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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
26-27 BOARD INFORMATION/ED MESSAGE
QUICK TIP
CONFERENCE SAVE THE DATE
THE HIDDEN SIDE OF THE COURT
GUIDE TO RUNNING A 5 STAR EVENT
AWARDS NOMINATIONS
UPCOMING CERTIFICATION
DEI SPOTLIGHT
PAULO ARTICLE

LEADERSHIP INFORMATION

JOSE PASTRELLO

As we begin a new year, I am excited and honored to serve as President of RSPA Florida and to look ahead to all that lies before us. This year brings tremendous opportunity for growth, connection, and continued advancement of our profession, and I am confident that together we will make it a memorable and impactful one.
Earlier this year, the RSPA Florida Board had the opportunity to meet with our District Presidents and Vice Presidents in Lake Nona. This meeting was an important step as we aligned our efforts with RSPA National’s vision and discussed key priorities, including education, leadership development, and networking opportunities for our members. These conversations reinforced our shared commitment to strengthening RSPA Florida and ensuring we continue to provide value at every level of our organization.
One of the highlights we are all looking forward to is the upcoming RSPA Florida Conference at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens . This conference is shaping up to be one of our best, offering outstanding amenities and a premier setting, with access to tennis, pickleball, and pop tennis courts, along with high-quality education and networking opportunities.
This year also represents an exciting chapter in the evolution of RSPA Florida. Our organization continues to grow more diverse and inclusive, now proudly representing professionals across tennis, pickleball, padel, platform, and squash under one unified umbrella. This diversity not only reflects the changing landscape of racquet sports but also strengthens our community and expands opportunities for all our members. I am personally excited about the year ahead and deeply honored to serve as President. I look forward to working alongside our board, district leaders, and members as we continue to grow RSPA Florida and build a strong, connected, and forwardthinking organization.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the year, and especially at our RSPA Florida Conferenc Gardens, as we take the next steps together.
Jose Pastrello
RSPA Florida Division President




As I look ahead to 2026, I want to begin by thanking our outgoing President, Mike Curran, for his leadership and guidance during my first year in this role. Mike, along with Jose Pastrello, Jim Morton, Matt Bacon, and Ron St. John, has provided unwavering support, and I am truly grateful. I’m excited about what we will continue to accomplish together in the years ahead.
I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Michele Krause and Joe D’Aleo for their years of dedicated service to the RSPA Florida Division. Their commitment and hard work have made a lasting and meaningful impact on our division.
I am incredibly excited for everything we have planned this year. Our Florida Conference is shaping up to be our best one yet, and I can’t wait to begin sharing what we have in store for our members. We are also encouraging our local leaders to further engage wih members in their communities and host more meetings throughout the state.
With more than 1700 members, the Florida Division remains the largest division within the RSPA. Let’s continue to build on that momentum, strengthen our connections, and push our division forward.
I’m especially looking forward to traveling more this year and visiting areas of our division that I haven’t yet had the chance to experience. Meeting and connecting with our members in person continues to be the most rewarding part of this role.
If there is anything I can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to serve our Florida members.



DIVISION PRESIDENT
Jose Pastrello
jpastrello@quailcreekcc.com
REGION VICE PRESIDENT
Jim Morton
jmorton@oceanreef.com


VICE PRESIDENT
Matt Bacon
tennisprobacon@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT
Ron St. John
rstjohn@rpgolfclub.com

VICE PRESIDENT
Marcos Del Pilar
marcos@tenismrp.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Isabella Graf
igraf@lygtc.com


EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Cary Tidmus
cary.tidmus@rspa.net

With the continued growth of pickleball and the timeless appeal of tennis, more players than ever are finding themselves curious about the other side of the court While tennis and pickleball share common elements rackets, nets, and competitive spirit they differ in pace, strategy, and technique Understanding those differences can make the transition smoother and far more enjoyable
For tennis players stepping into pickleball, the biggest adjustment is learning to dial things back Pickleball is a game of precision and patience rather than raw power Big tennis swings often lead to unforced errors, so shortening the swing and focusing on control is key Another major change is mastering play at the non-volley zone, commonly known as the kitchen Successful pickleball players learn to dink, reset points, and wait for the right opportunity instead of forcing winners Since most points are decided on the net, developing soft hands, quick reactions, and smart positioning is far more important than dominating from the baseline

