Addvantage 2018 April

April 2018

USPTA Elite Professional Jason Allen (left) and USPTA Professional Jason Harnett (right) with Wheelchair Athlete Sharona Young.

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42 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

From the ceo

Why Accreditation?

by John R. Embree, USPTA Chief Executive Officer

S

ome of you may have seen the press release issued by the USTA back in December which announced that as the governing body, they were going to be accrediting organizations or institutions in our sport that certify and provide continuing education to tennis coaches and pros.

Or you may have read in last month’s Tennis Industry Magazine the interview with Scott Schultz of the USTA about accreditation. The stated intent is to improve the customer experience on court while enhancing the education of those who aspire to join the ranks of coaches and tennis-teaching professionals. The end goal is obviously to keep tennis playing consumers excited about tennis, thereby growing the game.

Even though the positives of us relocating to Lake Nona, Florida far outweigh any negatives, some of our members were of the opinion at the time (and a few may still think this way) that the move to across the street from the National Campus was the first step to being taken over by the USTA. Then, when the announcement about accreditation was made, we immediately heard an outcry from others who were convinced the USTA would now be telling us how to teach forehands, backhands, and that our independence was being threatened.

Can we kindly dispense with these rumors and innuendos, please? Can we stop worrying about whether the USPTA is going to remain independent from the USTA once and for all? I can categorically state that the USTA has no interest in getting into the certification business and Scott’s article made that clear. They don’t want to have to deal with liability insurance or get involved with dues collection or deal with membership benefits for our professionals.

There is nothing that would have prevented the USTA from becoming the certifying body for tennis-teaching professionals years ago or even today. With revenues exceeding $350 million, they certainly have the financial resources to do whatever they want in the industry, including creating their own association of certified pros. However, the USTA has had so many other priorities they have been dealing with (the strategic transformation at the BJK NTC, construction of the new Louis Armstrong Stadium, building out the National Campus in Lake Nona, launching Net Generation, etc.), let alone the resources they have dedicated to creating more PTM programs to attract more men and women to careers in tennis.

The USTA recognizes that a strong delivery system remains vital to the health of our sport. They want to support teaching professionals more than ever, but the USTA is not going to be certifying pros. They would rather see the USPTA raise the standards for certification of its membership. They would

prefer to help us accomplish our mission, not hinder us from doing it.

So, where are we in the process?

We received the application for provisional accreditation in midDecember. Following the board of directors meeting in January, the USPTA turned in its application on January 10. Next, the USTA announced the five-member accreditation committee the week of February 5, which will be responsible for reviewing all applications from those groups who wish to be accredited and ultimately deciding which organizations should receive this approval. Thus, we await the decision of this group about our status which we certainly do hope will be good for the USPTA. By the way, the five people who will serve on the accreditation review committee are Craig Morris, Dr. Paul Lubbers, and DA Abrams from the USTA national staff along with Jean Mills, director of sports at the Polo Club in Boca Raton, Florida and Dr. Jill Fjelstul, associate professor and director of the Professional Tennis Management program at the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality here in Orlando.

Hopefully, they will be meeting soon to review our application.

Assuming we are provisionally approved, we would embark on a “deep dive” about the changes that will be implemented in our certification pathway for applicants and newcomers to our association. This will take months to accomplish.

PLEASE NOTE: existing members do NOT have to do anything different other than to keep up with the continuing education requirements. None of the proposed changes would impact current certified members in good standing.

We are clearly aware that there are USTA “bashers” in the trenches who are quick to criticize things that they don’t like that the USTA is doing. But at the end of the day, the USTA has one overarching goal: to grow the game. Isn’t that what we want as well? If you agree, then let’s figure out a way to work together. That is why the move to Lake Nona made sense.

Growing our sport won’t happen if we are not aligned.

Through USTA accreditation, any organization that certifies professionals will have to meet the same high standards, and that is good for tennis and the USPTA. Accreditation is another opportunity to work together for the benefit of our members and to bring a new audience of young professionals into our organization. When the rest of us older folks walk away from what it is that we love to do, we can breathe easier knowing that the game is in better hands than before we left it.*

