ADDvantage Magazine September/October

September - October 2019

USPTA FROM THE CEO

CHA-CHING, CHA-CHING John R. Embree USPTA CEO

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here are certain cities across the country where we know our members will turn out for the World Conference. New Orleans drew a great crowd. Who didn’t want to go to New York City last year and catch a day or two of the Open? Folks are always excited to take the family to our hometown of Orlando, the happiest place on earth. But nothing draws a crowd like Las Vegas!

So when it came to selecting the host city for our upcoming USPTA World Conference, Las Vegas was far and away the most intriguing option. First of all, we have not been to Las Vegas since 2006. Secondly, when we were last there, it was unquestionably the highest attended conference we have ever had.

And because 2019 is the third year of the current continuing education cycle, there will be a hoard of members looking to get the credits they need to keep their membership compliant. Lastly, we were able to secure a property (the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino) that wanted our business and was able to meet all of the specs that we require for our World Conference. Plus, it is the largest sports book in the world!

We are fast approaching the start of this annual get together. If you have not already registered, please do so. This

will be my seventh USPTA World Conference in my capacity as CEO, and I have to say that this year’s event is going to be the biggest and the most fantastic conference that we have put on in that time. It will be a veritable “who’s who” of presenters!

We have over 40 sessions confirmed plus two specialty courses (on Sunday), all highlighted by an appearance of Andre Agassi on Wednesday. What a coup for us to have him share his perspective on coaching today. Knowing how important it is to feature women in our association, we have dedicated a day (Tuesday) to specifically showcase the top female professionals in our sport. While the percentage of our total membership is 20% female, over 30% of the speakers over the four days are women. Each day is packed with the most reputable and respected speakers in our industry.

But besides the outstanding education being served up, we have four days of social activities scheduled that will be a blast! We begin on Monday evening, September 23 with our Merchandise and Trade Show. Not only will we have a buffet dinner in the hall, we will be showcasing Monday Night Football (my beloved Bears vs. the Redskins) throughout the exhibit hall so that everyone can hang out, watch some football and support our vendors.

Tuesday afternoon will see our General Membership Meeting where we will have a “town hall” forum to learn more about the new certification pathway and USTA Accreditation. Your division parties will follow thereafter. After

42 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — Sept.-Oct. 2019

Andre’s Q&A on Wednesday morning, we will host our Awards luncheon where we will recognize those USPTA members who have contributed so mightily to our association, including our two hall of fame inductees, Frank Brennan, Jr. and Dick Gould. And our final event on Thursday evening will be a barbecue cookout around the outdoor courts where we will watch the final matches of the USPTA tournament being played.

With the desert heat in September making educational sessions outdoors unbearable, we have arranged for a stadium court to be set up inside a ballroom which will make those sessions very comfortable to witness.

In addition, the staff has come up with a few surprises for the week that I think will be very popular with the attendees.

For all of the reasons that I have cited above and for those of you who like to go to Las Vegas, this is a World Conference you don’t want to miss.

Yes, the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas is compelling (Cha-Ching, Cha-Ching) but the educational content that has been coordinated by our staff and the Education Committee is truly outstanding. I cannot wait to welcome you to our annual gathering.

The tables await. The slot machines are primed. The Westgate is eager to accept your wagers. And, the USPTA is prepared to shine during our biggest week of the year. Come join us! *

USPTA

Conference Daily Schedule (subject to change) Sunday Specialty Courses* 9am-1pm

Want that $100,000+ Job? Key Skills That Qualify You - Greg Lappin

1pm-6pm Pickleball: IPTPA Teach the Teacher Pickleball Certification - Seymour Rifkin 2-6pm

Specialty Course The Art of Games - Mark Bey

Monday 7am

Cardio Tennis with the USTA

8:30am-Noon On-Court and Classroom sessions

1:15-4:45pm On-Court and Classroom sessions

5-9pm

Merchandise and Trade Show

LADIES DAY Tuesday 7am

Cardio Tennis with the USTA

8:30am-Noon On-Court and Classroom sessions

1:30-3:45pm On-Court and Classroom sessions

4pm-5pm

USPTA Membership Meeting

6:30pm

USPTA Division Parties

Wednesday 7am

Thursday 7am

8am-Noon

8:30am-Noon

11am-Noon

1:30-3:45pm

Noon-2pm

6:45pm

Cardio Tennis with the USTA

On-Court and Classroom sessions

International Tennis Hall of Fame Q&A with Andre Agassi

USPTA Awards Luncheon

Cardio Tennis with the USTA

On-Court and Classroom sessions

On-Court and Classroom sessions

Barbeque

2:15-5:45pm On-Court and Classroom sessions

* Additional Fee

Sept.-Oct. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 43

USPTA

USPTA VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

LADIES DAY

by Cari Buck, USPTA Vice President

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or as long as I can remember, the sports industry has been dominated by men…women have been fighting for more recognition, equal pay and respect. And now, more than ever people are taking notice.

With the recent Team USA win at the World Cup over the Netherlands, the fight for equality in sports is once again on the forefront. Even Billie Jean King got in on the action on twitter.

But this isn’t a new issue for tennis. In 1968, the introduction of Open Tennis didn’t do much to improve things for the women who played the sport. In fact, the prize money gap between men and women continued to grow and the women were continually relegated to outside courts, but in 1970, despite threats of being banned from the Grand Slams, the “Original 9” rocked the tennis world.

With the support of World Tennis Magazine publisher Gladys Heldman, and Joe Cullman, Chairman of Philip Morris, the Virginia Slims Tour was

born, with nine women signing $1 contracts to play. The Original 9 included Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Nancy Richey, Judy Dalton, Kerry Melville Reid, Julie Heldman, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon and Valerie Ziegenfuss. As the tour grew, so did their momentum. In 1973, the WTA was formed. The Virginia Slims Tour showcased women as a force to be recognized. They fought for what they felt was right, what they deserved and what they had earned.

It is no secret that men still outnumber women in tennis, both on and off the court, but women are making headway. What do you get when you combine hundreds of tennis pros, eleven fabulous speakers and the glitz of Las Vegas?

Day 3 of the 2019 USPTA World Conference.

We have World Conferences with great speakers every year, so what makes September 24, 2019 so special you ask? Not only is it a day full of world class speakers, these speakers are all women! It’s Ladies Day at the World Conference… Events like this give our female pros a chance to shine. I hear story after story about women in our industry having to work harder, earning less money, getting fewer breaks, etc. These speakers have not let that stop them and have become leaders in our industry, again not sitting idly by. They are making a difference and making themselves heard.

46 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — Sept.-Oct. 2019

They also come from different backgrounds in the industry including coaches, tennis directors, sports psychologists, authors and fitness just to name a few. Let’s take a closer look at the line-up:

• Building a Championship Culture at Your Club - Kathy Toon • Creating Space on Groundstrokes - Sarah Stone • Creative Programming for Adults - Katie Dellich • Redefining the Tennis Parent - Marianne Werdel and Debbie Graham Shaffer • One Doubles System for All Levels of Play - Rosie Bareis • The Positive Coaching Alliance-DoubleGoal Coach, Culture, Practices and Games - Carrie Zarraonandia • Athlete-Centered Coaching: Pursuit of Performance and Personal Excellence - Kim Bastable • How to Incorporate Fitness into your Programming & Why it’s Good for Your Business - Michele Krause • How Your Personality Can Make Your Coaching Shine - Amanda Fink • The Future is Bright: Unique Success Tips for the Business Tennis Pro/Dir. of Sports - Paula Scheb

You can learn more about this outstanding line-up of speakers at USPTAWC.com.

The 2019 USPTA World Conference is just around the corner, and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait. It is always an amazing week full of great education and speakers, a chance to catch up with colleagues and share ideas, and on September 24th, a showcase for some of the best women in the biz.*

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MASTER PRO CORNER

Do You Find Yourself

Praying For Rain?

Mark McMahon

USPTA Master Pro

T

his phrase is often used as a metaphor. As a teaching professional, I’ve heard the words “I’m praying for rain” from colleagues many times. I may have even whispered the words myself on occasion. The phrase “I’m praying for rain” is often used by someone who does not really want to do something that is soon approaching - (As in, Question: “Are you looking forward to the family reunion picnic next weekend?” Response: “No, not really, actually I’m praying for rain!”).

With a tennis professional, the phrase is sometimes used when, without access to indoor courts, and feeling tired, worn out, and generally unmotivated to teach another lesson or run a team practice, the opportunity of an afternoon or day off because of rain is relished! If this is happening to you too often, it might be time for some serious reflection on how you’re approaching and managing your career and balancing your work life with your real life.

While we all recognize the signs of physical fatigue, the question of burnout is a little different. According to the team behind the mental health and wellness website, HelpGuide.com, burnout is defined as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.

Burnout can also cause long-term changes to your body that make you

vulnerable to illnesses like colds and flu.

In your daily professional life, whether as a tennis professional, club manager, business executive or employee - feeling lethargic or unmotivated can be an important warning sign. At a minimum, these feelings become a distraction, or result in you saying something the wrong way, or without first thinking. At its worst, burnout can threaten your long-term success and professional stability.

Burnout and how its symptoms impact your performance is not too different from what happens when you become dehydrated when exercising or competing. By the time you’re thirsty, it’s usually too late to quickly adjust and rebalance your body chemistry. Simply “drinking more water’ will not be enough - at least in the short term. If you keep exerting energy while remaining dehydrated, you can easily get hurt – even hospitalized. Burnout in your job is no different. Once you feel it, some major adjustments and re-balancing are needed before you hurt yourself - or your career.

Preventing burnout in your professional life requires that you be proactive. As a guide, I like to use as a comparison, the strategies used by high-performance athletes. The most successful athletes set realistic expectations and establish a balanced training and competition schedule, to help stay fresh and focused. The athlete’s schedule includes both high-energy ‘performance periods’ (competition) and planned noncompetition ‘recovery periods’ (rest).

This same approach will go a long way to ensuring that you do not start to suffer ‘burn out’ in your career to the point where you regularly ‘pray for rain.’

Sept.-Oct. 2019 48 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — Sept-.Oct.

Sounds easy, right? That depends!

Understanding the concept of work/ life balance is easy. Believing the science and research that has proven the benefits of modulating high-intensity activity with periods of recovery, is easy too. Making a plan that includes timeblocking for rest and recovery is also a relatively simple exercise. Executing on all of the above is the challenge! Getting the mix right takes a conscious effort, a commitment to taking care of yourself, a commitment to excellence in your career and life, and ongoing monitoring and adjustment. Here are some tips on how you can stay fresh and focused:

Seven Tips to help you stop praying for rain - (aka; Avoiding Burnout) 1. Make a Plan: Plan your day, your week, your month and even your year within the context of your overall career pathway.

What’s next? Where are you today, and where are you headed professionally? Be detailed as you make your plan. Understand that working 7 days a week or 14 hours even 2 or 3 days a week is not a plan for long-term success and career advancement.

2. Work Smart: No matter how hard you work, there are no guarantees of success. Instead, try working smarter. Commit that you will be diligent, focused and industrious, but that you will also try to prioritize your time. Remain always willing to “go the extra mile” and embrace the spirit of “doing whatever it takes” - but commit also to working smart, and be proactive with your schedule to include scheduled periods for recovery.

MASTER PRO CORNER doesn’t need to include a drive to the gym, nor does it have to include a machine, a dumbbell or a class of any type. A 20-minute walk, with or without a four-legged friend at the end of the leash, can get the job done. In addition to all the research flaunting the medical benefits, regular exercise has been proven as one of best mood-boosters out there… and no one wants a professional in a bad mood!

Burnout is defined as a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.

3. Recovery: Follow the lead of the best tennis professionals on the planet - Roger, Rafa, Novak, schedule time for rest and recovery among your professional ‘competition’ time. Dr. Jim Loehr at the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute has long advocated the importance of recovery after pushing hard for top-notch performance. The pushrecover approach helps to build speed, strength, and endurance in professional athletes, allowing those athletes to expand the limits of human performance and endurance while avoiding injury.

The concept is no different for you in your professional performance arena. Your plan needs to remain flexible, and include the natural flow of activity around your professional role on an annual, monthly and weekly basis so that your recovery periods sync with periods of lower demand for your time.

4. Take up a hobby: A study of 400 employees published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found marked

differences between those people who engage in creative hobbies and those who do not. Having a creative hobby is associated with positive work-related traits, like creativity and a better attitude on the job. Other research shows that employees with hobbies are more satisfied with their jobs and have a lower likelihood of burning out.

If that’s not enough of a reason, a hobby can help you professionally.

Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is quoted as saying that having a hobby shows a prospective employer that you have passion and drive. In fact, it’s a question that I always ask potential candidates when completing Tennis and Racquet Sports Director search assignments for clubs.

5. Exercise: For some, this tip is considered fundamental, for others, a mountain to climb. This

6. Turn Off: Our ‘always on’ society has created unrealistic 24/7 expectations from customers, managers, and members.

Performance expert Joe Burton recommends that you turn off the data on your phone at the same time each evening. You may be the most important person in your group, but your state of mind and emotional health play a big role in the healthy functioning of your family, your business and your life.

There is likely nothing that will happen between 8 pm - 7 am that can’t wait for you.

7. Put on your oxygen mask first: We hear this message every time we fly. You can’t help the person you love if you don’t first ensure your own survival. Exercise. Workout.

Walk. Stretch. Breath. Pray. Find your thing and do it. Make it a priority. No employer wants a tired, worn-out or worn-down team member. Take care of your body and your mind for yourself, for those around you and for those with whom you work. *

Mark McMahon is a USPTA Master Professional, and one the tennis industry’s most recognized Consultants. In 2008, after almost 25 years as a Director of Tennis for two of America’s most distinguished private-club tennis programs, (Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton, FL and Dunwoody Country Club in Atlanta, GA), Mark founded McMahon Tennis to help private clubs hire the right professional as their new Tennis or Racquet Sports Director.

Sept.-Oct. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 49

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INSIDE COACHING

USPTA

BLAME-SHIFTING IN TENNIS

by Frank Giampaolo, USPTA Elite Professional

P

ropose a simple question to any park & recreation, country club, high school or college coach “How often do you experience blame-shifting with your athletes?” I’m confident the answer will be a resounding “All of the time!”

Unfortunately, until this is pointed out, most afflicted athletes are unaware that they possess this undesirable habit.

Assisting athletes in overcoming this performance anxiety trait begins with awareness.

ease their fear of failure often caused by includes a full tool belt of strokes: their lack of proper preparation. When athleticism (such as speed, agility, and used habitually, these athletes believe stamina), the wide range of customized that they’re the victim when in reality, the strategies and tactics found in problem is all their own. mental toughness, and the emotional A solution for dealing with these “excuse components (such as solutions to experts” is to ask the athlete to honor their performance anxieties) as they prepare competitive commitment and try to play properly for pressure.

– even for only a game or two. If the injury indeed persists, it’s acceptable to default.

2. Ask members of their entourage to Convincing the athlete to at least show up lead by example by making their and try to compete is a critical first step in words match their actions. I’ve overcoming this performance anxiety. often witnessed loving parents who So what is blame-shifting?

It’s important to reiterate that blame subscribe to the philosophy that rules Blame shifting is a process wherein the shifting is a coping mechanism used to don’t apply to them. They routinely athlete transfers accountability for a deal with stress. When this behavior goes arrive 15 minutes late to their child’s possible upcoming catastrophe, essentially unchecked, it could negatively affect the lesson. They make their child skip evading responsibility. It’s common that athlete on and off the court for his or her practice when it suits their needs. athletes fearful of being judged shift blame lifetime.

Though these parents tell their to avoid taking leadership in their own One solution to eliminating blamechildren “You need to work hard,” their behavior. Athletes who have difficulty shifting begins by replacing the behavior. actions say “unless there’s something accepting ownership for their inadequate I highly recommend the FLIP IT game. more enjoyable to do.” Leading by training and poor effort are prime When you hear a blame shift, smile and example is key. contenders of covertly presetting their say “Flip it!” Ask the athlete to flip their excuses. pessimistic comment into an optimistic 3. Design an entourage agreement to Blame shifters are found at every level, one. Essentially this is rewiring their move the process from deliberation in every club around the world. These problem-based dialog with a solution based to action. In this contract, each athletes routinely point fingers at others response. Changing this performance party commits to excellence for a in their sphere of influence. “I would have anxiety begins with gentle awareness. Just specified period of time. By teaching trained, but my Mom didn’t wake me telling an athlete to stop doing any negative life skills, such as accountability and up,” said 16-year-old Rebecca. “My wife behavior rarely works. The solution stems time management, you’ll change your scheduled breakfast with her sister so I from replacing the negative behaviors with pretenders into contenders. couldn’t practice,” said 43-year-old Joe. positive actions.

These are typical excuses used as athletes An experienced coach can flip this Blame shifting is a common stumbling assign the lack of responsibility to others behavior by encouraging the athlete and block for many in today’s athletic arena. within their entourage. their entourage to accept responsibility.

It is important to recognize that when Another form of self-deception is blaming athletes feel they are being judged, blame the probable upcoming loss on a phony Here’s how: shifting may ensue. Striving to apply the injury. “I can’t play today, my wrist is sore, 1. Organize daily and weekly planners above solutions will not only maximize my knee hurts or I feel sick.” These are and expect the athlete to be your athlete’s tennis potential, but it what I call ego outs. These psychosomatic accountable for completing their will also develop strong, confident, and ailments are coping mechanisms used to customized developmental plan. This resilient people. *

Sept.-Oct. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 51

USPTA NATIONAL BOARD

2020-2021 National Board President

Vice President

Vice President

Vice President

Feisal Hassan

Lane Evans

Mark Faber

Trish Faulkner

First Vice President

Vice President

Vice President

Jason Gilbert

Bill Mountford

Immediate Past President

Rich Slivocka

A

s of the July deadline, the USPTA National Office did not receive any candidate challenges for the 20202021 National Board of Directors, thus the 2020-2021 National Slate will take office on January 1, 2021. The Board of Directors will serve a two-year term.

Per the USPTA By-Laws, the Board of Directors shall manage the affairs of the Association between meetings of the Executive Committee. It shall also have the power to interpret the bylaws and to give direction in cases not provided for therein.

Gary Trost

The outgoing Board of Directors shall hold its final meeting prior to December 31st of the last year of their Board term.

The newly elected Board of Directors shall hold their initial Board meeting on a date that is after January 1st of the first year of their Board term.*

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STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME Register or renew your Net Generation account today!

Net Generation, official youth tennis of the USTA, is helping to grow youth tennis participation in communities across the country. The aim is simple: More kids on more courts in more places—all of them having more fun. That’s a goal we can all rally behind.

Net Generation embraces all aspects of the sport for kids ages 5-18, while also setting important new standards for those who teach the sport to kids. Net Generation is designed to create a safe and fun environment for young players, making it easier than ever to get kids engaged in the sport and stay with it.

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et Generation providers inspire, encourage and motivate—they are the lifeblood of Net Generation and are the fuel that has powered its progress.

Tennis is a sport that grows upward from its grass roots, and the most critical aspect of that growth is local delivery. Net Generation was designed for the local deliverer, which is why it offers an array of benefits.

• Comprehensive print and digital curricula and customized practice plans • The Net Generation app to customize your lessons, assess and connect with your players • Customizable marketing resources in the Marketing Generator tool • Free coach and program listing on netgeneration. com (USPTA providers receive priority listing) As a Net Generation provider, you’re part of a nationwide network of the very best tennis teaching professionals. And Net Generation gives you instant credibility as a USTA-verified provider.

If you haven’t registered for Net Generation, what are you waiting for? If you’ve registered but not yet renewed, make sure to do so as soon as possible as there are brand new and recently updated curricula and education. © 2019 USTA. All rights reserved.

VOICES OF NET GENERATION SUSAN PENDO

USPTA Elite Professional | Tennis Director, Braemar CC | Orange County, CA “Braemar is a busy club with 12 pros servicing a wide array of tennis activities. That’s why when it comes to our youth programming, we count on Net Generation. Net Generation gives my team and me everything ‘junior tennis,’ under one roof. The website has a space for Providers, Players, and Parents to navigate the tennis pathway in a fun and playful way. We use the Net Generation app to set up our weekly lesson plans. It’s so easy....Take the time to learn about Net Generation, it will help grow the game.”

GORDON REID

USPTA Elite Professional, National Tennis Manager, Life Time Athletic Eden Prairie, MN “At Life Time we are proud to be a part of Net Generation. In particular, we like to use the Net Generation app.

Our tennis pros across the country have the ability to use their own lesson plans, create new ones, share with other teaching pros, communicate with their players and deliver outstanding experiences on court with our members.”

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KAITLYN VERFUERTH

Montgomery, TX

Flagstaff, AZ

“I have been using Net Generation since its release [and] it has been extremely helpful. We all share a common goal and that is to grow the game of tennis. From a coach’s

“I have been a teaching pro in Northern Arizona for three years and played wheelchair tennis professionally for more than 13 years. I had never

point of view, it has been a tool for relationship building not only with the players, but also with the parents. The online lesson plans are great, and the best part is that

seen kids be able to pick up a racquet and ball for the first time and have a rally with each other until the Net Generation program launched. I have been using

you can add your own spin on how you want your own program to run knowing that there is always fresh leaning tools available for you at the click of a button or on the

the Net Generation curriculum in my after-school programs for the last two years, and the kids love it!

Net Generation gets everyone on court engaged, and

app. The learning tools are so accessible and simple that the parents can join in with their children. It’s a quick start but it is the fun start and I have seen Net Generation work wonders with kids.”

the kids get to be part of the actual learning process.

The curriculum for Net Generation not only teaches kids tennis skills, but it also teaches simple eye hand coordination, basic athletic skills, and character skills that translate both on and off the court.”

USPTA Elite Professional Tennis Director, Walden Creek Racquet Center

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USPTA WILSON ENDORSEMENT

USPTA EXTENDS ENDORSEMENT AGREEMENT WITH WILSON Partnership will now extend through 2022

U

SPTA has extended its endorsement agreement with Wilson Sporting Goods Co., the global leader in performance tennis. Under the terms of the agreement, Wilson will remain as the official equipment supplier of the USPTA, providing racquets, balls, strings, grip, bags, youth tennis equipment and stringing machines, along with platform tennis paddles and balls for USPTA members and programs. Additionally, Wilson will become the official pickleball paddle and ball of USPTA. USPTA members will continue to have access to the all-surface USPTA Ultra Ball, produced by Wilson for USPTA members.

As the official equipment supplier of the USPTA, Wilson equipment and signage will be showcased prominently at all official USPTA events, conferences and promotions. Wilson will continue making contributions to the USPTA Supplemental Savings program.

With the enormous success of the new Clash racquet and introduction the new Trinity tennis ball, with Eco-friendly, recycled non-plastic packaging, Wilson has solidified its standing as the leader in equipment in the tennis industry worldwide. Several top players use Wilson racquets, including legendary Swiss professional Roger Federer and American Serena Williams, who each own the Open Era record for Grand Slams with 20 men’s titles and 23 women’s titles, respectively. *

Above USPTA President Gary Trost (left) and Wilson Racquet Sports Regional Commercial Director Mickey Maule put pen to paper in extending the endorsement agreement between USPTA and Wilson for an additional three years. (Below) Members of the USPTA National Board and senior staff at Wilson World Headquarters in Chicago.

56 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — Sept.-Oct. 2019

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Together, we will set a new standard of excellence and provide even more opportunities for those who teach tennis to grow and advance.

To learn more, go to usta.com/raisingstandards © 2019 USTA. All rights reserved.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Exams, Upgrades & PTCA 4 Credits for PTCA I Segment Exams, Upgrades & PTCA Sept. 7 ................................. Midlothian, VA Sept. 7-8 .................................Portland, OR Sept. 7-8 ......................................Aurora, IL Sept. 9-10 .................................Orlando, FL Sept. 13 ........................... Minneapolis, MN Sept. 13-14 ..............................Houston, TX Sept. 15 ....................................... Rome, GA Sept. 15-16 ............................. Burbank, CA Sept. 16-17 ............................. Berkeley, CA Sept. 19-20 ................................ Tucson, AZ Sept. 26-27 ........................... Las Vegas, NV Sept. 29 ...................... West Bloomfield, MI Oct. 4....................................... Mt Kisco, NY Oct. 5-6..................... Huntington Beach, CA Oct. 5-6.................. North Richland Hills, TX Oct. 6........................Hilton Head Island, SC Oct. 10-11...............................Missoula, MT Oct. 11............................... Nichols Hills, OK Oct. 11-12...................................... Boise, ID Oct. 12-13.......................... Johns Creek, GA Oct. 18-19....................... Albuquerque, NM Oct. 19-20.............................Boca Raton, FL Oct. 20.................................. Glen Allen, VA Oct. 21-22........................ San Francisco, CA Oct. 25-26........................... Fayetteville, NC Oct. 25-26..........................New Orleans, LA Oct. 26-27............................. Columbus, GA Oct. 26-27............................... Gulfport, MS Oct. 28...........................Rancho Mirage, CA Nov. 1-2....................................... Azusa, CA Nov. 2-3..................Mountlake Terrace, WA Nov. 8............................... Prairie Village, KS Nov. 8.................................. Wilmington, DE

Nov. 8-9.......................................... Lehi, UT Nov. 8-9............................ Westminster, CO Nov. 9....................................... Mequon, WI Nov. 9.............................................. Rye, NH Nov. 9-10........................... Johns Creek, GA Nov. 11................................... San Diego, CA Nov. 11-12....................... San Francisco, CA Nov. 11-12.................................Orlando, FL Nov. 15........................................Vienna, VA Nov. 15-16................................Houston, TX Nov. 16.................................. Big Rapids, MI Nov. 16-17..............................Charlotte, NC Nov. 30-Dec. 1.......... Huntington Beach, CA Nov. 30-Dec. 1.........................Glendale, AZ

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.

Sept. 27-28 ................. Certification Course USPTA World Conference; Las Vegas, NV

Nov. 15-16 .................. Certification Course Atlanta, GA

Platform tennis

Oct. 1-2......................................... Paoli, PA Oct. 6...........................Briarcliff Manor, NY Oct. 14-15....................... Chevy Chase, MD Oct. 25.................................. Rochester, NY

Padel 2019 Level 1 Certification Dates Sept. 19-20 ................................Lowell, AR

USPTA

2019 USPTA Division Conference Schedule Division Conferences - 6 Credits Sept. 22-26.................USPTA World Conference Westgate Las Vegas; Las Vegas, NV

Oct. 19-20............................Southern California

Sea Cliff; Huntington Beach, CA

Nov. 8-9........................................ Middle States Wilmington Country Club, Wilmington,DE

WHEELCHAIR Tennis Oct. 24-25 ........................................Orlando, FL

IPTPA Pickleball Certification Workshop Sept. 14, 15 ..........Governador Valadares, Brazil Sept. 22.......................Las Vegas, NV (Sold Out) Sept. 28, 29 .............................Eden Prairie, MN Oct. 20 .............. Phoenix, AZ (USPTA Members)

Surface Championships

Nov. 8-10............. Hardcourts - Georgetown, TX

Online education

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

USPTA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

The USPTA Leadership Academy is laser focused coaching on key tennis industry leadership principles. Led by USPTA members Feisal Hassan, Ajay Pant, Sara Morse and Jose Pastrello, the leadership academy will use case studies, self-assessments and best practices and behaviors. Additional topics to build a strong leadership base will include time management, communication skills, customer service, team building, budgets and HR issues. This is a very interactive course that will involve group participation utilizing group projects and exercises within each training module. All sessions will be held at USPTA World Headquarters in Lake Nona, Florida.

Information and Location:

• Dates: November 8-10 • Location: USPTA Headquarters, Orlando, FL • Cost: $499 • Education credits: up to 15 education credits 6 credits + up to 9 credits for the education sessions.

USPTA.com/LeadershipAcademy

Sept.-Oct. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 59

MEMBER NEWS

Frank Sachire Elite Professional Frank Sachire, the Austintown Fitch High School tennis head coach for 28 seasons, was recently inducted Ohio State Tennis Hall of Fame.

Sachire’s teams compiled a 325-164 record, winning two league championships and 18 runner-up finishes. A 1963 graduate of Fitch, Sachire was a four-year letterman in football at Mount Union.

Twice, he was an All-Ohio Conference honoree who played two season in the NFL.

Mark Robbins Professional Mark Robbins was named tennis coach at Bishop Gorman Catholic School in Tyler, Texas.

Robbins was formerly the Jacksonville College athletic director and head tennis coach, is a certified tennis teaching professional through the United States Professional Tennis Association for 23 years.

At Jacksonville College, seven of Robbins’ Jaguar teams reached the NJCAA National Tournament.

Mary Herrick

Jimmy Parker

Elite Professional Mary Herrick was recently inducted into the USPTA Midwest Division Hall of Fame.

Herrick has been a USPTA member since 1994 and has served as the Ohio president and as the Midwest Division president, as well as being a member of the USPTA national executive committee.

She served on the national nominating committee and was the chairperson for the National Division Leaders Workshop in 2002.

Master Professional Jimmy Parker, has won eight consecutive USTA National Singles Championships. He holds the men’s all-time record for national championships with 144, is currently ranked #1 in the 75 USTA national rankings, #2 in the ITF World singles and doubles rankings, and will captain the US team at the World Cup in Croatia in September. He currently serves as President of the National Senior Men’s Tennis Association.

Raleigh Grossbaum USPTA Elite Professional Raleigh Grossbaum was recently named head coach of the Southern Utah Thunderbird men's tennis program. Grossbaum, a graduate of the USPTA Leadership Academy in 2018, played his collegiate tennis at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. Grossbaum graduated from Ferris State in 2017 with a Bachelor's of Science in Professional Tennis Management.

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

ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE Editor.............................................................................John Cornell Layout/Design........................................................... Gustavo Reyes Editorial Assistance.....Jacquelyn Dahre, Risa Epstein, Sarah Fisher Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, Ellen Weatherford, Fred Viancos, Ashley Walker Circulation................................................................ Trevor Trudelle USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 800-887-8248 - www.uspta.com

60 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — Sept.-Oct. 2019

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

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

Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved.

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