Abundant Resources
Brian Dillman | RSPA CEO
One phrase I say to my kids frequently is, “I didn’t know that.” They continuously show me things I don’t know, like the things I can do on my phone, my computer, with AI and many other technologies I am not 100% familiar with. I feel like our association is very similar. During my travels to divisional conferences,and in daily conversations with many members, this conversation comes up. I had a conver-
sation a few weeks ago with a member who said, “Wow, I would love a better option for health insurance.” And I said, “Well, we have that. We’re part of the health insurance marketplace through LIG that offers some of the best health insurance in the country.” And his response was, “I didn’t know that.” There was another member we had a conversation with who complained about the cost of sexual and molestation harassment insurance, and I told them that we have a great rate and all you must do is call our membership department and add it on. Her response?
“I didn’t know that.” And then, tragically, I went to one of our divisional conferences and was talking about our official tennis ball, which is Dunlop, and we had some people in that meeting who said, “I didn’t know that.”
We try very hard, and with a lot (maybe too much) of communication, to share all of the great benefits and
resources you have available to you as a member of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association. Sometimes the information gets lost in the cluster of email, texts and the magazine. Sometimes it’s too much communication (we get that, but we have a lot to share). But sometimes it’s on you as well. We all must take a little responsibility here, right? Well, this whole issue is about our industry and the resources we provide. Let’s start with some of the super-secret resources you might not know about. Did you know we had a Junior Apprentice Program for young adults (from 14-17) who, for $50, can join the association, receive RSI Magazine and have access to www.tennisresources. com, mentoring, discounts and more? This is a great entry point for potential new professionals in our industry. Did you know we had a program called The Inner Circle (large group discounts), which is designed for facilities with larger staffs of RSPA professionals. We offer lower cost renewals and lower cost workshops for one facility supporting six or more. Did you know we had reciprocal membership recognition? If you received your certification in one of our five sports from another accredited association or federation, we will honor the equivalent level of certification and you only pay the dues. We also have your office / headquarters in Orlando, Florida. This office is your club house. You built it and are welcome anytime. Stop by for coffee, a chat, a place to cool down, schedule a meeting or anything else that helps you.
And now, some of the not-so-secret resources: Did you know your membership in the RSPA includes all
our racquet sports? Yes, 5 sports incorporated into one membership. Our new jobs website, www.jobs.rspa.net, is our RSPA career center. It is free to register your profile, look for jobs, search by companies, and connect with great new opportunities. We launched this only a few months ago, after we received member feedback which asked us to create our own job board. For RSPA employers, we’re already seeing positive results. As an RSPA member, you can post jobs for free for 30 days at an unlimited amount. This is becoming your go-to place to find your next role in tennis, pickleball, padel, platform and squash.
But the real resource that most of our members don’t take advantage of? The people! We have an incredible network of members who have mad skills, come from all walks of life, work in public, private, HOA, schools, etc. We have members who are ready to be mentors (officially through our program), but who are also ready and willing to take a phone call, have a cup of coffee or just offer themselves up as a resource. We have divisions looking for volunteers to assist their boards or committees and are looking for your expertise. You get out of your membership what you put into it, so
get a bit uncomfortable and reach out to your executive director, your divisional leadership, our national board, or our National Office. We are here for you!
The best part of my day is talking to members about different challenges they are facing in their jobs, career search, with members, bosses, etc. Please call or write me whenever you are stuck on something. Here is what I have done to help members so far this month:
1. Reviewed resumes and cover letters
2. Helped a member prep for a big job interview
3. Helped find staff for a summer opportunity
4. Was a reference for someone job search
5. Connected one of our members with a padel court manufacturer
6. And much, much more
My calling is to be of service to the racquet sports industry, but more specifically, our association. We will continue to communicate all our member benefits and resources, but we ask you to engage as well. Ask questions, challenge us, grow with us and help lead us into the future. I know I will not stop saying, “I didn’t know that,” to my kids, but I hope we can hear less of that from you.
