FLORIDA DIVISION FLORIDA DIVISION CCONFERENCE ONFERENCE
May 29th-June 1st • Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando
May 29th-June 1st
FROM THE PRESIDENT
MIKE CURRAN
Welcome to the 2025 RSPA Florida Conferen
Dear
Racquet Sports Professionals,
On behalf of the RSPA Florida Board, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2025 RSPA Florida Conference at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. This premier venue provides the perfect backdrop for a dynamic and enriching gathering of our racquet sports community
Our conference agenda is packed with world-class educational sessions, featuring insights from top General Managers of esteemed country clubs. We're honored to host Megan Fudge, the current #1 female player on the APP Tour and a former University of Illinois tennis standout, who will share her journey and expertise in pickleball Additionally, we're excited to welcome Steve Johnson, a two-time NCAA Singles Champion and former world No. 21 ATP player, who will lead an engaging tennis session.
Beyond these highlights, our program includes a diverse lineup of accomplished speakers who will share their expertise across various facets of racquet sports management and development Attendees can also look forward to our vendor trade show, prestigious awards ceremony, and a friendly golf scramble. Rosen Shingle Creek offers an array of amenities, including diverse dining options, heated pools, a full-service spa, and various recreational activities
We encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities to learn, network, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow professionals. Your participation is what makes our community vibrant and strong.
Warm regards,
Mike Curran
On behalf of the RSPA Florida Board
THURSDAY,MAY29
5:00PM-6:00PM|LAKETOHO&DECK
12:30PM - 2:30PM SATURDAY,MAY31
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY 29
8:00am - 5:00pm Registration
Wekiwa Registration Desk
8:30am - 12:30pm Golf Scramble
Hawks Landing Golf Course
8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
9:00am - 1:00 pm
Specialty Course: Next Move, Next Level-Positioning Your Career for Advancement
Kim Bastable Wekiwa 6
1:00pm - 2:00pm Lunch on Your Own
2:00pm - 3:15pm
Education #1: Inclusive Coaching-Strengthening Skills to Empower All Racquet Sports Athletes
Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix: Love Serving Autism
Wekiwa 6
3:30pm - 4:45pm
Education #2: USTA Florida and RSPA Collaboration- 35/35 Initiative
Brian Dillman, Chuck Gill & Laura Bowen
Wekiwa 6
5:00pm - 6:00pm Welcome Reception
Lake Toho & Deck
VENDOR TRADE SHOW
SCHEDULE FRIDAY 30
7:00am-8:00am
CardioTennisWorkout*1.5EducationCreditsAvailable MicheleKrause RacquetCourts
8:00am-5:00pm Registration WekiwaRegistrationDesk
8:30am-9:30am
Education#3:Breakfast&Brainstorming FloridaBoard&DistrictPresidents Wekiwa7/8
9:45am-10:45am
Education#4:MeganFudgeOnCourt MeganFudge RacquetCourts
10:45am-11:45am
Education#4:SteveJohnsononCourt SteveJohnson RacquetCourts
12:00pm-1:00pm LunchonYourOwn
12:00pm-1:00pm PastPresidents&RSPAMasterProfessionalsLuncheon TobiasBurgers&Brews
1:00pm-2:15pm
Education#5:SkillsNeededtoLandYourDreamJob-CMAAPanel KevinCaldabaugh&IanMunroe Wekiwa6
2:30pm-3:45pm
Education#6:MeganFudge&SteveJohnsonPanel MeganFudge&SteveJohnson Wekiwa6
4:00pm-5:00pm
Education#7:NationalsUpdate TrishFaulkner Wekiwa6
5:15pm-7:15pm VendorTradeShow
Wekiwa7-8
SCHEDULE SATURDAY 31
7:00am-8:00am
YogaForTennis*1.5EducationCreditsAvailable MargitBannon LakeToho
8:00am-8:45am DistrictPresidentsMeeting Wekiwa7
9:00am-10:15am
Education#8:PickleballonCourt:HowtoSellaSeriesof LessonsforPickleball TimIrwin RacquetCourts
10:30am-11:45am
Education#9:WhyPadel?Thoughts&Considerationsfor AddingPadeltoYourClub TimBrueggeman Wekiwa6
12:30pm-2:30pm AwardsLuncheon SebastianI3-4
3:00pm-4:15pm
Education#10:PanelofRacquets-Tennis/Pickleball/Padel PauloBarros&TimBrueggeman Wekiwa6
4:30pm-5:45pm Diversity,Equity&InclusionMeeting Wekiwa7
4:30pm-6:00pm Florida/NationalFastFeedingCompetition RacquetCourts
SCHEDULE
SUNDAY 1
8:00am-12:00pm
PickleballCertificationClass
DaveNeuhart&NationalStaff
RSPANationalHeadquarters
11961PerformanceDrive,Orlando,FL32827
12:00pm-1:00pm LunchProvided
RSPANationalHeadquarters
1:00pm-5:00pm OnCourtPickleballCertification
DaveNeuhart
USTANationalCampusCourts 10000USTABlvd.,Orlando,Fl32827
ROSEN SHINGLECREEKMAP
-REGISTRATION -EDUCATIONSESSIONS -MEETINGS
SESSIONSTHURSDAY
*QR CODE MUST BE SCANNED TO EARN
Specialty Course-Next Move, Next Level: Positioning Your Career for Advancement
Kim Bastable, Professor of Practice, Director of Professional Racquets Management, University of Florida
9:00am - 1:00pm | Wekiwa 6
Kim is the visionary behind the first university-based program dedicated to the business and leadership of the racquets industry As the creator and lead instructor of the Director of Racquet Sports program at the University of Florida, she prepares future leaders to thrive in this evolving field She also teaches 3 masters-level courses within UF’s College of Health and Human Performance
A former NCAA All-American and SEC champion player for the Gators, Kim has over 40 years of experience in racquet sports, including leadership roles at clubs and universities and as an on-court and mental performance coach She holds a Master’s in Education with a specialization in Positive Coaching Psychology, a BS in Finance, and multiple certifications in coaching, leadership, and mental performance
Based in Kansas City Kim runs the UF program remotely and loves traveling with her husband Jack to visit their 16 grandchildren across the country and in London
Inclusive Coaching: Strengthening Skills to Empower
All Racquet Sports Athletes
Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, Love Serving Autism
2:00pm - 3:15pm | Wekiwa 6
LisaisanEliteCertifiedRacquetSportsProfessionalwithRSPAandPTRaswellasanASHA-certifiedSpeechLanguagePathologistwithaspecialtyinautism Withover20yearsofexperience shehasdedicatedhercareerto evaluatingandtreatingchildrenandadultswithAutismSpectrumDisorderanduniqueabilities
AformercollegiatetennisplayeratDukeUniversityandanationalchampionwiththeUniversityofFlorida’sNCAA TennisTeam,Lisahasalsocompetedinprofessionaltournaments Shebringsauniqueblendofherextensivetennis backgroundandspeechtherapyexpertisetoteachingtherapeuticracquetsportstoneurodivergentindividuals
InJanuary2017,drivenbyherpassion,LisafoundedLoveServingAutism,a501(c)(3)nonprofitorganization Love ServingAutism’smissionistoenrichthelivesofneurodiverseindividualsthroughracquetsports,enhancing physicalfitness socialskills andemotionalwell-being Byintegratingtherapeutictechniquesintotennis pickleball andpadelinstruction,theorganizationcreatesaninclusiveandsupportiveenvironment,empowering neurodivergentindividualstothrivebothonandoffthecourts
Since2021,LisahasservedasChairoftheAdaptiveTrainingandEducationSubcommitteeforUSTANational,where shecontributedtodevelopingthefirstadaptivetenniscurriculumintheUnitedStates ShealsoleadstheRacquet SportsProfessionalAssociationsNationalAdaptiveTaskForce
Lisa’sdedicationhasearnedherprestigiousrecognition,includingthe2022EveKraftVolunteeroftheYearAward fromtheUnitedStatesTennisAssociationandthe2024HumanitarianoftheYearAwardfromtheProfessional TennisRegistry
SESSIONSTHURSDAY
USTA Florida and RSPA Collaboration: 35/35 Initiative
Brian Dillman, Chuck Gill & Laura Bowen
3:30pm - 4:45pm | Wekiwa 6
Chuck Gill was born in Richmond, VA, but moved quite often,
finding him in Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and Vermont Chuck first got involved with tennis when he was 16, stringing rackets and helping run lessons for junior players He has worked in tennis ever since and currently is the Director of Tennis at Wellington Tennis Center Prior to that he was the Tennis Director at the Club at Ibis where he served 24 years as director of Sports, overseeing fitness, aquatics and spa, as well as its award-winning tennis operation,
He got involved as a volunteer by joining different boards and national committees He joined the USTA Florida Board because he loves the people on the board and being a part of helping to grow tennis
Chuck stepped into the role of President in 2025-2026 He is a past president of USPTA/RSPA Florida, USPTA National, and will continue to serve as Chair of USTA Florida’s Tennis Management Advisory Team In his free time, Chuck loves to play tennis, golf and read *QR CODE MUST BE SCANNED TO EARN
Laura Bowen, PMP, is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience in strategic communications, nonprofit leadership, and stakeholder engagement As Executive Director of USTA Florida since 2018, she has spearheaded the organization’s transformation into a first-class operation, expanding community tennis programs and leading the successful implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan. Under her leadership, USTA Florida has strengthened support for public parks, tennis providers, and players statewide
Previously, Laura served as Director of Marketing, Membership, Sponsorship, and Communications, where she led award-winning campaigns, secured national partnerships, and launched inclusive initiatives like “Tenis para Todos” Her background also includes high-profile executive communications roles with the National Association of REALTORS® and Freddie Mac, where she developed impactful messaging for top executives and national campaigns
Brian Dillman is the CEO of the RSPA With experience in sporting goods, fitness and the fashion industry, Brian has done a bit of everything, from senior leadership, sales development, global marketing, sourcing, logistics and supply chain Prior to joining the RSPA,
Brian was a health and wellness leader with expertise in new business development, new markets and new technology as CEO of miha bodytec. He has also worked for Wilson Sporting Goods, Cervelo Bicycles, Peter Millar and Rodd & Gunn and has extensive international experience living and working in Munich, Toronto and London
SESSIONSFRIDAY
Cardio Tennis Workout
Michele Krause
7:00am - 8:00am |
Racquet Courts
*QR CODE MUST BE SCANNED TO EARN CEU’S
Come join us for a group fitness experience using tennis to drive the aerobic and anaerobic benefits. This is a structured, games based, "High Intensity Tennis Training" experience
Breakfast & Brainstorming
Led by Florida Division Leadership
8:30am - 9:30am | Wekiwa 7/8
Breakfast is on us! Grab a plate and join a table for round table discussions with your peers on topics that are affecting the racquets industry in today’s world Facilitator will be located at each table
Megan Fudge & Steve Johnson On Court
Megan Fudge & Steve Johnson
9:45am - 10:45am (Megan) | Racquet Courts
10:45am - 11:45am (Steve) | Racquet Courts
Megan Fudge is a top-ranked professional pickleball player and former collegiate tennis standout. Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, she played #1 singles and doubles at the University of Illinois, earning four All-Big Ten honors and the NCAA Regional Sportsmanship Award
Since transitioning to pickleball in 2021, Megan has amassed over 80 professional medals, including gold at the English and Indian Opens, and silver at the 2023 and 2024 US Opens She finished 2023 with the most medals on the APP Tour and currently holds the #1 ranking in the world on the APP Tour.
Megan and her husband, former tennis pro Ryler DeHeart, travel full-time in an RV with their two children, balancing family life with their professional pickleball careers As an international ambassador for the sport Megan is dedicated to promoting pickleball globally and inspiring women and girls to pursue their passions both on and off the court.
Steve "Stevie" Johnson, is a former American professional tennis player known for his consistency and collegiate dominance Johnson rose to fame at the University of Southern California, where he led the team to four consecutive NCAA team championships and won back-to-back NCAA singles titles in 2011 and 2012 He finished his college career on a 72-match win streak.
Turning pro in 2012, Johnson reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No 21 in July 2016 He claimed four ATP singles titles and was a steady presence in both singles and doubles on the tour One of his career highlights came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won a bronze medal in men ’ s doubles alongside Jack Sock
Known for his powerful forehand and strong work ethic, Johnson was a fan favorite for his grit and sportsmanship After more than a decade on the professional circuit, he stepped away from full-time competition, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished American college players to transition successfully into the pro ranks
SESSIONSFRIDAY
*QR CODE MUST BE SCANNED TO EARN CEU’S
Skills Needed to Land Your Dream Job: CMAA Panel
Kevin Caldabaugh & Ian Munroe
1:00pm - 2:15pm | Wekiwa 6
IanMunroe, CCM, serves as the General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Winter Park Racquet Club, a Platinum-recognized property in Central Florida He has built a distinguished 20-year career in private clubs, a journey that began as a teenager working in the tennis pro shop at Eagle’s Landing Country Club in Atlanta. It was there that Ian set his sights on one day becoming a General Manager
After playing college tennis and completing his BBA, Ian invested heavily into industry-specific education and professional development to further his career goals. In his early twenties, he earned his USPTA Professional Certification and served as the Head Tennis Professional at both Eagle’s Landing CC and the Savannah Yacht Club After sharing his vison of becoming a General Manager with his current GM, his role at the Savannah Yacht Club expanded to include club operations and food and beverage management, where he transitioned from tennis and became the Clubhouse Manager, broadening his expertise beyond racquets
Ian continued to build his career by strategically seeking opportunities at premier clubs, including The Landings Golf & Athletic Club and Wexford on Hilton Head Island, working under the mentorship of industry leaders and rounding out his knowledge in other areas of club operations His deliberate progression through all facets of club operations reflects a blend of hands-on experience and strategic leadership development
At the Winter Park Racquet Club, Ian has applied his diverse background to lead record membership growth, major campus improvements, and a transformative financial and cultural shift, positioning the club for long-term success Under his leadership, the Club has been recognized as a Platinum Club of America, Honorable Mention, their first year on the ballot, received Orlando’s Top Workplace Award in 2024 from the Orlando Sentinel, and has been featured in several industry publications highlighting its rapid growth and forward-looking plans
KevinCaldabaugh began his career in the private club industry at The Club at Admirals Cove as a personal trainer in 2010 and a year later transitioned to John’s Island Club where he served as the Director of Fitness & Wellness for 12-years
Since leaving John’s Island, Kevin has served as the COO/General Manager at Lost City Golf Club a private club in Palm Beach County offering 27-holes of golf and pickleball He has a passion for education and has been fortunate to serve in various industry leadership roles, including as the President of the Club Spa & Fitness Association, as the NSCA’s State Director of Florida, and as a committee member on CMAA’s Research and Bylaws Committees
Kevin currently sits on the FLCMAA’s Student Development Committee Prior to entering the private club industry, Kevin worked as a strength coach where he trained a variety of athletes, including tennis players Kevin holds degrees in economics, human performance, and sport management and is a Certified Club Manager His career is supported by his beautiful wife Sarah, and their three children, Liam, Grace, and Ronan
SESSIONSFRIDAY
Megan Fudge & Steve Johnson Panel
Megan Fudge and Steve Johnson
2:30pm - 3:45pm | Wekiwa 6
*QR CODE MUST BE SCANNED TO EARN CEU’S
Join former tennis player Steve Johnson and pro pickleball player Megan Fudge as they discuss the evolution of racquet sports, their personal journeys, and the crossover appeal between tennis and pickleball Gain insights into training, competition, and what the future holds for both sports in this dynamic panel
The session will begin with a moderated discussion exploring their careers, on-court strategies and more. Following the discussion, the floor will open to audience Q&A
te er 4:00pm-5:00pm|Wekiwa6
Trish Faulkner retired from the Tennis Professional Emeritus position at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She has served as tournament chairperson for the 2014 ITF Senior World Championships in Palm Beach County. Trish was also Tournament Director for the 2014 and 2022 ITF World Championships
Previously, she worked as head tour director and marketing director for the WTA and formed a sports marketing and special event corporation, Triosports International Inc, operating four of the Virginia Slims Women’s Professional Tour events An author, she wrote The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tennis and produced a teaching manual for the ITF for the Middle East with an accompanying slide show
As a player, she won multiple titles on the Women’s Tour, including the British Indoor Doubles and Mixed Doubles. She has scored many victories as a high-level senior player and was ranked No 1 in three senior age divisions –50’s, 55’s and 60’s – and has won 36 U.S.A. national senior titles. Faulkner is an ITF World Singles Champion and a member of the U S team winning four ITF World Team Championships.
SESSIONSSATURDAY
YogaforTennis
MargitBannon
7:00am-8:00am|LakeToho
*QR CODE MUST BE SCANNED TO EARN CEU’S
Enhance your game with this yoga class designed specifically for tennis players Improve flexibility, balance, core strength, and mental focus while relieving tension in shoulders, hips, and wrists. Perfect for all levels whether you ’ re a weekend warrior or a competitive player.
PickleballonCourt:HowtoSellaSeriesofLessonsforPickleball
TimIrwin
9:00am-10:15am|RacquetCourts
Tim is the Owner/Director for the Tim Irwin’s Pickleball School, LLC which manages, programs and provides curriculum for country clubs, racket clubs and commercial facilities He is the previous Director of Pickleball of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine Region where he directed a 2100 player pickleball program overseeing 43 courts in 7 locations He is the past USPTA Middle State’s Head Coach Developer for Pickleball and is a Gold Medalist at the 2021 Keystone State Pickleball Championships. Tim is a certified RSPA, IPTPA Level II Pickleball Professional and IPTPA Rating Specialist Tim served as past president of the USPTA Middle States Division
Tim also served as the previous Executive Director for the USPTA Middle States Division from 2004-2014. Tim was inducted into the USPTA Middle States Division Hall of Fame in 2016, selected as USPTA MS Presidential Award Winner in 2015 and awarded Pro of the Year by the USTA Middle States Philadelphia District in 2014 Tim was the past Head Tennis Coach of the Coatesville High School Girls Tennis Team (15 years) and the past Head Coach of the Bishop Shanahan Boys Tennis Team. Tim received the 2019 “Champion for Children” award from the Coatesville Area School District
Tim is a permanently professed domestic brother of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. He and his wife, Karen reside in Bradenton, Florida. Tim is the father of two sons Joel and Chaz who are tennis/pickleball teaching professionals and a daughter Marci, a licensed marriage and family therapist along with four granddaughters Raelyn, Cameran, Lennon and Chloe and grandson Cooper due in November
SESSIONSSATURDAY
Why Padel? Thoughts & Considerations for adding Padel to Your Club
Tim Brueggeman
10:30am - 11:45am | Wekiwa 6
Tim has been involved in the racquet sports industry for the past 40+ years and a RSPA Professional since 1988 Tim was the Director of Racquet Sports at the John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, FL for 20 years as well as the Director at Iron Horse Golf Club in Whitefish, MT and the New Canaan Field Club in New Canaan CT Currently Tim is the Director at The Boulevard Tennis & Padel Club in Vero Beach, FL overseeing the racquets program which now includes 3 padel courts
During his tenure Tim has had the opportunity to be involved with numerous capital expansion programs at various clubs including adding squash, pickleball, padel, croquet, tennis, and restaurant facilities
Tim and his staff have been developing a full service padel facility at The Boulevard which includes 3 padel courts, pro staff, and a full schedule of events including professional exhibitions
Currently the Region 6 RSPA President Tim has been fortunate in that capacity to work with fellow outstanding professionals throughout the state of Florida as the racquet sports industry continues to evolve and thrive!
PanelofRacquets:Tennis/Pickleball/Padel
PauloBarros&TimBrueggeman
3:00pm-4:15pm|Wekiwa6
Paulo Barros-CRSE (Certified Racquets Sports Executive), RSPA Elite Professional, PTR Professional, PadelMBA,RPPPadel,andIPTPAPickleballProfessionalcertified Afterasuccessfuljuniorcareerasthe
#5highestplayerinBrazil PauloearnedafullscholarshiptoplayandstudyforHamptonUniversity VA Heearneda BachelorofSciencedegreeinbusinessmanagementwithaminorinsportsmanagement andamaster'sinbusiness administration bothfromHamptonUniversity PauloreceivedanAll-AmericanScholarsAward wasnameda2001 ConferencePlayerandFreshmanoftheYearin1998 appearedinSportsIllustratedmagazinethatyear andreceivedan AcademicAchievementAward
Paulohasbeeninvolvedwithintheindustryforthepast20years throughwhichhehasbeenattendingandpromoting theindustryandwasawardedRSPAPlayeroftheYearon8differentoccasions RSPAFloridaDistrictoftheYear and RSPAFloridaProoftheYearin2023 Paulohasalsobeenranked#1USTANationalMen’s35in2014-2016
Paulo'sextensiveexperienceacrossvarioussectorsoftheracquetsportsindustry includingcollegiateprograms commercialclubs privateclubs andprivately-ownedequityclubs hasenabledhimtoacquirecomprehensive knowledgeandexpertiseoverthepast20years Forthelast6yearshehasbeentheDirectorofRacquetSportsatFisher IslandClubinMiamiwhereheisdirectingthreeracquetsports(padel pickleballandtennis)and18staffmembers
“Ithriveonthejoyofsupportingandpromotingthelifetimesportoftennistoallpeople Icanreachsomanypeopleby teaching managing andpromotingthesport thatitisimpossiblenottolovethevarietyofoptionsthatthesportbrings toeveryone”
HeismarriedtoGlauciaBarros withtwodaughters–IsabellaandBruna
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