USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - January 2021

January 2021

Impacting the Job Market CEO John Embree pg. 51

Never Forget those that “Brung” You

Vice President Lane Evans pg. 53

5 Reasons Djokovic Rules Men’s Tennis USPTA Master Professional Bill Tym pg. 56

Get Off the Island & Get In the Game

USPTA Elite Professional Amanda Fink pg. 63

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From the CEO USPTA

Impacting the Job Market

O

ver the course of the last 12-18 months, I have used this platform to communicate the paradigm shift that the USPTA is undergoing to certify tennis teaching professionals. Gone are the days when a new applicant only had to take a six-hour on-line course and then pass a certification exam over a two-day period.

Starting January 1, 2021, the USPTA, along with the USTA, have launched a new certification pathway that will truly “elevate the standards of tennis teaching professionals and coaches” (our mission statement). The requirements to become a newly certified tennis teaching professional are now much more stringent and robust. Anyone who wishes to become certified must now have 6-12 months of experiential learning (under the tutelage of a Certification Advisor), along with a comprehensive and extensive package of face-to-face workshops and on-line education.

While the prospects of changing our protocols for certification are exciting, it is daunting as well. We realize that we must improve the training of tennis professionals so that the consumer experience on court is positive, which in turn will keep people playing and make them life-long advocates.

However, if employers, club owners, and managers do not embrace this change and make a commitment to hire certified tennis teaching professionals, or encourage their tennis staff to maintain their continuing education credits and reinstate their membership, why are we going through this transformation to change the model for certification? At the end of the day, if our “bosses” do not think it important enough to have their tennis staff certified

John R. Embree, USPTA CEO

and members in good standing with their respective professional trade association, why bother?

Would a country club ever consider employing a golf professional staff that was not PGA certified? The answer is obviously “no!” Why should it be any different for tennis? It is imperative that country club boards/managers, commercial owners and parks and rec facilities be made aware of this monumental shift and understand the value of certification. They should be required to: 1. Hire tennis-teaching professionals who are certified from a fully accredited organization.

2. Ensure that their current staff has not let their membership lapse – get them to reinstate!

3. Follow-up with each professional to ascertain whether they have complied with their continuing education requirements.

4. Absolutely require that every professional be Safe Play trained and background checked. It is the solemn duty of every club/ facility to do everything possible to protect clients and their children from any potential harm or abuse while participating in tennis activities or programs.

that have been better trained. Who does not want that?

Coming on the heels of a challenging 2020, 2021 is destined to be just as difficult.

Even as we navigate the new norm, both in terms of the pandemic and our more rigorous standards, tennis is positioned well because of the safe environment and the social distancing that is inherent in our sport. Fortunately, tennis is experiencing a “mini” boom during the last half of 2020 with activity and programming better than those seen pre-pandemic. Let’s capture the new players who are experiencing tennis for the first time while encouraging those that are coming back to our game to stay involved. Just as golf has seen a spike in interest since last spring, tennis is experiencing the same. That is good news for our professionals, for all facilities and for the overall tennis ecosystem.

Don’t think that this important challenge will suddenly happen overnight.

It is going to take years to educate employers to take this seriously and to make it a part of their hiring practices. But, we have to start somewhere. Now is as good a time as any…

If you have any questions about the above or care to talk more about what is going on in your facility or market, please do not hesitate to pick up the phone and connect with me. I look forward to speaking. Thanks for your support of the USPTA. *

We are not asking much. On the surface, this would seem rudimentary. Yet, we have so many clubs and commercial facilities that have not made this a priority. We need all USPTA members to support this new initiative to build a cadre of tennis teaching professionals that are of higher quality and

January 2021

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ADDvantage Magazine - 51

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Vice President’s Message USPTA

Never Forget those that “Brung” You Lane Evans, USPTA Vice President

D

uring these historic and extremely difficult times, I have found great solace, gratefulness, and peace through the reflection of our great game of tennis — how it has come to my life and those who have made my tennis career what it is today. Tennis has always been like an old friend to me. I can call it up any time of the day, month, or year and it will always be there. Tennis has shaped me as a person and as a professional. Other than my father, who is still with us at 92 years young, it is the longest relationship I’ve had in my lifetime.