Brian Dillman RSPA CEO
WHY THE RSPA leads the way
WHY THE RSPA
SPORTS: leads the way
THE GOLD STANDARD OF RACQUET
Trish Faulkner | RSPA President
In this month’s article, I want to remind everyone why they should be very proud of their decision to join and support Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA).
We are gearing up for an exciting new format for our September World Racquets Conference in Kona, Hawaii, September 21-25. I hope all our members in attendance will take a moment to enjoy some of the free time built into the schedule, along with all the incredible seminars throughout the days. Selecting Hawaii was a big decision for the board, but we were swayed by the tremendous energy and excitement displayed by the leaders of the Hawaii division. So we decided to take a leap and combine our conference with education and the exotic locale. We have also allowed time for open round table discussions and workshops.
Those members who cannot make the trip to Kona will be able to catch some
of the key sessions which will be recorded.
I hope all of you will have benefitted from the expansion and rebranding that has taken place in the last year. Recognizing the rise of multi-sport facilities and the growing demand for versatile professionals, RSPA has evolved from its roots in tennis to become the leading certifying body for professionals across five racquet sports: tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis. This bold move positioned RSPA as the only association certifying across multiple racquet sports under one unified membership, setting a gold standard for excellence.
Our commitment to professional development is evident through our worldclass certification programs, mentorship opportunities and leadership pathways. However, always with our members in the forefront, RSPA’s impact extends beyond certification. It fosters a vibrant community of over 11,000 members worldwide. Our monthly webinars, open Town Hall meetings, and guest panelists allow our members easy access to knowledgeable and experienced multi-sports personalities.
We have an incredible office staff led by our CEO Brian Dillman, and, as a team, they have all contributed to our new look and successful rebranding. With an expanded marketing department, new look for our website, an
aggressive social media team and strong corporate support from our endorsees, our members have easier access and a broader scope to increase their multisport knowledge.
As RSPA approaches its 100th anniversary in September 2027, we continue to expand our reach globally and embrace new racquet sports. Here is a quick overview of what is now available to all our members, plus what is in the works for the next 12 months.
1. Multi-Sport Certification and Education
• RSPA is the only organization certifying professionals across five racquet sports: tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis. By offering certifications tailored to the growing demand for multi-sport expertise, RSPA ensures its members are prepared to lead in modern, multi-sport facilities.
• The organization is also enhancing its certification pathways, such as developing an Elite Professional pathway for pickleball and expanding workshops for padel and platform tennis.
• Squash will be our next certification pathway currently in development.
Expansion
• RSPA is actively working to expand its international presence. For example, we are conducting our first pickleball certification in Japan and training coach developers in countries like China, Mexico, Italy and Poland. These efforts aim to establish a global network of racquet sports professionals. We are also partnering with Tennis Australia in upcoming joint initiatives.
3. Partnerships and Sponsorships
• RSPA is continuing to form strategic partnerships with organizations like USA Pickleball, Tennis Warehouse, Selkirk and DUPR Coach to enhance its credibility and provide additional benefits to members. These partnerships also help RSPA tap into new markets and audiences.
• Sponsorships with brands in equipment, apparel, and facility management further support RSPA’s growth while offering members exclusive discounts and resources.
4. Career Development and Leadership
• RSPA is looking to form joint partnerships to create a dedicated Executive Search and Career Services division. This will position RSPA as the go-to resource for leadership talent in racquet sports facilities, while still focusing on mentorship programs, leadership coaching, and professional development workshops to build a sustainable leadership pipeline.
• We recently launched a new Apprentice Membership level for younger players looking at our industry. In the last three months we have created a High School Task force to work with coaches and players to make sure they understand how RSPA can be beneficial as they expand their career choices.
• RSPA’s latest media campaign is titled the “Hire Standard” which highlights our world-class multisports certification process. An individual going through our training and education program, is exactly the new “hire” a director or general manager will be looking at.
