2024-25 Board of Directors
President Tom Jennings tomtennis101@gmail.com
1stVice President Tim Shanahan shanahan93@cox.net
Members at Large
Thiago Santos tsantos@genesishealthclubs.com
Ryan Roeth ryanroeth10s@gmail.com
Shashank Nautiyal shashankhill@gmail.com
Chris Smith csmithbluehillscc@gmail.com
Caitlyn Sagraves caitlynmetseff@gmail.com
Caitee Margenthaler cmargenthaler@gmail.com
Pickleball Certifier & Coach Developoer
Bunny Bruning bunnybfs@aol.com
Executive Director
Angie Koumaris angela.koumaris@rspa.net
VValley iewpoint
Aloha RSPA Missouri Valley Pros!
We had a great time at our RPSA Missouri Valley Convention held at Quail Creek Country Club in Oklahoma City. I big thank you to Angie Koumaris and Quail Creek for hosting this year. Also thanks to The Greens Country Club and for hosting our Friday Social Event. We look forward to coming back next year for another February Convention so keep your eyes upon for more opportunities to receive education points and network with other teaching professionals in the industry!
I'd also like to send a thank you to the USTA Missouri Valley Staff for their support of all the teaching professionals throughout the Missouri Valley. The USTA Missouri Valley's commitment to education, networking, and grassroots efforts to grow the game are important as we are all in this together! I personally would like to thank Mary Buschmann for her commitment to growing the game in all aspects.
Lastly, our World Convention this year will be held in Hawaii in late September. For a destination convention, the hotel rates are the best you are going to see. Also, along with the education and events, the convention schedule will be set so you can take excursions or go exploring throughout the island (or islands). We are going to have an amazing time! Hope to see you out there!
Sunny days and warm weather ahead!
Tom Jennings
Beyond the Baseline: The Influence of a Coach
BY KENDELL HALE
Many of you are leaving the Division Convention carrying fresh ideas and renewed energy. But as we all know, we will be going back to the grind. As we return to our “normal,” let’s pause and ask ourselves, “What is truly my main purpose in coaching?”
In our profession we are surrounded by players of various ages coming from unique cultures and backgrounds with diverse aspirations. Every day that we step into our office or on the court, we hold the power to influence, encourage, and make a difference in someone’s life, to ignite potential far beyond the lines of a tennis court. Yet, in the relentless pursuit of victories and profit, we risk losing sight of this profound responsibility.
What fuels your passion as a coach? Is it the thrill of a hard-fought win? The satisfaction of a healthy bottom line at your club? As a college coach, I wrestle with this dilemma daily. The pressure from athletic directors to deliver championships or from managers/boards to maximize profits can easily overshadow the deeper, more lasting impact we can make. But are these fleeting triumphs, these temporary markers of success, our ultimate purpose?
Consider the opportunity we have for transformative influence:
Active Listening – Truly listen and empathize with the different burdens that everyone brings to the court. Like a bartender, become a confidante, listening to issues that could affect their play on the court.
Goal Setting – Help them see what is truly important and where they can establish healthy, clear, achievable goals. This will give them direction and motivation and make progress measurable and tangible.
Accountability – Utilize regular lessons or check-ins to make sure they stay committed and focused on their goals.
Building Self-Awareness – Help students recognize their own patterns, strengths, and areas for growth.
Feedback – Nurture their growth through insightful guidance and constructive feedback. Encourage reflection to help them learn from experiences and adjust their strategies.
Powerful Questioning – Cultivate self-reflection and deeper understanding. Help them process their own solutions rather than just giving answers. This is something you work into—not on your first lesson!
Skill development – Did their forehand get better? Did they learn a new strategy for their league? Enhancing their game, building confidence, and furthering their love for the game helps with so many areas of the student’s life when they see they are getting better and enjoying the process.
Skill development is our default focus, but concentrating solely on developing skills limits our potential impact. Consider it a mere foundation for far greater influence.
After 35 years in the tennis profession, the victories blur, but the lasting impact remains. The greatest reward is when former students share with me the impact of something I said that influenced a decision or changed their life in a positive way.
Let’s go beyond the pursuit of wins and profits. Let’s embrace our higher calling: to be architects of character and positive influences on those we coach. That is our true victory.