43 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

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Vice President Message

our voice, our association

by Mark Faber, USPTA Vice President

A

s my journey on the national board begins, I would like join our association and mentoring to say what an honor it is to represent you, our USPTA them. You will be rewarded with a membership. The USPTA has a great past, is currently in $50 reduction in our membership a strong position, and the future is even more amazing. As dues for the following year (up to I have studied the past, been part of the present and look $100 a year). forward to shaping the future, one common ingredient stands As stated in the February article out about the USPTA: this is our association. This association by First Vice President Feisal is one that was built by US, is maintained by US and will be Hassan, it is important that we create pushed forward by US. So, the first two letters of the USPTA consistency and have a personal touch. Although Feisal say it all, it is US. was approaching this topic more from his position with As an association, we need to build and secure our future Testing and Certification, it is something that must be done as the industry leading tennis-teaching association, not only by all of US in attracting our future industry leaders. We in the USA, but the world. The leaders that have come before must continue to build on this concept in all areas of our US, have put US in the position we are in today. The leaders association. We need to continue to become more about of today need to prepare US for the future that lies ahead. The US. We have to provide products for our future leaders that leaders of tomorrow (which you just might be that person) match their needs while continuing to service the requests will need to be prepared to take US to “infinity and beyond”, of our current members. as the great Captain Buzz Lightyear exclaimed in “Toy Story.”

Our membership is our loudest voice. When we are out Currently, there are two tools in place right now that can on the front lines, we need to have a product that we are help US attract all proud of and one new professionals that we know makes and expose the an impact on the influencers of industry. Once again, tomorrow’s potential it is US that makes the professionals. difference. It is US that The first tool is the can encourage, mentor USPTA School Coach and guide the youth of Category, a corporate today into our industry. membership for The Membership the school system.

Committee is looking For $99, middle at all aspects of our and high school membership from coaches have access testing, education, to TennisResources. recruitment programs Education Manager Ramona Husaru discusses School Coach Category with school tennis coaches. com, the largest and everything in collection of educational and instructional tennis videos, between. The key with this whole process is to be able to an interactive planner containing hundreds of drills to help provide all of US the tools needed to attract, grow, and you build a custom lesson plan throughout the year, and a maintain our overall membership. school subscription to both Tennis Magazine and Tennis As we move forward we will not all agree on everything Industry Association. The School Coach Category gives these and that’s ok. It is those healthy discussions that will coaches access to resources provided by some of our top lead US to even greater heights as the industry leading professionals to help their programs reach the next level, professional teaching association. We will continue to raise and 25 percent of their annual dues go back to the statewide the standards of teaching together for it is our USPTA. tennis coaches’ association.

I look forward to working with all of you and invite The second tool is the AIM program. This program rewards you to contact me for anything via e-mail at mfaber@ US for admiring potential new members and inviting them to twosathleticclub.com.*

45 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

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pop tennis

The Huge Potential POP Tennis Has for You and Your Facility

by Ken Lindner, CEO of International POP Tennis Association, Inc.

P

OP Tennis is the sport for the people—ALL PEOPLE. It’s a sport that can be played by everyone, no matter what their athletic ability and skill level. I personally began playing POP Tennis, as an overweight, uncoordinated, six-year-old. The elating feelings of mastery and accomplishment that I experienced, were hugely empowering and exhilarating. It was because of my training in POP Tennis, that I became an avid tennis player and athlete for life.

So, let me explain why, as a teaching pro or tennis director, POP Tennis, is YOUR answer to retaining and adding members/ players to your facility:

1

POP Tennis IS Tennis—it’s a fun and addicting form of short court tennis. Unlike Pickleball, Padel, and other racquet sports, POP Tennis and tennis have the exact same strokes, footwork, strategies, and scoring, and can be played with your existing infrastructure and equipment.

Your facility can utilize its 36 and 60 foot, blended-line courts, net and net height, green, orange, and red dot balls, etc. The only differences, between POP Tennis and tennis are that in POP Tennis, you get one underhand serve, and you play with a unique and “buttery” racquet/paddle. POP Tennis is the ideal sport to teach, alongside tennis, as they are completely complementary.

2

There is no overhand serving, far less running, a smaller court, less lively ball, and the racquet is far shorter, individuals can easily play POP Tennis and, in no time at all, play exciting and highly-satisfying points. As a direct result, POP Tennis is the perfect sport for everyone in our IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION society. Additionally, because of the smaller court size and underhand serve, POP Tennis is far less abrasive on your body—which is fantastic, for those of us who are 35 and older.

3

POP Tennis is so easy to master, new friends, acquaintances, and family members can play together, without concern for varying player skill levels and experience. Also, because POP Tennis has sustained rallies, it gives everyone a thoroughly enjoyable, health-enhancing, and highly-satisfying cardio workout.

4

POP Tennis is a great means to teach tennis strokes to juniors and have them master them on a smaller court. Additionally, younger and older adults alike, LOVE playing POP Tennis, because they feel as if they’re playing “Big Court tennis,” like they did back in the day.

What an amazing feeling and gift!

So, what are the economic advantages of implementing POP Tennis at your club or facility?

First and foremost, it creates a highly effective way to keep players on the courts and bring new players to them, which means more lucrative individual and group lessons, more events, and more avenues to sell clothes, racquets, and gear for the director, pro, and club.

Due to POP Tennis being so easy and fun to play for individuals of all ages and abilities, people will repeatedly come back for lessons and clinics, so POP Tennis will be the gift that keeps on giving. You can also charge the same amount of money for POP lessons, as you do for tennis.

POP Tennis clothes and gear (except for the racquet), are the same, so having POP Tennis at your club, will take even better advantage of the clothes and gear that you currently sell at your pro shop.

POP Tennis racquets are, or will soon be, manufactured by most of the top tennis racquet manufacturers. The price points of top POP Tennis racquets, are between $120 and $200, with healthy profit margins, so selling racquets can be lucrative…and because POP Tennis, for the most part, will be a new sport to everyone at your club or facility, everyone will need to buy a new racquet, so there is a LITERAL GOLDMINE of racquet sales awaiting the pro, who successfully brings POP Tennis to their club or facility.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get POPPIN! *

47 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

ONE MILLION CALORIE BURN / TENNIS TEACHERS CONFERENCE

One Million Calorie Burn at the USTA National Campus T ennis industry partners are working together to promote May as “Play Tennis Month” to help showcase the sport of tennis and associated health benefits.

Thousands of tennis programs and events will be held around the country with a goal of helping to get people active and playing tennis.

Kicking off “Play Tennis Month” will be the “One Million Calorie Burn” that will take place at the Home of American Tennis, the USTA National

Campus on April 20. The event will welcome a range of tennis enthusiasts, players, coaches, and tennis-teaching professionals on-court participating in a large Cardio Tennis session to

stay healthy and fit during the month of April. This event will benefit PHIT America and the USPTA Foundation; and is supported by the USPTA, TIA, USTA and Tennis Channel. At least 1,500 events will be run by USPTA professionals around the United States.

The goal for the entire month of May is for Americans to burn a combined 10 million calories on the tennis court in “Play Tennis Month” activities. Along with the “One Million Calorie Burn” event on April 20th, May 5th is National Cardio Tennis Day, with participating tennis professionals and coaches offering Cardio Tennis challenges, sessions and programming at their respective facilities throughout the nation. USPTA Professionals should register their events for “Play Tennis Month” by visiting the website RallyTheIndustry.org.*

Save the Date: 2018 Tennis Teachers Conference T he 2018 USPTA World Conference will be heading back to the Big Apple this summer as part of the 2018 Tennis Teachers Conference

Aug. 24 – 27 at the Grand Hyatt. The conference will take place days before the 2018 US Open which is from Aug. 27 – Sept. 11 and will celebrate

Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York City.

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Randall’s Island

the 50-year anniversary of the Open Tennis era. The conference will attract tennis-teaching professionals, coaches, touring pros, tennis media, and tennis enthusiasts and will feature educational seminars from renowned tennis-teaching professionals from across the world. During the weekend of the conference, attendees will be able to attend one day of on-court sessions at Randall’s Island, a short bus trip away. Along with the educational events, all full registrants will enjoy the first day at the 2018 US Open, including bus transportation to and from the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It will also be the first time the new 14,000 seat Louis Armstrong Stadium will be open for play. Registration for the 2018 Tennis Teachers Conference in New York will be open to tennis-teaching professionals and coaches at the end of May. *

MASTER PRO corner

Why Should You Become a Master Professional?

by Fred Burdick, USPTA Master Professional

D

uring each World Conference, there is a Master Professionals meeting. In 2017, there were about 30 of us in attendance. These are some of the top professionals in the industry. A question was raised as to why any teaching professional would seek the Master Professional rating? It’s very time consuming and you cannot even apply until you have been an Elite Professional for 10 years. Let’s look at some of the responses from those in attendance:

Former WTA Player Bunny Bruning: “I became a Master Professional because I love to learn and improve my knowledge and skills. As I traveled to countless workshops and conferences, I got to know many incredible professionals and mentors all over the world. Then I wanted to give back to the USPTA what it had given me. The USPTA is in my blood.”

Jack Justice: “Like any brotherhood or fraternity, being a Master Professional brings you together with a great group of professionals doing what you do and at the level to which you aspire. By the time you are ready to move up to Master Professional, you realize the benefit of exchanging ideas with peers.”