5. Digital Transformation
• RSPA is revamping its digital platforms, including TennisResources. com, to provide a comprehensive learning experience for all racquet sports. We are also leveraging its RSPA Career Center to connect members with career opportunities.
• Social media and digital marketing campaigns are being enhanced to engage a broader audience and promote RSPA’s offerings. We are using, encouraging and helping our members leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube
• RSPA is committed to fostering inclusiveness in racquet sports. We continue to integrate DE&I efforts into conferences, webinars, and educational content to ensure racquet sports are accessible to all.
All seven DE&I Task Forces are
active and engaged with our entire membership. Our new WCSR (Women Coaching Racquet Sports) Foundation was formed to mentor and provide women RSPA members, additional networking and speaking opportunities nationwide.
• As RSPA approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, we want to use this milestone to further elevate our brand, attract new members, and showcase our legacy of excellence in racquet sports. I am confident our successful rebranding and our aggressive moves to expand our position in the racquet sports industry will continue to place RSPA as the leaders in this arena.
Reading all the above, I am proud to be a long term RSPA member and your president through 2025. I hope you feel the same way!
From Court to Classroom to Tech: Alex Skinner’s Journey Through Racquet Sports
Alex Skinner, RSPA Elite Professional
My path to launching a racquet sports tech company didn’t begin in Silicon Valley. It started at a school, on dorm duty and on the sidelines of a basketball court.
I spent nearly a decade at Brooks School, a boarding school in North Andover, Massachusetts, where I served as an admissions officer, dorm parent, academic advisor, and coach for varsity girls basketball and boys tennis. Eventually, I became Director of Physical Wellness, a role that deepened my understanding of how sport and education intersect to shape character and community.
I loved being able to see the students in a variety of contexts. I saw how they learned, interacted with friends and adults, and competed on the courts. It shaped how I think about leadership and how we understand people and help them grow.
As a lifelong athlete, I played Division I tennis at Boston College, where I
competed all four years and captained the team as a senior. That experience helped solidify my love for the sport and my desire to lead.
During my summers off at Brooks, I was director of tennis at Edgcomb Tennis Club in Kennebunk, Maine. After three seasons there, I pursued a master’s in School Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 2019.
After my time at Brooks, I transitioned to full-time club management, serving as Director of Tennis at Spark Fitness and Tennis Club, a year-round facility in Andover, Massachusetts. For three years, I oversaw tennis operations and programming, which deepened my understanding of the day-to-day challenges clubs face and the importance of systems that support staff and elevate member experience.
In 2019, I also took on the Director of Tennis role at Chatham Beach and Tennis Club on Cape Cod.
I fell in love with Chatham—the tradition, the people, and the opportunity to build something meaningful. Now enter-
ing my sixth summer, I’ve helped grow the program, foster a strong staff culture, and create a member experience rooted in care, fun, and high-quality coaching.
Along the way, I earned an Elite Professional Certification through the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) and remain active in the organization’s mission to raise industry standards in coaching, management, and leadership.
But as I gained experience directing clubs, I became increasingly frustrated with the software options available to manage them.
Most systems were outdated, overly complex, and didn’t accommodate racquet sports. I was often wasting time juggling multiple platforms to perform simple tasks.
So instead of continuing to patch together workarounds, I teamed up with a co-founder and decided to build something better.
Building clubcloud Serving Stars The Road Ahead
I’m now the co-founder and CEO of clubcloud, an all-in-one club management platform designed specifically for racquet and fitness clubs. The software handles everything from lesson booking and member communication to payments and court scheduling, all with a clean, intuitive interface.
Clubcloud isn’t just a booking tool— it’s the operational backbone for racquet and fitness clubs, built by people who actually understand what it’s like to run one.
