certified as well. The last certification was on Nov. 5, at Mission Viejo Country Club. Please email me directly for more information –paektennis@gmail.com I encourage anyone interested to log into uspta.org and look for this test. 1ST VP SIMON PAEK 1ST VP
(continued) There’s a TE3 Certification in Cerritos Oct. 15-17, currently there are 11 Tennis Professionals who will go through the training and then ultimately, take the Certification test. Best of luck to all those who will be tested in the upcoming 2 months. Dates have been established for TE3 Testing for 2023: April 22-24 and Nov. 4-6, 1ST VP SIMON PAEK 1ST VP
(continued) both of these tests will be at the Cerritos Tennis Center in Cerritos, Ca. Pickleball Certification Dates for 2023: Jan. 23 – Mission Viejo Country Club (MVCC). March 11 – MVCC. May – TBA @ our Division Conference. July 8 – MVCC. Sept. 9 – MVCC. Nov. 18 – MVCC. All PB Certification will be 11:30 am – 3:30 pm. 1ST VP SIMON PAEK end 1ST VP
USPTA WORLD CONFERENCE SEPT 2022 NEW ORLEANS "START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN." (ASHE)
SEPT
"START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN." (ASHE)
USPTA WORLD CONFERENCE
2022 NEW ORLEANS
How to create drills that maximize your ti d n you e. g pro for s there’s a on these g gotten older, I’ve wanted to maximize my time on court and make more money. The way I’ve learned to maximize revenue is drill/ clinics. (continued)
MCBRIDE
SECRETARY DINA
With a ratio of 5 to 6 people on the court you make more money than a hile ur time on e 5 tips to ls and drills over ng your #1 Make the Drill/Clinic Fun: What does that even mean? Well, good indicators are… ie. Are your participants smiling and enjoying themselves? (continued) SECRETARY DINA MCBRIDE
Do you have energy and are acting as if you’re excited to be there? The pro sets e drill and y is will trickle lients. If ee their u’re doing it smile and some energy and your clients will have a great time. #2 Drill Formations: Your clients want practical information to take to their matches in hopes of (continued) SECRETARY DINA MCBRIDE
SECRETARY
DINA MCBRIDE
(continued)
improving and ultimately winning. To make it practical, set your drills in ation, ie one two at the one back or wo up. doubles choose, feed t formation and briefly explain the pros and cons of each side. Your clients will remember these positions in their matches, making them more comfortable in pressure situations.
#3 Game format: With the doubles formation, play points mations. We pete and test physical a safe vironment. e Levels: Maintaining and sustaining drills for a long time is dependent on the flow and levels of the drills. Mixing too many levels will hurt the flow. The lower levels feel intimidated and the higher levels feel there is (continued) SECRETARY DINA MCBRIDE
no workout. Clients often don’t tell you this, they just move on. With the t’s easier to gether and or drill
ients leave feeling they had a workout is the easiest way to have them come back because they feel it’s worth it.
Making sure they have workout, depends on how many balls are being hit or feed. The ball pickups
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SECRETARY DINA MCBRIDE
should be under 2 minutes nd hit h tting should al to keep sity of the reat doubles energy, and a great workout, your drills will be popular ensuring years of bookings. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. end
MCBRIDE SECRETARY
DINA
Welcome District 1 members and tennis community friends. Racket sport programs throughout the district appear to be back in full swing with college/high school tennis, fall leagues and tournaments at all levels all helping to promote a more engaged community for our clubs to support and professionals to stay busy! (continued)
"EDUCATIONAL EVENT"
DISTRICT 1! MARTIN PARKES
MARTIN PARKES
DISTRICT 1!
I felt it was important to work hard in my voluntary role as District 1 president and so happy to collaborate with District 2 and District 3 board members and professionals to produce a fantastic coach education event on Sunday October 16th at the beautiful Malibu Racquet Club. So grateful for them hosting the USPTA at their facility, where we enjoyed community engagement, sharing of education, great
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presentations, lunch and amazing Q & A segments. Special thank you Malibu manager Erik Blackmore and to club coach and fellow board member Dina McBride for your influence and support! Where you able to join us? Feel free to share you thoughts and experiences from this event and for any future events, that we can share through this newsletter to support our USPTA SoCal pro’s and industry �� �� (continued) DISTRICT 1! MARTIN PARKES
MARTIN PARKES
District 1 Shout Out!
