USPTA ADDvantage November-December 2021 Issue

November-December 2021

Fromuth Tennis Tribute 45

Some Things Don’t Change 49

Lane Evans: USPTA Professional of the Year 51

Ken DeHart: USPTA Lifetime Achievement Award 53

USPTA Hall of Fame 55-59

USPTA Master Professionals 61

USPTA 2021 Award Winners 64

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From the CEO USPTA

A Tribute to Fromuth Tennis John R. Embree, USPTA CEO

I

t is with bittersweet emotions that I announce our endorsement for footwear and apparel with Fromuth Tennis and Nike will be expiring in November. I say bittersweet because, on the one hand, I am sad to see this 10-year relationship coming to a close. But, on the other, I am grateful that this partnership not only lasted as long as it did (a decade of joint support is almost unheard of in our industry), but it proved to be so very beneficial for our membership.

It is one thing to be affiliated with the premier footwear and apparel brand globally (Nike), but it is another to have a distribution partner as competent and as customer-friendly as Fromuth Tennis.

During my entire career in this sport, Fromuth Tennis has had a reputation for being the absolute model for exceptional customer service and friendliness. They set Fromuth Fromuth @Fromuth @Fromuth

the bar, and that bar is exceptionally high.

From the early days with Jim Fromuth (himself ) and Annette Vail to the current team headed up by Pat Shields (owner), the Fromuth staff went out of their way to take care of their customers — our members.

It is a reputation that takes time to build and is often as difficult or even harder to maintain. Yet, Fromuth Tennis was able to — and continues to sustain a level of excellence that is hard to beat.

As the global leader in tennis-teaching professionals and coaches, the USPTA needed to be affiliated with a leading footwear and apparel brand. For those of you who have been around a long time, you will remember the days when the USPTA was endorsed by Prince apparel, Lotto, Asahi Footwear, Wilson (through Athco), Pro Penn shoes, Converse shoes, etc. While these were undoubtedly good products in their day, nothing can compare with the global reach and iconic status that Nike has achieved. And there were many years throughout our long history where we had no footwear and apparel partnership whatsoever.

For our membership to be able to merchandise

Nike in their pro shops or to wear Nike products at their facilities each day, it made a statement to consumers and their respective clients that USPTA professionals were the best — are the best. And with Nike’s changing business strategies and distribution policies, we always had confidence that Fromuth Tennis would have the product our pros wanted when they needed it. There was such comfort knowing Fromuth Tennis would supply us with the latest and greatest Nike offerings, and they did so with incredible efficiency and an engaging smile!

Finally, there was such a great sense of pride when we donned Nike clothing and slipped on a pair of Nike kicks with the iconic swoosh. For years, we enjoyed the creative advertising campaigns that Nike aired across the globe, knowing that the USPTA was a part of that family. “Just Do It” will forever be inscribed in the lexicon of our modern-day world. It is, after all, more than just an ad slogan.

But as the saying goes, all good things do come to an end. On behalf of all USPTA members, I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to Pat Shields and everyone on the Fromuth Tennis team who positively impacted our association. The tennis world is small, and our paths will cross many more times in the future. They will remain friends of the USPTA long after our official agreement concludes.

Meanwhile, we are in the process of seeking a new endorsement agreement that should be announced before year-end.

But, Fromuth Tennis with Nike won’t be easy to replace. *

November-December 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 45

Vice President’s Message USPTA

In the USPTA, Some Things Don’t Change Gary Trost, USPTA Immediate Past President educate attendees at conferences, answer any and all questions, and keep us all in line. They are the glue that makes the association run smoothly, and some of them have served over 30 years! I’d also like to cheers all the testers that welcomed and certified thousands of new applicants over the years. These testers are often the first interaction that new members have with the USPTA. This group possesses so much knowledge and passion — it’s contagious. I initially became a tester to help out the Missouri Valley and found the job more invigorating with each test that came. Thank you, testers — and anyone who ever hosted a test!