The platform has been adopted by a range of clubs, including pickleball franchises, seasonal tennis clubs, private membership facilities, and nonprofit NJTLs. It integrates with key partners like USTA Connect, DUPR, and PlaySight, and was recently featured
My work isn’t just about software or private clubs. As executive director of Serving Stars, a growing NJTL chapter based in Lawrence, Massachusetts, I lead a nonprofit that offers tennis, fitness and academic enrichment to youth in a city historically underserved in both sport and education.
Serving Stars provides year-round programming with a strong focus on character development and opportunity-building, both on and off the court.
It’s about access and belief. When kids know people believe in them, it brings out the best in them. That’s true in a classroom, on a court, or anywhere else.
From classrooms to clubs to technology, I’m working to shape a future for racquet sports that’s inclusive, efficient and people-centered. With the experience of an educator, the expertise of a club director, the credentials of an RSPA Elite Professional and the drive of an entrepreneur, I’m helping modernize an industry while keeping its core values intact.
Whether I’m mentoring a team, coaching a young player, or building tools that help clubs run more smoothly, my approach is consistent: practical, thoughtful, and always focused on improving the experience for everyone involved.
CERTIFICATION CALENDAR PREVIEW
OCTOBER 2025
OCTOBER
Djokovic Loss at Wimbledon was a Singularly Poignant Moment
Steve Flink, International Tennis Hall of Fame
PHOTO CREDIT: Fred Mullane, CameraWorksUSA
The latest edition of Wimbledon marked my 60th anniversary at the world’s premier tennis tournament. I went there for the first time when I was about to turn 13 and have been at the shrine all but four years since that life-altering experience in 1965. It was an exhilarating tournament this year as Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek each deservedly secured the world’s premier title for the first time. The Italian gentleman pocketed a fourth career major while the Polish player took her sixth. They are the first players from their nations to claim the world’s most prestigious singles title. Meanwhile, Amanda Anisimova’s stirring run to the final could not be diminished by her extreme apprehension in a 6-0, 6-0 loss to Swiatek; the 23-year-old American cut down top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka in the penultimate round and celebrated the fortnight of her life. Nothing can change that fundamental fact.
But from my point of view, the lasting impression of Wimbledon 2025 will be of Novak Djokovic reaching his
third consecutive major semifinal and then bowing out 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 against Sinner in the semifinals. Djokovic had taken an alarming fall two points before ousting Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in a four-set quarterfinal, and his mobility against Sinner was severely impaired. He could not recover with anything like his usual speed when pulled wide on either side. His lateral movement was drastically subpar. He was forced to serve-and-volley far too often to compensate for his limited court coverage.
Had he not been competing at a Grand Slam tournament, the Serbian would surely have defaulted his match to Sinner. Walking on court in his terribly compromised state for his semifinal with Sinner, Djokovic surely understood he was a shell of his normal self.
And yet, Djokovic recognized that forfeiting a Wimbledon semifinal would have been unfair to the fans. And so he showed up for work and played the best he could under the worst possible
circumstances. The Serbian even manufactured a 3-0 third set lead with a break point for 4-0 before conceding six of the last seven games. He was the ultimate professional.
But where does he go from here?
This is a man who has set the highest standards with his record 24 men’s majors, 100 career titles, 7 ATP Finals trophies, an unimaginable eight years concluded at No. 1 in the world and no fewer than 428 weeks at the top of the tennis mountain. He has done it all, taking at least three titles at all four majors, reaching 37 Grand Slam tournament finals and 52 semifinals. His enduring excellence has been exceeded by no one save Pancho Gonzalez and Ken Rosewall, but even they did not perform year in and year out across two decades with the consistency of Djokovic. Last summer he celebrated a crowning moment when he stopped Carlos Alcaraz to capture the elusive gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.
That career completing triumph would have been enough for many great champions to willingly put the racket down and leave a glorious career behind them, but not for Djokovic. His overriding goal is to
secure a 25th major title to break a tie for a record he shares with Australia’s estimable Margaret Smith Court. It is a target he has been trying to hit since the beginning of last year.
In 2024, the dynamic Serbian travelled to the semifinals of the Australian Open, the quarters at Roland Garros and the final of Wimbledon. He has been a semifinalist at all three majors this season. He realized a significant milestone in Geneva this spring by coming through to win a long-awaited 100th career singles crown.
Now he is on a quest to stand alone on the Grand Slam charts by achieving that 25th title. He is unwaveringly determined not to share that honor any longer with Court. Djokovic knows history when he sees it and has admirably chased his largest dreams for a very long time. Consider this: Heading into 2015, Federer had claimed 17 majors, Nadal 14, and Djokovic 7. Going into the 2019 Wimbledon, Federer led the “Big Three” with 20 Grand Slam titles, followed by Nadal with 18. Djokovic rallied valiantly from double match point down in the final against the Swiss Maestro to win 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 13-12 (7-3) for his 16th major. He tied Federer and Nadal at 20 in the year 2021 but fell two titles behind Nadal in the first half of 2022 before eventually surpassing both of his revered rivals the next year. Coming from far behind, Djokovic made it to 24 while Nadal ended up at 22 and Federer finished with 20. That was no mean feat.
But it brings us back to Margaret Court. Djokovic already has the distinction of holding the most major crowns of any men’s player. Why does he need to surpass Court? What is the point? Court had a phenomenal career, but her record was padded by winning the Australian Championships/Open eleven times. Many of the fields were considerably weaker than those at the three other Grand Slam events. In any discussion among experts about the best women players of all time—or even the finest of the modern era—Court’s name is never mentioned by most authorities as the
G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time). Her achievements should be measured alongside those of Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams—not up against the numbers of Novak Djokovic. All three of those prodigious women—and the immensely accomplished Chris Evert—belong above Court on the historical ladder. In my view, the greatest of all male players can only be compared to other men.
Women players should be graded exclusively against females. There have been all-time rankings done by Tennis Channel more than a dozen years ago and by the sagacious Jeff Sackmann of Tennis Abstract a few years back that are fascinating but flawed in my view because they combine the men and the women. We can’t measure Navratilova against Pete Sampras, Williams versus Federer or Graf opposite Nadal. Examining Djokovic directly against Court is ludicrous. Moving ahead of her would be gratifying yet superfluous.
Djokovic is a prisoner of his own luminous achievements. He should not fight a losing battle against his body too much longer. As he said after his loss at Wimbledon, his mind may want one thing, but “my body isn’t listening.” Djokovic has a small window left to keep performing at a level that is acceptable to him. With some
luck, he could secure one last prestigious prize, but time is short and Alcaraz and Sinner are getting better. Watching him walk off court after his loss at Wimbledon, I found myself wondering if he will be back. He said later that he plans on returning, but the feeling grows that the man many consider the greatest champion ever might be playing on borrowed time. That is one reason why the public at long last is appreciating him fully now and realizing he will leave behind a shining legacy as a singular tennis figure and an extraordinary human being with an abundance of inimitable qualities.
A PARTNERSHIP MADE ON THE COURTS
IF TENNIS WAS A CAGE MATCH
Image and Article Provided by Mindspring Padel
In 2005, Rafael Nadal was near the top of his game. Spanish tennis not so much. So tennis clubs started wooing younger players with a new racquet sport. Over 17,000 plexiglass courts later, Padel ranks up there with paella, tapas, and Rioja reds in Spanish lifestyle — #2 behind only soccer.
TENNIS+PICKLE WITH BANK SHOTS
In the US, another racquet sport has enjoyed a similar meteoric rise. One that often require little initial investment and even less time to learn. If tennis demands countless hours finding the sweet spot, pickleball just requires picking up a racquet.
Padel is somewhere in the middle. Part tennis, part pickle, part geometry class. Padel offers an easy path-to-fun, long rallies, plenty of calorie burn — and a cushy turf surface for those aching joints. There’s just one hiccup. Padel courts aren’t cheap.
