Addvantage 2012 November

contents departments

the total professional – enhancing you

9 A ‘best case’ scenario for club success: 3 CEO’s message USPTA inspiration and staff collaboration – by Jim Klein, 5 Vice president’s message USPTA, director of tennis at Doylestown Club, Doylestown, Pa. 15 Classifieds 13 Self-reliance paves the way for optimal development 23 USPTA drills and high performance – by Jeff Greenwald, USPTA, M.A., M.F.T. 31 USPTA mailbox 33 Pro to pro – Court divider can be useful teaching tool – 36 Career development

by David Kamisar, USPTA 38 Industry action

n ews 7 USPTA names John Embree as new CEO/Executive Director 16 2013 USPTA HEAD Staff Contract

19 USPTA Player Development Conference 32 Dues news

convention 25 USPTA World Conference wrap-up – 2012 Honorees 29 International Championships 30 USPTA raises more than $7,500 during Lessons for Life™ silent auction

30 Seventh annual Shootout results in close draw

On the cover – David T. Porter, Ed.D., is the 2012 Alex Gordon USPTA Professional of the Year.

volume 35 • issue 11

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone – 713-978-7782 800-USPTA-4U Fax – 713-358-7794 email – magazine@uspta.org

Shawna Riley Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan John Dettor

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Editor Managing editor Circulation Advertising

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 USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/November 2012

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CEO’s message Goals, growth and goodbye – Reflections from a CEO as he says, ‘So long’

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oodbyes are hard, and they’re even harder after in the Houston Astrodome. I hired fellow USPTA 30 years. USPTA has been a huge part of my pros as officials and their students worked as ball girls life, and tennis is the reason. The sport took and boys. There are so many interesting stories from hold of me 67 years ago at age 3 when I began play- behind the scenes of that historic match, especially ing. My parents were my primary teachers. I played the promotions that involved Bobby Riggs. However, continuously as a junior, and competed on the men’s that’s a story I’ll save for a book of its own some day! international tour after completing During my tenure on the national high school. Tennis allowed me to earn Board of Directors and as president of a college scholarship, which brought USPTA, I was fortunate to work with me to this great country in the late so many generous people who gave of 1950s. Even better, I was lucky enough their time to ensure USPTA’s continto land in the great state of Texas when ued growth and status in our industry I arrived at Lamar University in Beauas we entered the 1980s. I witnessed mont to begin my college career. many positive changes in our educa Lamar’s team was rated “the strontion and testing programs with my gest college team in the United States” friend and fellow employee George

by World Tennis magazine in its July Bacso, who passed away in 1998. I 1960 issue of “The Intercollegiate often wonder what he would say and Tim Heckler Review by the Coaches.” think about our current achievements.

While my biology degree landed me a job in medi- My involvement as a member at large and as a cal research first with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center national leader helped me to establish clear goals when and later with Dr. Jonas Salk, I was never far away I was given the chance to be USPTA’s top adminisfrom the tennis courts. In the 1960s, I played all of the trator in 1982. My ambitions were lofty at the time, Texas tournaments, and at the start of the tennis boom but nonetheless, with a series of unbelievable board (1970) I had returned to the game as a tennis teacher in members and wonderful staff members, we achieved Houston and joined the USPTA. As a teacher, I trained them. In 1982, my goals included: a junior competitive traveling team and national junior champions in multiple age categories, while directing 1. Stimulating membership growth. a multipurpose country club facility.

I was encouraged by my tennis-teaching peers to 2. Increasing USPTA’s income. serve this great organization, and it wasn’t long before 3. Streamlining USPTA’s administrative structure.

I was on the Texas Division board, serving as Texas president and running for USPTA’s national board. 4. Computerizing USPTA’s records and member During this time, I owned and managed tennis clubs services. in Houston and worked as a consultant on other tennis club projects. I also continued to compete in tennis, 5. Promoting USPTA as the world’s best tennisteaching organization. earning titles in both singles and doubles. Every part of my life was touched by tennis!

6. Establishing USPTA as the unified voice of tennis The 1970s was a great time to be involved in the teachers. game. I, like so many of my contemporaries, lived and worked through the greatest “tennis boom” our sport 7. Developing a graphic and video department that has ever seen. One of the most public highlights of my could enhance our education and PR efforts. tennis career was being hired as consultant and tennis director of the Bobby Riggs vs. Billie Jean King match 8. Creating a permanent home for USPTA.

I have one hope.

I hope USPTA remains the strong and independent organization it has always been.

continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/November 2012

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from previous page I am proud to report that, as I walk out of the USPTA office later next month, we have accomplished these goals and so much more in the last 30 years. A list of the major changes over this time includes: 1. Growing USPTA membership from 2,800 members in 1982 to more than 15,000 in 2012.

2. Increasing income from just over $600,000 in 1982 to more than $6 million in 2012.

3. Developing a limited administrative operation of only four full-time employees to an efficient system of more than 20 departments and 28 skilled staff members who cater to not only USPTA’s membership but also tennis industry needs.

4. Transitioning from index cards to microcomputers and then the most sophisticated computer hardware and software, including database management programs to track and serve members.

5. Moving from little to no promotional budget to a strong public relations program, USPTA’s own TV show, numerous websites and social media tools that constantly promote our members as the world’s best tennis teachers.

6. Using our communications and marketing departments to establish and maintain a strong and unified voice for all tennis teachers and coaches.

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7. Creating a commercial quality multimedia department capable of producing TV shows for the Tennis Channel as well as promotional and educational videos to complement our marketing and public relations programs.

8. From a small converted condo space in Florida to an 80,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art office building in Houston that is owned outright by USPTA, provide us with rental income and features 20 USPTA departments, two tennis courts, a USPTA archives and Hall of Fame.

While I will be the first one to say we could have done more, I also truly believe we did as much as we could with the resources we had, and I feel sure we did everything in our membership’s best interest.

To say I’m proud of what USPTA has become in the last 30 years is a huge understatement for me. But, I hope you – the members – are just as proud because you made it happen. Members are the backbone and soul of this organization and USPTA must remain independent in order to best serve your unique needs.

As I leave my position as CEO and again serve tennis as a USPTA member at large, I have one hope. I hope USPTA remains the strong and independent organization it has always been. Run your own programs that benefit you and your businesses, and do not take a back seat to other industry entities.

So long, and see you around the tennis industry! 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Vice president’s message On the road with John Embree

National Board of Directors President

Tom Daglis

First Vice President

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ovember is here and John Embree has ar- But first, let’s step back for a few weeks rived at the USPTA World Headquarters as John decompresses a bit from the World in Houston. Over the next two months Conference and takes time for a road trip to John will work alongside current CEO/ED Tim Seabrook Island, S.C., with his wife, Dagmar, Heckler, who has led the Association for the past before beginning the process of relocating his fam30 years. In January, as USPTA enters its 86th year, ily from Chicago to Houston. I decided to give him a call and spend some time getting John will officially become USPTA’s to know John Embree outside the new CEO/ED. office without his USPTA hat on and Over the next several months, we before he dons that Texas cowboy will hear from John about his vision hat. While John traveled the roads of for the Association’s future. To start, the Carolinas in late September (his he plans to visit the divisions and wife was driving), I enjoyed asking spend time with as many of you as him a variety of questions. possible. Meetings with industry partners and endorsement negotiaSo, let’s go On the Road with John tions are top priorities, while close Embree … communications and interaction with the national board and ExNancy Cox Tell me about growing up and your ecutive Committee will be ongoing.

Spending time with the national staff and learning family. I was born in Hinsdale, Ill. I am the oldwhat they do on a daily basis is another early prior- est of five children. I have three younger brothers ity. During the selection process in August, John and one sister. My mother died of cancer when I emphasized a “we can do better” approach to his was 15. My dad remarried and my new stepmom leadership. I know we all look forward to seeing had three daughters, so we ended up with a total John’s actions and follow-through as he begins his of eight children.

USPTA journey.

Tell me about your immediate family. My 18-year-old daughter is a freshman at Miami of Ohio and my son is a junior at the Hun School (prep) in Princeton, N.J. My wife, Dagmar, is from Germany. We have been married for 20 years. We have a cool tradition that began with our honeymoon: Each anniversary, I plan a surprise getaway for her to a special, secret destination. I just tell her to pack her bags and be ready to go.

John Embree will become USPTA CEO in January. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

What are your hobbies, passions and interests outside of tennis? I am definitely a sports and fitness buff. Besides tennis, I am an avid golfer and play platform tennis at the national level (unfortunately, there is no platform tennis in Houston), along with skiing and hiking. We also love to travel and try to take one special trip per year; this year was Barcelona.

continued next page

Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Nancy Cox Jeff Hawes Tom McGraw Dan Moster Gary Trost

Past President

Harry Gilbert

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations

Rich Fanning

Administrative Director

Marty Bostrom

Director of Communications

Shawna Riley

Creative Services Director

Julie Myers

Publications Manager/ Managing Editor

Kim Forrester

Director of Public Relations

Poornima Rimm

Communications

Jill Phipps

Director of Marketing

John Dettor

CourtsideUSA Manager

Randy Jenks

Director of Technology and Advanced Media

Timothy Heckler

Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru Tennis Multimedia Management Graphic Design Specialist Nick Warwick Director of Video Production Chris Maale Video Editor/ Videographer

Andrew Robertson

Director of Fred Viancos Professional Development Corporate Janice Stollenwerck Services Administrator Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Information Technology/ Multimedia

Scott Bucic

Director of Computer Services

Kathy Buchanan

Director of Membership and Certification

Vicky Tristan

Membership/ Certification Coordinator

Sylvia Ortiz

Membership/ Melony DeLoach Insurance Coordinator Director of Finance Payroll/Benefits Controller Merchandise/ Accounting Assistant

Kathy Ladner Renée Heckler Ellen Weatherford Shelina Harris

Legal Counsel Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone 713-97-USPTA 800-USPTA-4U Fax 713-978-7780 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/November 2012

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from previous page When you have time to relax and kick back, what do you like to do? I am a big music enthusiast with a rather eclectic repertoire – from rhythm and blues and soul to pop. The 70s was the best decade for music with so many “super” groups like Crosby, Stills and Nash; Loggins and Messina; Eagles ... When I get the chance to read, it is typically business-related magazines or sports rags but sitting down with a suspense novel by the likes of John Grisham or Robert Ludlum is also satisfying. Now that we are “empty nesters,” dinner out with friends is a treat.

What is something people would never guess or know about you? I have never had a cup of coffee, alcohol, cigarettes or any type of illegal drugs in my life. I know that this is hard to believe but it is the truth. I made this decision early on for a variety of personal reasons and have been able to stick with it. Additionally, I played tenor sax and sang in a prep school glee club that performed in New York and Boston. We even cut an album.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot? I would say any of the Caribbean Islands for a tropical vacation. When we want to ski, we choose Beaver Creek (Colo.) or Dear Valley (Park City, Utah) as our preferred mountains.

How would you describe your perfect day? The day would start with 18 holes of golf, then lunch, followed by two out of three sets of tennis, a massage and then dinner/dancing on some gorgeous tropical island. But, I am an early-to-bed guy, so it wouldn’t be a late night!

If you could have the chance to have lunch with anyone, who would it be? I would love to share a private moment with Arthur Ashe. He was such an inspiration to me and others. After reading his book “Days of Grace,” my admiration for him grew even stronger.

What are your favorite tennis tournaments? There are three that stand out. The French is the absolute best of the Grand Slams: Paris in the spring is tough to beat. Secondly, the NCAAs in Athens, Ga., ... especially when Georgia is competing for an NCAA title.

The atmosphere is pretty special. And finally, Kalamazoo for the National Boys 16/18s. What a venue! The entire community comes out to support our best juniors.

