RSPA Mid-Atlantic Newsletter - Winter 2025

RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division

SERVICE LINES Newsletter - Winter 2025

INSIDE

President’s

MESSAGE

Dear RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division Members, As my term as President comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each of you.

Serving as President has been an incredibly positive and rewarding experience, thanks to the dedication, collaboration, and enthusiasm of this outstanding division.

Over the past two years, we’ve accomplished so much together strengthening our connections, growing our membership, and supporting the industry we care about. None of this would have been possible without your energy, collaboration, and commitment. Together, we’ve continued to support one another in advancing our shared goals. I’ve been continually

inspired by your commitment and passion, and I’m confident the division will continue to thrive under the capable leadership that follows.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve—it has truly been an honor. I look forward to staying involved and supporting the continued success of RSPA and our division. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or if you would like to be more involved with the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division. (Email: G2Tennis@live.com) With appreciation and best wishes, Glenn Gerbino RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division

Executive Director’s UPDATE SAVE THE DATES

February 17 & 18, 2026 Padel Certification Padel Up 44810 Old Ox Road, Suite 165 Sterling, Virginia 20166 Registration Information February 27 & 28, 2026 2026 Mid-Atlantic Division Conference & Annual Awards & Hall of Fame Luncheon Westwood Country Club 800 Maple Avenue E Vienna, Virginia 22180 Registration Information March 1, 2026 @ 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Pickleball Certification Westwood Country Club 800 Maple Avenue E Vienna, Virginia 22180 Registration Information March 14, 2026 @ 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Platform Certification Old Farm Swim and Paddle Tennis Club 1 Swim Club Rockville, Maryland 20852 Registration Information

Welcome to our 2026/2027 Division Board Members and State Representatives President: Mark DiChiara Regional Vice President: Arun Pant Vice President: Taylor Newman Vice President: Michael Caboy Vice President: David Robinson Vice President: Ronnie Hass Past President: Glenn Gerbino DC State Representative: Angela McDowell Maryland State Representatives: Hernan Hatem and Sam Stone Virginia State Representatives: Jeff Tucker and Joseph Caruth Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication.

LET’S CONNECT The RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division is interested in connecting with you. If you have news you would like to share with the division, job postings, a promotion, tennis/pickleball tips or an upcoming event, then please send the information to me atJoni.Hannah@rspa.net.

Also, please follow us on Facebook and on X (formerly Twitter) https://x.com/rspamidatlantic

NEW MEMBERS & UPGRADED MEMBERS: Alireza Kivi, Bethesda, Maryland Shannon Sexton, Virginia Beach, Virginia Robert Gousy, Burke, Virginia

RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division

Annual Awards & Hall of Fame Luncheon The RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division is committed to excellence in racquet sports. As certified teaching professionals and ambassadors to our sports, our members lead with integrity, innovate in coaching, and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet sports community. As 2025 draws to a close, the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division is seeking your help in identifying and celebrating those fellow RSPA member professionals who have achieved excellence this year on and/or off the court.

If you know of any deserving individuals, please nominate them for one or more of the awards and please join us at the Awards Luncheon to acknowledge and celebrate our award winners.

Here are the Link to Award Categories and the Link to Nomination Form.

The deadline for submitting a nomination is December 31, 2025.

Supporting documents regarding the nominee maybe submitted up until January 10, 2026. If you have any question regarding the awards or the nominating process, then please contact Awards Chairman, Arun Pant (apant22@gmail.com) or RSPA Mid-Atlantic Executive Director, Joni Hannah (Joni.Hannah@rspa.net).

In addition, the Hall of Fame Committee is currently seeking nominations for the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Hall of Fame. The RSPA MidAtlantic Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the exceptional contributions of professionals who have made a lasting impact on our

sport and community. We are asking our RSPA Mid-Atlantic professionals to help identify and nominate deserving individuals for this prestigious honor. Your recommendations and insights are invaluable in ensuring that deserving members receive the recognition they merit.

Link to Past Recipients If you know of a past or current RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division professional who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, skill and leadership throughout their career, then we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete the linked nomination form for the Committee’s consideration of the candidate.

Link to Nomination Form Nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025. Please contact Hall of Fame Committee Chairman, John Cleary (primetimetennis@comcast.net) or RSPA Mid-Atlantic Executive Director, Joni Hannah (Joni.Hannah@rspa.net), if you have any questions or require any additional information.

Award winners and any Hall of Fame inductees will be honored during the Awards Luncheon to be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at our 2026 Mid-Atlantic Division Annual Conference to be held at Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Virginia.

Elevate Your Club Experience All-in-One Club Management Trusted by 1,600+ clubs 30M+ reservations processed 2.5M+ players served

LEARN MORE AT

courtreserve.com

Introducing the 2026/2027 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division

BOARD MEMBERS AND STATE REPRESENTATIVES President – Mark DiChiara Mark is the President of ReMARKable Racquet Sports, a racquet sports teaching organization based in Montgomery County. Mark was named the USTA Maryland Teaching Pro of the Year in 2013 as well as 2012 USTA Mid Atlantic Tournament Director of the. Mark proudly received the RSPA Maryland Professional of the Year in 2016. In 2022 and 2023 he earned the RSPA “Stars” award and Large Facility Manager of the year respectively. Mark has served on the RSPA MidAtlantic board of directors since 2016 where he is currently president. Mark’s Career has taken him from the Sea Pines Racquet Club in Hilton Head, South Carolina, two years coaching in Australia and almost 2 decades at the Georgetown Prep Tennis Club where he left as the General Manager. Mark graduated from Ferris State University with a degree in Professional Tennis Management and played for their team.

Mark loves spending time with his 10-year-old daughter, Grace.

Regional Vice President – Arun Pant Arun, an RSPA Elite Professional, is currently the Assistant General Manager for Columbia Association Racquet Sports. Arun is responsible for all programming, club operations, and staff hiring, onboarding and development.

Prior to his role at CA Arun worked at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, MD as a staff professional. Arun was awarded the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Maryland Professional of the Year in 2023. Arun has a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Frostburg State University where he played college tennis and was team captain for two years. Arun also enjoys serving as a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the Ellicott City Fire Department.