RISK-FREE FINANCING FOR COURTS
That’s where Mindspring Padel comes in. We offer a unique, risk-free and turnkey solution to ensure your club succeeds in integrating Padel and enjoys all the benefits it brings.
Globally, Padel is on a steep upward trajectory. According to Babolat & Wilson, global Padel revenues will
surpass tennis’ by 2026. We have partnered with the RSPA to help jump start that growth in America. We cover the costs of the courts and ground work to get you up and running; then get reimbursed over time via court bookings, whether its a pay-to-play or free-tomembers court usage framework.
Ready to ease into this inherently addictive sport? Email LB@ mindspringpadel.com, call 760-505-1862 or visit us at mindspringpadel.com.
NO.1 BALL ON TOUR*
SAME GREAT PERFORMANCE
PAPER LID
Enhancing Your RSPA Pickleball Membership
The Racquet Sports Professional’s Association, in its dedication to elevating careers in racquet sports, is excited to announce some game-changing partnerships in the pickleball space. We are excited to announce that the RSPA pickleball certification is now accredited by USA Pickleball (USAP)! As the national governing body for the sport in the U.S., our certification team at RSPA found it crucial that our newly developed pickleball curriculum fall within the guidelines of USAP, who are dedicated to educating, certifying and serving pickleball professionals to be able to grow the game. There are many benefits that, depending on the tier, members receive when joining USAP: exclusive content through Pickleball Clinic, a monthly newsletter, ability to play in USA Pickleball leagues and a digital version of Pickleball Magazine!
DUPR Coach is the most recent pickleball partnership, adding to the long list of career-enhancing benefits our professionals receive! If you have not yet seen the advantages in multi-sport certifications to your professional development, the opportunity that this new partnership with DUPR Coach brings
makes it clear why a pickleball certification should be next on your to-do list!
As a part of the initial launch, certified members will be able to upgrade and add the DUPR coaching credentialing to their certification at a discount price of $50 for your first year – a $200 saving! This offer ensures that RPSA certified professionals are at the forefront of the rapidly growing pickleball market. To receive your credential, you will complete and pass two practice assessments virtually, with educational resources provided for you beforehand to ensure you successfully complete and pass the assessments. You will then be required to rate four non-rated players and connect them with DUPR. After that, you are credentials and can begin facilitating sessions and large-scale assessment events at your local facility! Not only does this bring an opportunity to grow as a pickleball professional, bringing in new revenue opportunities and client retention, but
this also opens up a door to new clients that are interested in developing their game, looking for consistent coaching and training, and with a goal to receive the best ranking they possibly can. Better yet, you have the flexibility to perform both in-person and remote assessments with their advanced, user-friendly technology tools. And who said coaches could never work from home!
Launching initially for RSPA Pickleball-certified members only, DURP Coach will eventually be integrated into our certification pathway, allowing applicants to receive both an RSPA certification and DUPR coach credential at the same time! For the first time ever, a racquet sports certification will combine advanced education that will allow for immediate income opportunities for coaches.
Linda Gordon | RSPA Membership Manager
If you are not familiar with DUPR Coach, it is a credential that provides a coach with the exclusive ability to generate Coach-Assigned DUPRs for non-rated pickleball players. As mentioned on their website, “using two simple, cutting-edge technology tools and a mobile phone, DUPR Coaches can introduce new programs within their pickleball communities” and develop a new revenue stream for themselves. With an estimated 34 million non-ranked player market, there is an incredible opportunity for members to be able to reach an untapped market by hosting workshops on a consistent basis, providing players with their DUPR ranking to help them understand their skill level, which will result in more competitive, enjoyable play!
The RSPA is extremely excited to provide our pickleball-certified members with innovative opportunities for immediate
return on investment, and make them as competitive as possible in the job market and industry itself. If you have any questions on what the accreditation means to you as a member, the DUPR Coach benefit, or about getting pickleball certified, please do not hesitate to reach out to our membership and certification teams. Happy dinking!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS