MIllie Didio
Presidents Message
Big Spring News: RSPA’s New Padel Pathway and
RSPA
Eastern Division’s Annual Division Conference
WelcometoSpringRSPAEasternmembers!It’sanexcitingandhectictimeofyearwhen theweatherismorewelcominghereinthenortheast.Thisprovidesgreateropportunities forourcoachestoteachoutdoorsaswellasindoors.Itisalsothetimeofyearwhenwe holdourinitialsemi-annualExecutiveCommitteeMeetingatournationalheadquarters, aswellasourannualDivisionConference.
OurRSPAEasternDivisionleadershipteamhasindeedalsobeenbusyorganizingand holdingsometerrificeducationalandnetworkingactivitieswhichyouwilllearnmore aboutinthisissue.
OurNorthernandWesternDistrictPresidentStevePekichheldCoaches’workshopsin MarchatRSPAEasternleaderAdrienneAlteri’sWatertownYMCAandathishomeclub ElevateFitnessofDeWittinSyracuse,whichwashis41stannualworkshop.
OurLongIslandDistrictPresidentJackieClarkandourSouthernDistrictPresidentMarc FarrellteamedupwithourBoardVPandEducationCo-ChairBradBreakstonetoorganize afundrillsanddrinksfundraiseratChestnutRidgeClubinMountKiscowhichnotonly raisedmoniestobenefitourdivision,butalsobroughttogetherawonderfulgroupof volunteerproswithplayersforagreatevening!
OurMetroDistrictPresidentSomadiDrukervolunteeredhercoachingtalentstotraina groupofPSALcoachesinNYCinpartnershipwithUSTAEasternandwillagainbe headingupaLevel2tenniscertificationandeducationworkshopatSouthamptonBath andTennisClub,June4-6,hostedbyRSPAEasternDivision’sLeeSutor
OurNewJerseyDistrictPresidentBobBynumhassomeexcitingandinnovative coachesworkshopshewillbeorganizinginJuneafterourDivisionConference.
Presidents Message
OurtenniscoachdeveloperJasonJosephheldasuccessfullevel2tenniscertification atWestSideTennisClubinForestHills,andourPickleballCoachDeveloperGeoff LoConteorganizedwellattendedpickleballcertificationsatPremiereAthleticClubin Montrose,NYandMetropolisCountryClubinWhitePlains.
And,atthestartofApril,Ihadthehonorandprivilegeofattendingoursemi-annual ExecutiveCommitteeMeeting(ExComm)inLakeNona,Floridajoinedbyourboard TreasurerMartinMiedzowiczandourExecutiveDirectorPaulFontana.
Thisyear,ourAprilExCommofferedauniqueexperience.GlobalPadelconsultantand RSPAMasterProfessionalMarcosdelPillar,whohasbeenteamingupwithRSPAto offerRSPAPadelcertificationsthroughanaccreditedPadelassociationlauncheda brandnewRSPAproprietarycertificationpathwayhedevelopedspecificallyforandwith RSPA,andtheExCommleadershipwaschosenasthefirstgrouptoexperiencethis certification!
MarcosisanoutstandingcoachwhosepassionandenthusiasmforPadelexuberatesin hiseducationaltraining.IwashonoredtorepresentRSPAEasterntoundergothis rigoroustrainingwhichwascondensedfromitsusual2and½dayprograminto1and 1/2daysinthesteamyFloridasunshinewithtemperaturessoaringintothemid90’s!
Despitetheheatandintensityofthetrainingitwasanunforgettableandwholly enjoyableexperience,andIamexcitedtoserveasanambassadorofPadel.Please reachouttomeformoreinformationonthisnewpathway,orournewlyappointedPadel CommitteeChairsRobDelmanandWhitneyKraft.
AndasweheadintotheheartofspringandthemonthofMay,whichisNationalTennis Month,LuizaBiktyakova,ourrepresentativeontheRSPAnationalAsiantaskforceand chairofourRSPAEasternInternationalCommitteehelpedkickoffthismonthbyoffering hercoachingtalentsinpartnershipwithUSTAEasternatAsianAmericanNativeHawaiian andPacificIslanderDayonMay10atCunninghamParkinFreshMeadows,Queens,NY.
Presidents Message
And,roundingoutNationalTennisMonthisourdivision’smostimportanteventthatwe inviteyoutoattendisourRSPAEasternDivisionConferenceonMay30-31atWest OrangeTennisClubinWestOrangeNJ.Thisterrificconferenceoffersexciting networkingandeducationalopportunitiesaswellasthechancetomeetallyour educationalcreditneeds!AndweareofferingLevel1TennisCertificationMay29-30, Level2TennisCertificationMay29-30,andPickleballCertificationMay30,allatWest OrangeTennisClubandscheduledsothatyoucangetinacertificationwithyour educationifthathelps!
Forourfemalecoaches,wearealsoofferingaspecialFemaleCoachesRoundtable andQ&AtokickoffourDivisionConference,whichIwillbeleading,togetherwith JennyGray,MasterTennisProfessionalandmemberofourRSPANationalBoardof Directors.WehaveinvitedVaniaYui,aspecialguesttojoinus.VaniaYuiis currentlyatouringcoach,whohaspreviouslyservedasDirectorofTennisat TennisClubofHastings,DirectorofJuniorTennisatWestchesterTennisCenterand coachattheMastersSchoolinDobbsFerry.
FeaturedspeakersatourothersessionsincludeMarkBey,DaleEvans,AllieKiick, TomDaglis,LesSmith,aswellasRSPAEasternboardteammembersSomadiDruker andKhrystsinaTryboi,formerRSPAEasternPresidentandRSPAEasternHallofFame HonoreeMarkSavage,andRSPAMiddleStatesExecutiveDirectorAnthonySantonastaso.
WewillalsobeholdingourAward’sluncheonatourDivisionConferenceonMay31and wishtosendcongratulationstoallourawardwinners,whoarelistedinthisissueofour newsletter.AsecondRSPAnationalboardmemberKevinTheoswillprovideareport fromnational.
WehopetoseeyoulaterthisspringatWestOrangeTennisonMay30-31.
MillieDidio
RSPAEasternPresident
R S P A E A S T E R N D I V I S I O N
RSPA Eastern Leadership Team
EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT - MILLIE DIDIO ; MILLIE.TENNISCLUBOFHASTINGS@GMAIL.COM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - PAUL FONTANA ; PAUL FONTANA@RSPA NET
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT - HEATH HOOVER ; HHOOVER@CLUBFIT.COM
VICE PRESIDENT - BRAD BREAKSTONE ; BREAKS03@GMAIL.COM
VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY - DAVID SLATER ; DAVIDSLATERTENNIS@GMAIL.COM
VICE PRES - TREASURER-MARTIN MIEDZOWICZ ; MARTINMIEDZOWICZ@GMAIL.COM
PAST PRESIDENT - MIKE SMOOKLER ; MIKE@WESTORANGETENNISCLUB.COM
DISTRICT PRESIDENTS
NORTHERN/WESTERN - STEVE PEKICH
SOUTHERN - MARC FARRELL
NEW JERSEY - BOB BYNUM
METRO - SOMADI DRUKER
LONG ISLAND - JACKIE CLARK
TENNIS COACH DEVELOPERS
SOMADI DRUKER, JASON JOSEPH
PICKLEBALL COACH DEVELOPER
GEOFF LOCONTE
COMMITTEE
CHAIRS
ANNUAL DIV CONFERENCE - MIKE SMOOKLER
EDUCATION - JASON JOSEPH, BRAD BREAKSTONE
MEMBERSHIP - HEATH HOOVER
BUDGET AND FINANCE - MARTIN MIEDZOWICZ
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION - DARIA PASCALE, KARLA RUAYA
AWARDS - STEVE PEKICH
WOMENS COMMITTE - ADRIENNE ALTERI
PUBLICATIONS - PAUL FONTANA
NEWSLETTER - JAMES STARK
ELEVATE - SURAJ BENIWAL
MARKETING - KHRYSTSINA TRYBOI
PUBLIC RELATIONS/COMMUNICATIONS - JACKIE CLARK
SCHOOL COACHES - JACKIE CLARK
LONG RANGE - WHITNEY KRAFT
NOMINATING AND HALL OF FAME - MIKE SMOOKLER
IT- VINCE CASALE
PADEL- ROB DELMAN, WHITNEY KRAFT
PICKLEBALL AND PLATFORM - GEOFF LOCONTE
ASIAN - INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE-LUIZA BIKTYAKOVA
DANNY CASESA
RSPA EASTERN PRO OF TH YEAR
BY JUSTIN MCMACKIN
MILLIE, JENNY, AND ARI WITH DANNY, PRO OF THE YEAR RSPA EASTERN
Over the span of his career, Danny has managed to collect many titles and certifications to addtohislengthyresume,suchasbeingacertifiedUSPTAmemberforover20years,inaddition to successfully completing the USTA High Performance Coaching Program, as well as completing all of the Sport Science exams. Not only is he certified in the tennis world, he is also certified in platformtennisandinpickleball.
Currently,heisworkingwithmeintheVillageofGardenCity,actingastheDirectorofTennis, overseeing the adult and junior programs. In addition to his role in Garden City, he also has his owntournamenttrainingprogram,whichcurrentlyrunsforhighleveljuniorsalllookingtogoonto play college tennis. Three of his players will be playing college tennis as of this past September andtwoofthethreeplayerswillbeonscholarship.Outsideofthesecurrentplayers,hehasbeen abletocoachandsenddozensofplayersofftoplaycollegetenniswithascholarship.Bothheand I are also assistant coaches at Adelphi University, for both the men ' s and women’s team. As of a couple weeks ago, our men’s team was the 2024 conference champions in the spring and our women’s team were the regional finalists in the fall. Off the court, he was able to serve as Long IslanddistrictpresidentfortheUSPTA
Despite all of his coaching activity in tennis, he still is able to find time to coach several platformtennisteamsthroughouttheseasonaswellconductprivatelessons.Inbetweenpaddle andtennis,he’sbeenofferingpickleballclinicsaswell.
IhaveknownDannyformorethanadecadeatthispoint,andwhetheritbeworkingwithhim asmycoachwhenIwasajunior,orworkingwithhimasmydirectorwhenI’mcoachingnow,Iam still in awe of how much this man knows about tennis and how involved he is in the community. Growing up, I had no plans of staying in tennis. However, his passion for the game was infectious andthemoreIinteractedwithhim,themoreIfellinlovewiththegame.Hemademewanttobea betterplayer,abettercoach,andabetterperson.Hehasbeenmymentorformanyyearsandto thisday,Iamstilllearningfromhim.Ithinkoneofhisgreatestcontributionstothesportisnothow many players he has developed that are top in the section, country, or ITF, but of how many people,currentorformerplayers,whochosetostayandcontinuetheircareerintennisbecauseof theirinteractionsandtheirrelationshipwithhim.Whetherit’sseasonalcoaches,fulltimecoaches, college coaches, or even just camp counselors, how I started out, he has been able to reach so manypeopleandasaresult,they’vestayedwiththesport.
WITH HEATH HOOVER
1ST VICE PRESIDENT RSPA EASTERN
Tennis started strong in 2025 with the USTA Eastern Conference at the Saw Mill Club in Mt. Kisco on January 24-25. John Isner was the headliner for this conference. John did an on-court presentation on doubles. He was also interviewed by his friend and former touring pro, Noah Rubin. The Q & A was very interesting, and they even played a short exhibition after the interview. We had a strong showing from our RSPA pros as well at the Conference. Our own pros, Somadi Druker, Jackie Clarke, Bob Bynum, & Steve Pekich did a drill share on various doubles games you can play with large numbers of players.
We also had some local RSPA workshops and fundraisers this Spring. Steve Pekich ran some Coaches workshops in the Northern/Western Districts on Sunday March 2nd and Friday March 7th. We had a Level 2 Certification Workshop on March 21-23 at West Side Tennis Club run by Somadi Druker.
On Saturday March 29th, we held our first annual RSPA Eastern Division Fundraiser. Jackie Clarke came up with the idea for this event and Brad Breakstone ran this fundraiser at his home club, Chestnut Ridge Racquet Club in Mt. Kisco. We had 12 RSPA pros volunteer their time to run various drill and point play courts! We had 34 players sign up for this event and we raised over $1200 for the RSPA. Everyone had a great time and looks forward to doing it again next year!
Our next big event of the year is our Annual RSPA Eastern Divisional Conference being held on May 30-31 at the West Orange Tennis Center, in West Orange, New Jersey. We have 5 hours of presentations on Friday as well as a Red Ball Doubles Social and a dinner. On Saturday we have another 6 hours of presentations including a lunch, awards, and the National Report. This is a great way to network and meet new people in our profession and it's a great way to get in your continuing education credits. If you haven't already signed up, please sign up asap!!
It is my honor and privilege to announce the Member Spotlight on our new RSPA Pro of the Year, Danny Casesa!
AWARD WINNERS
Caroline Stars Aw
Dale Evans Major Contributer
Sam Hall Elevate Award
Danny Cascesa Pro of the year
Adrienne Alteri Industry Excellence Award
Mark Savage Hall of Fame Honoree
In Memoriam
Danny Burgess
AWARD WINNERS
Elliot Lovi NJ Volunteer of the Year
Luiza Biktyakova Metro Volunteer of the Year
Rich Brazi Southern Volunteer of the Year
Matt Niielsen College Coach
Chris Meeker High School Coach of the Year
Vincent Casale L.I. Volunteer of the Year
Collin Crawford Western & Northern Volunteer of the year
Denise Franklin Facility Manager
30M+ reservations processed
2.5M+ players served
To sign up for To sign up for conference, SCAN conference, SCAN below! below!
Open to all RSPA Eastern members and guests, The RSPA Eastern Division Conference will be held at the West Orange Tennis Center in West Orange, New Jersey from May 30-31.
Friday, May 30
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. : Tennis Certifications
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. : Pickleball Certification/ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 5 p.m.
12 - 1 p.m. : RSPA Executive Board meeting
2 - 3 p.m. : Female Coaches Roundtable Meeting and Q&A with Ramona Husaru chief Development Officer RSPA and Millie Didio RSPA Eastern President
3 - 4 p.m. : "How to Plan and Maintain Your Courts" - Anthony Santonastaso
4 - 5 p.m. : "From Fear to Fantastic (A Volley Progression)" - Mark Savage
5 - 6 p.m. : "Perks of the Racquets Profession/Fast Feed Contest" - Whitney Kraft
6 - 7 p.m. : "7 Things You Can Do Off Court to be an Effective Coach"- Mark Bey
7 p.m. : Red Ball Doubles (Courtesy of USTA Eastern) - Andres Sanchez
7 p.m. : Trade Show/Dinner/Social Networking
Saturday, May 31
9 a.m. - 10 a.m. : "Players Pathway to College" - Les Smith
10 - 11 a.m. : "Beyond the Feed: Elevating Private Lessons with Live Ball Drills" - Khrystina Tryboi & Somadi Druker
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. : "You May Be a Coach....But You are Also a Business" - Tom Daglis
12 - 1:30 p.m. : Lunch / Awards / National Report (Vendors/Trade show)
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. : "Working the Transition Zone" - Dale Evans (Courtesy of USTA)
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. : "Transitioning from the WTA to Coaching"- Allie Kiick
3:30 - 5 p.m. : "Creative Ways to Spice up Common Practices"- Mark Bey
EDUCATION CORNER
The Role of Biomechanics in Player Development
BYSURAJBENIWAL
Successintennisrequiresabalancedmixofplayertalent,qualitycoaching,appropriate equipment, and a strong understanding of key aspects of sport science. Among these, biomechanicsplaysacriticalroleinbothplayerdevelopmentandinjurypreventionfroma sportsscienceandsportsmedicineperspective.
WhatisBiomechanics?
Biomechanicsisthestudyofhowthemuscularandskeletalsystemsfunctionundervarious physicalconditions.Inthecontextoftennis,ithelpsusunderstandhowthebodymovesduring specificstrokesandmovements,enablingcoachesandplayerstorefinetechnique,enhance performance,andreduceinjuryrisk.
Whentenniscoachescombinetheirpracticalteachingexperiencewithastrongfoundation in biomechanics,theycanmoreaccuratelyanalyzestrokemechanics,prescribeappropriate trainingandconditioning,andsupportthedevelopmentofefficient,powerful,andsafeplaying techniques.
KeyAreasWhereBiomechanicsEnhancesTennisPerformance
1.EnhancedTechnique
In competitive tennis, technical precision often determines the outcome of a match. Biomechanicsplaysacrucialroleinrefiningstrokemechanics suchastheserve, forehand, andbackhand byoptimizingbodymovementsforbothefficiencyandpower. Thishelps playersdevelopconsistentandrepeatabletechniquesthatholdupunderpressure.
2.VariabilityinStrokeProduction
High-performanceplayersexhibitbothconsistencyandvariabilityintheirstrokes.Forexample, angularpositionsofthewristandelbowatimpactaretypicallyrepeatableinaforehanddrive. However,otherstrokeaspectsmayvarybasedontacticalneeds.Coachesmustintroduce variabilityindrills—changingpace,spin,height,anddirectionoftheball—tohelpplayersbuild adaptableneuromotorpatternsanddevelopthebroadrangeofracquetspeeds,trajectories, andtimingrequiredforeliteperformance.
3.InjuryPrevention
Biomechanicshelpstoidentifyandcorrectinefficientorharmfulmovementpatterns,suchas excessiveshoulderrotationduringtheserve,whichcanleadtoinjury.Bypromotingproper techniques
EDUCATION CORNER
and load management, it supports safer training practices and more effective recovery strategies.4.4.GreaterPowerandSpeed
Throughtheapplicationofkineticchainprinciples—coordinateduseofthelegs,core,andupper body playerscangeneratemaximumforceandimproveracquetheadspeed, resultingin morepowerfulandpenetratingshots.
5.ImprovedAgilityandFootwork
Biomechanicalanalysiscanhighlightinefficientmovementpatterns,helpingplayers improve courtcoverage,balance,andfootwork.Thisleadstofasterreactions,better positioning,and reducedenergywaste.
6.CustomizedTrainingandEquipment
Byconsideringindividualphysicalattributessuchaslimblength,flexibility,andstrength, biomechanicsenablescoachestotailortechnicalinstructiontotheuniqueneedsofeach player.Italsoguidespersonalizedequipmentchoices,suchasracquetweightandgrip size,to optimizeperformanceandpreventinjury.
7.Data-DrivenPerformanceAnalysis
Modernmotioncaptureandvideoanalysistoolsallowcoachestoprovideprecise feedback. Thesetechnologieshelptrackplayerprogress,quantifyimprovements,and identifyareasfor continueddevelopmentthroughobjective,measurabledata.
8.ImprovedPostureandBalance
Goodpostureandbalanceareessentialforconsistencyinstrokeexecution.Biomechanicshelps minimiseunnecessarymovements,suchasover-rotationorbodysway,whichcan leadto mistimedshotsorpoorcontact.
CreatingaPositiveEnvironmentforAdultLearners
Frommyexperience,fosteringapositiveandsupportiveenvironmentisespecially important whenworkingwithadultplayers.Manyadultsbeginplayingtennislaterinlife, andit’svitalto encouragethemtofocusonsteady,progressiveimprovementratherthan perfection.By buildingtheirconfidenceandhelpingthemenjoythelearningprocess,coachescankeepadult playersmotivatedandcommittedtotheirtennisjourney.