6

Vice President/Treasurer – Taylor Newman Taylor is the Assistant Director of Racquets at Chevy Chase Club. She has completed the Director of Racquets certificate course through the University of Florida and is RSPA certified in tennis, platform tennis and pickleball. Additionally, Taylor won the Maryland Professional of the Year award in 2025. She formerly played Division I college tennis at Radford University and earned a degree in Journalism and Spanish.

Vice President – Michael Caboy Mike has over 35 years of competitive playing, teaching and management experience in the tennis industry. He played at Florida International University in Miami, Florida from 1984–1985 and at Montclair State University in New Jersey from 1985–1987. Mike began his tennis teaching career in 1988 at Walt Disney World as the Assistant Professional at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and later became the Head Professional at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. In 2002, Mike became Director of Tennis at Spanish Wells Club, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Mike was selected as the 2002 Pro of the Year for Hilton Head Island by The Tennis Association of Hilton Head Island (TAHHI). Mike has been the Director of Tennis at the McCormack Nagelsen Tennis Center on the campus of William & Mary since June 2016. Mike is an RSPA Elite Professional who most recently received the 2024 RSPA Mid – Atlantic Professional of the Year Award.

Vice President – David Robinson David Robinson is a Washington, DC native and was certified by USPTA in 1980. David co-founded Tennis Management Group Inc. (TMG) in 1983, managing tennis at private clubs, destination resorts and public facilities. TMG rebranded in 2024 as Racquet Sports Management (RSM) to better reflect the company involvement with multiple racquet sports adding pickleball, padel, beach tennis, and squash. RSM offers RSPA members teaching vacations at all-inclusive beachfront resorts globally. David is the Director of Racquet Sports at Little Falls Swimming Club in Bethesda. Since 2012, David has been managing tennis programming at six Montgomery County Public Schools with a coaching staff of 15 and now adding pickleball to afterschool programs.

7

Vice President – Ronnie Hass Ronnie has been a proud member of the RSPA since 1997.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Ronnie grew up as a competitive junior player and went on to play college tennis at Jacksonville State University. After graduating, Ronnie began his professional career as an Assistant Tennis Professional at Ansley Golf Club in 1993. Over nearly 20 years at Ansley Golf Club, Ronnie advanced through several leadership roles, becoming Tennis Director in 1997 and Athletic Director in 2002—one of the first individuals in the country to hold that position. During his time in Atlanta, Ronnie served on the Board of the Georgia Professional Tennis Association (GPTA) and completed two terms as its President. In 2013, Ronnie accepted the position of Racquets Director at Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he continues to focus on program growth, innovation, and professional development. Ronnie has been married to his wife, Bridget, for 29 years and has two children, William (26) and Stephanie (24). Ronnie is looking forward to connecting with fellow professionals in the Mid-Atlantic region and contributing to the continued growth of the RSPA community.

Past President – Glenn Gerbino Glenn Gerbino is an RSPA Elite Professional with more than 35 years teaching experience. He was born and raised in Patchogue, New York (Long Island), and began playing tennis at age nine at a public facility just three blocks from his home. After playing for Slippery Rock University, Glenn began his teaching career in 1991 at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, FL. He moved to the Southwest in 1992, where he was the Director of Tennis at El Paso Country Club, Troon Country Club, and Carefree Resort & Conference Center. During this time Glenn became active in the USPTA, serving in many positions on the Southwest Division Board and as Southwest Conference Chairman for six years. He was the first coach of the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams at Valley Lutheran High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where his players were three-time winners of the state 1A doubles championship. Glenn was inducted into Valley Lutheran’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. He was named the USPTA Southwest Division “Pro of the Year” in 2008 and the USPTA Southwest Division “High School Coach of the Year” in 2009. Since moving back to the East Coast in 2014, Glenn has taught privately in the DC area as well as in Maryland with the JTCC, Columbia Tennis Association, and Georgetown Prep. He has served on the Mid-Atlantic Division board since 2016, becoming Vice President in 2022 and President in 2024.

8

DC State RepresentativeAngela McDowell Angela is entering her second term on the Board as the DC State Representative and her 6th year of RSPA membership. A native Washingtonian, still residing in her original community of Deanwood in Northeast, Angela works at St. Albans School in NW as its Assistant Director of Summer Programs and Club Administration, in which that second element alludes to her managing the daily operation of the St. Albans Tennis Center and is the nonplaying captain of its Interclub Senior Doubles Team. An intermediate player herself, Angela has begun exploring more matchplay opportunities including Impact Team Tennis and is a former flag football player. During this next term on the Board, I hope to devise opportunities to reach our members who are in more isolated pockets of our division and continue supporting any programs or initiatives we choose to get behind.

Maryland State Representative – Sam Stone Sam plays tennis all over Anne Arundel County and coaches whenever possible. He’s a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and played for the tennis team. He then completed a Master’s at the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership. His experience with tennis didn’t stop after college - he’s been a member of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association since 2018 and very involved in community-level tennis.

Sam co-founded San Diego Tennis Center, a public park tennis venture that partners with local schools to provide private-club level instruction to all. Sam was a founding member of RSPA San Diego’s “Elevate,” who organized a monthly meetup for next gen Racquets Directors to network with local industry leaders. Sam was the corecipient of the STAR award (San Diego RSPA Division) in 2021, recognizing community leaders who have dedicated significant time to grassroots tennis initiatives. Sam competes on the Father-Son national circuit with his father, Harlan Stone, a 2023 New England Tennis Hall of Fame inductee. Recently relocating from Southern California, he lives in Annapolis with his wife, Heather. They share a passion for the outdoors, spending time with family and cheering on the Ravens. When he’s not in the office, Sam enjoys cycling, local craft beer, and his weekly tennis duels.

9

Maryland State Representative – Hernan Hatem Hernan Hatem, a native of Tucumán, Argentina, played collegiate tennis at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where he was named Georgia Athletic Collegiate Conference Rookie of the Year and earned NJCAA AllAmerican honors, reaching No. 4 in the national singles rankings. He later transferred to Georgia Gwinnett College, serving as team captain and leading the program to its first NAIA National Championship in 2014. Hernan went on to coach at Kennesaw State University (NCAA Division I) where he graduated with a B.B.A (Bachelors of Business Administration) and Southwestern College (NAIA), where he earned his MBA in 2018. A PTR Performance Professional, RSPA Elite Professional Coach, and AAT (Asociación Argentina de Tenis) National Certified Coach, Hernan also holds PPTR, PPR, and DORS (Director of Racquet Sports Certification) credentials. Before joining Chevy Chase Club in 2020, he served as Director of Junior Programs at Summit Chase Country Club in Georgia and as Head of Tennis at Wicosuta Summer Camp in New Hampshire. From 2021 to 2023, he was the Director of Junior Tennis at Chevy Chase Club, and he currently serves as Director of Ladies Interclub and Adult Tennis. Hernan was named the 2021 USPTA Mid-Atlantic Maryland Professional of the Year and has served as a Citi Open Hitting Partner (ATP/WTA 500) from 2023 to 2025.

Virginia State Representative – Joseph Caruth Joseph is an RSPA Certified Tennis and Pickleball professional who grew up in a military family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His experience includes roles as Tennis Director at the University of Arizona’s NCAA National Youth Sports Program, USTA Area Schools Coordinator for Okaloosa County (30 schools), 2006 USTA Pensacola Senior Games Champion (over 50 division), and coaching positions at Pryor Middle School, Kadena High School (Japan), Fairfax County Parks and Recreation, and directing the Far East International High School Tennis Tournament.

Joseph is the owner of GR77 Solutions LLC, a ServiceDisabled Veteran Owned Small Business focused on education, training, and RSPA-certified tennis programs.

10

Virginia State Representative – Jeff Tucker Jeff is an RSPA Elite pro, iTPA Tennis Performance Trainer, and PTR certified pro since 1995. Jeff is the founder of Advantage Tennis, a developmental tennis and pickleball business in Alexandria Virginia.

Cardio Tennis trained, he also holds certifications with the Women’s Tennis Coaching Association, Human Performance Institute, and US Racquet Stringers Association. Jeff believes positive, holistic coaching is the only way to coach and specializes in modern technique and tactics, mental-emotional discipline, and physical fitness throughout his curricula. He played junior college tennis and basketball before earning an aerospace engineering degree from Virginia Tech. Jeff started his coaching and public service career working for the US Navy and the MD National Capital Park & Planning Commission, ultimately growing one of the largest junior programs in Maryland along with his tri-county retail and coaching business. Jeff is currently the Tennis Director at a seasonal club, and head girls tennis coach at Justice High School, receiving FCPS National District Coach of the Year honors in 2025. Jeff lives in Alexandria with his wife while his daughter is at William and Mary.

Spotlight on the Mid-Atlantic Highlighting Success in the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division

RSPA Mid-Atlantic Professionals Win National Awards!!!

Three of our dedicated Mid-Atlantic Professionals were big winners at the 2025 RSPA World Racquets Conference held in beautiful, Kona, Hawaii this past September.

Jason Grigg was awarded the RSPA National Pickleball Coach Developer of the Year Award for his tremendous contributions to Pickleball certifications in the Mid-Atlantic Division and around the country.

11

Logan West received the RSPA National Laurie Martin High School Coach of the Year Award. Logan is the Head Coach of the Sidwell Friends boys’ and girls’ varsity tennis teams. Last year, West’s boys’ and girls’ teams both won state DCSAA championships after winning their respective Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conferences and Independent School leagues team titles!

Keith Puryear won the RSPA National Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year Award for his outstanding record as Navy’s Women’s Tennis Coach. Keith led his team to a 24 win and 7 loss season which included winning the Patriot League title.

RSPA Professional, Bridget Merrick Inducted into the University of Richmond Hall of Fame

By Michael Caboy, RSPA Mid-Atlantic Vice President

Bridget Merrick, RSPA Professional, was inducted into the University of Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place during the weekend of October 17th and 18th on the university campus.

Bridget graduated in 1998, and played a key role in the success of women’s tennis for the Spiders, playing number 2 singles and number 1 doubles with her partner, Lesia Bilak. While playing for the Spiders, Bridget recorded 51 career wins in singles. She was

also named first team All-CAA Doubles, as a senior with Lesia. The two of them shared the title of Richmond’s Female Athlete of the Year. During her senior year, Bridget and Lesia achieved a top 10 national ranking as a doubles team, with a 17-2 record in the fall. The tandem won the Rolex East Regional Championship with a victory over the 13th nationally ranked team from William & Mary, comprised of Lauren Nickolaus, and Michelle O. With that win, the team qualified for the Rolex National Tennis Championships, where they reached the quarterfinals. In the spring, they compiled a record of 15-2, including 13 consecutive wins. Bridget and Lesia finished the year as one of the top 32 pairs in the country, which qualified them for the NCAA Doubles Championships. Bridget completed her 4 years as a spider with 66 wins as part of the Merrick/Bilak doubles team.

Upon graduation, the duo continued with their great partnership, playing together on the WTA tour for a year.

Bridget is currently a tennis professional at the Army Navy Country Club and also serves as a board member of the MidAtlantic division of the RSPA. Bridget is also a USTA League Coordinator. She still keeps in touch with many from her playing days, including her doubles partner Lesia, and opponents from William & Mary, Lauren and Michelle.

Congratulations Bridget Merrick!

Go Spiders!!

Westwood Country Club Hosts John Isner and Sam Querry Led Clinic Westwood Country Club and its Director of Racquets, RSPA Professional, Dai Edwardes-Evans, were proud to welcome American tennis icons John Isner and Sam Querrey on December 7th for a oneof-a-kind Fantasy Clinic Experience hosted by the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. The event brought together two of the most accomplished and recognizable names in U.S. tennis for an unforgettable day of instruction, inspiration, and fun on the Vienna, Virginia courts.

Eighteen participants took part in an exclusive 90-minute clinic led by Isner and Querrey, featuring interactive drills, personalized feedback, and plenty of opportunities for hands-on coaching. The session culminated with the popular “Beat the Pro” challenge, where participants tested their skills and fought for bragging rights of winning a point against a former ATP legend.