Pickleball players making the move to tennis should be ready for a more physical challenge The larger court demands better footwork, endurance, and recovery between shots Tennis strokes require fuller swings and a longer followthrough, with power generated from the legs and core rather than the arm alone While the faster ball speed can take some adjustment, pickleball players often adapt quickly to volleying and net play thanks to their strong hand-eye coordination and comfort up front
In the end, playing both sports can be a huge advantage Many skills transfer naturally, but success comes from being open to learning new patterns and strategies Be patient with yourself, consider a lesson or clinic to learn the fundamentals, and enjoy the process of expanding your game Whether you’re picking up a paddle or a racket, more time on the court is always a win


The 31 Annual King of the Hill has kicked off at The Boulevard Tennis & Padel Club in Vero Beach! The “king of the Hill” is the longest running tennis charity event in Vero Beach and features all of the top professionals in various age brackets. Above is the Men’s Open Division featuring 16 of the areas top professionals! Started 31 years ago, event founder, Gigi Casapu, has partnered with the Youth Guidance Foundation of Indian River County to help families in many ways! Well over $400.000 has been raised since the beginning.

“King of the Hill” participants in the Men’s 40s/50s Division of the 31 Annual Event st






I f you’ve ever unlocked the courts before sunrise,youknowthesilencehitsdifferently.
TheairiscoolandthelinesaredampForaslight moment,thedayfeelswideopen.Racquetsports professionalsliveforthatmoment--thecalmbefore thefirstplayerwalksin,beforetheemails,beforethe chaosMostdays,it’stheonlyquietweget
Whatmostfolkspicturewhentheythinkofourjob isasunnycourt,afewfedballs,maybealaughor twothrowninwiththedailyinstruction.Whatthey rarelyseeiswhathappensbetweenthelines--the emotionalload,theexpectations,theconstant“onswitch”thatneverfullyturnsoff.Theydon;tseethe proswholimptotheircarsaftera12-hourday,orthe oneswhofeelguiltyfortakingasingledayoff.They don’t see the moments when the passion that broughtusintothesportstartsfightingforair.
Buttheydoseethesmile.Andwekeepgivingit.
Thisisthehiddensideofthecourt–andthe journeytofindingbalanceinsideit
oneofthegreatprivilegesoftheprofession,butalso oneofthegreatweights.
Betweenlessons,there’snorealbreak.There’sa ballmachinetofix,amembertogreet,atextto answer, and event to promote, a conflict to navigate,orastaffdiscussionwaiting.Thecourt maybe78feet,butthejobisamuchlarger universe.
WeloveitButittakeseverythingwehave
Mostprosdon’trealizethey’reburningoutuntil they‘ve already hit the wall For me, it wasn’t dramatic.Nobigmeltdown.Noparticularmoment. Itwasapattern.
Itwaswakingupandfeelingdreadinsteadof excitement
Itwaspushingthroughpainbecause“there’sno oneelsetotakethislesson.”
Itwassmilingwhilementallycheckingoutofthe sportIloved
Everyprohasaversionofthesameday.Ithinkmost ofuscanrelatetothejuniorwhooverslept,followed byanadultbeginnerwhoapologizes15timesfor missingtheball,followedbytwocompetitiveplayers whowantcompletelyoppositeemotionalenergy from me Then comes the league conflict, the unhappyparent,theschedulingpuzzleandthe“quick question”that’sneverquick.
Bynoon,you’vecoachedadozenpersonalitiesand woreeachonelikeadifferentjacket.You’rethe motivator, the problem-solver, the listener, the connectorandoftentimes;thetherapist.Playersopen uptousinwaystheydon’twithmostpeople.Over time,wecreateabondwithplayersandmembers thatturnsintodeeplevelsoftrustandrelianceIt’s
Itwashearingaballbounceandfeeling...nothing. Thetoughestpart?Feelingguiltyforfeelingthat way.Afterall,aren’twesupposedtolovethis?Isn’t thisadreamjob?
Thatguiltisthequietaccelerantofburnoutinour industry.
Theshiftdidntcomefromtimeoff–though helpedItcamefromfinallygivingmyselfpermission to treat my own well-being with the same seriousnessItreataplayer’sdevelopment. IrealizedifIwantplayerstothrive,Imustthrive. IfIwantjuniorstobelieveinbalance,Imustliveit IfIwanttostayinthisgameforthelongrun,I mustredefinehowIshowup.SoIstartedcoaching myselfthewayIcoachothers:
1
IBuiltSmallRitualsofRecovery
Afive-minutestretchbetweenlessons.Hydrationas apriority.Twodeepbreathsbeforeswitchingcourts. Micro-re-fuelsmatter.
2
IStoppedGlorifyingOverbooking
A full schedule isn’t a badge of honor An effective oneis
3 ICreatedEmotionalBoundaries Icancaredeeplywithoutabsorbingeverything
4
I Learned to Say No without Feeling Guilty
Not every request needs an immediate yes Not every slot needs filling Not every event needs my presence
5
I Reconnect with the Parts of the Job ThatGiveMeLife
The breakthroughs. The small wins. The moments of whenaplayrsays,“IneverthoughtIcoulddothat.” That’stheoxygenofourprofession–andit’seasy toforgetitwhenwe’resprinting.
OneofthethingsIlovemostaboutracquet sportsishowdeeplyhumantheyare Fromthe outside,it’stechnique,footwork,andtactics But spendenoughtimeoncourt,andyouseethetruth: Peoplecometousforfarmorethanstrokes. Adults come for confidence Juniors come for belonging Older players come for community, purpose,andlongevity.Competitiveplayerscome tofeelalive.
Wearethereforlifemomets:thepromotion,the divorce,theinjury,thefearandthecomebackWe standbesideplayersduringchaptersoftheirlives mostpeopleneverwitness.
Thisisthepartofthejobthatmakesburnoutso dangerousTheemotionalworkisheavy,butalso thegreatestgiftwe’regiven Whenyoulearnto balanceitright,thejobbecomesmoremeaningful, notless.
Ifyou’rereadingthisasacoachordirector,Iwant youtoknow:
You’renotalone.Everyprohasstruggled.Everypro hashadadaywhereloveforthesportfeltfaraway. Everyprohashittheedge.
Youcan’tpourfromanemptytankYourenergy influenceshundredsofplayersayearProtectit Balancedoesn’tremovepassion–itpreservesit. Theproswholastaren’ttheoneswhopushthe hardest; they’re the ones who recharge the smartest
Yourworkmattersmorethanyouknow.Asimple drillyouranlastweekcouldbethehighlightof someone’syear.Asingleencouragingcomment couldbethereasonajuniorstickswiththesport Whatfeelsroutinetoyoucanfeeltransformational tosomeoneelse.
Despitethelonghours,theemotionalweight,and thechallenges,Ilovethisprofessionnowmorethan ever–becauseIunderstanditmoredeeply Ilovethefirsthitofthemorning.
Ilovewatchingaplayersurprisethemselves. IloveknowingIgettoshapenotjustathletes,but people
Ilovethecommunityracquetsportscreate Ilovethatthisprofessiongivesusthechanceto makeanimpacteverysingleday.
Mostofall,IlovethatI’velearnedhowtostayin lovewithit–sustainably
Racquetsportshaveawayofgivingbackwhenwe givethemtherightkindofattention.Balanceisn’ta luxuryinthiscareer–it’sarequirement.Whenwe careforourselvesasmuchaswecareforour players,somethingremarkablehappens: Thejoyreturns.Theenergyreturns.Thepurpose returns.AndtheCourtfeelslikehomeagain.
That’sthejourney–therealone Andit’swortheverystep.


