BASELINES
SUMMER 2025
Sessions, parties and awards! 2025 CONFERENCE RECAP
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RSPA FLORIDA
from the president
Mike Curran
Dear RSPA Florida Members,
I’m thrilled to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been a truly successful year for our organization First, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our recent conference at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando It was an outstanding event, thanks in large part to the incredible lineup of speakers, including Megan Fudge and Stevie Johnson, who headlined a day packed with valuable insights and actionable knowledge. Their presentations, along with the full range of topics discussed, truly set the stage for the continued growth of our industry here in Florida.
As we move forward, I encourage all of you to take full advantage of the upcoming networking opportunities in your district Both Professional Meetings and Education Days are excellent ways to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and continue to learn from one another These events are vital to strengthening our community and advancing our collective knowledge, so I hope you’ll make them a priority
Looking ahead, the RSPA Florida board will be seeking two new members next year If you’re interested in becoming more involved in shaping the direction of our organization, please be sure to keep an eye out for the Baselines Bulletin on September 4th, which will include details about the application process It’s a fantastic opportunity to serve and contribute to the continued success of RSPA Florida
And, of course, I’m excited to remind everyone about the upcoming World Conference in Hawaii This will be a historic first for our organization, and it promises to be one of our most dynamic and memorable conferences yet What better place than Hawaii to forge new connections and gain insights that will propel us into the future? I look forward to seeing many of you there!
Lastly, I want to express my deep gratitude for the privilege of serving as your president over the last two years. It has truly been an honor, and I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of the RSPA Florida Board and our District Presidents. Their commitment and collaboration have been key to our success, and I am incredibly thankful for their dedication and partnership.
Thank you for being part of this amazing organization. I’m excited about what the future holds, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you
Warm Regards,
education education sessions
party! party! Let
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RSPA Partners with DUPR Coach
RSPA Pickleball Certification to Include DUPR Coach
The RSPA announced a groundbreaking new benefit exclusively for its members: the addition of DUPR Coach to the official RSPA Pickleball Certification program. This marks the first time a racquet sports certification combines advanced education with an immediate income opportunity for coaches.
Current RSPA-certified Pickleball members can upgrade for only $50 - to add DUPR Coach credentialing to their certification Through the new offering, certified RSPA coaches will be credentialed as DUPR Coaches, unlocking exclusive
unlocking exclusive access to DUPR’s Coach-Assigned Rating system and assessment tools
“The addition of DUPR Coach to the RSPA Pickleball Certification is more than a feature; it’s a shift in what it means to be a coach,” said Brian Dillman, CEO of RSPA. “For the first time in our industry, professionals will leave a certification workshop with not just training, but with the immediate ability to improve their bottom line This is a certification built for the future of coaching ”
This means coaches can now offer
rating services, host DUPR Assessment Events, and lead skills improvement sessions designed around helping players earn and improve their DUPRs, all while generating new revenue streams.
The RSPA Pickleball Certification, will include instructional education followed by credentialing on how to become a DUPR Coach RSPA Pickleball workshops are already available nationwide, across all 17 RSPA Divisions
RSPA CAREER CENTER
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 potings for RSPA members, making it easier for clubs, academies and employers to find qualified candidates
DISTRICT9
27 RSPA Professionals from up and down the east coast of Florida recently gathered at The Boulevard Tennis & Padel Club for a Region 6 - RSPA Meeting that featured an evening on the Padel courts! Tim Brueggeman, Region 6 President, was joined by Florida Board - Vice President, Jim Morton, and District 11 President, Vernon Gettone, as the professionals were also updated on all of the exciting new developments and initiatives for Florida and nationally involving the RSPA!
Tim Brueggeman spoke about the emphasis for the upcoming year on getting more assistants and non-RSPA professionals involved and certified to take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities that the RSPA has to offer! Jim Morton did a wonderful job encouraging the professionals to come to the Hawaii National Convention and gave a brief introduction to the theme of the national event - "Rebranding Yourself." Jim also mentioned the site of the 2026 state convention in Naples and encouraged everyone to attend and expand their knowledge base and network of fellow professionals!
After the meeting, everyone was able to get on the padel courts for a fun round robin that lasted well past 9:00pm!! Everyone had a great time whether for the first time on a padel court or a seasoned padel player, which we had some of both!! A great evening was had by all and a big thank you to everyone who came out and supported the event!
Tim Brueggeman, President, Region 6
DISTRICT11
On July 18th, the beautiful Mizner Country Club played host to a dynamic and inspiring day for RSPA’s District 11 A total of 25 professionals—20 RSPA Members and 5 Non-Members came together for an enriching session led by Uninterrupted Performance, a team dedicated to optimizing both physical and mental performance.
The workshop focused on practical and impactful techniques such as breathwork during stretching, effective warm-up routines for both instructors and their students, and strategies for maintaining mental toughness throughout the long journey of a racquet sports career. Attendees left with valuable tools to not only enhance their own health and performance but also elevate the experience they provide their athletes.
Following the workshop, our friends at Diadem Sports generously provided every member in attendance with gear paddles, racquets, strings, and more. With new tools in hand, participants headed down to the courts to engage in a collaborative drill exchange, exploring innovative approaches in both tennis and pickleball.
This fantastic event wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of District Leaders Vernon Gettone and Chris Lee, who orchestrated a smooth and successful day of professional development and community building
Thank you to everyone who joined us here’s to continuing to grow, learn, and lead together!
REGION 8
On Friday, May 16th, RSPA Region 8 hosted its Spring Pro Meeting at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale—a stateof-the-art racquet sports destination that perfectly set the stage for an evening of education, inspiration, and connection.
With over 25 racquet sports professionals in attendance, the event kicked off with a warm welcome at the Courtyard Patio before diving into a full agenda of influential speakers and thought leaders in the tennis, pickleball, and padel communities
Key Highlights:
Jim Morton, RSPA Florida Board Member and Past President, shared exciting updates from both the Florida chapter and the national RSPA organization.
Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, founder and CEO of Love Serving Autism, gave a moving presentation on the power of racquet sports to transform the lives of individuals with autism and special needs. Her nonprofit continues to create adaptive, inclusive programming that enhances physical, social, and emotional well-being through sport.
Brad Tuckman, founder and CEO of The Fort, shared his incredible journey from global marketing success to creating a premier pickleball destination. His passion for growing the sport and engaging the community was felt by all in the room.
RK Bacalla, Head Pro at The Fort, delivered leadership lessons rooted in both personal and professional experience. His session, Game Plan for Greatness, inspired attendees to lead with intention both on and off the court.
Ken Herrmann, founder of the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), closed the speaker lineup with insights into the explosive growth of pickleball and his vision for its global expansion. From launching the Next Gen Series to creating professional pathways, his commitment to the sport’s future is unmatched.
The event concluded with a roundtable discussion where directors and professionals exchanged takeaways and best practices from the 2024–2025 season, followed by a Pickleball Open Play Round Robin, refreshments, and networking.
Special thanks to Region 8 President Paulo Barros, District Presidents Vinnie Barros, and Scott Pukys and Vice President Brad Mixson. and all district leaders who helped make this event a tremendous success
Always “On Stage”
The Hidden Demands of a Life in Racquet Sports
TThere’s a moment that has stayed with me ever since I heard it at a Florida district meeting: “The moment you cross your club’s gate, your personal life takes second place.” It was a bold and honest reflection of the reality many racquet sports professionals face.
From the outside, our careers seem enviable sunshine, sport, smiling members, and healthy activity. But for those of us in the profession directors, coaches, and trainers there’s a constant and unspoken expectation: always look sharp, act positive, bring high energy, be patient, and be at your best, every hour, every day. In other words: you’re always on stage.
And it doesn’t stop there We’re expected to know it all to be technically proficient, tactically sound, mentally sharp, socially polished, professionally diplomatic, and administratively flawless. Directors especially carry the pressure of being experts in every area, across multiple racquet sports, events, member relations, staff management, and even club politics. That kind of pressure, sustained over time, can quietly erode a person’s well-being
Behind the scenes, many of us are parents, partners, caretakers balancing family needs, health issues, and personal challenges The weight of having to set our own lives aside at the club gate can eventually catch up with us. I’ve seen many excellent professionals look for a way out… and sadly, some turn to destructive coping mechanisms, or even face mental health crises.
We don’t need another article on work-life balance. We need real tools. Here are a few I’ve found helpful and hope others might, too:
1. Create Micro-Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges racquet sports professionals face is the lack of separation between “work mode” and “rest mode.”
We’re constantly in motion lessons, emails, events, last-minute reschedules. It’s easy to reach the end of the day physically and emotionally drained.
That’s where micro-boundaries come in. These are small, intentional moments that allow you to pause and reset. For me, one of the most effective microboundaries is my midday office time.
Even with an open-door policy, I carve out a block where I sit at my desk alone. I use that time to review the morning, catch up on admin, and simply breathe. It’s not a vacation but it’s a pause. And that pause gives me just enough clarity to face the rest of the day with energy and presence.
2. Have a Personal Reset Ritual
We need a way to mentally shift gears a ritual that helps us move from “club professional” back to ourselves. For me, that reset happens during my commute home. I play a curated playlist songs that transport me to places, memories, or just a lighter headspace Music helps me stop thinking, stop planning, stop overanalyzing. By the time I get home, I feel more like myself, more present for my family, and more ready to unplug.
A reset ritual could be journaling, meditation, stretching, or silence whatever gives you that mental “exhale.” Over time, it becomes a powerful tool for preserving your emotional health.
3. Don’t Wear the Mask Alone
In our profession, there’s an unspoken expectation to be emotionally steady at all times. But beneath the surface, many of us are carrying stress, burnout, or personal struggles we feel we can’t express For years, I felt the need to go silent when I encountered emotional conflict my instinct was to retreat.
But being in a leadership role means you can’t just shut down and stop communicating with peers, colleagues, or members. I had to learn that silence isn’t strength. Connection is I’ve since made it a priority to speak honestly with a circle of trusted professionals people who understand the unique pressures of this field.
Leadership doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means showing up with humility, asking for help when needed, and creating space for others to do the same.
4.ProtectYour“Off”TimeFiercely
When your personal phone is also your work phone, the lines blur quickly. I often receive messages and calls outside of hours and I usually respond. But Sundaysaremyline.
IprotectSundaysunlessthere’satrueemergency One year, a member called me on a Sunday that happened to be both Father’s Day and my son’s 12th birthday With no staff on duty, I answered, thinking it might be urgent. It wasn’t she wanted to know why her name wasn’t on a team roster. I calmly said, “Is this an emergency?” She said no. I told her I’d handle it Monday,sharedwhyIwasoff,andhungup.
In that moment, my mind was screaming but I responded with the boundary I needed to preserve. If you don’t protect your time, others won’t either. Say no when you need to. You can serve your community best when you’re fully restored not constantly depleted
5.NurtureaSpiritualConnection
Spiritual grounding has given me strength and clarity during moments when the job feels overwhelming Whether it’s faith, mindfulness, or simply a belief in something larger than yourself, having that anchor helps you stay centered when the rest of your world is movingfast
Even more powerful is being part of a like-minded community people who seek purpose and presence, not just productivity. These relationships remind you that your identity is more than your position. They offer perspective when the pressure builds and supportwhenyourtankislow.
This journey isn’t just about managing a program. It’s about managing yourself. And a spiritual foundation combined with a supportive circle can be a life-saving combination
6.InvestinSelf-AwarenessTools
Real leadership starts with knowing yourself I learned this firsthand through a 26-week Life Skills class that revealed how I tend to shut down in times of stress or conflict. That pattern going quiet was something I didn’t even realize I was doing. But as a director, I can’t afford to disengage. I had to learn to respond, not react and that change didn’t happen overnight.
More recently, I completed Module 1 of Life Essentials, which goes even deeper. It challenged me to explore behaviors and emotional patterns rooted in past experiences. That kind of reflection isn’t always comfortable, but it’s transformative. It makes you more honest with yourself and stronger for others
These programs gave me tools I now carry into every interaction. They’ve made me a better communicator, a more empathetic leader, and a more grounded person.
If you’re interested in these programs or simply want to talk about the journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out: rcurbelo@rpycc.org
FinalThought
Being on stage is part of the job but it doesn’t have to define your entire life. Let’s keep showing up with excellence, while also supporting each other in showing up whole
Article written by Rafael Curbelo, Director of Racquet Sports, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club for RSPA
Florida Summer 2025 Baselines.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Division Regional Presidents
REGION1
District1Panhandle
District2Tallahassee
ValentimGoncalves (209)298-3389
valgoncalvesjr@gmailcom
REGION 5
District 8 Sarasota
REGION 2
District 3 Jacksonville
District 17 Gainesville
Tomás Gonzalzez (610) 554-1871
Gonztomas@gmail com
REGION
3
District 7A Tampa
District 7B St Pete
Brandon Feldman (813) 419-3752
brandon b feldman@gmail com
REGION 4
District 4 Central FL
District 5 Lakeland
District 6 Daytona Beach
District 15 Melbourne
Marco Herrera (407) 491-9770
maurhe@yahoo com
Jackie Bohannon (941) 544-7547
jackiebohannon@aol com
REGION 6
District 9 Vero Beach
District 10 West Palm
District 11 Boca Raton
Tim Brueggeman (772) 494-3095
tim@blvdtennisclub com
REGION
7
District 12 Naples
District 14 Lee County
District 18 Bonita Area
John Ramsey (239) 229-7556
jramsey.ilc@gmail.com
REGION 8
District 13A S Miami
District 13B N. Miami/Aventura
District 16 N. Dade/S. Broward
District 19 Keys
Paulo Barros (407-259-8944
pbarros@fisherislandclub com
Paulo Barros (407) 259-8944 pbarros@fisherislandclub com
RSPA Florida District Presidents & Vice Presidents