The National Headquarters staff is truly amazing! I mean, they have to look after 15,000 members! The volume of work they do is abundant — and many of them help out in departments other than their own. Just think of the effort to collect dues, take care of members’ inquiries, or

publish the award-winning ADDvantage Magazine? How about organizing and staffing the annual World Conference or producing great educational videos!

USPTA leadership has always been strong and worked tirelessly to make us all look great. Indeed, our current and past staff deserve all the accolades that we can send their way.

During my time, WE have found a new innovative CEO, a spectacular home for our World Headquarters, and a plethora of staff. In addition, we weathered more than a few hurricanes and a global pandemic.

Yet all of this is part of our journey and makes us stronger.

Without naming names — to all my mentors, everyone I served on a board with, committee and staff members that made me look good, and all those along the way, I thank you. I know the association is in great hands with the future volunteers and staff of OUR terrific organization. Cheers! * Photo Credit: Siam Pukkato

Since I started serving and volunteering with the USPTA many years ago, some things have not changed. And with this being my final column while on the National Board, I’m compelled to shine a light on our “stars” that sometimes get overlooked, but I know every president values. I am amazed at our membership’s passion, knowledge, and work ethic every day at their own jobs and with the volunteers within the USPTA. Great volunteers run our governance at the National Board, division presidents and vice presidents, division board members, and district boards (in the larger divisions). These people give their time and effort to run the best division conventions for delivering education, meetings, and networking every single year. I’ve always believed that when I was vice president or president of the Missouri Valley Division, that is when I made the most significant difference in our association. Many of these same people serve on or chair a national committee thaty they are super passionate about. My hope is that each of our members will try to serve on at least one of our national committees.

So how do you do that? It’s simple. Ask a divisional board member or apply for a national committee, look for applications in ADDvantage Magazine, and apply for the committees that interest you.

There are a couple of groups that I want to thank for their time and commitment.

The executive directors of each division work tirelessly to welcome new members,

November-December 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 49

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Professional of the Year Award USPTA

Alex Gordon Professional of the Year: Lane Evans Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications

T

he USPTA is proud to announce Lane Evans as the 2020 Alex Gordon Professional of the Year. In a most challenging year, Lane put together one of the most productive and recognizable years of his career.

As a member of the USPTA for nearly 35 years, he completed his career-long dream of becoming a USPTA Master Professional.

Lane finished his first year as Vice President of the USPTA National Board of Directors and took on the Chairmanship of the National Pickleball Committee, where he put together a comprehensive plan to add a new pickleball certification and educational platform for the USPTA. Lane is also Chairman of the Past Presidents Committee, a group that maximizes the value of division past presidents to help younger professionals with career development. He was also the Chairman of the USPTA National Fitness & Wellness Committee, which developed a specialty course in Tennis Fitness.

Lane also helped fulfill the race to get USPTA applicants over the yearend finish line

by performing many tests on the road in Oklahoma and Kansas.

Lane once again closed out the year with one of the highest continuing education totals in the nation with 304.5 credits.

He also presented a national webinar and wrote two national USPTA ADDvantage Magazine articles. In addition, Lane continued his service to Moore High School as the assistant tennis coach, where the team had a banner year. He also successfully worked with players from Norman, OK, and Yukon, OK high schools.

Lane took on a new role as a Tennis Professional at Westwood Tennis Center also located in Norman. In April, Lane began teaching beginner and intermediate clinics, lessons of all ages and abilities, and USTA League players and teams.

Interest proliferated, and over the rest of 2020, 100-plus new players were brought into the programs at the Westwood Tennis Center.

Despite pandemic restrictions, Lane continued to work with kids from First Serve of OKC, the First Tee of Oklahoma

Lane Evans in action, 1976 City program, and is a Tennis Thanks the Troops ambassador, raising funds for military family education needs.

Lane’s past awards include the 2015 USPTA National Industry Excellence Award and the USPTA Missouri Valley Educational Merit Award for 2018 & 2019.

Lane played college tennis at High Point University in North Carolina, was on the professional tour from 1981-83, and achieved national rankings in men’s ’40s, ‘45s, and ’50s in both singles and doubles.