I have built friendships through tennis that are over 40 years old. Sure, at times, it has been a love-hate relationship, but we always seem to work things out and move on.

In the past six months, I have been reinvented again. Those of you that know me well know what I am talking about. In May, I began teaching part-time at Westwood Tennis Center in Norman, OK. My goal was to instruct a few hours per week to keep my skills sharp and make a few extra bucks.

However, something happened. Students came out of the woodwork. Beginners, juniors, intermediate players, USTA teams and even a few high-performance players showed up. Suddenly, I found myself neckdeep in another five-alarm tennis career.

It dawned on me that my experience as a Master USPTA Professional has limitless possibilities. I am having an impact on all these players. They look forward to learning from me because I am an educator, and I have what they want.

Being a teacher is extremely powerful and rewarding. It is also very prideful and gives me great joy.

After a hard day off the courts, my mood is uplifted — and my emotion and passion for teaching tennis bubbles to the surface when I walk on the court. It is a fantastic transformation. Tears often well up in my eyes as I watch the successes of my players — especially the kids. Their small steps are my giant leaps, and I feel their excitement.

When I am working with an individual or a group, I feel the presence of all those that got me to this day — standing around the court watching my every move. I like to think they are smiling and speaking amongst themselves — knowing they did a good job. Every lesson I teach has a pinch of my mentors in it. I now hear words they used with me coming out of my mouth!

I grew up in North Carolina, which has an abundantly rich tennis history. Some of my southern mentors included the late Jim Leighton (Wake Forest University Coach and Old Town Club Professional), Tom Parham (Atlantic Christian Coach), the late Bob Light (Appalachian State University Coach), Rick Keller (Carolina CC Director of Tennis — and my first real tennis job) and Herb Bolick (Director of Tennis at Emerywood CC in High Point, NC). All these extraordinary people had a tremendous impact on me and my career.

I learned almost everything I know about the tennis business from these great minds. There is no way I could ever thank them enough.

Instead, all I can do is carry them with me to the court each day and reflect on their brilliance and drive to build better players.

I remember my USPTA Southern family fondly; Pat Whitworth, Tom McGraw, Fred Burdick, Bill Phillips, Todd Upchurch, Bill Riddle, Tommy Wade, Peter Howell, Tom Cascarano, Bill Tym, Kevin Theos, Jack Justice, Skip Johnson, Randy Stephens, Tom Daglis, Reedy Toney, Dave Dvorak, Jeff Hawes and Jorge Andrew. Does it get any bigger than this bunch? I don’t think so!

I also think back to my early roots, growing up in High Point, NC, banging balls at Mohawk Park. I used to take the broom from my house to sweep glass and rocks off the court so I could hit balls. I never swept that much at home. Little did I know way back then that the tennis court would become my second home.

USTA North Carolina has been an enormous part of my life. They started my junior career when I won my first tournament in Reidsville, NC, at 11 years old. I remember it like it was yesterday.

My mom drove me back and forth from High Point all weekend. I fell asleep in the car returning home after winning the final with the trophy wrapped in my arms. Kelly, Cy, Mary Lloyd, Amy, Billy, Ted, Alex, Jeff and Anna — they are all family to me, and they always will be.

Finally, my two favorite mentors, the reason I am what I am — my mother and my wife Lori. I have no business even being mentioned in the same breath as these two. One brought me into this world and showed me right from wrong. The other will take me out, but not before enriching and supporting my life as I could never have imagined. What a lucky guy I am! As they say, I truly outkicked my coverage.

I am so fortunate and grateful for the game of tennis and all that it has taught me and continues to teach me. I will never forget those who “brung me.” I know all of them are watching over me. Do not worry, I won’t let you down.

Don’t forget yours either. *

January 2021

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USPTA Master Professional Corner

5 Reasons Novak Djokovic Rules Men’s Tennis

F

Bill Tym, USPTA Master Professional

or the better part of the past decade, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have dominated men’s tennis.

During this time, these three elite players have achieved and maintained unparalleled success in the game they love.

Each man has earned legendary status and will undoubtedly be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame upon retiring from competition.

Former coach to Federer, Pete Sampras and Sloane Stephens – Paul Annacone, who currently works as a commentator for the Tennis Channel, recently stated that whenever these living legends step on the court, they are playing for a piece of history.

As early as November 2020, Djokovic had already locked up the year-end No. 1

ranking, tying Sampras for his sixth top finish!

Therefore, it appears that Djokovic is leaving the other two members of this world-class trio in the dust and is poised to create new goals that most other players can only dream about. However, no one can outrun father time, so as he enters his age-34 season, is it possible for Djokovic to keep up his illustrious pace?

In my opinion, I believe there are five specific reasons that Djokovic can and will continue to rule tennis.

Djokovic understands the game.

His style of play has evolved as a function of the overall tennis acumen he possesses. As a result of his earlier training and competitive

experience, Djokovic has come to realize that ultimate success is directly related to consistency and accuracy, as opposed to power and flashy shot-making. This knowledge has been the backbone of his game and has motivated Djokovic to become a consummate defensive player.

He has commuted and disciplined himself to a challenging yet effective game plan – to play defensively with an offensive attitude.

Djokovic understands that tennis is a disciplined target sport, rather than a flamboyant power sport. Consequently, he has worked conscientiously on developing patience, physical conditioning, and the technical and tactical defensive skills necessary to become the best men’s player in the world.

Photo courtesy of Leonard Zhukovsky

It has been essential for Djokovic to develop the highest level of consistency by reducing his unforced errors to a bare minimum, especially in tiebreaks and critical game points. Djokovic has accomplished this goal by developing an all-court game that features expanding his repertoire of shots, the ability to improvise as necessary, and increasing both his speed and stamina.

Djokovic always seems to be in a position to execute his shots on balance and with pinpoint accuracy. Djokovic attains this by masterfully managing his power; he hits each ball while maintaining consistency, accuracy, and most importantly, emphasizing the ability to return to the optimum tactical position before his opponent hits the next shot.

56 - ADDvantage Magazine

January 2021

Master Professional Corner USPTA Rather than risking an error while attempting to overpower his opponent (which is frequently tempting and always exhilarating), Djokovic assumes that every ball will return – likely to the logical opening, and that he is responsible for that next shot. This consciousness reduces the risk of missing his shot and gives Djokovic more time to reach the next ball. Like it or not, it is a statistical fact that more matches are lost than won! Consistency is, and always will be, the ultimate weapon at every level of the game. The player that hits the last ball over the net and inside the lines invariably wins!

Every athlete that is motivated to become the best player he/ she can become must first and foremost understand his/her limits.

Djokovic completely understands his limitations. At any point in time, under various circumstances, he must instantaneously know how hard to hit the ball, how much margin is needed to clear the net, and how close to the lines to aim a successful shot.

Naturally, Djokovic has developed this instinct through trial and error, and purposeful experimentation in practice sessions and match play during his career.

Not only is Djokovic disciplined enough to perform defensively, but he is ready and willing to play up to his limits and become an offensive threat when the opportunity arises. He is a unique player because of his all-court proficiency and diversity. Djokovic is as proficient and comfortable at the net as he is in the backcourt. His variation of spin, willingness to come to net behind serve and touch on drop shots and lobs make him unpredictable and dangerous from all areas of the court.

