FINAL USPTA 2022 July SoCal Newsletter

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July 2022

July 2022 NEWSLETTER

President's Message 1 of 5

Hello Fellow teaching professionals of Southern California!

It’s so great to share some of the tennis highlights from our great division. In this edition our district presidents, and most of your Board, will be sharing some of our recent news and upcoming events from the third largest division in the country. (continued....)

President's Message 2 of 5 (continued from 1)

I’d like to wish heartfelt welcome to our two newest members to your Board.

Carlos Cruz-Aedo and Mike Gennette.

Carlos is our amazing new Executive Director here in Southern California.

As our ED, Carlos runs our day-to-day operations. He is responsible for all administrative tasks associated with our division. Carlos assists me and the Division Board of Directors and is our liaison to the USPTA network on a national, divisional, and regional level and to the divisional committees. This position is critical to our division, and Carlos is a superstar! (continued....)

President's Message 3 of 5 (continued from 2)

We also welcome back Mike Gennette as our Past President. Mike will serve as an advisor with his wealth of Board experience. During Mike’s term as president, the division was alive with educational opportunities. Mike was hugely successful, and we are honored to have him back to serve our division.

It was amazing to see some of you professionals recently at our first USPTA SoCal Conference since 2019 at Seal Beach Tennis Center. Mike Gennette, Peter Smith, and Allistair McCaw were presenting the weekend of May 14th & 15th. (continued..)

President's Message 4 of 5 (continued from 3)

Plus, we had an additional nine presenters that blew us away! Our division awards were presented to recognize outstanding contributions from within our division. An amazing cocktail party with dinner on Saturday night was both elegant and jazzy at Spaghettini Grill. Overall, the weekend was magical as we were able to once again reunite, shake hands, and rekindle those professional and personal relationships. If you remember, this has been paramount for me as President. (continued....)

President's Message 5 of 5 (continued from 4)

As your Board here in Southern California, our mission remains to raise the standards of our tennis teaching professionals and coaches and to promote a greater awareness of the sport. This is why we, your Board, all volunteer. Please contact your district President if you have something that you’d like to share with the division. We are here for you, after all.

All the best to you, and we’ll see you on the courts. ~Scott (end)

SoCal Division Table of Contents President's Message Award Winners Universal Tennis Conference Pictures Resources For You Coach Developers Your Business Growth Opportunities

Time and Space Membership Benefits Accreditation New Coaching Pipeline Executive Director Message Pickleball #usptasocal and MORE!

SoCal Division Award WINNERS USPTA SoCal Division Awards 2021-2022, by Simon Paek, Awards Chair Congratulations to the following hard working “Best of the Best” USPTA professionals who were recently recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective categories. Their names have been submitted to the National Awards Committee for consideration at the upcoming World Conference in New Orleans in September, later this year.

Good luck to all!

WAY TO GO!!

(continued)

SoCal Division Award WINNERS THE BEST OF THE BEST.

WAY TO GO!!

(continued)

SoCal Division Award WINNERS THE BEST OF THE BEST.

WAY TO GO!!

(continued)

SoCal Division Award WINNERS THE BEST OF THE BEST.

WAY TO GO!!

(continued)

SoCal Division Award WINNERS THE BEST OF THE BEST.

WAY TO GO!!

(continued)

SoCal Division Award WINNERS THE BEST OF THE BEST.

WAY TO GO!!

(continued)

SoCal Division Award WINNERS

WAY TO GO!!

END

YOU DID IT. THANKS TO THE ALMOST 100 PEOPLE THAT MADE THE 2022 SOCAL USPTA ANNUAL CONFERENCE A SUCCESS. MAY 14-15 2022

USPTA SOCAL 2022 CONFERENCE

"START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN." (ASHE)

USPTA SOCAL 2022 CONFERENCE

"START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN." (ASHE)

USPTA SOCAL 2022 CONFERENCE

"START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN." (ASHE)

USPTA SOCAL 2022 CONFERENCE

"START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN." (ASHE)

USPTA SOCAL 2022 CONFERENCE

"START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN." (ASHE)

STEVE R E G I O N A L V P RIGGS *UNIVERSAL TENNIS*

May marked the one-year anniversary of the USPTA’s expanded partnership with Universal Tennis (UT), which made UT the “Official Club Software and Rating System of the USPTA.” UT offers team tennis year-round. Enjoy competitive play with levelbased groupings and leagues for both UTR 6.0 and above, and UTR 6.0 and below. With a collegiate team format, all results count towards your Verified UTR Rating. UT is running orange and green dot progression ball leagues as well!