Congratulations to Otis Smith III, director of Santa Barbara Tennis Club, the UCLA alum and Southern California tennis stalwart, was recently inducted into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame, capping off an incredible career. Read more about his legacy: https://www.ustasocal.com/ot is-smith-black-tennis-hall-offame/.
Better Lives Through
END
“Making
Tennis” Martin Parkes
DISTRICT 1!
DISTRICT 2! RAJEEV DATT
""HEALTH"
Hello friends and fellow tennis professionals. I generally write about tips on teaching techniques, but these days, another topic has been on my mind. That topic is our physical, mental and emotional well being as tennis professionals. A few weeks ago, my 29 year old business partner, Kevin Nam was
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DISTRICT 2!
RAJEEV DATT
diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer. All through summer he’d been losing weight at a very unusual rate. He kept excusing himself from the court and many times didn’t have the energy to play our better players during match play.
It turns out the cancer was metastasizing quite rapidly and by the time his doctor requested the appropriate tests from the insurance company, he had lost 75 pounds and the cancer had spread to both lobes of the liver and infested a large part of the colon.
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DISTRICT 2! RAJEEV DATT
I share this with you, the reader, because as tennis pros, many times we feel we are in great shape. And many times, we feel invulnerable as athletes. As I age, I’m in my 50’s now, I’ve come to the realization that the flexibility I took for granted, into my forties, needs to be tended to. How long it takes to recover from a 10-12 hour day on the courts, even if I’m not hitting balls, but rather roaming from court to court overseeing matches, takes a toll on me physically and
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DISTRICT 2!
RAJEEV DATT
mentally. We have chosen a life of service, even if we are not cognizant of it. We speak with parents and give advice, we go through ups and downs with our students; whether they are junior competitors, or middle aged players just beginning their competitive journey at the local country club, college players, or aspiring touring pros. Yes, we do this job to earn a paycheck, but those of us that choose to be tennis coaches/pros full time, do so because we love our jobs. I’m sure many of you write letters of recommendations,
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DISTRICT 2!
RAJEEV DATT
reach out to college coaches to help get your students into great universities, etc.
The point I’m getting at is that we as professionals must also take the time for self care. I realize many of you are hourly wage earners, and worry if you say no to a lesson, it’ll hurt your bottom line. Now compare the loss of a day, or even a few days worth of lessons lost to the cost of massive medical bills.
I love what I do and I want to see our industry thrive. This means you, and the great work you do can not be
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DISTRICT 2!
RAJEEV DATT
performed at peak levels unless you take care of yourself.
If you worry about lost income when not working, to take personal time, learn to save a percentage of every lesson, so you can take time away to spend quality time with friends and family. Slow down, remember, a tennis career is a marathon, not a sprint. Also, reach out to those who have been in the profession longer than you for guidance. At my age, with over 30 years in this profession: as a coach, head
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DISTRICT
2!
RAJEEV DATT
pro and director, I still seek out advice from my peers and I’m never too proud to listen to a younger pro, who might have more experience in a particular aspect of our profession, or knows more than me about social media, for instance. So please, as your district president and your humble servant, may I request, please take the time for self care, whatever form that might take. Personally, I surf, and when the waves aren’t breaking I take rides on my motorbike. Do what facilitates you feeling good.
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2!
RAJEEV DATT DISTRICT
Let's think good thoughts for Kevin to assist him in his battle to get back to what he loves doing best - coaching juniors to become high performance athletes, who might one day go play college ball, or even try their hand at the tour!
With all my respect and gratitude to you, the amazing tennis professionals in Southern California, your district II president, Rajeev Datt
end
The award recognizes individuals who have spent a lifetime elevating the sport in Southern California, and was bestowed upon brothers, and Los Angeles tennis stalwarts, Fred and Richard Williams.
(continued)
Service”
“Acknowledging and Honor
Award: Henry Talbert Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients: Fred & Richard Williams
MATT
JONES DISTRICT 3!
DISTRICT 3!
MATT JONES
Both Williams’s graduated from Cal State University, Los Angeles, and played tennis in the military. They have been helping coach and expand access to children of all backgrounds, especially in South Central LA.
Despite all of the brothers’ numerous contributions and successes in tennis, the enormous, foundational impact Fred and Richard Williams have had on the lives of countless youth,
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DISTRICT 3!
JONES
both on the court and in life is just one of the many reasons they both are great examples of highly motivated and selfless people that have put massive effort into spreading joy through the sport of tennis.
END
MATT
(continued)
DISTRICT 4! AISLING BOWER INTRODUCTION AISLING (ASH-LING) BOWYER GENERAL MANAGER PENINSULA RACQUET CLUB 310-541-2523
Hi all, I am Aisling Bowyer, I am originally from Galway, Ireland. I moved back to the states in 2016. I was so delighted to be asked on the USPTA Board. I have been a proud member for over 20 years. Since 2016, I was working with USTA SoCal, started as a Tennis Service Representative, Lead Trainer for the section,
and finished my time as Manager of Community Tennis. I loved my time with USTA and really dove into the Tennis Community in Southern California. I am now the General Manager for Peninsula Racquet Club in beautiful scenic Rancho Palos Verdes. I was a trainer with USTA SoCal and loved being out at that club with fabulous coaches, it was a difficult decision to leave USTA, but I love being here and I am committed to the Tennis Community. For my first coach
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AISLING (ASH-LING) BOWYER GENERAL MANAGER PENINSULA RACQUET CLUB 310-541-2523
DISTRICT 4! AISLING BOWER INTRODUCTION
highlight, I would like to highlight USPTA Pro, Oliver Messerli. Oliver is a big reason why I decided to move over to Peninsula Racquet Club. The time and care he and his coaches took to learn their craft is amazing. Oliver is a Director of Tennis at PRC and owns TennisPower Academy. He is a huge advocate for continuing education and ROG. I
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DISTRICT 4! AISLING BOWER
AISLING (ASH-LING) BOWYER GENERAL MANAGER PENINSULA RACQUET CLUB 310-541-2523
INTRODUCTION
END appreciated the sensitivity with which he approached every Client and coach alike. I am so excited to meet more coaches in my immediate community and beyond. Please reach out to me with any questions, suggestions, and/or ideas! My email address is abowyer@peninsularacqu etclub.com DISTRICT 4! AISLING BOWER INTRODUCTION AISLING (ASH-LING) BOWYER GENERAL MANAGER PENINSULA RACQUET CLUB 310-541-2523
TONY
Hello Coaches: As fall temperatures begin to cool, let's keep the action running hot on our tennis courts. Competition plays a key role in our students' development. In District 5, we have very few tournament opportunities for them. Take advantage of these events closest to our facilities. (continued) DISTRICT 5!
"COMPETITION"
CHATFIELD
TONY CHATFIELD
As Tennis Professionals, I would encourage you to challenge your athletes to test their skills through competition. It will allow them and you to examine the parts of their games that can be improved upon.
As a community, I would advocate for supporting our fellow coaches' events.
If your students need more match play preparations, do look into Adult and Junior leagues in your area. These provide great value by allowing for (continued)
DISTRICT 5!
multiple match play at affordable pricing. It also allows for expansion within your programming for you and your assistants. You and your students' can readily search for information related to tournaments/leagues on both the USTA and UTR websites. Lastly, be on the lookout for a District 5 coaches' event. Details to be announced shortly. end
CHATFIELD DISTRICT 5!
TONY
TIM LUDEKE
DISTRICT 6! IN MEMORY
Hello Division 6 Pros,
I hope you are enjoying the cooler weather. I am not looking forward to it getting dark so early, but it is nice to have the Fall weather. The Orange County tennis community lost one of its long-time pros, Ron Metcalf. He was the Head Pro at Anaheim Tennis Center for many many years.
(continued)
TIM LUDEKE
Ron passed away in September after battling cancer.
Ron was the Head Tennis Coach at Villa Park High School for several years and his girls’ team won CIF in 2021.
I am now the Head Tennis Coach at Villa Park High School and I have some big shoes to fill. I hope I can do as good a job as he did. I spoke to Ron a few times in July just before I began coaching the team and he was happy the team would
(continued) DISTRICT 6!
TIM LUDEKE
be in good hands. I hope that gave him some peace. For those of you who have never coached high school tennis you really should try it. It is very fun and rewarding. Not a day goes by that we don’t have a lot of fun, challenging team matches, and a lot of silliness.
Just before the season began we had tryouts. I sent a questionnaire to all of the new girls asking about their prior experience. Many of them said they had been
(continued) DISTRICT 6!
TIM LUDEKE
taking lessons for a while. I was excited to see how well they played. They are super coachable and receptive to suggestions about how to play better. The bad news is that almost none of them used a continental grip for all of the shots that a continental grip is used for. Why hadn’t they learned to use the continental grip? I teach the continental grip on all of the
DISTRICT 6! (continued)
TIM LUDEKE
appropriate shots right from the beginning. Yes, it’s tough to use that grip on serves from the beginning unless you do the right progressions. I use what Dave Smith, USPTA calls the Advanced Foundation, which is to teach all of the correct grips, swing paths, and footwork right from the beginning. It has taken me many years and thousands of hours to refine my
DISTRICT 6! (continued)
TIM LUDEKE
methods of teaching these strokes. I want to speed up your learning of how to teach these shots to beginners so they can play at the highest level they want to.
You, and they, don’t know how good they will become, but you will know that you gave them the best technique possible.
DISTRICT 6! (continued)
I am planning to have the first workshop on the first Monday in December. Keep an eye on your email and social media for more information. USPTA So Cal Division 6 will even buy you lunch after the workshop! As always, if you have any questions please feel free to call/text/email me. TIM LUDEKE DISTRICT 6! end
in 2018, the USPTA has worked collaboratively with the USTA in an attempt to develop a meaningful Accreditation Program which includes elevating the certification standards of tennis-teaching professionals. One of the key objectives was a specific focus on the job market and marketing the value of having certified professionals delivering tennis at ACCREDITATION (continued) USPTAElectsNot toReapplyfor USTA Accreditation (Firstseeninthelast newsletter.)
Starting
facilities. While the certification standards have been raised, not enough has been done to positively impact employment opportunities for you, our members.
USPTAElectsNot toReapplyfor USTA Accreditation
Club operators and employers have not gotten behind the concept of hiring professionals from an accredited organization or requiring their teaching staff to be members in good standing of an accredited organization. Little promotion or marketing has been done to make consumers aware of the value of having their
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ACCREDITATION
USPTAElectsNot toReapplyfor USTA Accreditation
coaches be certified. Up to this point, accreditation has not had the desired effect that was originally intended four years ago. Therefore, the USPTA Board of Directors and Executive Committee have elected not to reapply for full accreditation from USTA until such time that accreditation means something substantive in the marketplace. The USPTA remains committed to raising the standards of tennis-teaching and coaching and improving opportunities for our members. The USPTA will
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ACCREDITATION
ACCREDITATION
certify its applicants under its own certification pathway established in 2021 that significantly raises the standards of certification in the U.S.
The USPTA will continue to work with USTA on improving the accreditation process to add value to our members and enhance the meaning of being a certified professional from an accredited organization. When these goals are accomplished and the job market embraces accreditation and facilities
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toReapplyfor USTA Accreditation
USPTAElectsNot
begin hiring and retaining professionals who are certified and members in good standing of an accredited organization, the USPTA will look forward to reapplying and becoming fully accredited again. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email usptageneralmailbox@uspta. org. ACCREDITATION end USPTAElectsNot toReapplyfor USTA Accreditation
Do you know anyone who wants to become a coach or perhaps is already coaching yet not certified yet? Then please have them contact me to apply for a joint USTA SoCal and USPTA SoCal newcoaches pipeline. They can learn the process and many benefits! NEW COACHES PIPELINE CarlosCruz-Aedo SoCalExecutiveDirector 310-567-7349 carlos.cruz-aedo@uspta.org
SAVE THE DATE! IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO PLAN WORLD CONFERENCE 2023; USTA NATIONAL CAMPUS WHEN: SEPTEMBER 27–29, 2023 WHERE: ORLANDO, FL
HAVE 2 MINUTES?? KINDLY TAKE JUST A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO UPDATE YOUR USPTA.COM PROFILE AS NEEDED (EMAIL, PHONE NUMBERS, CLUB, CITY, ETC.) THIS HELPS US TO BETTER CONNECT WITH YOU ON IMPORTANT MATTERS THAT HELP YOU AND YOUR CAREER PLEASE.
THANKS TO YOUR USPTA NATIONAL ENDORSEES