Following the on-court action, guests enjoyed a relaxed lunch and Q&A session with John and Sam. Participants had the rare opportunity of hearing their personal stories from years on the ATP Tour — from Davis Cup battles and Grand Slam memories to life beyond the baseline. Participants also had time for photos, autographs, and casual conversation with the two pros.

As part of their visit, Isner and Querrey also had the unique 12

opportunity to step onto Westwood’s historic Court Tennis court — the only one of its kind in the region — to experience the ancestor of modern tennis firsthand. Their introduction to this centuries-old game was both entertaining and memorable, bridging the sport’s rich past with its vibrant present.

This event represents a special collaboration between Westwood Country Club and the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, celebrating not only the growth of tennis in the region but also the sense of community and connection that the sport inspires.

(Pictured L-R are John Isner, Beth Twomey, COO USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, and Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, CEO USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, Dai EdwardesEvans & Sam Querry)

Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County’s

Inaugural Tennis Hall of Fame Banquet Sam Stone, RSPA Mid-Atlantic Maryland Representative On Thursday, November 6th, the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County held its Inaugural Tennis Hall of Fame Banquet. The event was held at Chartwell Golf & Country Club, it included a silent auction, dinner and induction ceremony. Those honored included coaches, contributors and players whose achievements and leadership in supporting tennis-related activities have been outstanding over a significant period of time. Inductees included over 15 individuals including: Robert (Bobby) Bayliss, varsity college tennis coach for 44 years at Navy, MIT, and Notre Dame, member Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, retired as one of three NCAA coaches with over 700 career wins, and co-founder of the Navy Tennis Booster Club.

Michele Archibald, past president of the Anne Arundel County Tennis Association (AACTA), founding member of the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County, longtime USTA player, Captain,

Coordinator, and representative to the USTA district and Section.

Michael Heup, decorated Special Olympics athlete and advocate, multiple medal winner in tennis at State and USA Games, 2018 recipient of the Jimmy Myrick Jr. Governor’s Courage Award.

Randall (Randy) Stevens, tennis instructor, youth and adult tournament director, tournament referee, high school coach, Truxtun Park Director of Tennis, founder of Totally Tennis and the Annapolis Junior Open tournament.

For a full list of inductees, see the Press Release. Having attended many galas, Sam said it was a well-attended, exceptional event. He was reminded that we each have someone to whom we owe for lighting that tennis “spark” inside of us - whether that’s a coach, a mentor, a parent or a sparring partner. Take the opportunity to show your gratitude!

Har-Tru Holds Court Maintenance Event at Congressional Country Club On Friday, November 7th, Har-Tru held a Tennis Court Maintenance Seminar at Congressional Country Club for Directors, Facility Managers and anyone who handles day-to-day operations at any racquet facility. Many RSPA professionals took advantage of this free event made possible

by Har-Tru’s Brian Laumeyer, Keystone Sports Construction’s Tim Fitzgerald, and Alex Justiniani, Congressional Country Club’s Director of Racquets. Participants enjoyed a delicious lunch while learning about court construction, daily, periodic and reconditioning practices. After lunch everyone was invited on court for more hands-on learning and on court demonstrations. Many thanks to Har-Tru for this informative event.

Link to Har-Tru Article on Winter Season Clay Court Maintenance Best Practices

13

Racquet Sports Management Taste of Padel and Pizza Event

On Saturday, November 8th, RSPA Professionals, Whitney Kraft and David Robinson hosted a complimentary “RSPA invitational “Taste of Padel and Pizza” event at the new PadelSocial, 5452 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda, MD. Whitney is the Managing Director and David is a Senior

Partner of Racquet Sports Management. Whitney and David treated the attendees to three hours of on-court Padel play on a beautiful 70° day, where players learned strategy and fell in love with the fastest growing sport in the world.

MICHELE KRAUSE

Brings Cardio Tennis Clinic to Columbia Association Arun Pant, RSPA Mid-Atlantic Vice President, RSPA Elite Professional Columbia Association was thrilled to welcome and host Michele Krause from the USTA - Global Cardio Tennis and TRX/Cardio Tennis trainer to CA for an energizing two-day workshop!

Our racquet sports coaches and several coaches from regional clubs came together for Cardio Tennis certification training on Friday and CA’s racquet sports and fitness team coaches came together on Saturday for a Team CA only TRX/ Cardio Tennis certification training, 14

blending movement, fitness, and fun in one high-energy experience. The courts were buzzing, the music was pumping, and the sweat was real — all in the spirit of bringing innovative wellness experiences to life for our community.

All coaches brought the passion, the power, and the purpose — and absolutely crushed it on every level!

Another highlight was when we welcomed several CA members for the demo class of

TRX Cardio Tennis as part of the training, and they had the time of their life, made new friends, got a heck of a workout and the testimonials at the end were a home run!

Looking forward to rolling this exciting program and collaboration out to our racquets and fitness communities soon.

This is what movement as medicine looks like in action.

Sport Fit Bowie Wheelchair Event

By Glenn Gerbino, RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division President A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make our wheelchair event at Sport Fit Bowie on Saturday, November 15th such a success. Special appreciation goes to Tennis Alliance President Louise Gengler Thomas for her leadership and support throughout the event.

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers — Alison Bach, Quentin Cummings, Xavier Estrada — for your energy, teamwork, and commitment. Your contributions made the event run smoothly and created a welcoming environment for all participants.

They all had the opportunity to explore something new and exciting: trying out tennis in wheelchair and learning more about the fastest growing Paralympic sport.

And most importantly, thank you to our incredible wheelchair athletes, Josephine, Ari, and instructor Brad Evans. Your determination, spirit, and enthusiasm inspire us all. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support and celebrate your talent.

Together, we made this event meaningful, memorable, and impactful.

JOE MESMER

CAPS OFF A DISTINGUISHED CAREER Congratulations to long time RSPA professional, Joe Mesmer, who recently retired as Director of Racquet Sports at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Joe has had an incredible career as a tennis professional in the Washington metropolitan area. As a DC native, Joe grew up playing a variety of sports, and he excelled at tennis and basketball. He was team captain in both sports during a tremendous career at Gonzaga High School Joe was inducted in the Gonzaga Hall of Fame for both Basketball and Tennis. Joe went on to Gettysburg College. Joe started in Basketball and Tennis for four years. He qualified for division 3 nationals both junior and senior year. Joe went on to play professionally for three years gaining an ATP ranking in 1986 and 1987.

Joe’s first big job was as a Director of Tennis at Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, Connecticut. At the same time, in 1987, Joe became the head tennis coach of both 15

the Men’s and Women’s teams at George Washington University. In 1992 and 1993, he was named the Atlantic 10 Women’s Coach of the Year, and, in 1993 and 1994, received the conference’s Men’s Coach of the Year award.

Since joining the Columbia family on September 1, 1992, Joe has guided the growth of the tennis, paddle tennis and pickleball programs with a friendly, gentle touch. He has been instrumental in developing the Club’s junior program.

Among tennis professionals in the area, Joe is widely considered to be an ambassador who is always willing to assist others. Joe has received recognition from the Mid-Atlantic Tennis Professionals Association and the United States Tennis Association.

Athletics has been a part of the Mesmer family for generations. Joe’s father, Fred, was the basketball coach and tennis coach at Georgetown University. Joe and his beautiful wife, Cindy, have three children who have played college tennis – Anne

(Georgetown), and Freddy and Dori (Virginia Tech). Freddy is now the Men’s and Women’s tennis coach at Georgetown. Dori now is the head tennis professional at Bethesda Country Club.

RSPA Mid-Atlantic would like to say, “Well done, Joe, and happy retirement!”

SCENES FROM THE 2025 RSPA WORLD RACQUETS CONFERENCE September 21 – 25, 2025 – Kona, Hawaii The 2025 RSPA World Racquets Conference took place September 21–25 at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in Kailua-Kona, Hawai i. The conference welcomed over 560 attendees (including a 20% increase in first-time participants) and offered 44 hours of educational opportunities. The conference centered on the theme “Rebrand You: A New Wave Begins in Hawaii”. The focus was on professional reinvention, leadership growth, and adapting to the evolving landscape of racquet sports. Attendees were treated to a dynamic program set amid Kona’s breathtaking beauty.

Conference Presenters: Mats Wilander - 7-time GS Champion

16

Brenda Schultz-McCarthy — Former Top 10 WTA Player Mark Bey — High-Performance Leader Dr. Greg Rose — Co-Founder of Titleist Performance Institute and Racquet Fit Andrei Daescu — RSPA Elite Pro & Pickleball Lead Curriculum Developer Megan Fudge - Professional Pickleball Athlete Craig O’Shannessy — ATP Tour Strategy Analyst & Founder of Brain Game Tennis Sarah Stone — WTA Tour Coach Fernando Segal — Global Tennis High Performance Leader & Coach Educator Marcos del Pilar — Padel Lead Curriculum Developer

Ajay Pant — Industry Leader Andy Zodin — Host, KickServeRadio.com Karl Jones — RSPA Intermountain President Frank Guengerich — Wellness Expert Chris Hagman — RSPA Elite Pro & Entrepreneur Brian Dillman — CEO, Racquet Sports Professionals Association Cynthia Neiman — Incoming USTA So Cal President Dr. Dave Porter — RSPA Hall of Fame Michael Mahoney - Midtown Health Clubs

5 TIPS

TO BRING

TO THE PICKLEBALL COURT

By JD Almond, Director of Pickleball, Pickleballerz, Chantilly, Virginia RSPA Elite Professional & PPR Certified Coach

As many of you are aware, pickleball is still in its early stages of growth. On any morning, courts nationwide (both indoor and outdoor) are packed with players exchanging dinks, laughter, and the occasional “nice shot!” But behind every smooth rally are habits that turn good players into great ones. Mastering this game takes more than just showing up with a paddle and a ball.

At some point in every player’s pickleball journey, they’ve been stuck at the baseline, unable to move into the kitchen... or they've been hitting shots they normally make but suddenly missing... or all of a sudden popping up balls you normally don’t... or wondered how everyone else seems to control the kitchen so easily. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Pickleball has its oddities, but that’s part of what makes this game so much fun.

Whether you're new to the game or working on more advanced skills, these five tips can help you play smarter, move faster, and enjoy your matches even more. These are the same fundamentals I share with players of all levels to help them understand not just what to do but also how to perform more effectively.

1

Point Your Paddle Point the tip of your paddle at the opponent hitting the ball.

This helps you maintain a consistent, ready position and enables you to react more quickly to the opponent’s shots. Your body position, specifically your shoulders and hips, should be square to the incoming ball, which improves your awareness and helps you be more prepared to hit controlled shots or react to a speed-up.

2

Paddle in the Kitchen When at the “Non-Volley Zone,” keep your paddle out in front of you, hovering over the “kitchen area.” Your arm should be comfortably extended away from your body and positioned to protect your chest. Striking the ball in front of your body improves your shot, gives you more control, and allows you to reset faster thanks to a shorter swing path.

3

Depth Is King Some say that the most important shots in pickleball are the first two shots of the game, the serve and the return of serve. Both shots should land deep in the court to put pressure on your opponent by giving them a more challenging ball to play.

A deep serve makes it harder for your opponent to get to the kitchen after their return, and if their return is short, it sets you up for an easier third shot.

A deep return of serve neutralizes the server’s advantage and gives you enough time to reach the kitchen before you play the fourth shot. A slow, higher return is especially effective because it buys you valuable seconds to move forward.

4

Aim Small, Miss Small This phrase might seem unrelated to pickleball, but it fits well: without intention, you can’t gain control. Setting a specific goal, or target on the court, provides instant feedback and helps you track your progress. Focusing on smaller targets can reduce errors, often still hitting the larger intended area.

For example: Beginners should be able to target one-half of the court.

Intermediate players can focus on smaller areas, like the kitchen or the back half of the court.

Advanced players will aim for specific spots, such as the opponent’s shoelaces.

balanced, light on your feet, and ready to move in any direction.

These tips can help players of all skill levels become more confident and intentional with their shots. With regular practice, you’ll notice yourself improving quickly and enjoying the game even more with friends and family. As always, practice leads to progress, so head out to the court and put these tips into action.

5

Split Before They Hit The split-step prepares you to respond to anything your opponent sends your way. A “split-step” is a technique that helps you get your body into a wide base, lower your center of gravity, and maintain a solid and upright body posture. The key is timing: perform your split-step just before your opponent strikes the ball. Against harder hitters, you might need to split-step earlier, such as when the ball bounces on their side of the court. This small adjustment keeps you

SUPPORTING Players, Coaches and Facility Managers!

SISTER COMPANY OF 10-S TENNIS SUPPLY

PADDLES PICKLEBALLS PORTABLE NETS NET POSTS BALL CARTS BACKPACKS PADDLE GRIPS BALL PICK-UPS COURT LINES BALL MACHINES WINDSCREENS COURT PAINT COURT BENCHES LED COURT LIGHTING

SHOP ONLINE OR GIVE US A CALL!

DINKSHOT.COM

800  247  3907

HEAR’S THE BALL:

BLIND/LOW VISION TENNIS

By Angela McDowell, RSPA Mid-Atlantic, DC State Representative On Saturday, October 19, VA State Rep Joseph Caruth and I set out on a new adventure. Our journey led us to Nottingham, a part of Maryland east of Baltimore we’d never visited, with one specific goal in mind: to participate in a Blind/Low Vision Tennis class.

What inspired the trip north? Simple: curiosity and a desire to deepen our division’s involvement in adaptive sports.

For me, the spark came in August when a club member, inspired by a New York Times article about a blind tennis program in NYC, couldn’t wait to share the story.

Given that our recent conferences have featured segments on other adaptive programs—like wheelchair tennis and Aceing Autism—it felt essential to learn about a less visible (and highly determined!) demographic within the adaptive tennis community.

The Jingles Ball and Verbal Cues Our confined court for the day was a small gym at The Maryland School for the Blind.

The event felt typical in structure: Volunteer and Player Check-in, Introductions, Warm-up, and group drills.

The equipment was specialized: we used two large-sized mini nets, 23-inch racquets (plus a few foam racquets for wheelchair participants with limited mobility), and the key distinguishing item: the modified foam ball with bells on the inside, known as the Jingles (Bell) Ball.

For participants whose sight varies from moderate to none, Auditory and Verbal Queuing is essential. The exchange taught as the precursor to the toss is: READY?…

YES…BALL. This simple call-and-response, often accompanied by a small shake of the ball to signal direction, is the biggest functional difference from teaching fully sighted persons.

Yet, despite this unique requirement, you quickly realize you’re still just teaching tennis. As coaches, you offer multiple attempts, adjust your position, and give specific verbal direction—all things we already do for players with 20/20 vision.

The person in front of you just happens to require a particular sort of recognition and approach to their instruction. At the heart of it all, you’re still just teaching the game!

Enthusiasm and Determination The participants, ranging from kids, teens, and adults, prepared for their opportunity to hit with infectious enthusiasm and determination. Just like sighted players, they experienced the thrills and frustration of trying to make accurate connections with the ball.

The experience was truly moving. Joseph Caruth, RSPA VA State Rep, remarked, “I was in awe. I had no vision of how this could actually take place. I experienced the joy and excitement as they hit the ball and we

made them aware of their success.”

Louise Gengler Thomas, President of the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel and the spearhead for these adaptive events, shares a similar passion: “It has been very rewarding bringing tennis to a new community of enthusiastic participants, who are eager to take on the adventure of learning tennis, and having so much fun in the process.”

Get Involved My long drive was well worth it. It was a pleasure to work with several participants during the short 45-minute session; the players were eager, the parents appreciative, and everyone was happy to share in this communal experience. The sun must shine on all segments of the untapped tennis community to further its growth into the inclusive and far-reaching sport we know it can be.

Support Louise’s efforts by considering participating in or spreading the word about upcoming Blind/Low Vision classes.

You may contact her directly at lthomas@tennisallianceaac.org.

Special thanks to Jamie Frank, who led the class, Tim from The Maryland School of the Blind, and especially all the participants and families!

Tips for Padel lovers (Coaches and players)

OFF THE BACK WALL

By Marcos del Pilar, Global Padel Consultant, RSPA Master Professional, USTA Padel Consultant

From Tennis to Padel in one stroke.

This is the second in a series of tips to help you use your tennis experience and skills to immediately jump onto a Padel court. Today, we will focus on the groundstrokes and the main goals for them in your path to becoming an excellent Padel player as soon as possible.

We will review the not-to-be-missed foundations to quickly adapt your Tennis shots to Padel.

A continental or eastern grip is highly recommended for these kinds of shots. Since a Padel court is shorter, you quickly understand that you need to use a shorter and compact shot with no open loops or hip rotations on the backswing. Early and more lineal preparation will be needed. In addition to that, you will need more control and prepare with your elbow on the side, but much closer to your body than you do in Tennis, since you will need to perform a much more compact movement.

Regarding spin, a flat or back slice is recommended for beginner players. Try to

1

2

avoid big topspin since it will make the ball come off your opponents’ wall very high and make it easier for them to hit a winning shot…

By playing flat or slice, you will be controlling the height of the ball and thus reducing the attacking alternatives for your opponents.

The way to put more speed on the ball comes from the follow-through and is related to the distance of your center of gravity from the contact position. This will be easy to practice when you are on a Padel court.

Based on all the above, you will need to get into a very stable position, staying down, close to the ground (trying to avoid lifting yourself up) to reduce your power and improve your control. You need to keep a nice balance, light on your feet, which will help you recover and get ready for the next shot. Be ready for exceptionally long rallies when playing Padel.

Just as in Tennis, it is best to play cross-court, you have more distance and a bit lower net.

On top of that, it is a little harder for your opponents to hit a ball coming diagonally, and they will need better timing to adjust than if the ball is coming from down the line. Also, a ball passing through the center of the court offers fewer alternatives to your opponents, and you will be able to build your counterattacking strategy more accurately as soon as you have the chance.

3

What is the goal of a groundstroke shot?

Keep the ball in play! Focus on controlling the ball to put it in play at a low height until you have the chance of getting to the net with your partner to take an offensive position to finally win the point.

Take a few, if any, risks with your groundstrokes since most of the time your opponents may miss the volleys if you just make them play. Based on compound effect, the more balls you put in play, the more odds for them to miss.

See you all soon. Best Padel experiences ever, If you are interested in more, do not hesitate to contact Marcos del Pilar (marcos@ tenismrp.com) for additional info and CONSULTANCY about the business model and some essential leverages to implement Padel programs successfully while improving your ROI in your facility.

Also, to GET CERTIFIED IN PADEL and become part of the group of 900+ ambassadors that now lead the Padel wave in the USA. Marcos is running the RSPA PADEL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM in his role as Head of Padel for the Racquet Sports Professionals Association.

4

Regular forehand progressions. 1. Ready position. 2. Backswing. 3. Contact point. 4. Follow-through.

20

Discover Unique Teaching Vacations with Racquet Sports Management Transform Your Passion for Racquet Sports into an Unforgettable Getaway

By David Robinson, RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division Vice President & Senior Partner Racquet Sports Management

Racquet Sports Management is dedicated to elevating racquet sports experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Our company specializes in connecting skilled instructors with exciting opportunities to teach and explore, all while enjoying luxurious resorts in stunning beachfront exotic destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico and South Pacific.

Teaching Vacations: A Win-Win Opportunity Imagine taking your love for tennis, pickleball, padel, or other racquet sports into a tropical paradise. Our teaching vacations are designed for instructors who want to combine their passion with travel. We partner with top-tier all-inclusive beachfront resorts globally to create a unique work-and-play experience.

How It Works 1. Travel: Instructors pay for their own airfare to one of our select resort destinations.

22

2. Teaching Commitment: You’ll teach racquet sports for just 2 hours per day, sharing your skills with resort guests in a relaxed and scenic group lesson environment.

3. All-Inclusive Stay: In exchange, instructors receive an allinclusive vacation package for themselves, one additional adult, and up to two children. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, entertainment, and resort activities, all for just approximately 20% of the full retail cost.

Unbeatable Value: Experience premium resort amenities at a fraction of the price. Your teaching time is minimal, maximizing leisure and relaxation.

• Family-Friendly: Our packages are designed to accommodate two adults and two kids, making it the perfect opportunity to bring loved ones along.

• Memorable Destinations: We work with resorts located on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, ensuring each trip is both rewarding and rejuvenating.

• Professional Growth: Expand your teaching portfolio, network with other professionals, and introduce your expertise to a diverse audience. The dynamics of resort group develops skills you will take home.

• Growing racquet sports: while at destination resorts, many people become introduced and invigorated by activities they can purse at home. Padel was born at a resort in Acapulco.

Who Can Apply?

If you’re a RSPA certified racquet sports instructor with a passion for teaching and travel, we encourage you to apply.

Our program is open to professionals in tennis, pickleball, and other racquet sports looking for a unique, affordable way to experience luxury vacations.

Get Started Today Ready to turn your skills into a ticket to paradise? Contact Racquet Sports Management to learn more about our upcoming teaching vacation opportunities and start planning your next adventure.

RSPA PARTNERS WITH SPORTSFIELD SPECIALTIES Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. (SSI), the nation’s leading manufacturer of premium padel courts, is proud to announce a partnership with the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) as its exclusive padel construction equipment company.

As an exclusive partner, SSI will receive official recognition from the RSPA, including marketing and promotional support, online visibility, and direct referrals for members.

This partnership offers SSI’s unwavering expertise and fullservice capabilities directly to RSPA members, offering them access to high quality padel courts made entirely in the United States. This means that they will be introduced to new avenues of educational webinars and event engagement that will drive RSPA members further into their careers as padel professionals.

“What truly sets Sportsfield Specialties apart is our decades of sports construction experience combined with a turnkey, fullservice approach – all backed by a trusted name in the industry.”

THE BEST SURFACES FOR THE WORLD TO PLAY ON

said SSI Padel National Sales Manager Sam Markle. SSI courts are endorsed by the United States Padel Association (USPA) for their incredible workmanship and are engineered to withstand high wind loads that meet U.S. building codes while keeping the glass in place. These courts are installed by trained, U.S. based crews, using high-quality glass, steel, synthetic turf, and lighting. As the only U.S. manufacturer of padel courts, SSI eliminates any delays or hidden costs that often come with oversea suppliers, offering RSPA members a reliable and trustworthy solution.

“Our mission is to equip racquet sports professionals through innovation, integrity, and opportunity and this partnership with Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. will bring us one step forward” said RSPA CEO Brian Dillman. Together, the RSPA and SSI aim to elevate the padel experience for professionals and their facilities across the nation – setting new standards for the sport regarding service, quality, and innovation.

TENNIS COURTS

PICKLEBALL COURTS

BASKETBALL COURTS

ROLLER SPORT SURFACES

MULTI-SPORT COMPLEXES

PLAYGROUND COATINGS

COMBINATION COURTS

RUNNING TRACKS

OFFICIAL COURT SURFACE OF

TOURNAMENT-QUALITY SPORT SURFACING PRODUCTS OFFICIAL COURT SURFACE OF

SPORTMASTER.NET

CALL 800-395-7325 FOR ESTIMATES OR MORE INFORMATION

WORLD-CLASS WINDSCREENS

Unmatched Durability

Unbeatable Performance

TUFFY® windscreens deliver top-tier performance with 50% more microfibers than standard VCP, offering exceptional strength, tear resistance, and UV protection. With 23 color options and a 5-year limited prorated warranty, TUFFY® is highly recommended for printing, making it the perfect choice for tennis and pickleball courts in schools, resorts, and residential communities.

Endless Possibilities Enhanced Privacy & Focus: Reduce distractions and create a sleek, professional backdrop.

Customizable Style: Elevate your space with bold, vibrant designs using CHROMA-BOND® world-class printing.

Durable & Lightweight: Built with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio for lasting reliability.

AerFloSports.com THE OFFICIAL WINDSCREEN OF RACQUET SPORTS PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION

COLOR PALETTE

D I ST R I B U T E D BY T H E N AT I O N ’S B E ST S P O RT S D E A L E R S

Private clubs are amid a racquets revolution. Once considered a supplementary amenity, racquet sports are now a driving force in membership engagement, value and cultural transformation. Courts are full, programming is exploding and demand for lessons, clinics and events has never been higher. But behind the buzz lies a more urgent question: Are we doing enough to develop and retain the professionals powering this growth?

Facilities have evolved, but if racquet sports are to remain at the heart of a thriving club, professional development and compensation must evolve too.

REDEFINING THE ROLE: WHAT TODAY’S CLUBS SHOULD LOOK FOR IN RACQUETS PROFESSIONALS Gone are the days when a strong serve and smooth backhand were enough to lead a racquets program. Today’s director of racquets is part business leader, part cultural connector and part visionary. They are responsible not only for teaching but also for team leadership, programming strategy, cross-sport integration, member relations and department-level financial oversight.

27

At KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE, we see from our club culture surveys that clubs look beyond technical coaching credentials when hiring a racquets director. The most common traits that clubs look for are: 1. Leadership and talent development: Can they hire, train and motivate a multigenerational team across multiple racquet sports?

2. Strategic programming insight: Do they have a vision for driving usage and creating diverse, inclusive programming?

3. Communication and visibility: Are they accessible to members and staff alike, and do they foster an open, connected environment?

4. Operational acumen: Can they manage a department budget, understand utilization trends and scale programming sustainably?

Interestingly, teaching and playing ability now ranks much lower on the priority list than it did 10–15 years ago. That shift reflects the modern club’s need for leadership over repetition, strategy over stroke mechanics.

CERTIFICATION: MORE THAN A CHECKBOX To lead a modern racquets department, professionals need more than tennisspecific credentials. Pickleball, platform tennis (paddle), padel, POP tennis and, in some clubs, squash are now expected components of the skill set for the director of racquets.

That’s where advanced certification programs are playing a critical role. The director of racquet sports certification, originally developed by the United States Tennis Association and now offered by the University of Florida, is endorsed by all teaching associations in this country. It is emerging as the industry gold standard that focuses on: • Bridging the gap between coaching and department leadership; • Equipping professionals for a multisport future; • Building financial, operational and team management skills; and • Delivering immediately applicable strategies backed by real-world experts.

We have even seen at some clubs that

completion of the program carries a financial weight, a $10,000 to $20,000 salary premium in recognition of the leadership value it provides.

A NEW MODEL FOR COMPENSATION: FROM COURT TIME TO CULTURE CREATION The racquets industry is still shaking off an outdated compensation model that rewarded court hours more than impact.

The traditional approach of low base salary and high teaching commission might have made sense when professionals were hired to teach, not lead. But in today’s club world, that structure is holding the department back.

The most forward-thinking clubs are building compensation models that reflect the true value of the director of racquets. These models typically include: • A higher base salary tied to leadership and off-court responsibility; • Reduced personal teaching load,

28

especially during peak hours; • Bonuses tied to departmental growth, such as increases in participation, member satisfaction and team revenue; • A small percentage of program lesson revenue, promoting program growth and team development; and • Financial incentives for completing certifications and launching new initiatives.

This model empowers the director of racquets to build a department, not just a lesson book. It creates space for innovation, collaboration and long-term program planning. And perhaps most importantly, it prevents burnout by rewarding balance and big-picture thinking.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE COMPENSATION Compensation for directors of racquets varies widely and is influenced by several

key factors: club and staff size, geographic location, amenities, level of exclusivity, tenure, benefits and club comparative compensation. Clubs located in high-cost-of-living regions may need to offer significantly higher compensation to attract and retain top talent. Those undergoing capital initiatives or rapid racquet sports expansion may also budget more aggressively to bring in a proven leader.

Since the pandemic, compensation for directors of racquets has increased by an average of 35 percent, a welldeserved rise that reflects the complexity, popularity and expectation of racquet sports departments today. In fact, many experts now rank racquets as the second or third most important department in the private club sector, trailing only golf or food and beverage.

And with some clubs reporting that up to 40 percent of new members cite racquets as their primary reason for joining, it’s no surprise that compensation is finally catching up to reality.

QUALITY OF LIFE: THE NEXT COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND TALENT UTILIZATION

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Staffing remains the industry’s biggest challenge. Racquet sports may be booming, but the pipeline of qualified professionals is thinning. Up to 30 percent of today’s pros are expected to leave the industry within five years due to burnout, lack of advancement or unsustainable schedules.

Every year, the director of racquets should review and adjust the departmental org chart based on the club’s evolving needs and the team’s strengths.

Promoting from within, assigning professionals to oversee different areas (e.g., junior tennis, adult pickleball, social events) and offering formal leadership titles are essential steps in showing that this is a career path, not just a job. Staff should be challenged to take on more responsibility and rewarded when they do.

The best clubs are responding. They’re creating salaried positions for assistant professionals, offering more predictable hours and carving out leadership roles like head pickleball professional or junior tennis coordinator to retain top talent.

They’re building internal pathways for growth, ensuring every professional has a chance to lead.

The message must be clear: We invest in people, not just programs.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW We’ve seen clubs pour millions into new

racquets facilities— beautiful pickleball or padel courts, heated platform courts, shaded pavilions, lighting and state-of the-art technology. But as any GM will tell you, amenities don’t drive culture.

People do. And it’s time to match our investment in talent with the same intensity we’ve given to physical space.

The clubs that do will be the ones that sustain this boom, not just for a season but for a generation.

THE MOST COMPLETE LINE OF COURT PRODUCTS

POSTS & NETS PORTABLE PB SYSTEMS BENCHES SHADE STRUCTURES

NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEMS WINDSCREENS INDOOR COURT DIVIDERS COURT AMENITIES

1.800.621.0146 | www.puttermanathletics.com | info@mputterman.com

PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL US FOR SPECIAL PARTNER PRICING

NO.1 BALL ON TOUR

OFFICIAL BALL OF RSPA TENNIS COACHING

RECYCLABLE PAPER LID

PAPER LABEL

*Based on Dunlop supplying tennis balls to more ATP Tour tournaments than any other brand.

MADE FROM 30% RECYCLED PLASTIC

OFFICIAL BALL