Ken McAllister: “While it is obvious that it adds to your resume to help you get the better jobs, it is also a source of pride for each employer to be able to say his or her tennis professional is one of a limited number of Master Professionals. It is a designation that is strongly vetted by the USPTA making it very credible in the tennis industry.”

Chair of the Master Professionals Committee Mark Centrella: “To me, getting your Master Professional Certification is akin to getting your doctorate in the teaching profession. My feeling was and is - why not strive to be the best you can be if this is what you have chosen as your career. Why just stop at an undergraduate or graduate degree?”

Diane Selke: “I became a Master Pro because when I first looked at the application, I finished most of the criteria in my first 10 years of service. I met new pros and learned a ton of teaching techniques from them. I wanted to share mine. Why not be the best you can be?

Being a Master Pro gave me a better position in the job market!”

Photo credit: Ken DeHart

President Gary Trost: “As a tester I wanted to make sure that I was educated to the point that I could test at the highest level. I’ve always respected the tennis professionals that became Master Professionals, they mentored and inspired me to become one.”

USPTA Master Professionals at the Next Generation Tennis Innovation Workshop in 2017.

The education should be enough motivation to seek the Master Professional Certification. The friends, rewards, and the people you help along the way makes a lifelong memory of service in the tennis teaching profession.

If that is not motivation enough for you then maybe you are motivated by something else. INCOME! A few years ago, when I was the executive director for the Southern Division, I did a survey. If you’re an Elite Professional and want a 28 percent salary increase, become a Master Professional. If you’re a Professional and want a 40 percent increase in your income become a Master Professional. If you’re a Recreational Coach, then give yourself a 55 percent increase in your income by earning your Master Professional rating. These are just the averages.

Can you imagine what the “famous” Master Professionals are making?

So why seek the Master Professional rating? If you cannot find a reason from the above information, read it again.

What if you try and don’t achieve it? It is not the destination, it is the journey along the way that provides all the rewards both personal and professional. Go for it!*

Fred Burdick has more than 40 years in the tennis industry and is currently the owner of Mountain View Tennis Club in Dalton, Georgia. Fred began his tennis-teaching career at what was then Dalton Junior College Continuing Education Department. He later taught full-time for Cobb County Parks and Recreations Department in Marietta, Georgia and spent 15 years as director of tennis at Sunset Hills Country Club in Carrollton, Georgia.

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USPTA Foundation

USPTA Foundation Thanks 2017 Donors The USPTA Foundation would like to recognize all our donors from 2017.

Thank you to those who made contributions to the Foundation in 2017. With your help, the Foundation was able to raise a total of $37,469.44 last year.

Your generous donation will continue to help us in our mission to support programs that help economically disadvantage people around the nation learn the game of tennis.

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Beyond the court

Tips for Tennis Parents

by Barry Boren, USPTA Elite Professional

I

have been coaching tennis for over 25 years. I have seen so many talented kids quit the game. Over 20 years ago, the USTA published a very frightening statistic; 65 percent of all junior tournament players quit playing before they are 16 years old. It is now 3 out of 4 kids that are quitting all sports before they are 13.

Why are kids quitting you might ask? The answer is “Burn Out.” “Burn Out” is not always from playing too much. In my opinion, the definition of “Burn Out” is, the game of tennis is not fun, and kids can’t handle the pressure of performing any more. Here are six tips to relieve the pressure to perform and keep it fun for your kids.

private lesson, then that’s the place for them to learn and become excited about the game of tennis. I send my daughter to other tennis-teaching professionals. The information seems to get translated better from someone else. When we teach our own kids, the information gets scrambled somehow.

#3Avoid post-match criticism

Critiquing your child after a match is one of the leading causes of stress. Every time they play, they will know that you are watching every move they make. They will not retain any criticism until they are in a calm environment. When they come off the court, you must make every effort to let them know that they are your child first and athlete second. Charting a match helps. You can put it on their desk for them to look at later.

#4

Keep your distance

The USTA recommends that you stay a minimum of two courts away. Some kids can handle their parent breathing through the fence, but most kids can’t and won’t say anything until it is too late. Wear sunglasses so they can’t see you roll your eyes. If your child is looking at you after every point, you are too close.

#1Leave them wanting more

Most kids have a short attention span, especially under the age of 10. If they are just beginning to learn the game I recommend that you play with them no more than 20 minutes.

Let them be the one to say, “One more, Please?” When you hit with your kids, at any level, keep an eye on their body language. If they are walking around with their racquet head by their feet and their shoulders slumped, STOP! Pick up the balls. Hopefully you can stop before they get bad body language.