Following elbow surgery in 2018, he has again become one of the most successful servers in the entire game. Add that to Djokovic already being one of the best service returners in the sport, and it is easy to see why he rules the world of tennis. *

Djokovic is one of those rare athletes that not only understands his limitations, but he has the discipline to play with restraint, particularly in the critical moments of a match, when most players lose focus and try to win the big points with massive shots. Consequently, many players make unforced errors, and those lost points translate into games, sets, and matches!

January 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 57

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Break the Making Excuses Habit

W

hen a tennis match is over, what do we do? Maybe someday we will get back to shaking hands, but if we win, we tap racquets and say, “Good match.” If we lose, we tap racquets and still say, “Good match.” However, if we are to become a modest winner or gracious loser, we might say to our opponent, “You played great today.”

We don’t make excuses for our opponent. That would be immature, wouldn’t it?

Yet, a lot of players make excuses to themselves, their friends, and their parents to explain away an outcome they do not like — rationalizations they’d never say, face-to-face to an opponent.

You’ve heard it. Your players and even you might have said them yourself!

1. It was too sunny (or too hot, too cold, too windy, etc.)

2. I was hungry

Dr. Peter Scales, USPTA Professional I have only heard two excuses that made sense: “I was distracted because I had a bee in my nose,” and “I’m a little shaky because my car was just stolen.” Both were true stories.

But every other excuse is just a way of not taking responsibility. Even if you lost the match, you could still be a winner in the mental and emotional game if you take responsibility for what transpired. The true reason you lost is that your opponent was better than you on that day.

Can excuses can be reasons for losing?

Yes. However, reasons are facts that you can do something about, i.e. toss lower in the wind, have a better game plan for playing the pusher, talk more and work together better with your doubles partner instead of blaming them. But reasons become excuses when you are whining instead of fixing the issue at hand.

Making excuses diminishes the achievements of your opponent — it’s not honoring them or the game, and it keeps

you from learning. If you’re mitigating your performance, then you are less likely to process what is happening and how you are affecting your opponent. You become so preoccupied with focusing on the negative that you could very well miss priceless clues on how to adjust and adapt to the player opposite you. Making excuses is like playing with your eyes closed and your brain shut off. If you are unwilling to learn, then you can’t compete at your highest level.

Here are examples of what you can tell your players to break the making excuses habit.

I. Write down or record the excuses I. you’ve heard players make or that you have made yourself. Listening or reading them aloud will allow you to laugh at how silly these justifications sound. The ability to chuckle at past mitigations will give you the perspective needed to diminish the power of the excuse.

Photo courtesy of Pair Srinrat

3. I felt a raindrop 4. This isn’t my racquet 5. My strings were dead 6. I hate pushers — they don’t play real tennis 7. My opponent talked too much (or too little) 8. I’m really a singles player (while playing doubles) 9. I don’t usually play like this (believe us, you do!)

10. My partner brought down my game

January 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 59

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to put in your pocket. Before you step on the court, crumple up your excuses and the baggage of your off-court life, and toss them into the “Excuse Box.” During the match, do the same thing if your inner or outer voices start whining. Let the “Excuse Box” take away your doubts — it is an excuse sauna!

The “Excuse Box” is a big, fun part of our high school practices!

II. Make two columns. Jot down your favorite excuses, such as the ones you tend to use in one column. On the other, rewrite the acquittal as a positive. So, instead of saying, “It’s too windy,” try, “I love playing in the wind — I can make the ball do things that will drive my opponent crazy!”

III. Write or record post-practice and post-match summaries. Focus on offering analysis without judgment, the challenges you faced, and what you will do to fix them. Then re-read or listen to the synopsis before your next time on the court.

IV. Interview yourself — or you and your opponent can interview each other in a mock post-match interview as if you were covering it for the Tennis Channel. Using a ball can for a mic, ask one another, “What did you like about your game today?” and, “What’s something you want to work on based on this match?” You can also be vaguer and ask, “How do you think it went today?” Sure, it’s a little weird

at first, but if the players I’ve worked with are any indication, your players will quickly have fun with it.

V. Another variation is practicing your answer to the question everyone gets when someone finds out they played a match: Did you win? The mentally strong, no excuse response to rehearse is something like, “I played hard and to the best of my ability. I faced a quality opponent, and we had a good match.” Rehearse your response until it is automatic.

VI. Make an “Excuse Box,” or at least imagine one. Make it a box large enough to sit in or small enough

Will these potential habits completely prevent your players from making excuses? Of course not, we are all abridged human beings and imperfect tennis players! But you can cut down on cop-outs by laughing them off, reframing them in favorable terms, rehearsing positive postmatch summarization, and making your transgressions live in the “Excuse Box” as often as possible.

Excuse-free tennis is much more enjoyable, and your players will learn and compete better while honoring the game more.*

A developmental psychologist, Coach Pete Scales is a frequent contributor to ADDVantage Magazine. Scales is the JV boys and girls tennis coach at Parkway South High School in Manchester, MO, a Mental Strength Consultant to the Washington University in St. Louis Women’s Tennis Team, and author of the acclaimed book, Mental and Emotional Training for Tennis: Compete-Learn-Honor (Coaches Choice, 2019, available at Amazon and uspta.com/proshop). The book previously sold out at the 2019 US Open.

January 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 61

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Get Off the Island and Get in the Game Amanda Fink, USPTA Elite Professional

I

t’s hard to keep track of the many coaching networks that exist in today’s tennis culture. Consider the most wellknown acronyms, including the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), Women’s Tennis Coaching Association (WTCA), International Tennis Federation (ITF), among others. However, there are many questions to consider. Why should I join an organization? What does a network offer its members? What value is there to being in a coaching network? These are all valid concerns that need answers.

Tennis is an individual sport, and coaches seem to treat their careers in the same manner. Even providers that belong to a network have difficulty giving up potential teaching hours to attend educational events – and work together as a community. I can honestly say I understand that sentiment. Professionals must make a living, and many conferences feature costly registration fees — not to mention expenses and travel time. The bottom line is that being away from the court equals lost revenue.

So why then do coaches join associations and networks? Many say they simply need the all-inclusive insurance. While that is vital, it should not be the sole reason one becomes a member of a coaching network.

Consider the potential support you would receive from belonging to an organization, including partnering with diverse areas, populations, and groups such as students, peer coaches, and mentors. No one in the tennis world exists on an island.

Being part of a network allows you to connect, develop friendships, and brainstorm with peers. Coaches can pick up new drills, games, tricks, and business advice. There is also synergy from associating with others that revitalizes the spirit and joy of the profession. Keep in mind, not every presentation will be useful or applicable, but at least new information challenges one to think differently, or widen the scope of potential offerings.

I enjoy meeting new people and catching up with old acquaintances. It’s fun to collaborate with other pros and discuss everything from coaching rates to the state of tennis. We are building a foundation that makes our profession stronger.

Get Involved — Start Locally If you feel like you aren’t getting the correct benefits or education from your network, or you would like to see change, it’s time to get involved. Solutions include joining a committee or serving on a local board. The tennis world needs to hear unique voices, especially from newer members and those that have been quiet in the past. And for the love of all that is good, do not merely post on social media about your problems. If you want to see something genuinely transpire, you need to get in the game. As Tony Awardwinning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote in his portrayal of Alexander Hamilton: “When you got skin in the game, you stay in the game. But you don’t get a win unless you play in the game.”

If challenged to get involved, one might respond, “No way, Amanda!” Getting more entangled, risks being labeled for having unpopular opinions, especially if you use the excuse, “No one wants to deal with the politics and outdated procedures.” Well, my industry peers and pros, I have news for you.

Whether you work at a club, teach on courts managed by a Homeowners Association, or coach at a school, there are politics. Please do not hide behind that rationalization.

Challenge yourself to stand up for whatever you feel passionate about — regardless of the potential level of controversy. Risk being seen in an unfavorable light and let your voice be heard. If you are not willing to do that, then, in my opinion, you do not have the right to complain about the problems or difficulties of your sport, and you shouldn’t expect others to champion your cause.

Now I am the first to admit that I’m not always seen in a positive light when I share my views. But my peers, family, friends, and mentors have always been there to pick me up when things become overwhelming. I accept that I can’t please everyone, and sometimes I have to call it as I see it — regardless of any outdated opinions and policies. I refuse to sugarcoat my words — and I hope people will respect my thoughts, even in disagreement. I strive to contribute new ideas and work hard to see them come to fruition.

January 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 63

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Leadership at Higher Levels If you truly desire improvements for an organization, you need to be active on committees and boards. Here are my top three reasons why:

1. Talk is cheap. It takes participation and an actual working investment to inspire change or development in anything.

2. Change happens slowly: If you see a need that requires reshaping, start at the beginning, and work it step by step. Learn what it takes for change to happen. What does adding or subtracting something mean for an organization? Does it require a current program dropped? Will a new initiative need to be developed?

What is the cost to members? Will businesses or sponsors become financially hurt in the process? You might find that alterations have more challenges than you think due to unintended consequences.

However, you won’t know until you are in the room where decisions get made.

3. Try local leadership: Begin by gathering data. Who are your local contacts? Reach out to education and divisional leadership, listed on USPTA.com. If you have ideas, concerns, or anything else that can help leaders make the division stronger, speak up. If the person that you reached out to doesn’t seem to care, then you spoke to the

wrong individual. You will always find people that wish to know what is going on in the organization and even if they can’t immediately help, they will likely listen.

My experience with creating positive change is through a group called Elevate in San Diego, CA. I listened to a collection of respected coaches, industry professionals, and high-performance players — and I helped them find a platform for their ideas. The results were uber-successful in expanding the coaching community while creating proam tournaments, educational events, and a network of speakers that share ideas at our division conventions. This is just one example where you can make a difference by listening, responding, and becoming a leader — both on and off the court.

The message is simple. You have the potential to make a difference in your community and beyond. You can grow, inspire, and raise others by making connections with your peers. No idea is too big or too small. There is a whole world out there waiting for you to experience — one that lives for change.

Should you need help or inspiration, I am here to assist, and I’d love to learn about your quests. My challenge to you: Get off the island and get in the game. *

Photo courtesy of Amanda Fink

I used to be unaware that I could make an impact on my community. I spent my first board term listening quietly before I finally turned to the leader and asked, “Do you want me to do something?”

That question led to me running my first College Knowledge Educational Seminar and other events that made a difference to players and coaches. What I am saying is that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask what you can do. Think about how you can use your background and strengths. If you posess a unique perspective about our industry and the game of tennis — share it. Have those around you help; however, become the one that makes things happen.

We have been talking for years about growing the game, but I would like to pose a few questions. What does that phrase exactly mean? How do we as pros contribute to that ideal? While I don’t have all the answers, the first step is collecting information about your topic — both positive and negative. Then work together instead of competing against one another. The result will give players more opportunities to grow as stronger leaders in the coaching community.

January 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 65

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ThanksUSA 2020-21 Scholarships

artnering with Tennis Thanks the Troops, the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and ThanksUSA are pleased to present the 2020-2021 USPTA/ThanksUSA Scholarships to three military family college students.

Each scholarship recipient will receive a $3,000 scholarship towards their undergraduate studies.

“We are always excited to team up with ThanksUSA to provide scholarships to deserving students of military families,” said USPTA CEO John Embree. “The Tennis Thanks the Troops partnership allows our association to show our appreciation to the military and their families. This initiative is always well supported by our members and is an annual priority of our association.

A USPTA/ThanksUSA scholarship is helping Gloria complete her final year of undergraduate studies at Wayland Baptist University in Texas. As the spouse of an active-duty Army Staff Sergeant, she balances the challenges of military life while obtaining a college degree and raising her children – one of which is afflicted by hemophilia.

The daughter of a retired Army Staff Sergeant – Cameron, was awarded a USPTA/ThanksUSA Scholarship to begin a Biology major at Virginia Commonwealth University. “Thank you all for the USPTA/ThanksUSA scholarship award and helping me in my academic journey. I will do my best to make everyone proud. I am very honored to be a recipient!” said Cameron.

The daughter of a disabled Marine

Corps Veteran – Destiny, was diagnosed with a heart defect shortly after birth.

Undergoing open-heart surgery at the age of 15 introduced her to a team of pediatric cardiologists that would inspire her future. “Their care, combined with my personal experience, created a passion,” she shared. With the assistance of a USPTA/ThanksUSA scholarship, Destiny is beginning a Biology major with a Pre-Med concentration at the University of Oklahoma.

“We are grateful to the USPTA and all tennis professionals who are making a difference for military families through fundraising events or private donations,” said Jean Pletchette, ThanksUSA Director of Sports Initiatives. To learn more, contact Jean@ThanksUSA.org.*

Whatever your needs, we’ve got you covered!

Whether your club is looking for a Tennis Professional or a Director of Tennis, find quality candidates through USPTA’s network of Certified, Elite, & Master Professionals with USPTA DirectorSearch and USPTA Post-A-Job services.

www.uspta.com or call 407-634-3050 January 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 67

USPTA Career Development

Career Development USPTA Certification Testing Dates Jan. 2-3................................................................................. Forest Crest Athletic Club

Mountlake Terrace, WA Jan. 6...................................................................... Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center

Minneapolis, MN Jan. 7-8....................................................................................... Anthem Country Club

Henderson, NV Jan. 10.....................................................................................Rush Copley Healthplex

Aurora, IL Jan. 10..................................................................................... Bayou Bluff Tennis Club

Gulfport, MS Jan. 10..................................................................................................Lifetime Fitness

Peachtree, GA Jan. 11-12................................................................................. USTA National Campus

Orlando, FL Jan. 16........................................................................................................... Woodside

Woodside, KS Jan. 17............................................................................................... ACAC Midlothian

Midlothian, VA Jan. 20.................................................................... Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center

Minneapolis, MN Jan. 23-24.....................................................................................Atlanta Athletic Club

Johns Creek, GA Jan. 23-24.......................................................................................Oaks at Boca Raton

Boca Raton, FL Jan. 23-24................................................................ The Birch Racquet and Lawn Club

Keller, TX Jan. 24-25................................................................................. Burbank Tennis Center

Burbank, CA Jan. 26...................................................................................Westwood Tennis Center

Norman, OK Jan. 26-27................................................................................. Athletic Club Inverness

Englewood, CO Jan. 29.................................................................................... Greenville Country Club

Wilmington, DE Jan. 29-30...................................................................................Paseo Racquet Center

Glendale, AZ Jan. 29....................................................................................................Wakonda Club

Des Moines, IA Jan. 30-31.......................................................................... Mission Viejo Country Club

Mission Viejo, CA Jan. 31.................................................................................John & Fay Menard YMCA

Eau Claire, WI

ThanksUSA 2020-2021 Scholarship Recipients

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE

President................................................................. Feisal Hassan First Vice President.............................................Richard Slivocka Vice Presidents...............Lane Evans, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner, Jason Gilbert, Bill Mountford Immediate Past President............................................ Gary Trost CEO...........................................................................John Embree Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell

Editor...................................................................................... Jim Burke Managing Editor......................................................... Mike Calendrillo Layout/Design.............................................................Kevin Karczewski Editorial Assistance .............................Alegna Hollis, Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, Fred Viancos, Ellen Weatherford Circulation..................................................................... Trevor Trudelle USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 407-634-3050 – www.uspta.com

68 - ADDvantage Magazine

January 2021

ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the United States Professional Tennis Association.

Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA.