2025 RSPA Intermountain Summer Edition by RSPA

RSPA Intermountain Newsletter

Team Intermountain PRESENTING IN HAWAII

A note from Andy Zodin - RSPA Intermountain Past President

President Karl Jones and I are honored to represent Intermountain, by presenting at the RSPA WORLD CONFERENCE in Kona in September. The session, OVERCOMING MY FIERCEST OPPONENT...MYSELF! is a topic that will have as much useful information as we can possibly provide in 45 minutes. We hope that we can generate a thought-provoking discussion that pros can take home to their members, students, friends, and family. The strategy will be to touch on things that will help people become better players, and be more effective in dealing with stressful and difficult situations off the court, as well. Ultimately, we hope to make our Intermountain Division proud by offering up a presentation that conference attendees will find useful and insightful. Hope to see you there!

Meet the RSPA Intermountain Board of Directors

KARL JONES - PRESIDENT

My passion for growing tennis was not an epiphany moment, rather a delayed experience over time It wasn’t until it became about serving others that I truly became ingrained in the fabric of this great sport. I have had the distinct honor of being on the receiving end of some wonderful mentorship along my journey. Now I’m so excited to play a small part in serving tennis professionals with the tools to grow their careers These tools include mentorship to younger professionals, on court education ranging from on court to management, and the ability to network and form lifelong relationships Thank you to the RSPA for providing this wonderful platform!

GINGER PHILLIPS - SECRETARY

Serving on the Intermountain Board is a privilege as I get to work with such a wonderful group of RSPA pros, learn about and participate in Intermountain RSPA happenings, communicate and share ideas and stay involved off of the tennis court.

MATT HELM

- REGIONAL

VICE PRESIDENT

I serve on the RSPA Board because I want to strengthen and support the organization that has impacted my tennis career in such a positive and influencing way.

KAREN SCHOTT - VICE PRESIDENT

Giving back to a sport that has enriched my education, my career and my personal life is a privilege I am excited to strengthen the relationships of tennis and pickleball professionals in our Division and to mentor young pros If I can nurture the development of some dynamic young female pros, whichI feel our sport needs, I will be thrilled

MAL COYNE - VICE PRESIDENT

I joined the RSPA Intermountain board of directors to connect with fellow racquet sports professionals in my region, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on events. This opportunity will help me grow as a Director of Racquet Sports while also strengthening the racquets community and professional network in Idaho

ANDY ZODIN - PAST PRESIDENT

Serving on the Board, for myself in particular, has been an effort to contribute to the industry in the most effective ways I know how, as this industry has given me so much. Helping Intermountain tennis continue to grow, improve, and evolve with the times has been very satisfying to be a part of. Working with the tremendous people of the RSPA and USTA during my tenure, has been the icing on the cake

RSPA Intermountain

President Karl Jones

Dear RSPA Membership,

During the summer months it can become all too familiar to execute one task after the next, focusing heavily on the rigors and demands of our schedule. I am taking this opportunity to thank our District Presidents for promoting togetherness, community, and relationship buidling during some of our most action-packed times You will read in the following pages about numerous creative events intertwining different racquet sports, formats and even surfaces to create new relationships and develop existing ones. Thank you for taking the time to volunteer in investing in our District, I feel honored to be part of it!

It's thrilling to see our Intermountain membership participation at the upcoming World Racquet’s Conference in Hawaii No doubt the conference will provide incredible career development opportunities for all who attend We are excited to be providing scholarships to the following RSPA members to attend the World Conference And, a special thank you to USTA Colorado, USTA Nevada, USTA Montana and USTA Utah for matching RSPA Intermountain scholarships.

Jeanette Gruenhagen (Colorado)

Gordon Hammond (Nevada)

Brad Knutson (Montana)

Gary Salazar (Idaho)

Brady Lee (Utah)

Thanks also goes to USTA Intermountain for parterning with us on our NTRP New Player Incenitve Program. Tim Hough won the US OPEN trip and Peg Connor won the RSPA World Racquet Conference trip Thanks to all who participated!

Finally, female members, please mark your calendars for CentHER Court, which is a women-only conference empowering females in the tennis industry. The conference will be held on October 25-26 in Denver. Information can be found on the official website centhercourt.com. RSPA Intermountain is proud to be working along USTA Intermountain, USTA Colorado and Women Coaching Racquet Sports to host this conference. CentHER Court is helping develop a more equitable culture of leadership in our industry

RSPA Intermountain

Executive Director

Leanne Palmisano

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Look forward to the WRC25 in Hawaii We have a great RSPA Intermountain squad that will be there

Hope to see female memebers at CentHER Court Space is limited, so register now!

We are here to support you on your career path If you need help navigating our racquet sport certification opportunities, please don't hesitate to reach out to me

If you have any news you would like to share with the division, such as job postings, promotions, tips, or upcoming events, please send it to me at leanne.palmisano@rspa.net.

Please follow us us on Facebook and Instagramfor the latest news and events

RSPA Board Members Words

Greetings from Sun Valley, ID!

Summer is rolling along here in the Wood River Valley, and the courts are buzzing with energy from Sun Valley Resort to the private clubs throughout the area While the annual Allen & Company event brings a unique buzz to the town, the racquets scene is holding its own with a packed calendar of tennis and pickleball action all summer long Pickleball continues to thrive across the Valley, drawing strong numbers at every level At the same time, we’re seeing a notable resurgence in tennis After a few years of pickleball leading the charge, tennis programming has seen a welcome uptick in participation proof that both sports are coexisting and thriving in our mountain community.

One of our biggest highlight of the season is just around the corner: the MSCL Legends Weekend, set for July 31–August 3. This signature event benefits the Men’s Second Chance Living Association and has become a beloved tradition in Sun Valley. This year’s lineup features tennis legends John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Mikael Pernfors, and Vince Van Patten, alongside 20 of the top senior pickleball professionals in the country.

The weekend includes high-level clinics competitive tournament play, pro an bid for the chance to hit the ames. It’s a fun-filled weekend driven fundraising and it’s all ountain region. Hope to see

Idaho Division RSPA Board Member - Malachy Coyne

RSPA Board Members Words

Colorado Division Board

Member- Karen Schott

Karen Schott, Director of Racquet Sports at the Broadmoor has had a busy start to the summer

Jack Sock put on great pickleball clinics in June

The Shelby Rogers Weekend in July was fantatstic. Shelby ran clinics for event attendees and spoke at a luncheon.

Mats Wilander will be at The Broadmoor on August 8 – 10

RSPA Intermountain District News

The 2025 Denver City Open, held June 6–15 at the historic Denver Tennis Club, marked the 108th edition of this storied tournament. While the event began in 1914, it was paused during World War II (2 years) and again in 2020 due to COVID, bringing us to this remarkable milestone of 108 tournaments held over 111 years. This year’s event was one for the record books with over 750 participants, it not only became the largest DCO in history but also ranked as the third-largest tennis tournament in the United States by player entries. The level of competition, community engagement, and sportsmanship was second to none.

One note-worthy highlight: the Men’s Open Singles draw featured 68 players, a clear testament to the strength and depth of Colorado tennis. Throughout the week, the energy was electric packed crowds, dedicated volunteers, and highlevel tennis across all divisions It all culminated in exciting Father’s Day finals, capturing the heart of what this tournament represents: passion, tradition, and a shared love of the game

The Denver City Open continues to stand as a pillar of excellence and community spirit in our district. Here's to making the 2026 DCO even more unforgettable as we inch closer to the club's centennial in 2028.

RSPA Event at Denver Country Club

On July 13, we welcomed 46 tennis professionals to the historic Denver Country Club for an unforgettable evening of play, connection, and community. Under perfect summer skies and surrounded by one of the most beautiful settings in Colorado, our pros took to the grass courts - a rare treat and a nod to the sport’s roots - for an evening of networking, collaboration, and camaraderie.

The event was all about reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming new ones, reminding us all of where this journey began: on the court, playing the sport we love.

The Denver Country Club, founded in 1887, is one of the oldest country clubs in the United States and the oldest west of the Mississippi River. Originally centered around horse racing, the club evolved into a pillar of multi-sport tradition, hosting early championships in golf, polo, and tennis.

With over 135 years of history, it provided the perfect backdrop for our RSPA summer gathering. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Matt Helm, his staff, and the Denver Country Club for hosting and supporting this special evening. Events like this remind us that our strength as professionals lies in our connection to one another and our shared passion for the game.

Here’s to more nights like this and more opportunities to grow the game together!

Colorado District President Damon Gillette

Idaho District President

John Armstrong

RSPA Intermountain District News

Summer 2025

June

11th - East vs West Showdown Recap

The East vs West Showdown was a fantastic success! Top juniors from across Idaho gathered for a day full of competitive matches and team spirit. The level of play was outstanding, and it was great to see new friendships form through tennis. Thank you to all players, coaches, and families who made this special event possible!

High School State Tournament Results

This year's Idaho High School State Tournament was as exciting as ever! Congratulations to our 2025 state champions:

- 6A Girls - Eagle High School

- 6A Boys - Timberline High School

- 5A Girls & Boys - Bishop Kelly High School (sweep!)

- 4A Girls - Fruitland High School

- 4A Boys - Weiser High School

The level of talent and sportsmanship on display was incredible acrossall divisions. Idahotennis continues to thrive at the high school level!

Junior

Tennis in Full Swing

We've already seen a strong start to summer with numerous junior tennis camps and tournaments across the state The commitment from players and coaches continues to build a strong and united junior community

Adult Leagues Update

Both the 18 & Over and 40 & Over USTA leagues have officially wrapped up regular season play. District Championships and Sectionals are now underway. Best of luck to all teams representing Idaho!

Coming Up - The Patton Cup (Sept. 6-7)

Mark your calendars for the Patton Cup, a two-day co-ed junior team tournament hosted at Bishop Kelly High School Four teams of 6 boys and 6 girls will compete in a unique round-robin and playoff format.

We'll celebrate Saturday night with a pool party at BRSC (5-8 PM) featuring pizza, a live DJ, and lots of fun!