#2Avoid teaching them

We all want to help our kids but taking a lesson from your parent is not much fun. I use what I learned from Wayne Bryan, (father of the Bryan Brothers). Wait for your child to ask for your help before you try to teach them how to play the game of tennis. If they never ask, then never teach them. If your kids are in a group or

#5Get along with the other Parents Parents are always complaining that there is no one for their child to practice with. Introduce yourself to the other parents, exchange phone numbers. If your child sees you getting along, they will feel more comfortable going to clinics, tournaments or other tennis events. They will have a better attitude on the court. My philosophy, “Whoever has the most friends, wins!”

#6

Avoid talking about money.

Another ingredient for pressure is, “We are spending hundreds of dollars on your tennis and you …” Talking about money doesn’t work, never has and never will.

“Burn Out” happens over time. Just be aware of some of the things you say and do near the tennis court. Don’t let your child be a statistic. Follow these tips and give your child a better chance to stay in the game.*

Barry Boren and has been in tennis since the age of eight years old. He played junior, college and pro tennis throughout the 70’s and 80’s. Since 1986, he has been the head tennis professional at the Laguna Niguel Racquet Club in Laguna Niguel, California. Over the years he has coached nationally ranked juniors and senior players as well as professional players including his daughter, Brynn, who is currently playing the Women’s Pro Circuit. He has seen firsthand why young players are quitting the game and wants to do something about it.

52 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

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Nike Interview

Disrupting the Marketplace: How Nike Continues to Push the Envelope

by DeVonte’ Martin, USPTA Public Relations Coordinator

L

isten to the voice of the athlete. When you can understand Along with figuring out consumer’s needs, the design team the product needs and the wants of the athlete, then you also is finding ways to enhance the Nike product development will be able to sell the product to the consumer and create process. Currently, Nike launches four times a year and is demand. This has been one of the philosophies of Nike Inc. working towards pushing out product faster to the marketplace. from its earliest years. To get a better sense of the current “Here at Nike, we make bold statements,” said Ediger. “We do retail marketplace, a team of five Nike employees; Matthew not follow the trend. We like to set the trend and we can only do Bond, Melissa Ediger, Liz Fifer, Lisa Gangelhoff and Drew that by getting closer to market.”

Thurston conducted two focus groups at the USPTA National One of the bold creations that Nike put forth already this Headquarters in mid-February. year in tennis was the pink and grey “We had a couple of objectives. outfits that both their endorsed male With some of the recent changes and female professionals wore at the that have occurred at Nike, there 2018 Australian Open. When asked are a few of us that have new roles. about the feedback from the pink Thus, we wanted to really start outfits, Bond said it has been positive. to get an understanding of what’s “The pink design was a dramatic happening in the marketplace,” and innovative statement and we are said Matthew Bond, global always going to do things that are marketplace director of Nike kind of provocative,” Bond said. “I go Tennis. “The other objective was back to 2012 London Olympics when to talk to consumers who actually we came out with the Volt shoe. That wear the product and understand color was on every Nike athlete at what they like and dislike about the Olympics. That color became the apparel.” so iconic, people knew it was Nike.

The age group Nike focused That’s kind of the same thing we did on was 15-21 years of age who with the Australian Open.” has an interest in or plays From the designs to the color USPTA CEO John Embree with Liz Fifer, Melissa Ediger, Drew tennis. The feedback they schemes Nike places in the Thurston, Lisa Gangelhoff and Matthew Bond of Nike. received from participants will marketplace, their overall message help the team to develop apparel lines in the near future. One is that they want to transcend the sport of tennis and are of the takeaways from their meetings is the way polos will be committed to delivering thrilling product driven through the designed moving forward. voice of the athlete and the consumer.

“The polo is super important. It is iconic to the tennis look,” “You see athletes like Rafa, Roger and Serena that said Lisa Gangelhoff, global merchandising manager. “A big transcend the sport of tennis. They also transcend the sport question for us now is how do we take feedback from these from a Nike brand perspective,” Gangelhoff said. “It’s super young consumers on the overall design and fit and make a important for consumers to understand that tennis is a part polo this demographic likes? Our product has to be relevant of our overall brand.” to the consumer.”

Along with our partnership with Fromuth Tennis, the USPTA The Nike team works globally so when they introduce is looking forward to growing our relationship with Nike, Inc. product into the marketplace, they must consider what is “To have an endorsement agreement with the clear market fashionable to the consumer in all geographical locations. leader in athlete performance apparel and footwear through “Nike has a global consumer that we’re addressing and our the best customer service organization in the industry product line needs to meet the needs of regional preferences (Fromuth Tennis) speaks volumes about the reputation that with respect to such things as fit and style,” said Melissa Ediger, the USPTA has in the sport.” USPTA CEO John Embree said. product manager for women’s tennis.

“We look forward to seeing what the future has in store.” *

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wheelchair tennis

State of the union-Wheelchair Tennis

by Jason Allen, USPTA Elite Professional

T

his has indeed been a monumental year for wheelchair tennis in the United States. In October of 2016, a new team was put in place to succeed Dan James, former national manager of USTA wheelchair tennis. Mr. James was in the position for 13 years and was responsible for the amazing increase in popularity of the sport not only in the USA, but arguably worldwide. His right-hand man, USPTA Professional Jason Harnett, is now in the position of national head coach and manager for the USTA and he brings an impressive resume. Both he and James have been involved with wheelchair tennis ever since it was taken over by the USTA in 1998 and there is no better person to take the reins from James than Coach Harnett.

The individual who drove the decision to hire Coach Harnett was USPTA Elite Professional Joanne Wallen.

Affectionately known as Jo, she was recently named USTA national director of individual adult play and wheelchair tennis. She joined the USTA after an impressive and illustrious career as a tennis director, general manager, and former WTA touring professional.

In order to grow wheelchair tennis effectively, Jo decided to leverage the other manager position in the wheelchair

department staff by hiring a person with a tennis and coaching background. By doing so, this manager could alleviate some of the responsibilities of the national head coach by taking over the growth of the sport across the USA from a grassroots standpoint; thereby allowing Coach Harnett to focus on high performance, player development, and coaching. I was then named manager of wheelchair and technical. I work hand in hand with Coach Harnett to grow the sport as well as help him identify potential athletes for our professional teams that compete worldwide and vie for a spot on the Paralympic squad. Moreover, both of us are fortunate to have Jo at the helm as the director. She has a passion for tennis in general, but specifically for wheelchair tennis. As a team, we have pushed through an amazing amount of initiatives this past year. We have also benefitted from the advent of the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida and being across the street from the United States Professional Tennis Association. With the collaborative effort between the USTA & USPTA, we will be able to exchange ideas on the steps tennis-teaching professionals and coaches can take to learning more about wheelchair tennis. One step tennis coaches can take is to earn their

USPTA Professional Jason Harnett with Team USA Chris Herman and author, USPTA Elite Professional Jason Allen.

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wheelchair certification by the USPTA. With people becoming more active and engaged in wheelchair tennis, the USPTA has renewed its initiative to promote wheelchair tennis to tennis-teaching professionals and coaches. The USPTA announced that there will be five opportunities for tennis-teaching professional and coaches to earn their wheelchair certification. Along with the wheelchair certification, coaches can also find content on TennisResources.com and can use the website for advice on how to create a wheelchair tennis program for their club or facility.

Tennis coaches can also contribute their wheelchair tennis videos to TennisResources.com as well. USPTA National Head Tester Sid Newcomb said that he is

looking forward to more coaches gravitating to becoming wheelchair tennis certified.

“I’m very excited about the renewed initiative by the USPTA to certify more coaches in wheelchair tennis,” said Newcomb. “We’re looking to double the number of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches that become wheelchair tennis certified and start programs to build wheelchair tennis from the ground up.”

In the past year, we have seen wheelchair tennis tournament play increase by 18 percent nationwide. $50,000 in grants were given to new programs whose goal is to exclusively bring new players to the sport. A new website was developed to highlight all the programming across the country in order to make more programs accessible. A new tournament format which serves as an activation was created as a one day, fun, and social

event called the Wheelchair Tournament Series.

10 pilots occurred across the USA and the events were a huge success.

On the player development side, Coach Harnett May 5-6...............................New York, NY has been quite USPTA Eastern/ New England Conference busy forging ahead June 28-29................................Salem, OR with an aggressive USPTA Certification in conjunction with amount of new USTA “Train the Trainer initiatives. The August 23-24...........................Lincoln, NE most salient is the USPTA Certification in conjunction with work being done USTA “Train the Trainer” to create more October 18-19 ....................... Orlando, FL wheelchair tennis USPTA Certification in conjunction with programs at the USTA “Train the Trainer” college level. When November 7-8......................

Lafayette, IN Coach Harnett USPTA Certification in conjunction with started the process, USTA “Train the Trainer” there were only seven universities involved with a wheelchair tennis program. In a short period of time, the number of wheelchair tennis programs has increased to 20 at the collegiate level. A great deal of work has also been done in regards to actualizing coaching curricula that will serve as a model for all providers and certification institutions. This past year, our high performance teams have had a great deal of success with all three teams finishing on the podium at the World Team Cup in Sardinia, Italy. The junior team completed a three peat by winning their third consecutive junior world championship. David Wagner, finished number one in the world in the Quad Division and was crowned as the 2017 US Open Champion as well as the 2017 Australian Open Doubles Champion. We have had many of our professional athletes compete in Grand Slams and World Championships.