Everleavearacquetseventthinking,“Wow, thatwasseamless ?Thecourtswereperfect,the energywashigh,thetimingfelteffortlessand somehoweverythingjust worked
Well thisdoesnothappenbyaccident-itis built
Atruefive-starracquetseventistheresultof thoughtfulplanning,detailedpreparation,anda teamthatknowshowtoexecute Here’sa behind-the-sceneslookatwhatgoesinto creatinganeventthatfeelseffortless butis anythingbut
1 TheFoundation
Everygreateventstartslongbeforethefirst pointisplayedout
Onceaneventisapprovedandplacedonthe annualcalendar,therealworkbegins:
•Selectingtherightdate-noconflicts,nochaos •Establishingacommitteeandaneventchair •Definingtheformat budget logistics andyes thefun“gimmicks”thatmakeitmemorable Settingpricingandensuringvalueforevery participant
Fromthere,communicationbecomesking Staffareinformed membersareengaged signagegoesup,emailsgoout,Instagrampost andexcitementstartstobuild Behindthe scenes,coordinationwithCatering,Grounds, Housekeeping,andClubleadershipensures everyoneisalignedandready
Five-stareventsareatrueteameffortacross theentireclub
2 TheDetailsThatSeparateGoodfromGreat

Whoarriveswhen •Whorunswhat
•Whereawardswillbepresented
•Howtheeventflowsfromstarttofinish
Everydetailisthoughtfullyaccountedfor
3.TheDayBefore
Thedaybeforetheeventisabout confidence
Participantsarepersonallyconfirmed Staff receivesfinalinstructions Welcomeletters, rotationsheets,rules,andcustomizedmaterials areprepared Scoreboardsareset Everything iscovered organized andreadytogo Wheneventdayarrives,thereshouldbeno scrambling onlyexecution
4.EventDay
Thisiswherepreparationpaysoff Thetoneispositive Courtsarepristine Freshballsarewaiting Musicisplaying The PA systemislive Theawardtableisstaged Thephotographeriscapturingmoments Staff isvisible,energized,andready
5 TheFollow-Through
•Reviewcostsandresults
•Meetasateamtodiscusswinsand opportunities
•Sharephotosandrecapswiththe membership-socialmedia
•Thankparticipants,staff,anddepartment heads
•Updateleadershipandclosetheloop administratively
FinalThought
Afive-starracquetseventisn’tabout perfection it’saboutintention
It’splanningearly communicatingclearly respectingdetails,empoweringstaff,and alwaysputtingthememberexperiencefirst Whenthathappens,theresultfeelseffortless andunforgettable
Thisiswheredistinctioniscreated Awardsare ordered Raffleprizessecured Balls,beverages, drawsheets signage props andparticipation giftsarecarefullyplanned Staffingisdialedin, youhaveahealthywaitlist,musicisready,courts areprepared,andeveryrole fromphotography toprizedistribution isclearlyassigned Afullstaffmeetingtiesitalltogether:
Asmatchesunfold,thefocusstaysonthe memberexperience:
•Smoothtransitions
Clearcommunication
•Fun,competitiveenergy
Attheend wecelebrate winners participants,staff,committees,andeveryone whomadethedayspecial Gratitudeisnever skipped,becausegreateventsarealwaysa teameffort

WE ENCOURAGE ALL MEMBERS TO NOMINATE DESERVING PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED EXCELLENCE, LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION IN THEIR ROLES.
DEADLINEFORSUBMISSIONS




Padel
February 21 | Padel Plus, Orlando Register Here
Padel
April 11 | XCel Padel, Westlake Register Here
Pickleball
February 28 | Palm Harbor Register Here
Pickleball
April 4 | Palm Harbor Register Here
April 18 - 19 | Boynton Beach Register Here
Pickleball
March 7 | Sarasota Register Here
Pickleball
March 18 | Boca Raton Register Here
April 24 - 26 | Shalimar Register Here
New Features Include:
AI-powered job matching, delivering more relevant results tailored to each job seeker
Automated job alerts, notifyng cadidates of new opportunities based on their preferences
Seamless member login and access via the RSPA portal for a more connected experience
Free Job postings for RSPA members, making it easier for clubs, academies and employers to find qualified candidates

I’moftenaskedwhyDEIisnecessaryintheracquetsportsindustryortoldthat it’soverkillor“pushesanagenda”I’malsoaskedwhythistopicfeelsdifficult forsometodiscussorunderstand Forcolleagueswhoknowme andforthose whomaybequestioningthiswork,Ihopethishelpsclarifywhyadvocacyand DEImatter andwhytheygohandinhand
AdvocacyandDEIintheracquetsportsindustryarenotnegatives Theyare toolsthathelpourindustrylearn,grow,andmoveforwardtogether
DEIhelpsusidentifywherebarriersexistandwhomaybeexcluded Advocacy ishowwerespond bytakingactiontocreateaccess,opportunity,and fairness
Allyshipvs.Advocacy
Allyshipisshowingsupport Advocacygoesastepfurtherbytakingaction An advocatedoesn’tjustagree anadvocatedoes
Whatadvocacylookslikeintheracquetsportsindustry: Expandingaccesstocourts,equipment,andcoachinginunderserved communities
Supportingwomen,girls,andmarginalizedgroupsinleadershipandcoaching roles
Callingattentiontoinequitiesinpay,opportunity,andrepresentation Usingevents,media,andeducationtocreatemoreinclusivespaces
Atitscore,advocacyistheactivesupport,promotion,anddefenseofothers tocreatepositivechange Itmeansusingyourvoice position andinfluenceto ensurepeopleareheard,valued,andtreatedfairly

Thisworkisnotaboutdivisionoragendas Itisaboutstrengtheningoursport andourindustryforeveryonewhoplays,teaches,leads,andlovesracquet sports
Communityisthefoundationofoursport Courtsbringpeopletogetheracross generations,cultures,abilities,andidentities Whenweintentionallyinvestin community,wedon’tjustgrowparticipation webuildbelonging,leadership,and long-termsustainability
TheRSPACommunityDEITaskForceswerecreatedtocelebrate,unite,and supportourdiversemembershipwhilerecognizingkeymomentsthroughoutthe year,includingBlackHistoryMonth,Women’sHistoryMonth,Autism AcceptanceMonth,LGBTQ+PrideMonth,DisabilityAwarenessMonth,Hispanic HeritageMonth,andmore
Thesetaskforcesprovidemeaningfulopportunitiesforeducation,visibility,and engagementatboththedivisionalandlocallevels Theirsuccessdependsonall ofus industryleaders,ExecutiveDirectors,andcoaches workingtogetherto sharestories,promoteinitiatives,andcreateinclusiveenvironmentswhere everyonefeelswelcome
Attached,youwillfindcontactinformationforeachTaskForcerepresentative Theyarevaluableresourcesandcanhelpyouandyourdivisionalmembers becomemoreinvolved
Thankyouforyourleadershipandcontinuedcommitmenttopositivechange Together wecanensureracquetsportsremaininclusive accessible and community-driven

Expanding a private club’s racquetsport offerings can be an effective way to attract new members, increase seasonal activity, and diversify programming The following summary outlines the practical steps, considerations, and outcomes we experienced while adding padel and pickleball to Fisher Island Club already one of the most established and respected tennis facilities in the world
The club serves members from ages 3 to over 90, ranging from beginners to retired professional players Adding padel and pickleball allowed us to enhance this multigenerational, multisport environment
Why add Tennis, Padel, and Pickleball?
Florida’s climate and demographics support year-round outdoor racquet sports
Tennis remains a globally established sport with a large participant base
Padel is rapidly growing, offering a social, fast-paced, lower-impact alternative
Pickleball has become one of the major racquet sports in the U S , appealing to all ages and providing easy entry for beginners
A diversified program boosts engagement, community energy, seasonal calendars, and revenue streams (court fees, lessons, clinics, leagues, events, pro shop sales).
Padel and pickleball tend to attract more players at once, especially because most participation happens in doubles format
Planning and Kickoff: Governance, Facilities and Services
1) Governance and Budget
Form a cross-functional project team (GM, Facility Manager, Committee, Pros for each sport, contractors, marketing) at least one year before the launch
Build a phased budget: demolition, construction, equipment, staffing, programming, insurance, and contingency
Establish policies for court access, guest rules, operating hours, and event pricing
2) Facility Assessment and Improvements
Evaluate the number of courts needed using member surveys and professional assessments.
Ensure proper amenities: shade, seating, hydration stations, restrooms, and parking
Strongly recommended: Keep all racquet sports within the same facility Proximity increases usage, simplifies management, supports multisport events, and strengthens the club’s social atmosphere.
3) Equipment and Safety
Padel: appropriate racquets, adult and junior balls, wall padding, and padelspecific shoes (critical for safety other shoes increase slipping risk)
Protective eyewear recommended
Provide first aid kits, AEDs, water stations, sunscreen, shade, and heat/rain protocols Heat retention is higher inside padel courts and on pickleball hard courts
4) Programs and Staffing
Hire pros certified in each sport or crosstrain existing staff if necessary but avoid relying on the same pros to cover all sports, as it limits revenue and program capacity.
Build recurring programs: beginner/intermediate clinics, social rounds, ladders, leagues, junior development, and family events.
Padel and pickleball often bring entire families onto the courts more than tennis Interclub and guest events are among the most popular and well-attended
Padel
Status: Fastest-growing sport at the club
Demographic: Primarily adults ages 20–50; children 8–12; not recommended for older players with limited mobility
Key Programs
Introductory clinics and evening social sessions
Short-format social round robins
Youth padel programs especially impactful for kids who didn’t connect with tennis

Low barrier to entry; social gameplay increases retention
Higher per-hour court usage and strong lesson revenue (especially for 3-and-apro sessions)
Smaller court footprint vs tennis
Higher construction costs than tennis or pickleball
Hurricane-rated structures significantly increase investment in Florida
Requires education and awareness for new players
Player levels must be reasonably matched for enjoyable play
Higher maintenance glass panels require regular cleaning
Slippery when humid or slightly wet
Pickleball
Status: Established sport
Demographic: Extremely broad kids to seniors
Key Programs
Learn-to-play beginner clinics
Organized open-play sessions
Ladder series and friendly interclub leagues
Family play hours, especially during holidays
Pros
High participation from the start
Builds community quickly with frequent social play
Attracts players who have never played a racquet sport
Cons
Advanced younger players may lose engagement if peers or competitive groups are limited
Lesson and clinic revenue can decrease over time if programming becomes repetitive
High-level men’s groups may require careful matchmaking to stay engaged
1) Seasonal Calendar
Expect the calendar to triple in size with the introduction of three sports ensure adequate staffing.
Members expect consistent professionalism and attention across all sports
2) Marketing and Onboarding
Launch welcome campaigns such as “Try a Sport Week” with complimentary intro sessions
Use phased onboarding: intro → clinics → leagues
3) Community and Inclusivity
Keep programs accessible for all ages and levels.
Family-friendly schedules strongly support padel growth young parents and their children engage quickly.
4) Revenue and Cost Controls
Lesson packages, rentals, and pro shop sales increase with additional sports Padel lessons generally produce more consistent revenue than pickleball
Track usage and financial data to justify future budget increases for facility growth

Clear governance and phased budgeting
Start construction planning one year in advance

Efficient facility design to minimize downtime
Qualified, enthusiastic staff
Strong communication and onboarding to engage members
Expanding the calendar with 2–3× more events
Leadership and pros must be prepared for higher workloads
Data-driven decision-making (utilization, participation, revenue, seasonality)
Adding padel and pickleball to an already established private tennis club in Florida can transform the facility into a vibrant multisport hub While the expansion requires planning, capital investment, and strong management, the long-term benefits broader member appeal, consistent court usage, diversified revenue, and a thriving social environment make this evolution a powerful growth strategy for modern racquet clubs.