If you’re interested in playing on or organizing a team, please contact riggstwins@outlook.com or 949 232 9200

EVAN T R E A S U R E R PARRY *RESOURCES FOR YOU*

Greetings from the Inland Empire!

It's been an exciting couple of months since our last newsletter. Our division hosted its first in person conference in three years, and it was a great success!

From a pickleball certification event kicking things off Friday evening, to a full weekend of fantastic

(continued)

EVAN PARRY TREASURER

presenters, our division conference definitely provided teaching pros a chance to reconnect, network, and share knowledge with each other. As a member of the executive board, I would also like to highlight some great resources, teaching tools, and educational events that I have either incorporated into my teaching or I will be participating in. (continued)

EVAN PARRY TREASURER

Coaches' Resources I have been fortunate enough to be one of only a few USPTA Elite teaching professionals to complete the RacquetFit certification. What is RacquetFit? Well, here is their mission statement: "Designed for medical practitioners, fitness trainers and tennis teaching professionals, RacquetFit Certification is a hands-on two day learning experience designed to teach industry

(continued)

EVAN PARRY TREASURER professionals how to increase player performance through a deep understanding of how the body functions during the serve, forehand and backhand. We call this concept the Body-Tennis Connection™".

Racquetfit offers several opportunities to get certified. At the moment, this certification focuses solely on the serve, the mechanics, and also identifying your students' potential limitations as it relates to the serve. Once certified, you will be equipped to offer "Serve-Screenings" to your students based on the information you received during the online training.

The next RacquetFit certification is a webinar on September 22nd.

Register here: RacquetFit Certification

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EVAN PARRY TREASURER

For more information on RacquetFit, please visit the USPTA website to find out what benefits you are eligible for as an active USPTA members, as well as the RacquetFit website located here: RacquetFit https://www.uspta.com/USPTA/ Membership/Benefits/Affiliates/ RacquetFit.aspx Prostrap A great teaching tool that I recently discovered and started utilizing in my lessons is the Pro Strap. Pro Strap was designed and created by Austen Michael who is a teaching professional in the LA area. I highly recommend this teaching tool. The Pro Strap is designed to support solid

(continued)

EVAN PARRY TREASURER

groundstroke mechanics with a unique resistance band system. Checkout their website at: Pro Strap and their Instagram page (@the_prostrap).

I look forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming district events. Be sure to connect with your District President for more details on these local events. Enjoy your summer and hopefully we'll see you all in New Orleans for our World Conference in September 2022.

END

2ND VP

SIMON PAEK

*Coach Developers* hard at work Certification testing, both Tennis and Pickleball is an important part of any division’s long-term success and growth. We are a “TEACHING” organization, it is the basis of our foundation as of course is USPTA’s Mission/Vision Statement: USPTA Mission Statement (continued)

2ND VP

SIMON PAEK

The purpose of the USPTA shall be to

elevate the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches.

USPTA Vision Statement The USPTA will be the world's leading trade association of certified tennis-teaching professionals and coaches, viewed and highly respected as an organization of (continued)

2ND VP

SIMON PAEK

knowledgeable experts and specialists, industry innovators,

and as an indispensable business partner. The USPTA will deliver the highest level of educational tools and programs that enhance the livelihoods of its members, create career opportunities within the tennis industry, and promote the sport of tennis. (continued)

2ND VP

SIMON PAEK

In the month of May alone, we held a TE3 Tennis Certification in Cerritos welcoming 6 Tennis Professionals and a Pickleball Certification in Seal Beach, welcoming 10 PB professionals into our family of Certified USPTA Professionals.

If you would like to upgrade your certification, know of anyone who would like (continued)

2ND VP

SIMON PAEK

to get certified for both Tennis or Pickleball, please have them contact either the national office and get a hold of james.stockwell@uspta.or g or myself at paektennis@gmail.com for more information.

Look for information for upcoming tests on social media as well as email blasts.

end

SECRETARY *YOUR BUSINESS*

DINA MCBRIDE

Hello my fellow USPTA professionals, May was an exciting month with our first conference in person after 3 years.