Looking back on your career, what do you think has been your most significant accomplishment? Without question, I am most proud of being on the ground floor of the start of the USTA Adult League program. Having participated in two years of pilot programs in the late 70s, the USTA adopted the league program in March 1980. After signing Michelob Light as the national sponsor, I was asked to serve as the first National League Tennis Administrator.

Knowing what we went through to get the program off the ground and seeing how it has grown to where it is today is incredibly gratifying. Let’s face it, the USTA Adult League program is a huge component of most teaching pros’ programs today.

Is there anything else that you would like to share or close with?

I started as a teaching professional in college almost 40 years ago and have now come full circle. Having played tennis since I was young, I have been blessed to be able to have a career in a game that I have loved. Few people can say that. Now, I have the opportunity to be working for the finest teaching organization in the world, which is a great honor. The responsibility is awesome. This is a new day, a new chapter, and I believe we can do things better.

I’m sure you will all join me in warmly welcoming our new CEO/ ED John Embree to the national office. 

How did you get started in tennis? My dad played high school and college tennis. He got me started at age 6 in Hinsdale, which was a great tennis community with a strong tennis tradition. When I was 15, I went to prep school in Deerfield, Mass. I was the third generation in my family to attend there; yes, I am a preppy. During my four years at Deerfield Academy, I played soccer, basketball and tennis.

Following prep school, I attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., where I played four years of soccer and tennis and was honored to be named the most valuable athlete my senior year.

I was inducted into the Washington and Lee Hall of Fame in 2005.

What was the best job you have had in tennis? Without question, it was my first job at Wilson as Director of Racquet Sports Promotions. Not only was I responsible for scouting up-and-coming talent in the juniors plus dealing with all of the teaching professionals on staff, we also had a core group of professional athletes that I was fortunate enough to recruit or work with, including Courier, Sampras, Evert, Edberg, Martin and Davenport. This provided an unbelievable experience, especially given that I was young and single, traveling the world six months a year. The opportunity to spend time with these legends and attend all of the Grand Slams ... Who wouldn’t love a job like that?

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA names John Embree as new CEO/Executive Director

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he USPTA Board of Directors and Search Committee has hired industry veteran John Embree as the new CEO/Executive Director. Embree will take the administrative reins from Tim Heckler, who will retire at the end of the year, after 30 years in the position. Embree began transitioning into his role Oct. 1 and is relocating to the national office in Houston this month.

The association conducted a search for the new CEO/ Executive Director, and after interviewing several candidates in conjunction with the executive search firm GSI Executive Search Inc., the USPTA Search Committee offered the position to Embree. The contract was ratified by the USPTA Executive Committee in late August.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen by the Executive Committee to help lead the USPTA in the years to come,” Embree said. “I began my tennis odyssey during college as a teaching professional in Virginia. After more than three decades of working in the sport that I began playing at 6 years old, my career has come full circle, back to my foundation as a grassroots advocate.”

“We are pleased to welcome John Embree into the USPTA family. His vast tennis industry expertise, contacts, and company management skills will serve the USPTA well,” said President Tom Daglis.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Embree has held a wide variety of tennis industry roles for more than 30 years. They include serving as president of Prince Sports, The Americas; president of Balle de Match LLC; and vice president/ general manager, Racquet Sports Division for Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Most recently, he launched a tennis consulting practice to assist endemic brands, associations and new corporate entities in maximizing their impact in the tennis marketplace. His client list included the USTA, Intercollegiate Tennis Association, Peter Burwash International, Off the Grid Technologies, and Donnay USA. Embree has served on many national USTA committees, including the USTA Nominating Committee and currently as the vice chair of the USTA Professional Circuits Committee. In addition, he recently served as presidential appointee to the Board of Directors of the USTA Middle States section, is a past member of the TIA Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and a member of the Board of Directors of American College of Sports Medicine Foundation. One of his proudest achievements in tennis was the creation of the USTA Adult League Tennis program in 1980. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va., and was inducted into the W&L Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. 

ADDvantage/November 2012

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A ‘best case’ scenario for club success: USPTA inspiration and staff collaboration

by Jim Klein, USPTA, director of tennis at Doylestown Tennis Club, Doylestown, Pa.

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s USPTA members, we go to ADDvantage magazine and the website for great drills, ideas and tools. We go to conferences to meet with each other and exchange ideas.

But is that enough?

Something caught my eye on the asish, comfortable lounges, and gleaming sociation website about what we all do for locker rooms. But what you notice most a living: when you walk in our door is the positive energy that comes from the top down.

The DTC dynamic works because of “Today’s tennis teachers are expected to the perfect blend of personal and profesassume a variety of business and social sional energy, which is an unmatched responsibilities in addition to their trabusiness model. ditional job functions.”

I’d like to introduce you to Ed Mullaney, who became the owner and co-founder of I couldn’t agree more. So, I started Doylestown Tennis Club 39 years ago. Ed to think about a “best-case” scenario of and his wife, Karen, are always on the move how USPTA members’ skills can impact greeting members, talking to the swarm of a business, and I realized – I’m living it! kids coming in and out, and interacting Let me tell you about the real “pro apwith the rest of the team: our three other proach” that touches every person here at USPTA pros, 12 assistant coaches, and a the Doylestown Tennis Club. handful of hospitality and administrative Of course, to be competitive in this staff members. business, we need all the amenities. DTC Ed lives and breathes hospitality and he has 12 courts (eight indoor, four outdoor), has a powerful work ethic. This is no “busistate-of-the-art surfaces and lighting, styl-

Teaching pros at Doylestown Tennis Club all use the same technique to provide continuity to their customers. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ness strategy;” it’s who he is at his core. At the same time that he’s modest about what he’s accomplished, he’s straightforward about what he believes. “Jim, I believe that hard work pays off,” Ed has said to me many times. “And people can succeed on so many levels when they do what they love.”

When Vic Braden called me to come help run a program at Doylestown Tennis Club 16 years ago, I felt something special here. Ed’s sense of hospitality starts at the front desk and goes through the whole organization. DTC is a community for those of us who work here and for all of our members. That’s the essence of professionalism – the creation of an atmosphere of respect.

That sense of cooperation extends into our teaching program, the Jim Klein Tennis College. We do something very different here that makes us unique: We all teach the same technique.

This unified approach means we share ideas and have positive, mutually supportive working relationships. In many clubs, the pros don’t share ideas; they each have their own style. They actually compete for students, and their personal financial success is tied to that. We’re a family here, a team. We communicate. We’re loyal. Because our members benefit from this, they refer others here. People come here confused from being taught different things by different pros, and because we’re all on the same page here, anyone on the team can help unravel what’s going wrong. We make them better players, surer of themselves, more connected to their own game. Then they stay, continue to take lessons, and DTC becomes their tennis home.

Actually, our unified style is physicsbased. My college degree is in the scientific approach to tennis that is based on the laws of physics and dimensions of continued next page ADDvantage/November 2012

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from previous page the court. This method takes the opinion out of teaching and focuses on the player instead of the teacher. That means we’re focusing on personal development. How you hit the ball comes from inside, as well as from physical skill and conditioning.

That means when any one of us teaches tennis, we’re also teaching self-esteem and confidence. That’s just as important, and parents say it’s why they bring their kids to learn here. It’s development of the whole person through science and a team approach.

I asked the team to share with me their personal perspectives, and here’s what they had to say: Ryan Reidy, USPTA P-1: “AT DTC, we’re teaching students how to fish instead of giving them a fish. Many clubs don’t have a director of tennis – there are individual pros, and no team approach.

This club is a family and I love the team approach. It’s why I stay here. I know that I’m teaching personal accountability and responsibility as much as I’m teaching tennis.”

Mary Lou Cardie, USPTA P-1: “I was in the corporate world as a computer consultant before I came to DTC full time to do what I love. No matter what the age or tennis skill level, I’m teaching a positive attitude and how to embrace challenges. I have great pride in this club, from how we are trained, to the facility itself. The camaraderie is important, and the unified way of teaching means that we all share ideas and support each other. You’d have to drag me kicking and screaming to a different club.”

Cory Smith, USPTA P-3: “I teach people how to deal with adversity, how to handle stress and conflict. When you play tennis, you need to know how to think for yourself, and the way we teach emphasizes that. We also treat kids here as people and we care about their success on the court and off. At DTC, we have an atmosphere of mutual respect, and we encourage expansion of skill, both among players and ourselves. It’s a family here.”

The result of this professional teamwork and this sense of community is suc-

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Use the team approach with a tennis staff to combine special skills and cooperation to create a successful tennis program.

cess – business success. Clubs usually suffer in tough economic times. But people want to play and learn here, so the business is steady. We know it’s because of the personal and professional energy here, our unique business model.

The other key element that unifies the team is USPTA. The people I hire all get certified, if they’re not already, and each one of the pros here is or aspires to be USPTA-certified level 1.

Our USPTA credentials give us marketability as individuals and as a club. It shows that we’re interested in educating ourselves about the sport. For the beginners in their teaching careers, USPTA defines professionalism. For those of us who’ve been doing it longer, there is always fresh information on new drills, and we have the perspective on how the certification differentiates us as a club. When members and students know our pros are credentialed and certified, we’re on their short list of clubs to consider. When they walk in the door and get hit with the positive energy, they stay – and learn.

Our owner, Ed Mullaney, is just as intent on the benefits of USPTA, and he supports the pro staff with the knowledge that what’s good for the pros is good for the club. He supports 100 percent of what they do; he encourages and pays for seminar attendance. Continuing education benefits all of us.

Yes, it takes a special mix of people to

sustain a business model based on personal and professional energy. But implement at least one of the following ideas, and your business will benefit.

• Set a standard of USPTA certification.

It’s a way to increase your own value, and that of your whole team. Support the seminars and bookmark the website (uspta.com).

• Introduce your owner to USPTA as more than a business expense. Share the drills, for sure, and how you’re always bringing something new to your students. But also share the overall marketing goals in context of the club, not just you as an individual. Quantify it wherever you can.

• Consider the benefits of a team approach to your teaching program. Yes, tennis is a solo sport, and sometimes the way we run our businesses reflects that as a negative. Every day, members of the sports news media talk about players traded from team to team. Each one of them brings a special skill, but the bottom line is they have to work with the rest of the team to succeed. That’s a lesson for the world of tennis.  Stop by if you’re in the Philadelphia area and let us give you a tour. Or, you can always reach me at jklein1227@comcast.net. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Self-reliance paves the way for optimal development and high performance

by Jeff Greenwald, USPTA, M.A., M.F.T.

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here’s an expression, “if the student is ready the teacher will appear.”

What can you do if the student isn’t ready, but you’ve already appeared?

So there you are. You tell your young student to contact the ball earlier on her forehand and for the first two minutes she does it. You fix her toss, again trying to have her hit out in front. With prodding, she does this too – for about three serves. So, you continue to guide her until the end of the drill and you think, “It just takes time. She’ll get it.” She certainly understands the concepts and, for the most part, she is able to perform the technical change in the moment with you standing there reminding her what to do. Then, once again, you find yourself pulling your hair out as you watch her skills disappear.

We must ensure that we have learners in front of us if they are going to truly receive and actually apply the technical, tactical or emotional nuggets of wisdom we choose to share with them.

I talk to juniors, pros and adults all week long about their experience in the game – what holds them back, how they worry about losing when ahead, not believing in themselves enough to beat someone they believe they could or “should” beat, worrying about a tournament days before it begins, getting upset at themselves for making an error (often in the first game of the match), or even throwing up before matches.

Let’s face it: This game will test your resources as a coach and player. There is really no sport like it. Even boxers have their trainer in the corner giving them a rubdown between rounds. With the exwww.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ception of Davis Cup and Fed Cup, high school and college tennis and doubles, once a player is on the court he or she is pretty much all alone. Even then, when players miss a shot or play tentatively on a break point, nobody can really fix the problem but them. If their mind runs away on them, that player is the only one who can bring it back. They have to make the choice. The truth is if players don’t have a good relationship with themselves and understand the tendencies of their own mind to some degree, eventually they are doomed.

For the past decade, coaches have shared with me their frustration with players who either don’t commit to the changes they’ve

made in practice under pressure or whose behavior (motivation, anger management, intensity in practice, on-court rituals) don’t match what they say they can or want to do.

I have encountered a similar phenomenon when I teach players critical mental skills and quite often I will go on the court to do this because that’s where the decisions are made.

Here’s a scenario you may relate to: I saw a player clenching her jaw and muscling the ball when she hit her groundstrokes and I let her know what I saw.

She became defensive because she could not tolerate any perception of “failure.”

But, in time, she became more open and I had her demonstrate her forehand for me without a ball. It looked nothing like her actual forehand – her face was relaxed and she swung fluidly through the air. I then instructed her to hit with me from the baseline and be aware of her jaw and tension level as she hit. When I asked her what she noticed she acknowledged the difference, for the first time in a year, without the irritated response and “what-else-amI-doing-wrong?” body language. I then asked her to rally with me, focusing only on keeping her jaw loose by exhaling as she hit. She did this beautifully. Her ball pace instantly picked up about 25 percent and she had me pinned on the baseline. The difference was so dramatic I didn’t need to say a word. She got it. And a smile spread across her face (sometimes saying nothing and letting the results speak for themselves can be most powerful as players get the opportunity to own their success). But later that day I had her play a set against another junior. Immediately, I saw her jaw tightening again and she was on her heels shanking more than usual. And, not surprisingly, she looked over at me as if to say, “What the heck is going on?” continued next page ADDvantage/November 2012

13

from previous page Over the last decade I have witnessed an interesting mindset that I believe is at the crux of the stagnation among many junior players in the United States. And recently this hit me like a ton of bricks.

What is happening when a 19-year-old pro preparing for the U.S. Open has his father on the court only a few feet away, constantly shouting technical advice one day before the Open? What does it mean when a mother of the No. 1 player in the nation asks me if I can help empower her daughter – help her believe in herself – while she simultaneously packs her bag for her? What can we glean from a player who, when I ask what she would like to eat for lunch, tells me that she doesn’t know and will just have what I am having? How can we successfully coach and help players compete, think effectively under pressure, make critical adjustments when the wheels fall off and “own” their game when their parents love the winning more than their children even like the game? How can we get players to move down the continuum; away from relatively unaware “puppets” who expect instant results, to responsible, self-motivated learners?

This is a formidable challenge, but a crucial one if we are going to increase the quality of tennis in the United States.

Teach players to be autonomous Without the belief that players are the master of their own ship, they simply cannot and will not dig deep enough when the going gets tough, make that critical tactical adjustment, walk back to their towel and take a “reset” breath to clear their head or “spam” the last destructive thought of, “What if I lose to her?” We must prioritize the importance of helping players understand their role and accept responsibility for their own developmental process. Rod Heckelman, a longtime USPTA pro to many top junior players over three decades, said, “Learning to solve problems or deal with failure always will contribute to the strength of a person’s character.

The challenge of the sport does not just come from the other side of the net, but from within.”

Players may nod their head in practice (if you’re lucky), acknowledging that they hear you. They may even successfully execute what you asked them to do. But, as you know, the bridge from here to the tournament match can often be a long one. And they will not get far until they fully understand their role and take ownership over the learning process.

To do that, they need to learn to become more autonomous, which is defined in Webster’s dictionary as a “self-government,” independence or freedom. To manage the emotional ups and downs in tournaments, all players need to have a sense of autonomy or self-reliance – making choices for themselves, playing with intention, determining how to manage the stressors that come their way.

There is a tendency for juniors to feel as though external forces are pushing against them – if they miss some shots it is simply a “bad day” or when they are losing, it is because their opponent is “in the zone.” Without a sense of autonomy, players truly feel helpless and are simply unable to remain flexible in competition, which is one of the main reasons they get so angry. They feel as though they have no control. “I have always believed that we must become a guide so our students can become independent thinkers,” says Ron Woods, Ph.D, former director of player development for the USTA and author of “Playing Tennis After 50.” “They must become aware of themselves and their game on as many levels as 14 ADDvantage/November 2012

possible.”

To cultivate more autonomy within your players it is important to talk to them about what it can mean for their game – the ability to make proper adjustments, win close matches they might normally lose, shift their focus when it gets derailed, etc. The hidden message is that you believe in them, which will inspire them on a subconscious level as well. Discuss how you will help them feel more self-reliant and in control on the practice court – particularly when they are making some errors – so they can apply their tools in matches. In essence, you are shifting your role and your own perception of the importance of coach-player collaboration. Here are some specific guidelines: 1. Teach them to take responsibility for their improvement.

Suggest that they bring to you at least one goal, specific stroke to work on, or an aspect of the game that they would like to address in practice. Have them bring this to the court so there is some accountability. They could also email or text you ahead of time, which would be ideal so you have time to integrate this into the practice session.

2. Teach them to be curious. Curiosity is the underbelly of learning and ultimately of emotional mastery. Players who are curious will embrace adversity and be more resilient. Let them know that you will often check in with them after either an error or successful shot to see what they notice about their shots before you tell them what you observed. Explain that you will be having them pay attention to the difference between the correct shots and what they surmise about shots that don’t feel quite right.

This will help them become more kinesthetically tuned in.

3. Have young players set boundaries with their parents. Empower them to speak with their parents if they feel pressured or “coached” from the sidelines. Sometimes you may need to have a conversation with the parents or sometimes it’s better to empower players to do it if they are willing. Role play this with them if necessary by modeling what you would say if you were in their shoes. Overly invested parents who speak about tennis too often (or coach players without solicitation from the player) are an autonomy killer.

4. Teach them to self-reflect. Have players make entries in a journal before and after matches (but keep the guidelines loose) and explain to them that it is simply an opportunity for them to reflect on their mental and emotional state. This should be enjoyable and not feel coercive.

Prioritize and build emotional and kinesthetic awareness: By nature of the fact that junior players are young and their brains are not fully developed (until their late 20s), it is a setup for teachers, parents and coaches to rush in and counsel the young player.

However, without some balance in this dynamic, players will miss out on the opportunity to think for themselves and develop the self-knowledge that is so requisite to compete in this game. Of course, more confident players may benefit from a more direct coaching style and can still learn to become autonomous. As with www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

most things, knowing your student and finding a balance is helpful.

In general, as mentioned earlier, if players are going to integrate your coaching advice into their games and truly apply it, they need to feel as though they are part of the conversation and the learning process. This means that they need to be able to both conceptually understand what you are teaching them and why, and physically feel what they are doing.

If, for example, they don’t know exactly what happened in committing an error, it will be difficult for them to make an adjustment and stick with it. And in order to make an adjustment there needs to be an internal awareness that starts with physical recognition, as opposed to trying to “figure it out.” Helping your players tune into their own bodies and being present when they are hitting the ball will ultimately help them learn how to coach themselves when you are not there. To help facilitate this, simply ask them where they feel the difference in their body and how loose they feel, where they made contact, etc. Enhancing their kinesthetic awareness will be extraordinarily helpful to them.

Of course, this process also includes tactical and mental or emotional tools. If they can’t recognize when they become overly focused on the score, for example, and when they start projecting into the future as they are about to close out a set, or when they back off returns, they won’t be able to intervene effectively in the moment. So, part of your job (arguably your main job) is to teach them to become more aware. How can they productively tune in to their feelings after an error or briefly self-reflect if they are not given these opportunities? A common mindset among players is that since you are the coach you are supposed to solve problems for them. After all, their parents are paying you to teach them.

To break this pattern and gradually shift the ownership to the players, ask them what they notice; what they feel, think, believe, or plan to do differently next time. You are recruiting them into a conversation. The power of the question may be one of the most effective tools you have in your coaching toolkit. But, you really need to listen and remain curious yourself. Be curious about their learning style and how their unique temperament plays into their game and their strokes. The benefits of this approach and your willingness to listen are staggering: Your sincere interest builds better trust and rapport with your players, demonstrates your respect for them and their progress, shows empathy for the challenge inherent in the game, and sends the message that you are working together and that they ultimately must know themselves. In turn, this will raise their intrinsic motivation for the game because they perceive themselves as competent and will feel more in control.

As we reflect on our current culture in the United States, and the socioeconomics within tennis, we have a generation of parents who have done quite well over the past 20 years. With their success come expectations that are often unwittingly placed on our children to achieve similar success. Given the win-loss nature of tennis and the immediacy of those results found on the Web, young players are immersed in a fast-paced, result-oriented pressure cooker that, by nature, may impede their learning process. As coaches, teachers and role models on the inside of these players’ everyday worlds, we have an opportunity to shift the responsibility back onto them so they can make their own choices. Most of us have learned our own lessons along the way in terms of how to hit the ball and compete www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

more successfully. And we must ensure that we have learners in front of us now if they are going to truly receive and actually apply the technical, tactical, or emotional nuggets of wisdom we choose to share with them.

Whether the young players in your sphere of influence are on track for college tennis or the professional tour, providing them with repeated opportunities to think for themselves is a gift that will serve them well on and off the court.  Jeff Greenwald is a licensed family therapist and sport psychology consultant. He is the author of The Best Tennis of Your Life and Amazon’s best-selling double-CD audio, Fearless Tennis.

He was ranked No. 1 in the world by the ITF and No. 1 in the

CLASSIFIEDS Drills NEED TENNIS DRILLS? USPTA Master Professional Jorge Capestany’s new website has more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Log on to www. tennisdrills.tv to see (and print) more than 18 free samples.

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Subscriptions FREE SAMPLE Bob Larson’s Tennis Jobs newsletter. Daily newsletter lists new tennis jobs in USA. For sample, email jobs@tennisnews.com.

Tennis Drills We do the things you don’t have the time, staff or resources to do!

Free samples: www.jobeasier.com, discount code: s-uspta.

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Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Pay by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. (No agency or cash discounts.) Issue closes 15th of month, two months preceding cover date. Fax to 713-978-7780, attn: ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone. No exceptions are made. USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement. The USPTA is committed to the policy that all people have equal access to its programs, facilities, employment and membership without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status. USPTA is an equal opportunity employer. USPTA reserves the right to reject any advertisement at its discretion, or to edit the advertisement to be certain that any employment requirements set forth in it conform with the law.

ADDvantage/November 2012

15

2013 USPTA HEAD STAFF CONTRACT Dear USPTA Professional: What a year for HEAD Penn! It’s been a great 2012 as you’ll see below and we’re poised for an even better 2013. In fact, 2012 will be the best year in the history of HEAD Penn USA in sales and market share. Thank you for your support along the way and buckle up because in 2013 we have even more exciting plans.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE USPTA HEAD STAFF CONTRACT! HEAD Penn Racquet Sports will continue to handle all contracts electronically. You can easily submit your contract via the website link: http://uspta.head.com. The site will be open on November 1. You can also log onto the USPTA.com website, go to Benefits, then the HEAD section for the link.

HEAD is a brand with momentum! Andy Murray switched to the new YouTek™ IG Radical Pro this year and has had the best year of his career, winning the Olympic Gold Medal and the US Open Title! We also celebrated 25 years of the Prestige with all of our legends coming back to relive their greatest moments! The US Open Men’s semi-final had 3 HEAD players. Andy played with the Radical, Novak with the Speed and Thomas with the Instinct. Concluding with a 5 hour Radical vs. Speed final! Maria also completed her career Grand Slam by capturing the French Open Title playing with the Instinct!

2013 will bring a new HEAD technology. We will use a new material called Graphene which enabled us to create a completely new and patented way to redistribute weight from the middle of the racquet to the tip and the grip. This provides more power and maneuverability in a lighter racquet! Novak and Maria will be launching this new technology in the Speed and the Instinct.

And since HEAD is the leader in Social Media fans, you know we will put some fun, cool virals out to drive consumers into your shops! We will also launch a completely new Power Series with 3 racquets that fit perfectly into HEAD segmentation: the Prestige PWR, the Speed PWR and the Instinct PWR! Why should only competitive players be able to use the best known racquets? All these products will also be available on your contracts.

HEAD is excited about our launch of Sonic Pro EDGE string. The new pentagon shaped string creates increased spin, superior control and precise touch giving you the EDGE you need to devastate your opponent! We are also adding two new grips: HydroSorb Pro and HydroSorb Comfort. Based on the success of HydroSorb Tour, the Pro will give you more feel and if you are looking for more cushion, the Comfort will be perfect.

We launched our Pro Penn Marathon tennis balls at the 2011 USPTA World Conference, and these premium balls have taken the pro specialty market by storm during the past year! USPTA pros around the country have noticed how much longer these Pro Penn Marathon balls are lasting in their teaching carts which, with the combination of our long-wearing high tenacity LongPlay felt and our Encore Technology, are helping stretch their facility budgets further than ever before. We are extremely proud to be the official ball of the USPTA for the past 39 years ... thank you for making Penn tennis balls the US market leader year after year!

We’re proud to be partners with USPTA and take our relationship seriously. We truly appreciate you and your efforts to grow the HEAD Penn brands and the game of tennis every day when you step on the court.

All the best,

Greg Mason Amy Wishingrad Roger Petersman V. P. Sales and Marketing National Promotions Manager Senior Category Manager Sign up early at http://uspta.head.com.

2013 USPTA HEAD STAFF CONTRACT PROCEDURES How to place your HEAD Penn contract:   



Complete the HEAD Penn Contract online starting November 1, 2012 at: http://uspta.head.com or log onto USPTA.com, go to Benefits, choose HEAD. Your order will be confirmed instantly with a number on screen and a complete recap of the order to a valid email address you supplied.

You can also follow with one reorder at this site for additional equipment you may wish to purchase.

Complete your contract as soon as possible and no later than January 31st, 2013.

Please call TEAM HEAD at (800) 289-7366, Option #1, if you have any questions.

PLEASE NOTE: 1. “*” If a member who has a contract with HEAD purchases $1,000 worth of HEAD products through his shop, to be sold at retail, he will receive one additional HEAD racquet free. This is to be documented by HEAD and the retailer. If the facility has more than one member on a HEAD contract (i.e. three pros), and that facility purchases several thousand dollars in HEAD product, the additional member pros at that facility (who have a HEAD contract), will also receive one free racquet for the additional $1,000 increments of product purchased (i.e. $3,000 purchase will cover three pros at one racquet each).

This offer is limited to one racquet per member.

- - OR - A USPTA member who has a contract with HEAD but does not have a pro shop and works at a facility that does not have a pro shop can also benefit from a different program. HEAD will offer a “Friends and Family Program” a minimum of twice a year. This program will allow any USPTA member to purchase up to $600 worth of HEAD products during each of these promotional periods at Preferred Player Price. If that member, with a HEAD contract, purchases a cumulative $1,000 worth of product during the promotions, they will receive one free racquet. This offer is limited to one racquet per member. The above options cannot be combined.

2. All contracts are due on or before January 31, 2013.

3. All contracts must have a U.S. address. We do NOT ship internationally.

4. Product will start shipping in March 2013. For contracts and other orders with credit card information, your card does not get charged until your order is shipped.

5. Contracts vary for the different levels of Master, Pro 1, Pro 2, Pro 3 and Developmental Coach. The system will recognize your current level based on your USPTA member number and last name.

6. Pro 2 Contracts require Credit Card information to receive the “buy one, get one free” contract (one time only). You do not receive the free product portion without a racquet purchase.

7. Pro 3 & Developmental Coaches are eligible for preferred pricing as are all other levels when ordering additional product.

Credit card information must be complete for the order to be processed.

8. Please check your order confirmation received by email for correct product and address information. An email address must be noted when filling out the contract.

9. There is a “No-Exchange” policy on racquets and equipment. If it is a shipping error, we will exchange up to 30 days of receipt of product.

10. HEAD Penn is not responsible for product shipped to an address that is no longer valid. It is your responsibility to notify Team HEAD of any changes to the address once the contract has been submitted.

11. HEAD Penn is not responsible for lost or stolen goods.

USPTA drills Defend four drill

Type: Singles Levels: Intermediate/adv.

prepared by USPTA

Description and goals: Baseline players focus on hitting passing shots down the line and crosscourt while net players focus on hitting solid, deep volleys so they can defend the net. Net players must defend four passing shots.

Organization: Player A is on the baseline with Player B at net. Pro feeds ball to Player A, who hits a passing shot. Player B defends the net while the point is played out. Pro then feeds three more balls to Player A, who tries to pass Player B. Player A can hit the passing shots anywhere. Once four balls are defended, rotate players.

Keep it deep

Variations: You can start drill by having Player A hit only down the line, then only crosscourt. Alternate starting with forehand or backhand passing shot. Keep score individually or as a team.

Key points: Net players should focus on deep volleys and defending net position. Baseline players should focus on keeping the ball low over the net on passing shots. Make sure initial feed is difficult enough to keep Player A from hitting an easy winner.

Type: Singles/doubles Levels: Beginner/int./adv.

prepared by Lee Langley, USPTA

Description and goals: The goal of this drill is to develop depth, consistency and placement on groundstrokes while learning to create and use topspin.

Organization: Place players on the baseline. Place a 10 and Under Tennis net 2 feet behind each service line. Pro feeds ball and players must hit their groundstrokes deep enough to clear all three nets and still keep the ball in. Keep rally going until someone misses, then rotate the next players. You can use any obstacle that has some height to it.

Category: Half-volley/passing/volley Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

Category: Groundstrokes Time/players: 15 minutes/1-8

Variations: Keep score as individuals or as a team. Rotate player who misses or loses point only. For doubles, hit groundstokes only crosscourt. Have better players hit four to a court and hit in half the court.

Key points: Players should focus on using topspin to clear the nets and still keep the ball in the court. Height over the net and topspin will make players more consistent and have better placement.

Generated by iTennisSystem – www.InterTennis.com www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/November 2012

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USPTA World Conference 2012 Honorees Doris Hart, Coral Gables, Fla. – USPTA Hall of Fame inductee Doris Hart was born June 20, 1925, in St. Louis, Mo. She won 35 Grand Slam titles during her career. Six of her titles were in women’s singles, 14 in women’s doubles, and 15 in mixed doubles.

Hart is one of three players, all women, to have a “boxed set” of Grand Slam titles – every possible title (singles, same-sex doubles, and mixed doubles) from all four Grand Slam events. The others are Margaret Court and Martina Navratilova. Hart won nine consecutive Grand Slam women’s doubles titles from 1951 through 1953, with her streak of 43 consecutive match wins in Grand Slam women’s doubles tournaments finally ending in the 1954 Wimbledon final.

Hart retired from the tour in 1955 – the same year she joined USPTA – to become a tennis-teaching professional. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1969. She is the first woman inducted into USPTA’s Hall of Fame. She lives in Coral Gables, Fla. Francisco Pancho Segura, Carlsbad, Calif. – USPTA Hall of Fame inductee Pancho Segura, born on June 20, 1921, is a former leading tennis player of the 1940s and 1950s, both as an amateur and a professional.

In 1950 and 1952, he was the world co-No. 1 player. He was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, but moved to the United States in the late 1930s. He is the only player to have won the U.S. Pro Tennis Championship title on three different surfaces (which he did consecutively from 1950-1952).

After retiring from the tour, Segura was a teaching professional for many years in Southern California. He joined USPTA in 1946, and was widely credited with helping develop the young Jimmy Connors. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984.

In 1993, USPTA’s Executive Committee, in acknowledgment of his positive impact on the sport of tennis, and his previous 47 years of devoted service as a P-1 member, voted to award Segura the distinction of honorary membership in USPTA. He lives in Carlsbad, Calif.

David T. Porter, Laie, Hawaii – Alex Gordon Award for the USPTA Professional of the Year David Porter has been a tennis-teaching professional for 35 years and a USPTA member for more than 25 years. Porter, who is a USPTA Master Professional, played collegiate tennis for Brigham Young University, a top 20 Division I program. Porter graduated with Ed.D., M.S. and B.S. degrees before beginning his tennisteaching career.

He has been very committed to the USPTA. He has been a head tester since 1988 and served on the national board from 1994-2007. This included serving as the national president from 2003-2005. In addition, he has served as the chairman of the education committee and the chairman of the testing and certification committee. He has also been a speaker at numerous USPTA divisional conventions and national conferences.

He is currently the head tennis coach at Brigham Young University – Hawaii.

Porter has an impressive record of 1,193 wins and 145 losses over his college coaching career, and he has never lost a conference match in women’s tennis during his entire career. His BYU – Hawaii women’s team is the three-time Pacific West Conference champions (2010, 2011, 2012). He has also taught/ worked with several nationally ranked players, including Zheng Jie, ranked No. 15 in the WTA, Yan Zi, ranked in the top 100 in the WTA, and Li Na, ranked top 10 in the WTA. Porter has written several articles for China Tennis Club Magazine and ADDvantage Magazine. Also, as the chairman of the USPTA Player Development Advisory Council, he consulted on and edited “The Six General Perfor-

mance Components of Tennis.”

He is currently on the HEAD Penn Racquet Sports Advisory Committee and Nike China Advisory Committee. His previous accolades include Hawaii Division Pro of the Year (2004, 1995), USPTA College Coach of the Year (2003, 2002), Hawaii Division Tester of the Year (1997, 1994), and Hawaii Division Hall of Fame Inductee (1985).

Ken Sumrow, Plano, Texas – USPTA Industry Excellence Award Ken Sumrow, who is the director of tennis at High Point Park Tennis Center in Plano, Texas, has had a tremendous impact on the growth of tennis participation by focusing on offering a comprehensive array of instructional and play programs that provide a pathway for all players to fully enjoy the game. The instructional program is designed to meet the needs of players of all ages and ability levels. In fact, from July 2011 to June 2012, his programming ideas helped a huge surge/high level of participation in the instructional programs. The second major portion is the play programs, which are designed to complement the instructional programs, and the numbers for the play program also soared from July 2011 to June 2012 with more than 3,600 players participating. High Point’s intra-facility adult league’s participation grew about seven percent from 2011 to 2012. Overall sales at High Point for the period of July 2011 through May 2012 were up 2.5 percent.

Catherine Thomas, Mason, Ohio – USPTA Star Award Catherine Thomas, who is the director of tennis at Lindner Family Tennis Center, has made significant contributions to tennis in both Ohio and Arizona. She has created, organized and taught afterschool tennis programs for private and public schools in Arizona and Ohio. She created and operated afterschool programs in Arizona with four campuses and 20 students per program.

In Cincinnati she operated an afterschool program in Mason for nine years, with at least 60 participants each year. She also specifically works to increase awareness of Special Olympics through tennis clinics and fundraising events for the Special Olympics Hamilton County, Ohio. At the center, she volunteers during the Western and Southern tournaments. In addition, she is in the process of organizing and providing afterschool programs and junior camps, and adult programs at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

Geoff Griffin, San Diego – USTA/USPTA Community Service Award Geoff Griffin has been a USPTA member for 27 years and has continued to give to his community through tennis. He is past president of the USPTA San Diego Division and has been a 20year board member of the San Diego District Tennis Association, and is in his fourth year as a board member of the Southern California Tennis Association. In 1999 he founded the Tennis Fest with more than 1,000 participants. For the last four years, he has been offering tennis clinics to the wounded warriors at the Balboa Naval Hospital and in fact, was honored in 2011 with the Channel 10 Leadership Award for his efforts to bring tennis to wounded warriors around the country. In addition, he is a 10-and-under Tennis enthusiast (with four painted teaching courts).

Griffin is a past USPTA San Diego Division Pro of the Year. He has been the director of tennis at Balboa Tennis Club since 1989.

Kyle Kaneshiro, Honolulu – Lessons for Life Individual Award Kyle Kaneshiro has been the director of tennis at Moanalua High School for 13 years and has done much for the tennis community during that time. He raised $200,000 for the Moanalua High School Tennis Lights Project. The courts have been without lights since 2009 after they were removed due to safety issues because of corrosion, and as a result the facility was forced to discontinue a majority of its tennis programs. With the help of family, friends, students and parents, Kaneshiro was able to raise the $200,000 within two years by hosting golf and tennis tournaments, through grants and donations and tennis clinics. The project was finally completed in November 2011. He continues to use the courts to give back to the community. He has hosted

continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/November 2012

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from previous page events supporting the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation and he has hosted free clinics for kids in the Free Judiciary Juvenile Drug Court Clinic and at Moanalua Elementary School.

Dave Neuhart, Madison, Ga. – Lessons for Life Individual Award Dave Neuhart is the director of tennis at Reynolds Plantation/ PBI, and one of the biggest events he hosts is the Columbus Celebrity Classic in Columbus, Ga. He has been involved with this event and organizing the tennis pros for the past 13 years.

The two-day event includes a celebrity headliner (this year it was Todd Martin). The event, which caters to adults and kids, includes intensive clinics in the morning, catered lunch with special speakers, and prizes. This is followed up with round robins, doubles drill sessions, a pro exhibition, and trip and award giveaways. This all benefits the John B. Amos Cancer Center in Columbus. Over the years this event has helped to pay off the Ronald McDonald House and help start/support a new wing at the Children’s Oncology Unit at Columbus Regional Medical Center, in addition to being a major sponsor for the John B. Amos Cancer Center. This year another record total of $271,000 was raised to support the cancer center.

Jackie Roe, Greenville, Del. – Tennis Across America Individual Award Jackie Roe hosted Tennis in the Streets, a free tennis event for 800 children, with 12 USPTA pros who volunteered their time.

It offers inner city children an opportunity to learn the basics of tennis. This year, the event included additional support through a partnership with the Rodney Street Tennis and Tutoring Association, an organization that provides special academic and tennis opportunities to children from the city of Wilmington. Tennis in the Streets is a public event that is offered to children in elementary and middle schools. It is held in downtown Wilmington, Del., and the city closes off a major street and sets up mini nets.

Angel Lopez, San Diego, Calif. – USPTA Diversity Award Angel Lopez is the director of tennis/head tennis professional at San Diego Tennis and Racquet Club and has done much to bring tennis to those in San Diego who might not otherwise have the opportunity to try the sport. He has sponsored programs at several predominately Hispanic and low income high schools throughout San Diego and surrounding areas, including Calexico High School, Montgomery High School, Lincoln High School, and San Ysidro High School. He has also sponsored programs at San Diego City Community College and Las Palmas Elementary School. In addition to serving as chair on the USTA/San Diego District Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the USPTA National Diversity Committee, he also makes it a point to recruit top instructors from surrounding Hispanic neighborhoods and educate them about USPTA and encourage them to join.

Dee Henry, Norwalk, Calif. – Facility Manager of the Year – Small Facility Dee Henry is the tennis director at Biola University in La Mirada, Calif. The facility currently has six courts and an equipment room with plans underway for completion of a larger tennis complex.

Under her direction, the Biola Tennis Program is committed to intercollegiate competition, high profile events, and supporting youth and disabled athletes of the community. The courts serve well beyond the college, as there is a great blend of college players and members of the community that play at the Biola courts. In addition, the courts have blended lines so they are kid friendly, and all the courts are totally wheelchair accessible. The courts are home to a variety of activities/events during the year, including tennis on campus, weekly wheelchair clinics, regional Special Olympics, campus kids day, NJTL and Tennis Across America.

Trent Schiek, Tyler, Texas – Facility Manager of the Year – Large Facility Trent Schiek is the former general manager of Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, Texas. Under his guidance, Hollytree Country Club became well known for its thriving tennis programs and friendly atmosphere. The club, which has more than 1,000 members, a 29,000-square-foot clubhouse, an 18-hole championship golf course, an Olympic size swimming pool and 10 hard courts and two clay courts, requires all tennis pros to be USPTA certified members. In addition, the club also actively supports all USPTA programming and events.

The club has hosted the $10,000 USPTA National Hard Court Championships

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ADDvantage/November 2012

for the last six years and also hosted the 2012 $13,000 USPTA National Hard Court Championships. Since 2006, he grew the bottom line by $600,000 and he also managed $3.5 million in capital expenditures including resurfacing all tennis courts in 2007 and erecting a $100,000 tennis patio.

William Wickenheisser, Whippany, N.J. – High School Coach of the Year The Milburn High School girls’ team went undefeated (28-0), while the boys’ team went 27-2 during the 2011-2012 season under coach William Wickenheisser. In addition, both teams were crowned district, regional and state champions. It was the boys’ 27th consecutive year as district champions and fourth consecutive year as regional champions. The players also make it a point to give back to their community during the off season by volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark where they teach tennis lessons and tutor academically.

Ron Albers, Vincennes, Ind. – College Coach of the Year As head men’s tennis coach at Vincennes University, Ron Albers led his team to an impressive 18-1 record for the 2011-2012 season overall. They were crowned the 2011 NJCAA Division I National Champions. It was the first tennis national championship in school history. He has been coaching at the university for 32 years and has a lifetime coaching record of 681-151.

Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas – Touring Coach of the Year Jonas Lundblad is currently the director of tennis at Fishers Island Club. One of his students, 16-year-old, Mackenzie “Mackie” McDonald, is currently ranked No. 12 in junior ITF rankings for 18 & under, with a 13-4 singles record and a 7-4 doubles record for the year. In 2011 he reached the semifinals in singles at the Wichita Falls ITF and the quarterfinals in singles at the Pan American ITF Championships. He also reached the semifinals in the XXV Yucatan Cup in Mexico. He has also worked with Ashley Weinhold, who is currently on the WTA tour.

Feisal Hassan, Midlothian, Va. – Tester of the Year Feisal Hassan, a USPTA Master Professional, is the general manager/director of tennis at Midlothian Tennis Club in Midlothian, Va. He has been a tester for the Mid-Atlantic and Middle States divisions for 15 years. He previously served as the USPTA head tester for Middle States. In his current role as co-chair of the USPTA National Education Committee and USPTA College Curriculum Committee, he is dedicated to educating our network of testers and working on a USPTA certification for 10-and-under Tennis.

James Daly, Tyler, Texas – Men’s Open Player of the Year James Daly was the men’s open doubles winner and a semifinalists in men’s open singles at the 2011 Hard Court Championships. He also reached the semifinals of the 2011 Grass Court Championships. He was the USPTA’s No. 3-ranked player in men’s open singles and No. 4-ranked player in men’s open doubles in 2011. Daly is an assistant tennis teaching professional at Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, Texas.

Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas – Men’s 35-and-over Player of the Year Jonas Lundblad was the champion of the men’s 35 doubles and a finalist in men’s open doubles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. He was the USPTA’s co-No.1-ranked player in men’s 35 doubles and co-No. 5-ranked player in men’s open doubles in 2011. He is the director of tennis at Fishers Island Club.

Jeff Cohen, Boca Raton, Fla. – Men’s 45-and-over Player of the Year Jeff Cohen was a finalist in the men’s 45 singles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. He was also the men’s 45 singles champion at the 2012 USPTA Florida Fast Dry-Club Med-Port St. Lucie and a finalist in men’s 40 doubles at the 2012 International Tennis Championships in Delray Beach, Florida. He was USPTA’s No. 1-ranked player in men’s 45 singles and the co-No. 5-ranked player in men’s 40 doubles in 2011. Cohen is the director of tennis at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, Fla. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Kimm Ketelsen, Tyler, Texas – Men’s 55-and-over Player of the Year Kimm Ketelsen was the winner of the men’s 60 singles and 60 doubles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. He was the USPTA’s No. 1-ranked player in men’s 60 singles and co-No.-1 ranked player in men’s 60 doubles in 2011. Ketelsen is the Apache Men’s Tennis assistant coach and the chair of the professional tennis management program at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas.

Agata Cioroch, Atlanta – Women’s Open Player of the Year Agata Cioroch was the winner of women’s open singles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. She was the USPTA’s No. 1-ranked player in women’s open singles and co-No. 1-ranked player in mixed open doubles in 2011. Cioroch is a tennis teaching professional at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta.

USPTA World Conference photos are now available online for purchase!

To view photos from the conference: Go to ehp.photoreflect.com Click on USPTA 2012 under recent photos Enter Password: 2012 If pictures don’t come up immediately, click CONTINUE.

Robin Keener, Melbourne, Fla. – Women’s 35-and-over Player of the Year Robin Keener was the winner of the women’s 35 singles and a finalist in the mixed open doubles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. She was also the winner of the mixed 40 doubles and a finalist in the women’s 45 singles at the 2012 USPTA Clay Court Championships. She was USPTA’s No.1-ranked player in women’s 35 singles in 2011 and was ranked No. 3 in mixed open doubles in 2011. Keener is the director of tennis at the Swiss Inn Tennis Center in Melbourne, Fla. Kathy Vick, Lubbock, Texas – Women’s 45-and-over Player of the Year Kathy Vick was the winner of the women’s 50 singles and mixed 45 doubles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships.

She was also the women’s 45 singles champion at the 2011 USPTA Hard Court Championships. She was USPTA’s co-No. 1-ranked player in women’s 45 singles and No. 1-ranked player in women’s 50 singles in 2011. She was also USPTA’s co-No. 9-ranked player in mixed open doubles and co-No. 1-ranked player in mixed 45 doubles in 2011. Vick is the head tennis professional at Hillcrest Golf & Country Club in Lubbock, Texas.

Oren Motevassel – Men’s Open Champion and winner of Men’s 40 Singles www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/November 2012

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2012 Honorees

Years of Service 65 years

Divisional awards Large Division of the Year – Texas Newsletter of the Year – Southern

Small Division of the Year – Southwest Most Improved Division – Southern

Fred Ashhurst Albert Chassard Bill Power Bob Stubbs

60 years Jack Cook Norman Copeland

Division growth Greatest number of new members – 1. Southern 2. Midwest Greatest percentage of new members – 1. Southern 2. Texas

55 years

Tennis Across America™ Greatest number of participants – 1. Texas 2. Midwest 3. Northern California Greatest percentage of participants – 1. Texas 2. New England 3. Northern California 2011 Lessons for Life™ Most money raised – Eastern Most money raised per capita – Eastern Top education participants – 2011

William Phillips – Top credit earner Holly Chomyn Jeff Rothstein Feisal Hassan Education merit award for 10 years Ken DeHart of continuing-education participation Alan Cutler Nick Bollettieri Craig Wells Richard Centerbar Bill Mecca Steve Diamond Andrew Minnelli Jerri DiCamillo Andrea Barnes Charlie Gundi Zwelo Khupe Patrick Hanssen Kevin Jackson Nick Hummel

Master Professional

USPTA Specialists in Competitive Player Development Michael Chamberlain Chris Chopra Steve Cobb Joey Hall Marc Kantor Chris Michalowski Joao Pinho Katerina Sevcikova Damien Spizzo Ian Thomson Tony Womeodu Clay Bibbee Erik Kortland Michael Humphrey

Education merit award for 20 years of continuing-education participation Daniel Burgess Feisal Hassan Barbara Johnston Hill

2012 Awards Committee Dan Moster, chair Sheryl Behne Jack Foster Rich Slivocka

50 years

Tut Bartzen Bill Bos Herman Burkstaller John Foley Dave Muir Richard Tom

45 years

USPTA Specialist in Sport Science

Jim Laughlin Bradley Leu Mark Centrella Jack Michalko Robin Newman Gary Trost Warren Pretorius Jim Sciarro Sportsmanship award winners David Steinbach Rafael Fuentes Christopher Stevens Carolyn Franca Gary Trost Bill Quario Martin Vinokur, Ph.D.

Don Kaiser Gene Nolan Carl Schroeder

Jim Doessel Dale Gibbons Nolie Howard Pat Rogers Ron Woods

40 years

Janet Adkisson Sheryl Behne Ron Bohrnstedt Andy Briant Mason Brunson Howie Burnett Bertan Cikigil Errol Coard Ed Collins Charles Cooper Rich Dadich Gloria Darling Peter Daub Rod Dulany Fred Earle Larry Eichenbaum Tommy English Steve Fiske Rafael Fuentes Sylvia Gothard Anne Griswold Laury Hammel Terry Hassall Jim Heacock Bob Heald Mitchell Henkin Marty Hennessy Mike Hoffman John Hughes Clay Johnson Dick Knight Christine Koutras Morton Lederman Bob Love Doug MacCurdy Mickey Martin Dave Mathews Barry Maxwell Rick Murray Jim Parker Larry Parker Jack Pepiot Bob Raedisch Bill Rompf Peter Sanderson Lenny Scheuermann Rod Schroeder Chuck Schunk Ron Sloan David Smith John Stevenson Joel Taylor Rob Trowbridge Steve Wilkinson

35 years

Susan Adams Rudolph Antonio Tommy Arnett John-Paul Austrew Alan Avdoyan Charles Badger

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ADDvantage/November 2012

Debby Blackburn Nick Bollettieri Jerry Borysko Andy Brandi Kathy Burke Rich Bustamante James Caruthers Brian Cheney Julian Cohen Carlos de Cubas Steve Doerrer Peter Eckhardt Patricia Epps Leonard Fechter Ed Fitzhugh Diane Gildemeister Marc Goldberg Barry Goldsmith Mark Graham Renee Gregorio Steve Grill Bob Grossman Montgomery Grout Jerry Hankins Marshall Happer Frank Hatten Richard Hoover Gary Horvath Richard Howell Peter Howell Ed Hubbs Gail Ingis Dick Johnson Zach Kleiman Donald Kramer Susan Kurz Debbie Ladig Griffin Lamkin Rick Liebman Larry Lineberry Jim Loehr Philip Loguidice Rick Macci Dan Magill Tom Manring Kevin McCarthy Mike Miller Elizabeth Miller John Mills Tom Monahan Julio Moros Bill Mott Chuck Narvin Guy Parks Paul Petticrew Patty Phillips Andrew Pogonyi Vija Purs Coby Roberts Ken Robinson Chuck Rogge Bryan Rubenstein Mark Sarver Joan Schnarr Mark Skillicorn Barbara Skurdall Elizabeth Stanis Aaron Steinhauser Randy Stephens Drew Sunderlin R.J. Tessier John Thomas Paul Thomas Sheila Weinstock John Whitehurst

30 years

Mario Alvarez Jorge Andrew Clay Babcock David Bailey Robert Baker Mike Bales Janis Ballard Fortunato Battad Lisa Beckett Greg Bell Kim Bender J.P. Benjamin Jill Berg Alvaro Betancur Vincent Bilotta Scott Borowiak

Lois Bradford Dave Brown Don Campbell Philip Chamberlain Steve Cohen Jim Coyne Jeff Crowne Miguel Cysneiros Tom Daglis Miki DeBaise Doug DeGroot Alex Dorato James Dorrell Ron Dredge David Duboff David Edwards Henri Elkins Mark Elliott Jacques Faulise Tom Fish Mary Fry Tom Funk Bill Gates Marc Gelina Tom Gibbs Don Gomsi Emilio Gonzalez Susan Goodman Bob Green Jack Groppel Bobby Hagerman Karen Hampshire Anna Hazlett Peter Heffernan Teri Hennessy Miki Hirano Mark Hirtler Candace Huetteman Alberto J-Goenaga Doug Kegerreis Whitney Kraft Deborah Lee Bob Litrich Jimmy Livesay Allen Long Peter Lyman Steve MacDermut Harold Mackin Mark McMahon Rex Miller Ash Mitha Ivan Molina Ryoichi Mori Wayne Muskievicz Frances O’Sullivan Bengt Ohlsen Victor Palafox Greg Parrish Leroy Pettis Ben Rakusin Philip Rogers Brian Sakey Hayden Schilling Le Scott Asim Sengun David Shambach Keith Shein Linda Siegel-Splivalo Susan Sloboth Steve Smith Greg Smith Paul Soliz Eugene St. Martin Bill Steege Mark Suiter Keith Swindoll Yuji Tezuka Laurie Tinnell George Tompkins Peter Van Lingen Jaime Vargas Jodi Veillette Bob Wagner Isao Watanabe Diana Weber Tom West Pat Whitworth Greg Wicklund George Wideikis Jeff Witmer Vicki Wood Ed Yablonski Greg Yahia

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

International Championships Men’s singles finals Men’s open – Oren Motevassel, Sunnyvale, Calif., round robin winner.

Men’s 35-and-over – Marcin Rozpedski (1), Palm Desert, Calif., def. Juan Garcia (2), (default) Men’s 40-and-over – Oren Motevassel (1), Sunnyvale, Calif., def. Kamil Kuchta (2), Boynton Beach, Fla., 6-2, 6-2.

Men’s 45-and-over – Jeff Cohen (1), Boca Raton, Fla., def. Kevin Gillette (2), Meridian, Miss., 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, 6-2.

Men’s 50-and-over – Kie Foreman, Pebble Beach, Calif., def. Mark McMahon, Marietta, Ga., 6-3, 6-0.

Men’s 55-and-over – Sal Castillo (1), San Antonio, def. John Guevara, Hanford, Calif., 6-0, 6-1.

Men’s 55-and-over winners – Angel Lopez and John Holladay

Men’s 60-and-over – Kimm Ketelsen (1), Tyler, Texas, def. Tommy Connell (2), Houston, 7-6 (12-10), 4-6, 6-1.

Men’s 65-and-over – Fernando Velasco, Austin, Texas, def. Algis Juodikis, San Jose, Calif., 6-1, 6-2.

Men’s 70-and-over – Max Pavon, Honolulu, def. Rafael Fuentes, Victorville, Calif., 6-2, 6-2.

Men’s 75-and-over – Don Neu, Sun Lakes, Ariz., def. Donald Bly, Los Angeles, 6-0, 6-2.

Men’s 80-and-over – James Ridgley, Washington, D.C., def. Dudley Bell, East Burke, Vt., 6-1, 6-1.

Women’s singles finals Women’s 50-and-over – Judy Newman, Scotts Valley, Calif., (1) def. Kathy Vick, Lubbock, Texas, (2), 2-6, 6-2, 6-0.

Women’s 55-and-over – Kathy Barnes, San Jose, Calif., def. Sabita Maharaj, 6-0, 6-3.

Mixed 45-and-over winners – Kathy Vick and Miguel Navarro Men’s doubles finals Men’s Open – Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas, and Cary Lothringer, The Woodlands, Texas, def. Matt Grayson, Atlanta, and Kip Layman, Duluth, Ga., 7-6 (7-5), 6-1.

Men’s 35-and-over – Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas, and Cary Lothringer, The Woodlands, Texas, def. Marcin Rozpedski, Palm Desert, Calif., and Kamil Kuchta, Boynton Beach, Fla., 6-2, 6-4.

Men’s 40-and-over – Bill Quario, Marina, Calif., and Kie Foreman, Pebble Beach, Calif., (3), def. Raymond DeCuba, Sebastian, Fla., and Patrik Segfeldt, West Palm Beach, Fla., (4), 6-2, 6-3.

Men’s 45-and-over – Jeff Cohen, Boca Raton, Fla., and Louis Ballantyne, Jacksonville, Fla., (1), def. Kevin Gillette, Meridian, Miss., and Robert Horsch, Laguna Niguel, Calif., (2), 6-0, 4-6, 6-4.

Men’s 55-and-over – John Holladay, La Jolla, Calif., and Angel Lopez, La Jolla, Calif.,(2), def. Sal Castillo, San Antonio and Wayne Pickard, Portland, Ore., (1), 6-3, 6-2.

Judy Newman – Winner – Women’s 50 Finals

Men’s 60-and-over – Tommy Connell, Houston, and Kimm Ketelsen, Tyler, Texas (1), def. Roger Kahn, Oakland, Calif., and Gewan Maharaj, Tampa, Fla., (2), 6-2, 6-0.

Men’s 65-and-over – Max Pavon, Honolulu, and Fernando Velasco, Austin, Texas, def. Algis Juodikis, San Jose, Calif., and Ron Woods, Corpus Christi, Texas, 6-3, 6-2.

Women’s doubles finals Women’s 45-and-over – Kathy Barnes, San Jose, Calif., and Kathy Vick, Lubbock, Texas, (1) def. Carolyn Franca, Tampa, Fla., and Sabita Maharaj, Rockledge, Fla., (3), 6-1, 6-1.

Mixed doubles Mixed 45-and-over – Miguel Navarro, Tyler, Texas, and Kathy Vick, Lubbock, Texas, (2), def. Mark Fairchilds, Modesto, Calif., and Sara Stablein, Phoenix, (1) 6-2, 6-3. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Men’s Open Doubles and Men’s 35 Doubles Winners – Cary Lothringer and Jonas Lundblad ADDvantage/November 2012

29

USPTA raises more than $7, 500 Seventh Annual Shootout during Lessons for Life™ results in close draw silent auction

T

he United States Professional Tennis Association raised $7,582 from its silent auction held at the USPTA’s Tennis Buying Show during the World Conference on Tennis from Sept. 16-21, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif.

During the silent auction, attendees had an opportunity to bid on a variety of items, including: • Maria Sharapova–autographed racquet, courtesy of HEAD Penn • 6-ft by 10-ft. Tuffy windscreen panel with a 3-ft by 3-ft onecolor logo, courtesy of Aer-Flo • Dartfish Connect 6.0, courtesy of Dartfish • Two tickets to the 2013 U.S. Open, courtesy of USTA • Nike shoes for a year, one pair per quarter, courtesy of Fromuth • Two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, Monterey, Calif., courtesy of Hyatt Regency Monterey The auction benefits the USPTA foundation, which through grants supports various programs in the community that help to grow tennis and bring the game to those who might not otherwise have the chance to play. Thanks to everyone who has helped make the silent auction a success through their generous donations. 

I

t was another very exciting USPTA Cardio Tennis National Feeding Shootout competition, held this year at the World Conference in Monterey, Calif. The National Shootout final featured 20 participants who earned their spot by winning at their division convention or qualifying the day before. The 20 were divided into four groups of five and the top two scorers from each group moved on to the quarterfinals, where they were seeded based on high score.

This year’s competition was very different from all previous formats. The challenge consisted of five targets with point values of 1, 2 and 5. Because of the various point values the score totals were very high; over the course of the year division winners were shooting in the range of 160-180.

The 2012 champion is Jonas Lundblad from Texas, who shot a 172, 166, 237 and 222. Lundblad, who is no fluke, was the runnerup in the 2011 competition. Erik Jacobsen from Washington state was the runner-up this year and the final shootout between him and Lundblad was a nail bitter and a master demonstration of top-notch feeding skills. In the end, Lundblad beat Jacobsen 222 to 192.

Congratulations to Jonas Lundblad, the 2012 USPTA National Feeding Shootout champion, who took home $300 in prize money. 

2012 Top eight finals competition Jonas Lundblad – Texas

Chris Kader – Florida

Jeff Christianson – Southern California David Marquina – Southern Jason Beardslee – NorCal

Erik Jacobsen – Pacific Northwest

Haken Darud – Southern

Thad Buurkarl – NorCal

Jonas Lundblad (Texas) 166 Jeff Christensen (So California) 113

Jonas Lundblad vs Chris Kader 237 162

Chris Kader (Florida) 163 David Marquina (Southern) 128

Erik Jacobsen vs Thad Buurkarl 181 166

Jason Beardslee (Nor Cal) 124 Erik Jacobsen (PNW) 137

Erik Jacobsen vs Jonas Lundblad 192 222

Hakan Darud (Southern) 171 Thad Buurkarl (Nor Cal) 188

James Ridgley shows off his winnings from the silent auction.

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ADDvantage/November 2012

Cardio Tennis team in Monterey, Calif. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA Mailbox Texas Division Dear Tim, It’s been over four years since I received the call from Joe Snailum informing me I was selected as the next USPTA Texas Executive Director. I could not stop smiling for days! This position and the opportunity it presented me was one of the most powerful, life-changing events I have been fortunate enough to experience. I came to this group very much a person in transition, just trying to figure out this thing called life. What I discovered was an entire world waiting for me that was exhilarating, intimidating, familiar, challenging, supportive – and my search was over. I cannot express what this job has meant to me, professionally and personally.

It is time once again for me to tackle this thing called life. I have accepted a full-time position with the Longhorn Foundation. I am very excited about this opportunity professionally, but more importantly what it means for Shea, Mac and me. To say my heart is heavy seems clichéd and doesn’t begin to convey my feelings. This ride has been an adventure; one with lots of turns, hills and more bumps than we all would have liked – but the straightaways when it was pure acceleration and the wind was blowing in our faces are moments that not only define me but I will treasure for years and years to come.

I don’t plan on leaving quietly or quickly; the details are still being worked out. I appreciate each of you for what you brought to my world. There is a reason Texas has been the USPTA Division of the Year for NINE years running and being a part of that team has made all the difference in my life. Thank you more than words can say!

Christy Sobey, USPTA Texas Executive Director Austin, Texas Christy, I am happy for you but it is disastrous for the Texas division. For a moment I thought that maybe this would be a good job for me – www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

but fortunately when I regained my common sense, I remembered the old adage – “Don’t follow a strong act.” And you have been truly great – not just a perfectionist at your assignments, imaginative, loyal, but mainly a wonderful friend to all who know you. Thank you so much, Christy. We are going to miss you so much.

On the other hand, everyone is so proud of you and happy for you that it should bring you enormous pride. I know that I am certainly among those in that category.

I guess everyone is saying “thank goodness the Woodses are still around.”

All my best and love, Tim Heckler USPTA CEO Christy, You’ve had a great run as our backbone, keeping everything running so smoothly. You’ve done a great job for us and I know you will do a great job in your new position as well. Your high energy and willingness to serve has been among your greatest assets, but mostly thank you for always being there. Thank you for all you have done for us and for me.

Randy Mattingley USPTA first vice president Kingwood, Texas Hi Christy, I know I speak for everyone when I say, YOU made such a difference in the Texas Division, and you touched each of our lives in the most wonderful way possible! You are one of the most courageous women that I’ve ever met, and your children are truly blessed that you are their mother!

You are such a wonderful example for them to follow – you are at all times true to your word, honest in your actions and always giving the highest regard to others.

To say I’ll miss you is an understatement for certain. But, I am so thrilled for you and this new opportunity in your life! The Longhorn Foundation will never be the same – and that’s a great thing. They have

no idea how lucky they are to have you!

Best of luck and continue to be a G3 gal.

Much love, Marty Bostrom USPTA Administrative Director Christy, Congrats!! We wish you the best.

John Dettor USPTA Marketing Director Dear Christy, Just a sincere thank you for leading proudly the USPTA Texas Division for the past four years.

Personally, I would like to wish you and your family nothing but the very best in your future opportunities! Keep painting the world with your own colors and your wonderful smile!

Sincerely, Guillaume Gauthier Camarillo, Calif.

Dear Christy, We were very fortunate to have you. Good luck with your future endeavors. Howdy Texas!

Joe Snailum Estero, Fla. Hey Christy, I am sorry to hear that you are leaving us but I understand it’s a great opportunity for you and the kids. You have done an outstanding job keeping Texas out in front as the leading division of USPTA. I hope you won’t be a stranger and still come back and visit us.

I wish you much success and happiness in your next adventure.

David Webb, USPTA North Richland Hills, Texas Christy, I’m sorry to see you leave as you’ve done an incredible job in a relatively short period of time! The Longhorn Foundation is very lucky to have someone as talented as you working for it.

Thanks again for all your efforts on behalf of the USPTA Texas

Section – your contributions to our association certainly have not gone unnoticed!

Craig Bell, USPTA Dallas, Texas Convention Rich, A big thanks from USPTA NorCal for all the work everyone did to make the 2012 World Conference at Monterey a huge success! I know a lot of work and sleepless nights go into making a successful event.

Great seeing everyone.

John Sharpe, USPTA Moraga, Calif.

Dear USPTA, USPTA World conference was a success! Met some great coaches and experts in the field! Looking forward to sharing with everyone!

Juan Alberto Garcia, USPTA San Diego Dear USPTA, I just returned from the USPTA World Conference in Monterey, Calif. A big shout out to Hans Romer for being our host pro. The accommodations, service and food quality at the Hyatt were all outstanding. Lots of work for you but everything went extremely well and think everyone had a great time.

Thank you!

Mark Frampton, USPTA Paradise Valley, Ariz.

Dear USPTA, Congratulations staff on a job well done – special shout out to the tournament directors! All awesome.

Gary Trost, USPTA Master Professional and USPTA vice president Nichols Hills, Okla.

Dear USPTA, USPTA Convention in Monterey was a blast ! Great seeing old friends and making new. Great job, Hans!

Tracy Houk, USPTA Montara, Calif.

continued next page ADDvantage/October 2010

31

from previous page

USPTA Mailbox Dear USPTA, Great conference! Lovely area.

It’s always good to see friends, make new acquaintances, share ideas and see new sights. I always come away with something new that I can use as an executive administrator and coach.

Jerri DiCamillo, USPTA West Kingston, R.I. Dear USPTA, What a great conference it was in Monterey!

Thanks, Don Gomsi, USPTA Carlsbad, Calif.

Dear USPTA, USPTA national convention in Monterey, Calif., was a resounding success! John Embree, USPTA’s brand new executive director, began soaking up USPTA history and experiences from all USPTA pros, manufacturers and past USPTA divisional presidents at a spirited, open and exciting lunch. John will continue to soak up valuable history, past successes, current goals from

Tim Heckler for three full months beginning Oct. 1. No better source than Tim Heckler for sharing the amazing growth of the USPTA over the last 30 plus years, after all, Tim was the engine behind the growth.

Having Tim and John together for 90 days bodes well for the continued growth and success of the USPTA. Bill Thompson, USPTA Shoreline, Wash.

Dear USPTA, The USPTA Conference in Monterey was great. Super location with all arenas close by. Tennis courts, hotel, conference rooms and super Bay Area cool weather.

Speakers were very good – several new ones and we were always running into new and old friends because of the location.

Great job USPTA Ken DeHart, USPTA Master Professional San Jose, Calif.

sincerely thank you for taking the leadership role in the USPTA and tennis industry in general for so many years (decades!). This is an election year in the United States and one thing is abundantly clear: All leaders get criticized. Nobody is exempt. You are a braver man than I, having taken a leadership role that requires transparency and invites others to judge you both personally and professionally. Not an enviable position.

Your relatively early retirement will spark many of us to review your many contributions to the USPTA and the tennis industry in general. Having initially tested and joined in 1973, I have observed from the “outside” the tremendous growth and progress of the USPTA over nearly 40 years. None of us will agree about everything, but I believe there are few in the industry besides yourself who could have steered the organization so successfully over that many years.

Hi Tim, I wanted to take this opportunity to personally recognize and

I enjoyed our many brief encounters over the years at innumerable conventions, alongside our chance longer meetings in hotel lobbies while our kids played junior tournaments in Texas.

Most sincerely, Joe Dinoffer, USPTA Master Professional Dallas, Texas September issue Dear ADDvantage, Oddly, it was Joanna who saw this wonderful cover first. I was out on the court. Shawna, I can’t thank you and Jill and the USPTA enough for celebrating the best moment of my life with me. The caption was perfect. I’ve always wanted to marry a cover girl and you’ve made my dreams come true!!

Again, thanks to all those involved in making the best magazine cover of any of my covers.

Harvey Rubin, USPTA West Hollywood, Calif.

Send your letters to the editor, along with a d­ aytime phone number or e-mail ­­­ address, to ­ADDvantage, ­USPTA, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, H­ ouston, TX 77042; fax to 713-358-7794; or via e-mail to kim.­forrester@uspta.org. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Dues news ...

You will soon begin receiving your 2013 dues notifications. There are two important changes you need to be aware of.

The following changes have been added for 2013: l

An additional sexual abuse & molestation insurance policy is being offered to all members – $30 annually.

All active USPTA members in the United States, its territories and Canada have the option to purchase $1 million worth of sexual abuse and molestation insurance coverage. This insurance protects you in the event that you are charged with sexual abuse or sexual molestation.

To be eligible, you must provide documentation of a background check performed within the last 24 months, and provide documentation of having attended a recent course of instruction on sexual abuse or molestation offered by your employer. Alternatively, an online course is available. Please contact the insurance department at insurance@uspta.org or 800-877-8248, ext. 110.

This insurance will become effective Jan. 1, after USPTA receives payment and the required documentation.

l

If your USPTA dues remain unpaid after Jan. 31, 2013, you will incur a $15 late fee.

2013 membership dues invoices will be mailed by the end of November. 

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ADDvantage/November 2012

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Pro to pro – tips and techniques from USPTA members

Court divider can be useful teaching tool

by David Kamisar, USPTA

U

se the tennis court divider net to make your student a better player. Although hard to believe, the tennis court divider curtain can help your game a lot. Since all divider nets are see-through (they are made out of mesh) and have the ability to stop your racquet, they are one of the best teaching aids around for the following two shots: 1. The volley – The biggest problem with people who are trying to learn or perfect the volley is that they swing instead of block the oncoming ball. That is where the divider curtain comes in. All you have to do is place your student one foot from the curtain on the opposite side, then toss the ball to your student (who is looking through the curtain). As soon as

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

the student hits the ball they are forced to block the volley since the curtain acts as a barrier, stopping the racquet. Now you are teaching blocking the volley correctly through muscle memory.

2. Topspin groundstrokes – The biggest problem with learning topspin is people move their racquet forward instead of

upward. As a result, they don’t get the feel of brushing up the back of the ball, which imparts the spin. The divider curtain can cure this as well.

Once again, simply place the student one foot on the opposite side of the divider curtain and bounce the ball to the student (who is looking through the curtain). When the student goes to hit his or her groundstroke, their racquet swing must go upward and not forward (as again, the curtain acts as a barrier) resulting in the perfect topspin swing. 