RSPA Intermountain District News

RSPA Montana Happenings

RSPA Pros are busy with their local city, club, or park and rec activities this time of year Tournaments are ramping up, and pros are busy with adult league team practices around the state. The Montana Youth Tennis Foundation Tennis Camp/Pro-am preparations are ongoing in Missoula, and the event is scheduled for Sept 19-21. RSPA Montana pros are also serving on local and state-wide boards and committees to support the growth of tennis in their local communities. Busy times with a short outside season in Montana

There’s something uniquely energizing happening on courts in the Intermountain area! The rhythmic thwack of a tennis ball being joined by the quick pop of a pickleball. Whether you're gripping a classic tennis racquet or a paddle, it’s clear: racquet sports are having a moment, and we're all winning.

It’s refreshing to see the timeless game of tennis continue to thrive while the newer sensation of pickleball takes off While each sport brings its own flavor and style, what unites them is even more powerful the shared joy of play, the health benefits of staying active, and the friendships forged on the court

Both tennis and pickleball offer a dynamic blend of fitness, competition, and connection The court becomes a space not just for sport, but for community where players of all levels come together to challenge themselves, cheer each other on, and simply have fun

As we celebrate this vibrant racquet sport culture, we’d like to give a big shoutout to all our tennis league teams across the Intermountain region who have clinched their district championships. Best of luck at sectionals play hard and represent us proudly! And to all the high school athletes gearing up for their tennis season: we're rooting for you! May your season be full of growth, grit, and great matches.

No matter your racquet of choice, the court is calling. Let’s keep playing and enjoying the fitness, friendship, and fun that come with it.

Montana District President Scott Potter

Utah District President Michelle Rawstorne

RSPA Intermountain District News

"Dinner with the Pros" Celebrates Las Vegas Tennis Community

On May 8th, the Intermountain and National tennis community gathered for a special evening at the Wynn Resort & Casino for the “Dinner with the Pros” event, held at the elegant Sinatra Restaurant. Sponsored by the USTA Nevada, the event honored 20 of the city’s top teaching professionals and tennis ambassadors. The evening provided a relaxed, social setting to thank local and national coaches who have dedicated years to growing the sport in Las Vegas.

Organized by a host committee including Rob Scott, Ryan Wolfington, Karl Jones, and Mary Maragos, the dinner also aimed to foster stronger collaboration between tennis organizations and professionals With coaches, directors, and industry leaders all in one room, the gathering created a platform for future planning, partnerships, and shared projects to further enrich the city’s tennis landscape. It was a heartfelt evening of connection, appreciation, and community.

Nevada District President Chris Painter

Wyoming District President Josh Cossitt

RSPA Intermountain District News

Dear Fellow Tournament Directors,

As summer brings the peak of outdoor competition season to the Intermountain region, I wanted to share some tips from my 25 years of experience to help ensure your events run smoothly and successfully

**Key Tips for a Successful Tournament:**

* **Provide Comprehensive Information:** Clearly post every detail on your homepage, including the selection process, seeding process, practice court locations and times, refund policy, and possible formats. This proactive approach will save you considerable time by reducing phone calls and emails, and it provides written documentation in case of disputes.

* **Understand Junior Event Point Tables:** For junior events, review the points table before finalizing your format Certain small events, like round robins or round robins with playoffs, might award fewer points than other draw types, even if they offer more matches Clearly state whether your event prioritizes match play (which might affect points) or points (which might affect the number of matches). Different TDs, clubs, and sanctioning districts have varying goals, so it's crucial to identify and communicate yours.

* **Practice with Serve Tennis Software:** If you're new to the Serve Tennis Software, I highly recommend running a practice event. This is an excellent way to explore features and learn how to set up facilities, draws, and times

* **Utilize SMS Messaging:** The SMS messaging feature on the director homepage is a gamechanger It allows for real-time communication with all players, specific draws, or helps locate missing players, saving you from looking up individual contact information.

* **Set and Adhere to Deadlines:** Be firm with your deadlines. If you need more time, set your registration deadline a few days earlier. It's perfectly acceptable to decline late registrations. I typically allow a 24-hour window after registration closes to finalize draws and add any necessary players. My goal is to post draws at least 48 hours before the event. If unforeseen circumstances prevent me from meeting this goal, I always send an SMS update to all players

* **Be Responsive and Professional:** I dedicate specific time each day, outside of my regular work, to respond to emails and phone calls This prevents requests from getting buried and overlooked While player and parent requests can be challenging, always strive to de-escalate any intense situations professionally.

* **Document Special Time Requests:** If you accommodate special time requests, ensure they are submitted in writing via email with "Time Request" in the subject line. This makes them easily searchable and aids in scheduling.

* **Celebrate Your Success:** After each event, I take a day to decompress and enjoy a nice dinner with my wife Large events involve long hours at the facility, so allowing for mental and physical recovery time makes a significant difference in the rest of your work week

Wishing all the hard-working Tournament Directors in the Intermountain a successful summer!

OUR MISSION

To champion the passion for racquet sports by developing professionals who lead with integrity, innovate in coaching, and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet sports community.

OUR VISION

To elevate careers in racquet sports with a certified professional on every court, inspiring people in every sport