There has indeed been a buzz created across the nation this past year. We expect play to increase exponentially. We also continue to expect great things from our current Team USA members. If you are interested in more information or are interested in starting your own program, please reach out to me at Jason.Allen@usta.com. *

WheelCHair Tennis certification

Jason Allen is the manager of wheelchair tennis and technical at USTA National. His main goal is to grow wheelchair tennis across the USA. On the Technical side, he handles all ball testing and oversees court testing at the US Open. He is a USPTA Elite Professional, USTA High Performance Coach and also serves as the tournament manager at the US Open Grand Slam Wheelchair Tennis Competition in New York. Jason holds a BA in Spanish Education and an MA in Educational Leadership with a Principal’s License.

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58 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

Member News

USPTA Member News Matt Knoll reached 500 career wins as the head coach for Baylor’s Men’s Tennis team. Throughout his 21 seasons at the helm of the Baylor tennis program, Knoll has produced phenomenal results. His teams have captured 13 Big 12 Conference regular season titles, including eight in a row from 2002-09, and eight Big 12 Tournament championships, including three straight from 2007-09. The program’s biggest accomplishment came in 2004 when it captured the NCAA national championship.

Jorge Capestany was named director of the Professional Tennis Management program at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. As a member of the USPTA for more than 28 years, Jorge has served on the USPTA Executive Committee and held multiple positions on the USPTA Midwest Division board of directors, including serving on multiple committees and as president twice. He is a six-time Michigan Pro of the Year, a two-time Midwest Pro of the Year, a two-time Midwest Facility Manager of the Year, and a two-time Midwest Outstanding Education Award winner.

Noel Clayton has assumed the position of

Jan Tailan was featured in the Suffolk News-Herald story titled Pickleball comes to Suffolk. Tailan is the director of tennis at Cedar Point Country Club in Suffolk, Virginia and is certified as a USRSA Master Racquet Technician, APTA Professional, and USTA Sport Science Level 1.

Jason Stokes (left) and Mark Savage recently purchased Sportsplex, a health and tennis club in New Windsor, New York. Mark and Jason have worked a combined 25 years at Sportsplex as tennis director and junior tennis coordinator. Jason will take over Sportsplex as general manager and Mark will remain director of tennis.

Mark Pachtner conducted the 8th Special Olympics Tennis Fun Day at Troon Country Club at Scottsdale, Arizona. He raised $19,000 and had more than 240 people participate in the event. He is the director of tennis at Troon Country Club and has developed Fun Day events with local chapters of the Special Olympics in California, Florida, and Georgia.

general manager at Centre Court, the cityowned, indoor tennis house in Owensboro, Kentucky. Prior to this position, Clayton was a high school tennis coach for 16 years with players earning 11 All State Awards, 10 Regional Championships, Female Player of the Year, and one Doubles State Championship.

IN MEMORIAM Edward T. Reid passed away peacefully at his home Thursday January 11, 2018 at the age of 96. His father, James T. Reid, was one of the founders of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). Eddie grew up in Brooklyn and Northport, New York and learned his craft in both tennis and squash at the historic Crescent Athletic Club, where his dad was the pro.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President.....................................................................Gary Trost First Vice President................................................Feisal Hassan Vice Presidents................Cari Buck, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner Bill Mountford, Richard Slivocka Immediate Past President...........................................Chuck Gill CEO.........................................................................John Embree Legal Counsel......................................................George Parnell

Jaime de Carvalho passed away this past year in 2017. A USPTA Professional since 1964, ee served as Head Pro at Bronxville Field Club in Bronxville, NY for over 30 years.

He received the USPTA Eastern Section Pro-of-the-Year Award in 1995. His daughter Liz Stockton and son-in-law Dick Stockton are both USPTA Elite Professionals.

ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE Managing Editor ...........................................................John Cornell Editor......................................................................DeVonte’ Martin Layout/Design........................................................... Gustavo Reyes Editorial Assistance.......................... Risa Epstein, Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, Ashley Walker, Ellen Weatherford Circulation................................................................ Trevor Trudelle USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827

Ph: 407-634-3050 • Email: magazine@uspta.org • www.uspta.org ADDvantage is published monthly by the USPTA The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the United States Professional Tennis Association.

Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2018. All rights reserved.

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

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USPTA CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Exams, Upgrades & PTCA Wheelchair Certification 4 Credits for PTCA I Segment Exams, Upgrades & PTCA Apr. 6 – 7 .................................Azusa, CA Apr. 7– 8 ....................................Aurora, IL Apr. 9 - 10................................ Orlando, FL Apr. 13- 14 .................................... Laie, HI Apr. 14 – 15 ............................ Atlanta, GA Apr. 18 - 19...................................Tyler, TX Apr. 20 .................................. Harrison, NY Apr. 22 ...............................Midlothian, VA Apr. 28 – 29 ........................Columbus, GA May. 4 – 5 ..............................Flushing, NY May. 5 – 6 .......................... Baltimore, MD May. 5 – 6 ............................Las Vegas, NV May. 6 ....................................Conway, AR May. 11 – 12 ............................. Austin, TX May. 12 – 13 .......................Big Rapids, MI May. 12 ............................ Chula Vista, CA May. 17 .............................. Scottsdale, AZ May. 18 ...........................Nichols Hills, OK May. 19 .............................Des Moines, IA May. 19 .............................. Eau Claire, WI May. 19 – 20 .......................Columbus, GA May. 20 ............................ Brentwood, TN May. 20 ............................... St. Louis, MO May. 25 ........................... Kansas City, MO May. 31 - June. 1 .................... Yakima, WA Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade. PTCA I is included in the two day exam. 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.

USPTA

May 5-6............................................ New York, NY USPTA Eastern/ New England Conference

June 28-29..............................................Salem, OR USPTA Certification in conjunction with USTA “Train the Trainer

August 23-24.........................................Lincoln, NE USPTA Certification in conjunction with USTA “Train the Trainer”

October 18-19 .....................................Orlando, FL

Division Conferences - 6 Credits May 5-6.........................Eastern/New England

National Tennis Center, Flushing, NY

May 5-6 ............................. Southern California Convention

Seacliff Country Club, Huntington Beach, CA

USPTA Certification in conjunction with USTA “Train the Trainer”

May 17-19.........................................Southern

USPTA Certification in conjunction with USTA “Train the Trainer”

May 18-20.......................................Southwest La Camarilla Racquet, Swim & Fitness Club, Phoenix, AZ

November 7-8....................................Lafayette, IN

Online education

Watch webinars, seminars, On Court with USPTA episodes, specialty courses and much more on TennisResources.com to earn your education credits.

Spanish Tennis Teaching System

Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, GA

May 30-June 3.......................................Florida

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress , Orlando, FL

June 1-2............................... Pacific Northwest

Yakima Tennis Club, Yakima, WA

Grand Hyatt, New York, NY

August 24-27...... USPTA World Conference/TTC November......................Middle States Division Convention

At Academia Sanchez-Casal USPTA professionals can earn 10 Education Credits by participating in the Level 1 or Level 2 course of the Spanish Tennis Teaching System hosted by the International Coaches Institute.

May. 25 – 27...........................................Naples, FL

Competitive Coaching Course - Level 1

May. 27 – 29...........................................Naples, FL

Pro Coaching Course Level 2

Oct. 24 – 26............................................Naples, FL

Competitive Coaching Course Level 1

Oct. 26 – 28............................................Naples, FL

Pro Coaching Course Level 2

requires all certified members to earn 6 credits of continuing education in a three-year period. (International members, recreational coaches and those 65 or older are exempt.) The time period coincides with the date you completed the certification exam or reinstated your membership. Please login to My USPTA to check your Professional Development Program end date.

If the requirement is not met, you will have your membership suspended. To help you meet that goal, USPTA provides hundreds of hours of education every year in the form of conferences, workshops, webinars, DVDs and more. TennisResources.com is an excellent resource for free education opportunities. In addition, the Coach Youth Tennis website offers six free online courses that earn a 1/2 education credit each.

Upon completion of the sixth course, you will receive 3 bonus credits (one-time only), bringing the total to 6 credits and completing the continuing education requirement. (you do not need to complete the online workshop unless you are completing your USPTA certification) Go to coachyouthtennis.com for more information.

60 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

2018 USPTA Division Conference Schedule

Cardio Tennis

Apr. 5 .................Cardio Tennis Training Course Level 1 - Burke, VA

Apr. 8 .................Cardio Tennis Training Course Level 1 - Isle of Palms, SC

Apr. 15 ...............Cardio Tennis Training Course Level 1 - Marlborough, MA

Apr. 20 ...................... One Million Calorie Burn Orlando, FL