Recognizingandreinforcingwhatplayersaredoingwell “catchingthemwhenthey’regood” iskeytooverallsatisfaction,improvedperformance,andlong-termengagementinthesport.
BySurajBeniwal
The “Little Mo” Slam Want to win the Win all three “Little Mo” Internationals (yellow ball division only) and take home the trophy! The first leg is in Colorado Springs, Colorado (July 49), the second leg is in West Orange, New Jersey (August 16-20), and the third leg is in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (December 5-10) Registration is open for Colorado and New Jersey Florida will open in June/July Colorado Springs, Colorado July 4-9
PCOMING TIFICATIONS PCOMING TIFICATIONS
Level 1 Certification(Tennis)
Level 2 Certification(Tennis)
Pickleball Certification
Southampton Bath and Tennis
Level 2 Certification
May29/30 withJasonJoseph
May28/29 withSomadiDrucker
May30 withGeoffLoConte
June4-6
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Southampton Bath and Tennis
Shaker High School, Latham, NY
Tennis Club of Rochester, Pittsford, NY,
June6
July1from9am-12pm
July 17 from 2pm3pm
JOINTODAY REAPTHEBENEFITS
Nowisanexcitingtimetobeapartoftheassociation!Inadditionto educationalchanges,I’veoutlinedourgoalsfor2023below:
1.Education
a.Continuetoprovideregularmonthlywebinars
b.Returntoin-personworkshops&conferences
2.ImproveCommunication
a.Createascheduleofregularmarketingcontent
b.ConductSemi-YearlyVirtualTownHalls
c.SurveyourMembershipmoreoften
3.HelpFacilitateNewNationalEducationTrack
a.ContinuetoLiaisonbetweenNationalandEasternDivision
b.ProvideCommunicationregardingEducationalChanges
4.CreateNewPartnerships
a.PTMPrograms
b.EarlyEducationCollegePrograms
c.LocalClubsinourDistricts
d.AttractaMoreDiverse&InclusiveFullBoardofDirectors
#Tennis
#CommunityEngagement #RSPAEasternDivision
The RSPA Eastern Division successfully hosted its first tennis fundraiser, bringing together over 40 players and supporters for an evening of drills and games at Chestnut Ridge Racquet Club. Special thanks to our dedicated board members
Brad Breakstone, Jackie Clark, and Marc Farrell and to the talented tennis professionals who volunteered their expertise This event not only promoted skill development but also fostered community spirit Great food, great games, and even better company! We look forward to expanding this initiative throughouttheEasternDivision Aheartfelt thank you to President Millie Didio and Executive Director Paul Fontana for their unwavering support Let's keep growing ourtenniscommunity!
MarcFarrell: SouthernDP&Organizer
BradBreakstone: Organizer
JackieClark: LIDP&Organizer
HeathHoover
OlgaWarshaw
JamesKoob
SharissaRyan
SaifAli
RichBrail
ThiagoDualiby
LukasBeman
DavidSlater
BradMaisey
SYRACUSE SYRACUSE 41 st Coaches Clinic 41 st Coaches Clinic
THE 41 ST COACHES CLINIC WAS HELD ON FRIDAY, MARCH 7 AT ELEVATE FITNESS OF DEWITT, A SYRACUSE SUBURB THE CLINIC RAN FROM 9 AM TO 2 PM WITH AN HOUR FOR LUNCH. THE RSPA PRESENTERS THAT SHOWED WERE STEVE PEKICH AND CHRIS GALLE OF SYRACUSE, JASON JOESPH OF ROCHESTER, AND COLLIN CRAWFORD OF BINGHAMTON. THERE WAS A REPRESENTATION OF COACHES FROM CENTRAL AND WESTERN NEW YORK MOST OF WHOM ARE REPEATERS MOST WERE HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ENTERING THEIR BOYS SEASON AND LOOKING TO LEARN SOME NEW TENNIS DRILLS AND CONCEPTS. THERE TOPICS INCLUDED “TEAM DRILLS”, “FUN GAMES FOR COACHES”, AND “PERCEPTION TRAINING.” ALL OF THE ATTENDEES WERE ASKED TO BRING THEIR TENNIS EQUIPMENT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ON-COURT EXERCISES AFTER THE CLINIC, EVERYONE CHOWED DOWN ON LUNCHDOWNAT ELEVATEBISTRO.
WATERTOWN WATERTOWN
C L I N I C
THE 2ND ANNUAL INSTRUCTORS CLINIC WAS HELD AT THE WATERTOWN YMCA AND HOSTED BY RSPA MEMBER ADRIENNE ALTERI. STEVE PEKICH, THE CLINICIAN, CAME UP FROM SYRACUSE AND HIS TOPIC WAS “CHAMPION OF THE COURT DRILLS AND VARIATIONS” IT WAS ATTENDED BY PROS, COACHES AND INTERESTED CLUB MEMBERS ONE VERY INTERESTING THING WAS THAT A HIGH SCHOOL COACH BROUGHT SIX MEMBERS OF HER TEAM TO ATTEND. THIS ENABLED STEVE TO RUN THE DRILLS WITH THAT TEAM WHILE THE ADULT ATTENDEES COULD BE FREE TO TAKE NOTES. THE FACILITY IS A NEW ONE, AN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING YMCA AND IS THE ONLY INDOOR COURTS NORTH OF SYRACUSE. THE CLINIC CONCLUDED WITH A MASS TEAM DRILL ON THE PART OF ALL PARTICIPANTS WHICH EVERYONE SEEMED TOENJOYTHOROUGHLY.ATHANKYOUTO ADRIENNE!
ASIAN AMERICAN NATIVE HAWAIIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER TENNIS FESTIVAL
ASIAN AMERICANNATIVE HAWAIIANPACIFIC ISLANDER TENNIS FESTIVAL
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Tennis Festival. It is an annual celebration of culture and heritage through tennis. The month of May is a Heritage Month and it was perfectly tied to this event and celebrated. People of all ages, tennis ability and backgrounds came together to enjoy not only tennis, but also themed food and beverages, performances and other activities. It is a nice getaway not only for tennis, but also the opportunity to include experience another culture's atmosphere and meet people from other cultures. Vania King, a former professional tennis player and two-time Grand Slam champion, played an exhibition game, spoke to a community, shared her experience as a player and answered questions. The event was well organized by USTA Eastern at Cunningham Tennis Center in Queens, New York. The event was supported by various sponsors and vendors. I enjoyed the opportunity to be part of and support this event. I represented the Asian American National Task Force team and RSPA Eastern
PERKS OF THE PROFESSIONTeach-by-the-Beach WorkingVacations Teach-by-the-Beach Working Vacations
“JUSTSTEPSFROMYOURLESSON COURTTOAREFRESHINGPLUNGEINTO WORLDCLASSWATERSONTHEMOST BEAUTIFULBEACHESAROUNDTHE WORLD”. IFTHATSOUNDSGOOD,YOUWILLLOVE THIS;RACQUETSPORTSMANAGEMENT HASJUSTSIGNEDAMULTI-YEARDEAL WITHASPORTSANDFITNESS COMPANYTHATPROVIDESFITNESS TRAINERSANDSPORTSINSTRUCTORS TOOVER100BEACHFRONTRESORTS GLOBALLY.APPROXIMATELY80AREIN THECARIBBEANANDMEXICO,AFEW MOREINSOUTHANDCENTRAL AMERICA,ANDOTHERINEXOTIC PLACESINCLUDINGFIJI,MALASIA, INDONESIA,JAPAN,MALDIVESAND THAILAND!
Tobookateachingvacation,instructorsmustholdanapprovedcurrent certificationwhichischeckedandverifiedbyacomplianceofficer.Thereareeven morereasonstorenewyourRSPAmembership,upgradeyourcertificationlevel, andaddmulti-sportcertifications.Thereisagrowingdemandformulti-sport certification,mostlypickleballandtenniswithanticipateddemandforpadel Club Medhas25resortswithpadelandisoneofourresortchaincontracts.Beach Tennisisanothersportbutdoesnotrequireacertificationyet.Itisavalue-adding optionweareofferingresorts.BeachTennisisgovernedbytheITFandhasapro tourandisseekingOlympics2032!
“Multi-certification”hasbeenalong-standingsituationwithfitnessinstructors. SomeresortsrequireinstructorstobecertifiedinmultipleclassessuchasYoga andZumba.Theotheradvantageofmulti-certificationisyoucanbookatennis positionforoneweek,thenapickleballatanotherresortthefollowingweek.We anticipatemoreresortswillwantyoutoteachmultiplesports,suchastennisfive hoursoftheweekandpickleballfortheotherfivehours Sometimesyoucan remainatthesameresortforacoupleofweeks,butmostresortsaresingleweek dealsduetonon-residentworklawsinthesenon-USAcountries.
Theonlyothercost,besidestheairfareandthebookingfee,istheguestinstructor travelclubmembership Wehavea30-dayfreetrialandafterthat,$95peryear If youlikemulti-weekvacationsandwanttoonlypayforoneplanetrip,placeslike Cancun,JamaicaorDominicanRepublichavedozensofresortseach.Ifyouwant extraexoticplaces,wehaveThailand,Maldives,Fiji,Malaysia,Indonesia,Japan, CentralandSouthAmerica.
Th n Y u! Th n Y u! T u En s T u En s
Executive director’s report PAUL FONTANA
IwouldliketodedicatemyEDreporttoDannyBurgess.DannywillbeinductedintotheRSPA EasternHallofFameatourupcomingEasternDivisionConferenceonMay31attheWestOrange TennisClub.Dannywasnotonlymyfriend,butheisalsomybrother.AlthoughDannypassedafew yearsago,hestilllivesinmyconsciousnessandisstillpartoftheRSPA/USPTA.
DannyworkedcountlesshourshelpingtheUSPTAbecomeadominantnameintennis.Iwouldnot betheExecutiveDirectorofthisorganizationifDannyhadnotinvitedmetoaUSPTABoardmeeting underthepretenseof“meetingsomeoftheBoardmembers.”Attheendofthemeeting,Iwasthe DistrictPresidentoftheHudsonValleydistrict,andIhadalaundrylistofthingstodo!
Thankyou,Danny,forgivingmethepushIneededtogetinvolvedwiththisgreatorganization!And DannymademylifebetterforrealizingIhadmoretogive,Ijustneededsomeguidancetogetthere. ToknowDannywastorespectandadmirehim.Hewasmybrotherbecauseheinvitedmetobehis brother.AtmanyUSPTAeventshewouldintroducemetopeopleashisbrother.Itwouldtakepeople bysurpriseatfirstandDannywouldquestionthem,“don’tyouseetheresemblance?”Thatwas Danny.IamproudtothinkofDannyasabrother,asafriendandasafellowmemberoftheUSPTA.
IamnotpositivewhatDannywouldthinkoftherebrandingofourassociation,butIthinkhewould understandtheimportanceofstayingrelevantandtheneedtogiveupsomethinginordertobe partofsomethinglarger,somethingmoreimportant.TheGreekshaveabeliefthatifyoukeep someoneinyourmindandwords,theyarestillwithus.Dannyisstillinmythoughts,andIamvery happythatDannywillberememberedasamemberofourRSPAEasternHallofFame.Thankyou, Danny!
AsWinterhasturnedtoSpring,welookforwardtoourAnnualConference.Thisyearourconference willbeheldattheWestOrangeTennisClubonMay30-31.Theagendaandregistrationlinkare includedinthisnewsletter.Ilookforwardtoseeingyouattheconference.Ourlistofspeakersis worthyoftheWorldConference!SpeakingofourWorldConference,itwillbeheldinHAWAIIthisyear fromSeptember21-25.Pleaseconsidergoingtotheconference,itwillbeagreatevent.
PaulFontana ExecutiveDirector