He was a 3-time Northern California Senior Player of the Year, the Walt Stamer Senior Player of the Year, and the USPTA Professional of the Year for North Carolina in 2011 and 2012. *

November-December 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 51

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Lifetime Achievement Award USPTA

George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award: Ken DeHart Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications

K

en DeHart has been bestowed the 2021 USPTA George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award. A USPTA Professional for over 40 years, Ken was certified by former USPTA President Bill Tym. A USPTA Master Professional, Ken has received the Career Development Award for most continuing education points during a three-year span. He has served on USPTA boards in the Southwest and NorCal, has presented at the USPTA National Executive Committee meetings and USPTA SoCal Conference, and is a two-time speaker at the USPTA Texas High School Coaches Conference at Horseshoe Bay. A two-time Southwest and NorCal USPTA Pro of the Year, Ken has been published in Tennis Industry Magazine, TennisPro, Tennis Magazine, ADDvantage Magazine, and many other publications.

Ken has also received the NorCal Diversity

Award and is currently a NorCal Diversity and Inclusion Committee member. In addition, he has been heavily involved in running USTA programs, including adult leagues and Junior Team Tennis, sending a coed 14 and Under team to Nationals two years in a row.

Having worked with Wilson Tennis for over 30 years, he is currently on their National Advisory Staff as a National Product Tester. He also serves on the advisory staff for Tennisdrills. tv, OnCourtOffCourt, and other tennis industry companies. In addition, Ken is a member of the Antique Racquet Collectors and Benchmark Tennis, a non-profit organization serving tennis in NorCal that offers scholarships and free lessons.

During his extensive career,

Ken has served as Director of Tennis at Los Gatos SRC and Director of Tennis at Mission Hills Tennis Club, where they won NorCal Club of the Year. He has also been the Director of Tennis at San Jose Swim and Racquet Club, Director of Tennis at AVAC, and Director of Tennis at Silver Creek Valley Country Club. At Silver Creek for the past three years, Ken has been active in recycling tennis balls via recycleballs.com. His staff has recycled over 27,000 balls during his tenure.

As a player, Ken won a gold medal in the Huntsman World Senior Games in both ‘50s and ‘55s singles, a silver medal in the Nike World Senior Games in singles, a bronze in doubles, and two gold medals in the Bay Area Senior Games.

Ken is proud to live in NorCal with, what he calls, “an amazing collection of tennis professionals who all love tennis and serve the tennis community.”*

November-December 2021

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HOF Award USPTA

Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award: John Wilkerson Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications

B

orn in San Antonio, TX, John Wilkerson had a late start compared to most tennis players — not picking up a racquet until his senior year of high school.

After winning district and state singles and doubles titles in 1957, he received a tennis scholarship to Prairie View A&M. However, Wilkerson left college for the Airborne 8th Brigade, spending two and a half years in Germany.

Nevertheless, after his time in the service, John had a better sense of direction and planned his future with education first and tennis second.

Wilkerson returned to Texas Southern University in 1972, winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference singles and doubles championships and the American Tennis Association national championship before graduating.

Soon after, he found his passion for coaching and mentoring young people.

John became the tennis director at MacGregor Park (1974-1983), where he

would eventually introduce 11-year-old Zina Garrison and Lori McNeil to tennis.

MacGregor Park has long been the heart of the Historic Third Ward and Sunnyside communities. The park is where many of Houston’s most successful athletes and business leaders, including NBA Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler, and singer & actress Yolanda Adams, spent their youth. With a primarily Caucasian client base, John started a free children’s tennis program to help grow diversity and inclusion.

Under John’s tutelage, Garrison became the first African American to win Wimbledon and US Open Junior titles. In addition, McNeil reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 9 in the world in 1988, while Garrison reached No. 4 in 1989.

McNeil, a US Open semifinalist in 1987, won 10 singles titles and was ranked No. 9 in 1988.

In 1993, Garrison founded the Zina Garrison Academy alongside her mentor, intending to provide Houston’s youth with

the same opportunity McNeil and she were afforded over 40 years ago. John currently serves as the Tennis Director Emeritus at the Zina Garrison Academy. In this role, he has helped more than 100 youth receive college scholarships.

For all his efforts, John has received countless awards. In 1979, he won the Lloyd Sessions Educational Merit Award and the Eve Kraft USTA Community Service Award for his contributions to tennis development both in Texas and nationally. He’s also been bestowed the Arthur Ashe Safe Passage Award, the Lloyd Sessions Educational Merit Award, and was inducted into the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.

In 2014, he was honored as a Team USA Coaching Legend by the USTA. A USPTA Elite Pro since 2005, it’s an honor to enshrine John Wilkerson into the USPTA Hall of Fame, class of 2021. *

“He loved teaching everyone the game of tennis, and it didn’t matter who you were.”

-Zina Garrison November-December 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 55

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HOF Award USPTA

Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award: Trish Faulkner Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications

T

rish Faulkner is currently Tennis Professional Emeritus at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. She served as tournament chairperson for the 2014 ITF Senior World Championships in Palm Beach County, one of the world’s largest international Amateur Tennis Events. Previously, Faulkner worked as head tour director and marketing director for the WTA and formed a sports marketing and special event corporation operating four of the Virginia Slims Women’s Professional Tour events.

Trish wrote “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tennis” and produced a teaching manual for the ITF Middle East with an accompanying slide show.

As a player, she won multiple titles on

the Women’s Tour, including the British Indoor Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

She’s also scored countless victories as a high-level senior player and was ranked No. 1 in three senior age divisions – ‘50s, ‘55s, and ‘60s – and has won 36 USA national senior titles. In addition, Trish is an ITF World Singles Champion and a US team member, winning four ITF World Team Championships.

The recipient of the WTA Special Service Award and the Margaret M. Russo National Sportsmanship Award, Trish previously earned special recognition when she was voted as the 2018 USPTA

Florida Professional of the Year before being inducted into the USPTA Florida Division Hall of Fame in 2019.

She has also served as the WTA Tour liaison for the USPTA Women’s Committee and was named the USPTA national women’s 45 & Over Player of the Year in 1998 and 2001. Trish currently serves on the USPTA National Board of Directors.

Trish Faulkner is a USPTA Master Pro and has been a member of the association since 1968. She is muchdeserving of the Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award, class of 2021. *

Trish Faulkner playing on grass early in here professional career.

November-December 2021

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HOF Award USPTA

Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award: Stan Smith Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications

A

former No. 1 world and US player, Stan Smith, won the US Open in 1971 and Wimbledon in 1972. He represented the US in 10 Davis Cups, winning the coveted championship seven times.

All told, he won 39 singles titles and 61 doubles titles, most recently the 55 & Over title at the 2004 US Open. Stan was director of coaching for the USTA Player Development Program, working with Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati, Todd Martin, Chandra Rubin, Mal Washington, and Chris Woodruff, among others. In addition, he was the coach of the 2000 US Olympic Men’s Tennis team in Sydney, Australia.

Stan is known for his ability to clearly communicate how to improve technique, strategy, tactics, and mental approach to the game through his legacy of sportsmanship and courtesy.

A contributing editor of “TENNIS Magazine” since 1986, Stan has a syndicated column with King Features

since 1985. He is also the author of “Inside Tennis,” co-authored “Modern Doubles,” and wrote “Winning Doubles.”

Smith has been inducted into the University of Southern California Hall of Fame, the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame, the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame, the Intercollegiate Hall of Fame, and the International Hall of Fame, which he has served as President of since 2011.

Stan is currently the touring professional and founder of Smith Stearns Tennis Academy at Sea Pines Racquet Club in Hilton Head, SC. The all-time best-selling Adidas tennis shoe that bears his name was initially launched as the “Adidas Robert Haillet” in 1965. Following several design revisions, in 1973, it was renamed the “Adidas Stan Smith.”

The white leather shoe with green trim around the heel featured Smith’s portrait and autograph on the tongue. Today, more than 50 versions of the shoe are available.

Their appeal is now a fashion

icon, appearing on runways, sparking collaborations, and inspiring numerous variations on the theme.

According to “Sneaker Report,” the deal between Adidas and Smith is in 13th place of the 50 most influential sneaker sponsorships in sports history.

In addition, Neal Heard, the author of the sneaker cultural history “Trainers,” ranked the shoe No. 6 on his list of the top 10 sneakers ever. The sneaker’s success is so widespread that a younger generation is often unaware that the all-time great tennis player actually endorses the shoe.

In 2018, Smith wrote a book titled “Some People Think I’m a Shoe!” with chapters enhanced by Smith’s recollections along with anecdotes from style influencers, designers, sports legends, and fervent sneaker fans.

Stan Smith is a USPTA Elite Pro and has been a member of the association since 1985. And so, it is only fitting that he is bestowed the Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award. *

November-December 2021

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New Master Professionals USPTA

New Master Professionals: Scott Mitchell & Bruce Gullikson Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications

U

SPTA members consistently strive to elevate their tennisteaching standards and develop as professionals — and that’s why they are the very best at what they do. However, becoming a USPTA Master Professional takes years of dedication and patience. Indeed, to even apply for such prestigious status, a member must hold an Elite Professional rating for 10 years, complete continuing education requirements, and fulfill a broad spectrum of service to our sport.

The following two members have not only met the requirements for becoming a Master Professional, but they are prime examples of going above and beyond the call of duty — exceeding expectations while providing fantastic service and teaching ability to their students.

Scott Mitchell

Scott is an executive director of racquets and court sports with 30 years of experience at private clubs, public facilities, and resorts. Scott has overseen some of the nation’s largest and most active facilities, with revenues reaching over $2 million annually. As the CEO of Premier Tennis International, Scott has been involved in some of the largest and most prestigious facilities in the US and many of the worlds’ leading professional tennis events.

In addition, Scott oversaw all operations as tournament director of the premier $100k Dow Tennis Classic. During his tenure, the DTC received four straight years of Gold Star Standard by the USTA and has become the benchmark of all pro-circuit events.

Scott has won many awards over his career, including the 2016 USPTA Midwest General Manager of

the Year, 2013 USTA Georgia Director of Tennis of the Year, and 2011 USPTA Georgia Professional of the Year. Scott’s coaching background is extensive. He won a National Championship as an assistant coach at Georgia Perimeter College, is a USTA National Zonal Coach working with many of the nation’s top 15 & 16-yearolds boys and girls, and has coached over 50 league champions.

Bruce Gullikson

Bruce has dedicated his life to playing, teaching, and growing tennis. He currently serves as the assistant tennis department head pro at Life Time Bloomington South and has worked there for 16 years — teaching full-time since 1989.

He also currently serves as the president of the USPTA Northern Division, having previously served as regional vice president. In addition, Bruce has been a Northern Zonal Coach for 20 years. He’s also acted as an area training center coach working with the best players in their age division to supplement coaching that they may already be receiving — and is a High Performance and Etcheberry certified coach. To further promote tennis, he has produced five different instructional DVDs. Bruce is also a published columnist in Northern Exposure, USTA Northern’s print publication. He is a longtime supporter of — and participant in the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic that benefits children’s cancer research, raising thousands of dollars supporting that cause. In 2009, Bruce received the USPTA Northern Service Award. Among other accomplishments and accolades, Bruce has won multiple Pro of the Year awards and has served USPTA Northern in a leadership capacity for more than a decade. *

November-December 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 61

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Member Feature USPTA

Three Important Mental Skills Players Should Work On

T

Meike Babel, USPTA Certified Professional

hink back to your last close match.

What were some of the things you experienced both mentally and physically?

If you’re like any other human being facing adversity in a highly evaluative situation, you probably encountered rising blood pressure, shallow breathing, heart racing, and maybe even tightness. Mentally, you possibly experienced negativity, poor decision making (bad shot selection), loss of focus, and a sense of being rushed or wanting to rush These are typical signs we humans experience when stressed — and can be summarized as Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response. This response is hardwired into our brains, and at many points in history, has helped people stay alive. For example, when a predator jumped out from behind a rock, we needed our brain to kick into autopilot and decide which action would help us survive. If we had engaged in a lengthy debate about whether we could fight off the predator, run away, or if freezing would leave us undetected, well, then we would have most likely ended up as lunch.

Unfortunately, however, what helped us in an evolutionary sense billions of years ago is no longer helpful. Our brains have yet to get the memo that a tennis match is not a lifethreatening event. Knowing that this is what we’re facing when we compete, I believe that the three most important mental skills that players should work on are:

1. Breathing

2. Perspective Change 3. Self-kindness

1.I experienced it many times in close matches — feeling like my heart was about to leap out of my chest. I could barely breathe. However, intentional deep breathing will get as much oxygen as possible into your lungs and the crucial part of the brain responsible for rational decision-making. It also gives you something to focus on if you count along to your in and out-breaths. For example, breathe into a count of four and release the breath to a count of five. Practice this first at home and then on court.

2.When I competed, I often had more difficulty dealing with my own negativity than anything that my opponent threw at me. Our self-talk can be so abusive and unfair! I mean, we would never dare speak to anyone else in that way. But for some reason, we think it’s OK and “helpful” if we do it to ourselves. The controlled breathing, as mentioned earlier, creates the space necessary in which we can use the skill of perspective change. You simply check your own thoughts with the question “Is this really true?” when you go on about how bad your serve, forehand, etc., were. The next step is to reframe the negative thought into a more positive and actionable one. Go from “my forehand is terrible” to “on the next forehand, I will extend through the ball.” Again, you have to practice this change in perspective every single day.

3.Lastly, the most significant help I could have offered myself would have been to be kinder to me. And I mean A LOT kinder.

Instead of weighing every single shot as “make or break” for my career, I would

have done much better to recognize that I’m human. That I will experience fear, anger and frustration, and I’m doing the best I can with the tools I have at this moment. No, it’s not about making excuses. Instead, it helps to recognize that tennis is an incredibly tough sport to play and that I need to be my own best friend.

I now ask my clients if they can give themselves as much credit for every point they win compared to when they tear themselves down for each one lost. It’s so easy to lament shots we miss, but praising yourself for the many points won seems so incredibly hard. We take them for granted and often forget that forcing errors equals hitting winners. “I should be making these shots” is what comes up a lot, but in my (now kinder mind), recognize that no one-shot is the same as any other before.

If I stop comparing the ball I just missed with the one I made in practice two days ago, I can forgive myself for mistakes so much easier.

I know that I would have had a more successful career had I learned these skills early on — and worked on them continually.

But I pieced together many of these things throughout my career. Even still, I must have done a lot right to make it to the WTA Top 30.

However, I did feel helpless and frustrated at times when I was out there by myself. And now that we know most top athletes regard mental skills training as essential as their athletic, technical, and tactical development, there is no reason why recreational players shouldn’t work on cognitive skills as well. I guarantee that if you put in the work, it will pay big dividends. *

November-December 2021

ADDvantage Magazine - 63

USPTA WC21 Award Winners

USPTA Star Award Rita Gladstone

USPTA Star Award Caitlyn Sagraves

USTA/USPTA Community Service Award Amanda Shaw

USPTA Elevate Award Ryan Johnson

64 - ADDvantage Magazine

November-December 2021

Continuing Education Earner Michael Friedman

President’s Paul Waldman Award Carol Anderson

WC21 Award Winners USPTA

Bob Ryland Diversity Award Christine Macur

USPTA Lessons for LifeTM Award Kevin Pope

USPTA Tester of the Year Mark Centrella

Small Facility Manager of the Year Brian Darlak

Large Facility Manager of the Year Hunter Gallaway

Industry Excellence Award Peter Dauphinee

Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year Jimmy Borendame

USPTA High School Coach of the Year Ryan Knarr

Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the Year Lucas Regas

November-December 2021

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USPTA Member Feature

What’s in a Name? How to Build Connections with Beginner Youth Tennis Players Clayton Vaughters, USPTA Certified Professional

Y

approach a group of young people I’m working with for the first time, I tell them to form a circle, coaches included. As the students begin to do this, I make sure I have one tennis ball in my hand. Once the circle is formed and I have everyone’s attention, I introduce myself, saying my name loud and clear. “Hi everyone. My name is Coach Clayton, and it’s great to meet you. I’m excited to play tennis with you today!” I then tell the students that for the next few minutes, the only person other than me in our circle who can speak is the person holding the tennis ball. When someone has the ball, I ask them to state their name as clear as possible into the center of the circle. I don’t ask them what

Photo Credit: ESB Professional

ou’re standing there — they’re standing there. Twelve unknown faces look up at you, expectant. No one says a word. You nervously glance down at them but then look away at your watch.

You’re not wearing a watch. Ugh! Your pulse races because this is their first tennis clinic. They can smell fear. How did you get here? You’re the youngest staff member at your club, and it’s your job to introduce tennis to beginner youth players. But you haven’t been taught what to do. Your head pro vaguely said something about making sure they were “engaged.” What does that even mean?

My advice is to start things off with the “Circle Name Game.” As soon as I

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their favorite ice cream flavor is. I don’t ask what’s their favorite color. I simply invite them to say their name in the center of the circle. And I remind the students that once we start, the only person allowed to talk beside me is the person holding the ball.

I then hand the ball to the student on my left. Once the ball is in their hands, they proudly say their name into the center of the circle. That student then hands the ball to the student on their left, being sure to hand it to them, not to toss it. The process repeats itself. Once the ball has made its way into the hands of each player (coach included), it’s back to me. With one round completed, I quickly and energetically state, “OK, once again, but faster!” I say my name into the circle center but do so fervently, almost instantaneously handing the ball off to the student on my left. My goal is to bring energy to the process. As the second round finishes and the ball returns to me, I shout “REVERSE” and repeat the process one last time, but in the opposite direction. Once the ball makes its

Member Feature USPTA

way back to me, the “Circle Name Game” is finished, having taken all of three minutes to complete.

I can already hear the proverbial online comment section blowing up. “Circle Name Game! That isn’t tennis! What does this have to do with introductory tennis?” However, my retort is simple.

Tennis, especially tennis coaching, is about building relationships. The faster you can create these bonds — the more meaningful the impact on your students and the more likely you’ll keep students playing the game. By beginning the first session with a game that centers on the students themselves, you immediately emphasize their value to the group and you, as the coach — how important it is for you to know their name. The “Circle Name Game” leads with this vital message and gets you started in the right direction.

Here are a few pieces of key advice: 1. Do not let students get away with meekly garbling their names. If a student does — and then hands the ball off to the next participant, have the ball returned to the original student so that they can say their name with emphasis to the center of the circle for all to hear.

This cannot be overlooked!

2. As the lead coach, repeat the name of each student after they say it. If the student holding the ball says, “My name is Sierra,” then you as the lead coach should make eye contact with that

student and say, “Hi Sierra. My name is Coach Clayton. It’s great to meet you.”

Do this for each and every student. And note, this doesn’t have to be rote or boring. Mix it up. Mention how much you like their Star Wars t-shirt. Tell them you have a sister with the same name (if you actually do). Whatever it is, build an instant connection.

cannot build connections with anyone if they don’t at least know someone else’s first name. I repeat — relationships CAN NOT be forged if we don’t know each other’s names!

Students love, love, love hearing their own name! Each time we as coaches repeat a student’s name, that student feels recognized and respected. People way more intelligent than I have done studies 3. Have fun with the process! It’s OK to on this, and activation areas in multiple goof around a bit with the kids during brain regions immediately kickstart upon this time. Remember, this is their first hearing our names. An environment full of interaction with tennis. So they should names creates an energy field of empathy, have a good time! On occasion, I’ve been trust, and compassion within our circle. known to say: By remembering a student’s name • “Hi, Oliver. It’s great to meet you. My and focusing energy on remembering name is Coach Clayton, which is way it, you as the coach subconsciously tell less cool of a name than Oliver.” that student that this tennis clinic is not • “Hi, Sofia. It’s great to have you at a one-off affair. You are in this for the tennis today. Your orange shirt is way long haul and want them to be as well. more fun than my plain white one.”

If I am willing to learn a student’s name (which isn’t difficult), that student knows I play the “Circle Name Game” because I plan to work with them in the future at the first tennis clinic for young students another tennis clinic — and they will be starting their tennis journies isn’t encouraged to come back again. necessarily about tennis at all. It’s about So, the next time you’re sitting in the beginners building connections with pro shop, fretting over that big group of coaches and their fellow students. If you, young beginners about to arrive, take a as the coach, can help institute this process deep breath and remember, start with the early, students will think of the tennis “Circle Name Game.” It seems small, but court as a place where they can have fun it very well could be the most important and interact with people they like. With game you play. It will help you establish this one game, you can begin to establish meaningful relationships with your lifelong connections. Your students might students and get the group started on the even laugh a couple of times during the right foot. “What’s in a name,” you ask? My game, which is wonderful. New students answer — much more than you think. *

AUTHOR BIO Clayton Vaughters is the tennis and student services manager at the International Tennis Hall of Fame for NJTL Newport: TeamFAME. Clayton grew up in Aiken, South Carolina, and began playing tennis at age four, under the guidance of Craig Jones and Ben Cook. Following graduation from the University of Virginia, Clayton worked with school-age children in academic and athletic settings. He has been at TeamFAME since September 2018 and has a passion for introducing tennis to young people. In addition, Clayton enjoys serve & volley tennis as well as gardening.

November-December 2021

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USPTA What’s the Dill?

Membership Department Update

W

Dillon Chustz, USPTA Director of Membership

hat comes to mind when you think of the word “member”? To me, calling someone a “member” is a way of saying, “We’re in this together.” It means that you belong to something. We often refer to you all as our “USPTA Family”— and that is precisely what we mean. Many of you have dedicated over 30 years of your professional careers to serving tennis in the name of the USPTA. As representatives, you deserve a Membership Team that supports you, listens to you and believes in you. Simply put, you folks deserve the best!

Perhaps the most exciting part of my job has been to build a Membership Team comprised of passionate, driven, and focused individuals who serve our members in the most remarkable capacity possible.

The ever-changing nature of these past two years has required my team to be adaptable, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient when providing solutions to the many requests made by our members. The role of a tennis coach has its various challenges, none of which should include maintaining your membership and certification with the USPTA. Our job is to ensure that you all are capable of being the very best that you can be.

After countless weeks of recruiting and interviewing, I finally have my “dream team” in place. At the end of 2020, we welcomed two new members of our team, Kim Brown and Jim Stockwell. Many of you have already interacted with one or both when contacting the Membership Department over the past year. Both “Kim-n-Jim” have extensive backgrounds in customer service and have already displayed a level of patience and empathy

with our members that simply can’t be taught. Transitioning into 2021 would have been incredibly difficult were it not for their diligence in providing excellent service to our members. I recently added two new members to the team, Susan Ruchti and Linda Virgovicova, neither of which are new to the game of tennis. Susan has served the tennis industry in various roles, including working at the USTA National Campus and Spring Break Tennis here in Orlando, FL. She has the industry knowledge and the moxie that comes with managing large groups. Linda is a long-time tennis player, recently playing club tennis

for the University of Central Florida. She grew up training in Slovakia before moving to the US Linda has an incredible passion for sport psychology and serving the game of tennis behind the scenes.

I’m well into working with all four new team members, and I am very excited about our department’s direction. I have found that the best work is done with the “Three P’s”— Passion, Patience, and Persistence. My new team possesses all these qualities and then some. I am more than confident in their ability to serve our mission, to continually elevate the standards of tennis-teaching! *

From left to right: Jim Stockwell, Kim Brown, Dillon Chustz, Linda Virgovicova, Susan Ruchti

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE

President................................................................. Feisal Hassan First Vice President.............................................Richard Slivocka Vice Presidents...................................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 ........................... Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, Fred Viancos, Ellen Weatherford, Dillon Chustz Circulation..................................................................... Trevor Trudelle USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 407-634-3050 – www.uspta.com

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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.