With Scott Burton our USPTA President at the helm, it was a huge success. It was an honor to see our fellow professionals gather together and share ideas and learn from one another. It was great to see so many (continued)

SECRETARY

DINA MCBRIDE

familiar faces and I was thrilled to meet new pros from our area as well. Socal has some of the strongest players and professionals in the US and it’s my mission to bring us all together in hopes of growing our membership. As a member of the USPTA board, I want to be your voice and a liaison for any questions or concerns you may have (continued)

SECRETARY

DINA MCBRIDE

and also help your personal business as a USPTA professional. As teaching pros, our time is limited and we as a board respect that and hope to provide events that are educational, promote your personal revenue, networking opportunities and assist you in any way. My goal is to reach our members that haven’t participated in any (continued)

SECRETARY

DINA MCBRIDE

USPTA events and bring our members together. I want to hear your feedback. Please email with any concerns, questions, or ideas and we will make a plan to ensure its success.

Dina McBride USPTA Secretary

end

MARTIN PARKES

DISTRICT 1!

*GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES*

District 1 Members & Tennis Community, Who’s Ready for Summer!?

To begin with, I want to wish all my fellow D1 teaching professionals best of luck with all their preparations and executions for the upcoming summer season 🎾👍 Moving on! WOW what an in-person Conference at Seal Beach City Club May 14-15th 🎾😊💥

(continued)

MARTIN PARKES

DISTRICT 1!

If you weren’t able to join us - you simply missed out!!!

Super grateful to have been a part of it - sharing those memories and enjoying impactful presentations with all our members! It was amazing to have the great support, sacrifice and dedication from our new SoCal board - job well done 👏 Highlights!

●John Embree being there in person to give us a National Update demonstrating his leadership with genuine openness and passion 🎾🙏

(continued)

MARTIN PARKES

DISTRICT 1!

●Recognizing all the Award recipients for their

outstanding service and contributions 👏

●The diversity of topics, speakers and learning

opportunities both days! 🧐

●2 presentations from

District 1 coaches Mike Gennette and Martin Parkes 💪

●Great social event organized Saturday at local Spaghettini - thank you to our host Chad 👍

●Best conference “goodie b a g ” e v e r ❤️

●Meeting key people in our industry, reconnecting with colleagues and making new friends and connections for the future 😊

(continued)

MARTIN PARKES

DISTRICT 1!

Opportunities for growth!

●Learning what we can do better for the future?

●How can we attract more

coaches especially age <35 to engage in these types of events

●Better use of social media and technology to

communicate to more diverse audiences to share opportunities available through USPTA

●Emergence of Pickleball and

its role in the racket coaching industry/business

●Build on the weekend -

create local Divisional based coaching education days in 2022

(continued)

MARTIN PARKES

DISTRICT 1!

Sharing visions/thoughts for greater impact!

What is yours???

My vision for doing better is to…

“Inspire and engage new coaches into our industry through mentorship programs, tennis camp/club coaching experiences especially during HighSchool and College years to promote healthy education into possible tennis teaching careers!” (continued)

MARTIN PARKES

DISTRICT 1!

Top Tips:

●“Listen” to your students

first about how their day was before you start each session!

●Have an element of fun

and/or social engagement for the first 5 minutes to create a sense of enjoyment and positive intention.

●Build in your lesson plan or ideas with a greater

collaborative understanding between the coaches and students.

D1 Members: Karl Akkermann and Scott Burton

(continued)

MARTIN PARKES

DISTRICT 1!

Coaching Resources:

●Check out

ProTennisJobs.com for tennis job postings in California!

E.g. Recent posting for a position in Santa Monica!

Qualifications: – Deep knowledge of the intricacies of the game of tennis. – USPTA or PTR certification required. – USTA 10 & Under Certification required. – Cardio Tennis Certification required. – Preferred candidate with NTRP of 4.0 rating or higher. end

DISTRICT 2!

RAJEEV DATT

*TIME AND SPACE*

As a coach, I've always thought about how I can reduce teaching tennis into its most basic component parts. What I realized is that there are 2 fundamental variables that a player needs to be aware of, in order to progress.

These variables are: time and space. The first one, most people gravitate towards automatically.

(continued)

DISTRICT 2!

RAJEEV DATT

Everyone wants to hit the ball hard, unfortunately, people want to hit softly, on purpose, very rarely.

The second variable, space, is something most players don't consider until much later in their development.

When I start working with new players, I'll do what most pros do; (continued)

DISTRICT 2!

RAJEEV DATT

I'll have them bounce the ball down, bump it up, etc. What I'll do next is have them start playing short court games right away, only using the service boxes.

The first game will always require my new player to bounce the ball down on his own side, before it can go over the net. I will also let my player know that he may hit as hard as he (continued)

DISTRICT 2!

RAJEEV DATT

wants. Pretty soon, it becomes obvious that the ball is bouncing out of bounds regularly and that the opponent isn't doing much to earn points. This is when the actual lesson begins, with a simple question: "You want to learn how to win?"

This is when I start showing new players how to hit lobs, slice (continued)

DISTRICT 2!

RAJEEV DATT

the ball, and yes, I'll even expose them to the concept of short angles.

Playing games like dink'em, in which one isn't allowed to hit hard, teaches the player how to open up the court and develop soft hands. Such a game also teaches patience and shot tolerance; traits that are required to excel at higher levels of the game. The (continued)

DISTRICT 2!

RAJEEV DATT

importance of playing short court games early in one's development really can not be measured. As time goes by and the lessons stack up, that early foundation that has been laid down regarding controlling space through playing short court games gets reinforced. Such games will also help in developing critical (continued)

DISTRICT 2!

RAJEEV DATT

thinking skills, which are required for problem solving later on, as players start playing matches and begin facing different types of playing styles.

Feel free to reach out if you're ever interested in doing a District event to share your views on teaching the game we all love.

(continued)

DISTRICT 2!

RAJEEV DATT

All the best to you and your students! For those of you that'll be grinding through camps this summer, please remember to hydrate and take care of yourselves!

Lastly, if you are not hosting summer camp and have juniors looking for a summer camp, please consider referring them to: northridgetennisacadem y.org Thanks so much! end

CHAD DISTRICT 4!

KAWAHARA *MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS*

As our 2022 Southern California Conference comes to an end, A couple of questions have come up regarding the USPTA. As a current board member, I would like to address some of these questions. Like why is the conference important for me to attend? What else does the USPTA offer other than the on court insurance? What can I do as a member to get more involved in the

(continued)

DISTRICT 4!

CHAD KAWAHARA

USPTA? These are a couple of questions that kept popping up. So I will try to answer some your questions.

Let's talk about the conferences and local district meetings. These events can be a great way for you to be able to network, reconnect with old and new friends, and gain educational credits. Its a great opportunity for (continued)

DISTRICT 4!

CHAD KAWAHARA

someone who is looking to make a career move or just a relocation, the USPTA networking ability is endless.

Whether you want to stay in the tennis teaching industry, or move to the manufacturing side or even the engineering/tech side of tennis, the USPTA can offer you contact with individuals or partners that we work with. The ability to move within

(continued)

DISTRICT 4!

CHAD KAWAHARA

the industry can be an endless source for you.

Most of us are independent contractors, so many of us have to provide our own health insurance.

The USPTA offers health insurance. Go to the USPTA website to get a quote.

What can I drop to get more involved? We have to think of the So Cal USPTA division as a (continued)

DISTRICT 4!

CHAD KAWAHARA

Fraternity/Sorority. We are all in the same industry, so get involved and participate and volunteer for whatever you can.

The 2022 USPTA World Conference is scheduled for September 18-22 in New Orleans, LA, this is a great opportunity for you to think about and use the tools above at the upcoming World Conference.

(continued)

DISTRICT 4!

CHAD KAWAHARA

Hope to see you guys there!!!

Please also update your profile on the USPTA website and tell your fellow teaching pros to do the same too.

Cheers!

end

DISTRICT 5!

TONY CHATFIELD

Greetings District 5 Pros I would like to begin this month's newsletter with a personal thank you for all of those who attended the recent USPTA Southern California Conference.

It was good to meet many of you in person, to begin new friendships, and gather different concepts/ideas (continued)

DISTRICT 5!

TONY CHATFIELD

to apply to my own personal tennis programming. I hope that many of you are considering attending the upcoming national event in New Orleans.

With summer in full swing, I hope that your programs are thriving under the California sun! As your District 5 President, I would like to extend an invite to you to contact me.

Within District 5, I understand there are many challenges facing us as tennis professionals. How (continued)

DISTRICT 5!

TONY CHATFIELD

can I be of support in bringing tennis to even more players in your area? Please feel free to begin a discussion to which I can bring to the Board of USPTA SoCal in order to create future presentations/events to the local, sectional, and possibly national levels.

Thank you for your time.

end

TIM DISTRICT 6!

LUDEKE Hello Division 6 professionals, Our first in-person USPTA Southern California Division Convention since the lockdown was held the weekend of May 14-15 at the Seal Beach Tennis and Pickelball Center and it was awesome.

It was so nice to reconnect with friends I haven’t seen in quite a (continued)

TIM LUDEKE

DISTRICT 6!

while and to meet new friends and to listen to fantastic speakers who reenergized me and gave me new drills and games to use with my students.

Even though I have been teaching for a long time, and I sometimes think I already know everything, I learn something new from each speaker.