ADDvantage/November 2012

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ADDvantage/November 2012

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Career Development

conventions (division conventions, 5 credits; dates subject to change) Nov. 9-10

10 and Under Tennis Conference Houston

Dec. 7-9

USPTA Player Development Conference Academia Sánchez-Casal, Naples, Fla.

Jan. 25-26 Northern Division

Twin Cities, Minn.

Jan. 25-26 Southwest Division

Phoenix Jan. 26-27

California Division Carson, Calif.

Feb. 8-9

Midwest Division Troy, Mich.

Feb. 8-10

Northern California Division Stanford, Calif.

Feb. 14-17 Texas Division

Grapevine, Texas Feb. 21-23 Missouri Valley Division

Wichita, Kan.

specialist degrees Little Tennis® Facility Management  Computer Technology  Sport Science  Competitive Player Development  Pro Shop Operations 

exams, upgrades & certification review courses (4 credits for PTCA I segment) Nov. 1-2 Nov. 4 Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 10-11 Nov. 10-11 Nov. 11 Nov. 16-17 Nov. 17 Nov. 17-18 Nov. 18 Nov. 26-27 Dec. 1-2 Dec. 2 Dec. 2-3 Dec. 2-3 Dec. 6-7

Minneapolis Wintersprings, Fla. Birmingham, Ala. Claremont, Calif.

Fayetteville, N.C. Boca Raton, Fla. Indian Wells, Calif.

Houston* Mequon, Wis. Big Rapids, Mich.

Greenwood Village, Calif.

San Francisco Boston Midlothian, Va. San Diego Los Angeles Port Washington, N.Y.

Dec. 8-9 Dec. 8-9 Dec. 9 Dec. 9 Dec. 9 Dec. 9 Dec. 14-15

Boca Raton, Fla. Atlanta Nashville, Tenn.

Gastonia, N.C. San Antonio Hilton Head Island, S.C. Houston*

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and PTCA I unless noted. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly. Applicant: late cancellation fee – $95; failure to cancel – application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee – $25; failure to cancel – $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.

specialty courses

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Mental toughness, Nov. 17, Severna Park, Md.

Wheelchair Tennis

CPD (Competitive Player Development) – Gained through the USA ­Tennis High Performance Coaching Program a ­ dministered by the USA Tennis Coaching E ­ ducation Department.

For more information about USPTA’s specialist degrees, including applications, please visit our website at www.uspta.com or contact the USPTA Education Department at 800-USPTA-4U or education@uspta.org.

cardio tennis Nov. 4

Okemos, Mich.

Please visit www.growingtennis.com (workshops) to register online.

Earn education credits from World Conference DVDs Receive your education credit report card via email by visiting the members-only section of uspta.com.

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The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. Schedule is subject to change.

Call the USPTA Education Department for more information or email education@uspta.org.

accredited professional coach To receive APC credits, professional members must accurately fill out APC attendance forms with the seminar/course number, their name, presenter’s name, and they will have the ability to rate the seminar/course. The form must then be turned in at the end of the seminar/course. The forms will be available as members arrive at seminars or courses and must be turned in as members leave. If members arrive late or leave early, then they will not receive credit for attending.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Industry action Members USPTA’s own Steve Kappes, a retired Naval captain, is one of about 20 recipients of the Fleet-Fighter-Family Champion Award from the Navy Region Southwest.

The Champion Award recognizes those who provide outstanding support to the Navy, its sailors and their families. Rear Adm. Dixon Smith, Commander, Navy Region Southwest, presented the awards Oct. 13 on board the USS Midway museum ship during a Navy birthday celebration.

Kappes and fellow USPTA Professional Geoff Griffin run a Wounded Warriors tennis-therapy program in conjunction with Naval Medical Center San Diego.

They also are organizers of Tennis Fest, which this July raised more than $3,000 for Tennis Thanks the Troops scholarships for the children and spouses of military personnel. Steve Kappes may be contacted at stevekappes@hotmail.com.

Blake Mosley, USPTA, has been hired as an assistant coach with the Division I women’s tennis program at Santa Clara University in

Santa Clara, Calif. Mosley spent the past five years as the head women’s tennis coach at Chaminade University in Hawaii and brings more than 22 years of coaching experience to the Mission campus.

Mosley was the 2010 ITA West Region Coach of the Year. He previously was head tennis professional at Padre Isles Country Club in Texas and an assistant coach at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. He also coached and competed in Austria and Switzerland, and played No. 3 singles and No. 1 and 2 doubles at College of Charleston.

Umang Chadda, USPTA, is the new director of tennis operations at Bellefonte Country Club in Ashland, Ky. Chadda competed in India, where he was a junior Davis Cup player and national champion in men’s doubles. He also spent five years playing satellites and challengers on the world tour before receiving a full college tennis scholarship.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information science and a graduate degree in sport

Garry Nadebaum, USPTA, the tennis director at Riverhill Country Club in Kerrville, Texas, won the USTA Men’s 45s National Grass Courts singles title and was runner-up in doubles. The tournament was held at the Germantown Cricket Club in Philadelphia. Nadebaum won the final 6-4, 6-3 over Robert Labriola of New York. In doubles, Nadebaum teamed up with Doug Elly of Missouri, but was defeated in the finals by USPTA Professional Andy Stoner (Arizona) and Gilbert Schuerholz (Maryland) 6-4, 7-6.

Also, Nadebaum has been notified by the USTA and Tennis Australia that he is being considered as a team member for the Dubler Cup (men’s 45s) at the ITF World Team Championships. The event will be held in Antalya, Turkey, March 15-25, 2013.

In addition to winning the USTA National Grass Courts, he was runner-up at the Australian Nationals, and made it to the quarterfinals of the ITF World Singles this year. Nadebaum’s world ranking is currently No. 19, the highest in Australia and the United States, along with his No. 1 Australian national ranking.

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USPTA Master Professional Barry Goldsmith, who is the men’s and women’s tennis coach at Kingsborough Community College (of the City University of New York) in Brooklyn, recently received the prestigious Hershel Stephens Coaching Award at the junior college men’s tennis national championships in Plano, Texas.

The award is for outstanding service and dedication to tennis and the National Junior College Athletic Association. management from Western Illinois University, and coached its men’s and women’s tennis teams.

He has worked as a tennis professional in India, Canada and the United States, traveling with many of the best American juniors to major events.

Member product showcase USPTA Professional Matt Dektas has published a book titled “The Perfect Tennis Parent.” It is a guide for parents of competitive junior players; specifically a compilation of ideas to help teaching professionals

educate their students’ parents. It features interviews with worldclass coaches about tennis parenting.

Some of them include coaches who have coached Federer, Djokovic, the Williams sisters, Isner, Roddick, Blake, Capriati, and others.

It is available at www. perfecttennisparent.com.

Passsings Peter Lyman, a 30-year member of USPTA, passed away on Sept. 28 due to

The women’s tennis team from San Antonio, Texas, representing the USTA Texas Section, captured the national title at the USTA League 3.0 Senior National Championships held at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The San Antonio players defeated a team from Youngstown, Ohio, 2-1 in the championship match. This year’s 3.0 Senior National Championship has drawn the top 33 teams (16 men’s and 17 women’s) from throughout the nation. Since its inception in 1980, the USTA League program has grown to more than 835,000 players, making it the world’s largest recreational tennis league. HEAD Penn Racquet Sports is in its 25th year as official ball of USTA League. For more information, visit www.usta.com. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Industry action Richard Johnson of Ballwin, Mo., teamed with captain Armistead Neely, of Atlanta, Jimmy Parker, Santa Fe, N.M., and Brian Cheney, Chandler, Ariz., to finish first in the Britannia Cup (ITF men’s 65s). The tournament was held on the red clays in Umaga, Croatia. Playing against a Spanish team, Neely and Johnson won the final two games and thus the gold medal for the American team.

The 2012 USA Br i t a n n i a Cu p Gold Medal team: L-R: Jimmy Parker, Armistead Neely, Brian Cheney and Richard Johnson. complications from cancer.

Lyman coached the men’s tennis team for 42 years and the squash team for Lyman 44 years at his alma mater, the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y. He produced 16 AllAmerican athletes in the two sports and consistently kept both his teams in the top 20 in national rankings.

Along with being named the 1990 Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Coach of the Year, Lyman was inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.

UR’s tennis and squash facilities are named in honor of Lyman, who had been a premier tennis and squash player himself.

Contributions may be made in his honor to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 or to Friends of Animals, 777 Post Road, Suite 205, Darien, CT 06820. To share a memory or photo, visit www. anthonychapels.com and click on “obituaries.” (From UR’s campustimes.org.)

Scott Frew, a longtime USPTA Professional, passed away on Oct. 8 at the age of 58. Frew, of www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Kalamazoo, Mich., was diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in Frew September 2011. He lost the ability to speak, but courageously continued to teach and focus on others. Frew played tennis at Western Michigan University, where he earned a B.S. in physical education, a B.B.A. in marketing, and an M.A. in sport science. He spent 30 years coaching tennis at Lansing Tennis Clubs, Ferris State University (1986-1991), Kalamazoo County YMCAs, Kalamazoo Country Club and Albion College (2001-2011).

Frew, who will be inducted into the Albion College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, guided the women’s squad to six Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships.

“He loved Albion College and his student-athletes,” athletic director Matt Arend said. “There is no question that knowing and working with Coach Frew made us all better people.” Memorial contributions in his memory may be given to the ALS Association, the American

Diabetes Association, the Greater Kalamazoo County YMCA or the Albion College Athletic Department. Those who wish may go to joldersmaklein.com and click on “obituaries” to share a condolence message with the family. (Compiled from College Tennis Online, Albion College Athletics and the Lansing State Journal.)

Ron Rebhuhn, USPTA Master Professional, passed away on Aug. 26 after an eight-month battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Rebhuhn Disease).

Rebhuhn was a 41-year member of USPTA, joining in 1971, and also was a longtime USTA Eastern tournament director.

Rebhuhn, of Westbury, NY, was inducted into the Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame in April. He played on a tennis scholarship at the University of Florida, earned a master’s degree from New York University and was a professor and the head men’s tennis coach at Mercy College for 10 years. He wrote more than 100 tennis articles and won more than 500 tournaments during his career. His son, Eric, also is a USPTA member and the head coach of men’s tennis at St. Johns University.

Many of those who sent emails and nominations to the Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame Selection Committee described Rebhuhn as “an exceptional coach and person.” Several people said he didn’t only teach them how to play tennis – he taught them to be better people. (Excerpted from eastern.usta.com.)

Paul Wiegand, DDS, passed away on Aug. 30 at his home in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 59. He was a 30-year member of the USPTA. Wiegand Wiegand was a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he played on the varsity men’s tennis team. He attended Baylor School of Dentistry in Dallas, specializing in pediatric dentistry, then obtained a degree in orthodontics at the University of Toronto.

In 1987, he moved to San Antonio and became the first dual-board certified pediatric dentist and orthodontist in South Texas.

He was a member of the faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio Dental School (1987-2012) and served as president of the Texas Association of Orthodontists. He also was a devoted father and enjoyed many hours on the tennis court with his three children. As a player he earned USTA national rankings in singles and doubles. He also taught tennis at John Newcombe’s tennis camp in the summers while in college and within three years he was the director of the camp.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Paul Wiegand Foundation, an organization devoted to the advancement of education, dental care and the sport of tennis for children.

Donations may be mailed to 14546 Brookhollow Ave, No. 301, San Antonio, Texas 78232. For more information, visit www. paulwiegandfoundation. org. (From the San Antonio Express-News).

ADDvantage/November 2012

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