For those of you who haven’t attended a USPTA So Cal conference, you really should attend the next one. I used to be like

(continued)

TIM LUDEKE

DISTRICT 6!

many of you who don’t think going to the convention is going to be of much value. I was very wrong. The conferences are a fantastic opportunity to learn, network, make new friends and revitalize your lessons.

There will be a District 6 Pro Get-Together on July 31st at The 11th Annual OCCTA Tennis Seminar at the Marguerite Tennis Pavilion in Mission Viejo.

Keep an eye on your email for more information on the

(continued)

TIM LUDEKE

DISTRICT 6!

seminar. If you have any questions about the seminar please contact Steve Riggs, USPTA at 949-2329200 or riggstwins@outlook.c om If you have any questions or need help with an event please feel free to ask me.

end

ACCREDITATION Starting in 2018, the USPTA has worked collaboratively with the USTA in an attempt to develop a meaningful Accreditation Program

USPTA Elects Not to Reapply for USTA Accreditation

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

(continued)

delivering tennis at

ACCREDITATION facilities. While the certification standards have been raised, not enough has been done to positively impact employment opportunities for you, our members.

USPTA Elects Not to Reapply for 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

(continued)

consumers aware of the value of having their

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

USPTA Elects Not to Reapply for USTA Accreditation

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

(continued)

opportunities for our members. The USPTA will

ACCREDITATION certify its applicants under its own certification pathway established in 2021 that significantly raises the standards of certification in the U.S.

USPTA Elects Not to Reapply for USTA Accreditation

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

(continued)

accreditation and facilities

ACCREDITATION begin hiring and retaining professionals who are certified and members in good standing of an accredited organization, the USPTA will look forward to

USPTA Elects Not to Reapply for USTA Accreditation

reapplying and becoming fully accredited again.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email usptageneralmailbox@uspta. org. end

NEW COACHES PIPELINE Do you know anyone who wants to become a coach or perhaps is

Carlos Cruz-Aedo already coaching yet SoCal Executive Director not certified yet?

310-567-7349 carlos.cruz-aedo@uspta.org 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!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE I am honored and humbled to join the USPTA and help lead our SoCal division. As you know, our division membership consists of almost 1000 great pros and is one of the divisions within USPTA's 100 year distinguished Carlos Cruz-Aedo SoCal Executive Director 310-567-7349 carlos.cruz-aedo@uspta.org

inter/national history.

First, we all owe a (continued)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE tremendous amount of gratitude to Sara Morse for her 9+ year commitment as the past Executive Director. Also thanks to Scott Burton, Steve Riggs, Chad Kawahara, Simon Paek, and rest of the USPTA SoCal board, and John Embree for having me serve as your new USPTA SoCal Executive Director

Carlos Cruz-Aedo SoCal Executive Director 310-567-7349 carlos.cruz-aedo@uspta.org

as of late March 2022.

As an experienced national nonprofit leader, a SoCal fellow

(continued)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE tennis pro, and tennis fan, I am excited to join USPTA and for all that we can achieve together. What inspires me the most about our mission is our focus on elevating our coaching standards and being empowered to expand our career paths. I grew up in SoCal, and I know firsthand the strength and knowledge that exists from so many SoCal pros and

Carlos Cruz-Aedo SoCal Executive Director 310-567-7349 carlos.cruz-aedo@uspta.org

other tennis professionals in our communities. (continued)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE The pros here are inspiring, and it is my honor to be of service to you.

My goal, in my part time role, is to collaborate closely with you – our members, prospective members, board, volunteers, SCTA, partners, and endorsees – to carry on our mission and expand our impact as we add value to your lives and careers.

Carlos Cruz-Aedo SoCal Executive Director 310-567-7349 carlos.cruz-aedo@uspta.org

Thank you for welcoming me and know that you have many advocates on your side.

(end)

REGISTER!

REGISTER AT USPTA.COM

PICKLEBALL!

Pickleball Certification at Seal Beach, CA May 13, 2022 (above) Sign up right away for the following Pickleball Certification Dates options at Mission Viejo: July 30, Sept. 10, Nov. 5 (Register at USPTA.com under "Pickleball Certification Calendar" All will be located at: Mission Viejo Country Club 11:30 am - 3:30 pm

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

"THAT'S ALL FOLKS" CONTINUE TO LET US KNOW HOW YOUR USPTA SOCAL CAN HELP! EMAIL, TEXT, & CALL:

"CARLOS.CRUZAEDO@USPTA.ORG"

310.567.7349