EXECUTIVE BOARD EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT
SCOTT BURTON
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
SIMON PAEK
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
EVAN PARRY
TREASURER
GABRIEL JACOB
SECRETARY
MATTHEW JONES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CARLOS CRUZ-AEDO
PAST PRESIDENT
MIKE GENNETTE
DISTRICT 1
Karl Akkerman
DISTRICT 2
Kevin Finkelberg
DISTRICT 3
Search In Progress
DISTRICT 4
Russell Alger
DISTRICT 5
Michael Chantos
DISTRICT 6
Stephen Loreto
By Simon Paek, Regional Vice President Southern California Division, Coach Developer – Tennis and Pickleball Director of Racquet Sports, Mission Viejo Country Club
I hope you're all enjoying a great summer season. I’d like to take a moment to share some updates about our Southern California Division and invite you to get more involved in our growing Racquet Sports Pros Association.
The SoCal Division of RSPA is proudly run by a dedicated team of volunteers and fellow racquet sports professionals who live and work throughout our region. Our division stretches from San Luis Obispo to the north, west into parts of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, and as far south as South Orange County We currently represent approximately 840 certified RSPA members who call Southern California home
To better serve our membership, the division is organized into six districts Each district is led by a District President, and we're working to appoint Vice Presidents in each district to provide even more support
Every District President is tasked with hosting at least one continuing education or networking event per quarter, designed to help you stay current, earn compliance credits, and connect with fellow professionals
Our goal is to hold at least 24 events annually in addition to our flagship event, the SoCal Division Conference.
These events are made possible through the division’s operating funds, which are directed primarily toward member programming. We’re committed to offering high-value opportunities for learning, professional growth, and community building.
I also want to recognize our exceptional Executive Director, Carlos CruzAedo. Carlos is the only paid employee of the division and plays a vital role in day-to-day operations and communication with RSPA Headquarters. His efforts ensure that our division runs smoothly and remains responsive to member needs.
Why am I sharing all this? Because we need your help. We’re always looking for passionate professionals to serve on the SoCal Division Board Whether you're an experienced leader or a young professional with fresh ideas, there’s a place for you here Serving on the board is a meaningful way to give back to our industry, grow your professional network, build lasting friendships, and gain leadership experience
The future of racquet sports depends on the next generation of engaged and energetic professionals Your voice, your perspective, and your enthusiasm can help us chart a bold and exciting path forward for the RSPA
If you're interested in learning more or exploring how you can get involved, please reach out to any of the contacts below:
Scott Burton – burtontennis@gmail.com
Simon Paek – paektennis@gmail.com
Gabriel Jacobs – tennislesson4u@yahoo.com
Carlos Cruz-Aedo – carlos.cruz-aedo@rspa.net We’d love to hear from you.
The many benefits of being a RSPA Pro
I wanted to remind all you RSPA Pros the untold benefits that we have that most careers can never relate to Here are my thoughts after teaching since 1982 that I have discovered and experiences that we sometimes take for granted or should explore
You are blessed my friends to be a RSPA pro You get to play every day Not work The joy you bring to people is immeasurable You change people's lives You bring people together and create lifetime friends and create a tennis family Your social life has increased so dramatically from your primary family, I sometimes think we care more about our tennis family than some of our extended family because we create memories and see them more than our extended family
There are so many pathways as a tennis and pickle ball pro career And now we have even tons more opportunities in the newest sports of padel and platform tennis You don't have to do just private lessons or clinics to either just juniors or adults You can switch in a heartbeat and sell ball machines, rackets, paddles, nets, and the list goes on and on You can do off site tennis retreats or vacations You can run tennis tournaments or do a little of everything mentioned here to keep it fresh
And you must go to at least one if the Grand Slam in your life while you teach You get so much instant "Cache" as a pro from your clients This July 2025 I attended Wimbledon with my wife and another tennis couple We went to the main court on day 3 and on our second day we were on court 1 It was magical We watched Britain's Jack Draper battle and lose in 4 sets to Marin Cilic and it was electric and so close in each set The crowd was so loud it was like a super bowl noise level We saw so many other great players as well Sabalenka, Collins, Dimitrov, Radacanu, Alcaraz, and even watched a little on Henman Hill, and so much more You need to make the time and include another friend/colleague or best client and you will be so glad you did Live the dream and switch it up to keep it fresh That is the luxury of our profession
So count your blessings and switch it up and make your career memorable Don’t feel locked in One way to find new pathways is to go to our RSPA educational events and make connections and ask questions in what do they do I started years ago taking members to Palm Desert The first year was only 20 members but by the 13th time I had 60 and it was booked up in 72 hours with a waiting list It was well worth the money made and time spent planning and implementing the long weekend I not only put some cash in my pocket but developed a positive reputation at my club I have not done it since COVID but every month at least one person asks me when am I going to do it again If you put your name out there to one of your RSPA Board Members, you can look into becoming a board member and learn trust there is nothing an RSPA pro cannot figure out how to accomplish anything we set our minds to With collaboration and energy, everything good happens
Karl Akkerman
RSPA Elite Professional
RSPA So Cal District 1 President
RSPA certified member Steve Shpilsky is the founder of the LAPC- Los Angeles Padel Club- that is set to launch this upcoming fall season The 7 padel courts facility located in the historic Los Angeles mansion will have a redesigned clubhouse with co-working space, locker room, pro shop, gym, recovery room and lounge for members as well as limited amenities access for non-members With a stunning overlook view of the hills, residential houses and Los Angeles Skylines, the LAPC embodied the aesthetics of Los Angeles where LA culture and racquet sports meet.
Q: What made you want to get certified and how was your experience going through the certification with RSPA Master Padel Pro Marcos Del Pilar?
Getting certified through the RSPA with Marcos Del Pilar was important to me for two reasons First, I wanted to deeply understand the sport from a coaching perspective especially as we’re building a club where player development is key It was important for me to know what to look for in great coaches, and the best way to do that was to go through the certification process myself Second, Marcos brings a global vision and deep expertise to Padel in the U.S., and learning from him helped ensure we’re aligned with the highest standards as we launch Los Angeles Padel Club. The experience was incredibly valuable and reaffirmed our commitment to building something truly special.
Q: What made you start your journey in building a padel club here in the heart of Los Angeles?
I saw a clear gap in the market Los Angeles is a global city, yet it had no true, dedicated padel club With the sport growing rapidly around the world, especially in Europe and Latin America, it felt like the right time to introduce something fresh and impactful here. Los Angeles Padel Club is about more than just courts it’s about culture, connection, and bringing people together through a sport that’s both competitive and social.
Q: What was the most difficult process when building the LAPC?
Building the Los Angeles Padel Club came with plenty of challenges, but the hardest part was aligning all the moving pieces real estate, permitting, investor expectations, and the need to create an exceptional player experience Every detail matters when you're building something new in an emerging market, and we wanted to get it right the first time.
Q: Can you describe your facility and how you vision your club to be once they’ll be open to the public?
Los Angeles Padel Club will be a space where people not only play but also connect, unwind, and experience the energy of the sport We’ve designed the club to be high-quality, with premium amenities, a strong community culture, and programming for all levels of players from first-timers to seasoned competitors Our goal is to set a new standard for padel in the U S from youth programming to high level players
Q: With padel being in the infancy stage here in Southern California, what would you say to current racquet sports professionals, directors, and owners about having padel included in their facility?
Padel is a compelling addition but it's not always easy to skill level at the same time, which means smart programm a club is unmatched. For racquet sports facilities looking to
Q: How has the RSPA helped you so far and what are yo
The RSPA has played a key role in helping us align with g as we build credibility in a new market Long-term, our hope place that combines sport, lifestyle, and community in a w
Q: When do you expect your project to be launched and
We’re aiming to open our doors soon and the response s grow There are several OpCo and PropCo opportunities community at the center of everything we do
Connect with Steve!
Steve Shpilsky
Los Angeles Padel Club | Founder & CEO steve@thelapc com | Web | +1 (310) 721 8447
3801 Lenawee Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90232 IG | LI | FB
RSPA-certified member Marisha Darzyan is the General Manager and Padel Professional at Padel Up, overseeing two locations in Los Angeles one in Century City with two outdoor courts and another in Culver City, the city’s first indoor padel facility, featuring three indoor courts
A Former D1 tennis player at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
1. What made you want to get certified and how was your experience going through the certification with RSPA Master Padel Pro Marcos Del Pilar? Getting certified was a natural next step in my journey after falling in love with padel. I wanted to learn more about the sport, teach effectively, and help grow the game here in the U.S. The certification with Marcos Del Pilar was incredibly energizing his passion is contagious, and he really emphasizes the importance of not only mastering the game technically but also inspiring others to play It made me feel even more excited to contribute to the sport
2. What made you start your journey in padel?
I tried padel for the first time in Miami and immediately felt the magic It’s dynamic, social, and fun it combines everything I love about racquet sports but adds a community-driven energy Once I started playing regularly, I knew this was more than a hobby it was the future, and I wanted to be part of it
3. How would you describe your day-to-day life as a General Manager?
Every day is different, which is part of what I love I oversee operations, staffing, scheduling, and programming, while also staying engaged with members and the on-court experience. Whether I’m coaching, leading a strategy meeting, or creating social content, my goal is always to elevate the experience for players and grow the padel community.
4. Can you describe your facility and how you’re making an impact in the padel scene?
I manage two Padel Up locations our Century City club has two beautiful outdoor courts tucked in the heart of the city, and our Culver City location is the first indoor padel facility in Los Angeles with three courts. We focus on building community by offering accessible programming like intro classes, clinics, leagues, and tournaments. Whether it’s a first-timer or a competitive player, we create a space where everyone feels welcome and excited to play. Our goal is to lead the padel movement in LA and show what the sport can offer both recreationally and professionally.
5. With padel being in its infancy here in Southern California, what would you say to current racquet sports professionals, directors, and owners about including padel in their facilities? Padel is not just a trend it’s a global movement that’s gaining momentum fast For racquet sport facilities, adding padel is a powerful opportunity to engage new demographics, increase participation, and drive revenue My advice? Be early Invest in building a program now, because the demand is only going to grow
6. How has the RSPA helped you so far?
The RSPA gave me the foundation to grow professionally within this new sport The network, education, and resources have been crucial from learning best practices in coaching to feeling supported by a broader community of racquet sports professionals It’s empowering to know you’re not doing it alone
7. What career advice would you give to RSPA members looking to grow into a Head Pro or GM position?
Don’t wait for the title start acting like a leader where you are. Be proactive, take initiative, and show that you can create value beyond the court. Focus on developing both your on-court and business skill sets. Be reliable, stay curious, and remember that your energy and attitude matter just as much as your resume.
Connect with Marisha
LinkedIn: Marisha (Marine) Darzyan
Instagram: darmarisha
In 2005, Rafael Nadal was near the top of his game. Spanish tennis not so much. So tennis clubs started wooing younger players with a new racquet sport. Over 17,000 plexiglass courts later, Padel ranks up there with paella, tapas, and Rioja reds in Spanish lifestyle #2 behind only soccer.
In the US, another racquet sport has enjoyed a similar meteoric rise. One that often require little initial investment and even less time to learn. If tennis demands countless hours finding the sweet spot, pickleball just requires picking up a racquet.
Padel is somewhere in the middle Part tennis, part pickle, part geometry class Padel offers an easy path-to-fun, long rallies, plenty of calorie burn and a cushy turf surface for those aching joints. There’s just one hiccup Padel courts aren’t cheap
That’s where Mindspring Padel comes in. We offer a unique, risk-free and turnkey solution to ensure your club succeeds in integrating Padel and enjoys all the benefits it brings
Globally, Padel is on a steep upward trajectory
According to Babolat & Wilson, global Padel revenues will surpass tennis’ by 2026. We have partnered with the RSPA to help jump start that growth in America. We cover the costs of the courts and ground work to get you up and running; then get reimbursed over time via court bookings, whether its a pay-to-play or free-to-members court usage framework.
Ready to ease into this inherently addictive sport? Email LB@mindspringpadel com, call 760-5051862 or visit us at mindspringpadel com
To give my wife quiet time without kids at home, I would invite my kids to go to the tennis courts with me My youngest daughter who was five years old at the time often volunteered to tag along and what was once fun and play father-daughter time evolved into a professional tennis coach dad teaching daughter how to play tennis It was easier when my daughter was just learning the sport, but as she got older and became more competitive, it was a whole new ball game Fast forward six years later, our time together on the courts became one of frustration When my wife asked how tennis went when we got home, my daughter often burst into tears while I expressed my irritation in silence being a parent - coach is no easy task but it comes with its own rewards Although there are many important ones, I will explore two tips here that have helped me navigate my imperfect parent/coach and daughter/athlete relationship
The first is setting the boundary between “parent” and “coach ” My daughter rarely calls me “coach” anywhere, it’s more of a mind frame locked in her brain when my role is “dad” versus “coach” “Dad” has an emotional attachment tied to it while “coach” calls for a certain formality and respect My daughter calling me “dad” during her lesson leaves room for too much casualness making it difficult for her to follow instructions without challenging me So, her response is to try not to call me anything while in the tennis court during practice and gameday In addition, when we leave the court, I try to stay away from talking about tennis because by this time I am the parent This is difficult for me to do because my tendency is to give her feedback on how to improve, but this topic can easily go sideways with my daughter tuning me out and fuming about how critical I am Now most times we drive home in silence or listen to her playlist and just let her be I wait for her cue to tell me about her match when she is ready to talk, and while the waiting can feel like a long time, it is necessary because we both need time to calm down to have a productive conversation reflecting on the positives and what can be done differently next time
Second is managing the expectations of the “parent” and the “coach ” This comes with a loaded range of expectations and competing interests that is a balancing act whether at home or on the courts As a parent I want my daughter to enjoy tennis for a lifetime and think winning is not important if she is doing her best; but she can always do better if she practiced more and was more coachable are thoughts that follow On game day, I have learned to step away and not watch her too much because I still get a reaction which is not what I want While in the car I tell her to have fun and verbally reinforce that winning a match is not a measure of her value as a person and of my love and respect for her as an athlete I learned this the hard way when she once tearfully told me she felt like I only loved her when she wins matches Boy, that was hard to hear but I am glad she told me how she felt because her perception matters
The bottom line is my daughter needs to hear of my unconditional support for her that is not tied to her athletic performance For that reason, she now has another coach and mainly practices with dad
Lastly, I would like to congratulate all the awardees at our recent annual RSPA SoCal Division conference in Burbank, CA It was a privilege to serve as co-chair of the award committee alongside the leadership and guidance of Evan Parry, our current Chairman As the District 6 President, I was especially proud to see three awardees from our district: District Pro of the Year – Wendi Eusebio, Diversity Award – Keith Orahood and Large Facility – Racquet Club of Irvine Congratulations to all the winners! Please keep an eye out for upcoming District 6 events, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the WRC in Hawaii this September
Thank you so much!
Stephen Loreto
District 6 President RSPA SoCal Division
As I enter my 33rd year coaching college tennis, I often get asked, “What does a typical day look like?” The truth is, no two days are exactly alike, but there’s a steady rhythm of training, planning, recruiting, mentoring, and connecting that keeps everything moving I’m the head coach of both the men’s and women’s teams at Cal Lutheran, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of something that still inspires me every day Over the years, we’ve had a lot of success producing 26 All-Americans, 5 individual #1’s and many nationally ranked top-10 teams But the most rewarding part of the job has always been the relationships. The bonds I’ve built with our players, their families, the CLU coaching staff, and even with opposing coaches and their athletes have made this journey something truly meaningful. Here’s a look at a typical in-season day in my world:
6:30 AM – Wake Up and Center
The day starts early. I take a few quiet minutes to reflect, pray, and mentally prepare for what’s ahead. It helps me stay grounded, especially on the long days.
7:30 AM – Private Lessons (1.5 hours)
Before the college action begins, I usually run private lessons These early sessions are all about fine-tuning technique, sharpening tactics, and helping players get closer to their performance goals Surprisingly, the junior player development is a very small part of my career these days I’m fortunate enough to have had some success with this so I have the privilege of coaching some of the best juniors in the world
9:00 AM – Prep the Day
This is my planning window: checking practice plans, emails, facility needs, and coordinating with staff With two teams, staying organized is critical I also use this time to review upcoming matches, scout opponents, and update our calendar 10:00–11:00 AM – Extra Training or Mentorship
This is one of my favorite parts of the day I’ll meet with players individually or in small groups for additional on-court work, or sit down for 1-on-1 mentoring, helping them navigate challenges on and off the court Sometimes I meet with a younger coach in the area who’s looking for guidance Paying it forward and helping people and promoting tennis is important to me 11:00 AM–1:00 PM – Administrative Work
From managing budgets, travel, compliance, and ordering gear to handling logistics for alumni events and summer camps, this is the engine that keeps the program running smoothly Thankfully, our admin team at CLU is tops We have all the tech tools and and incredible support staff to help make every year a great one for our athletes
1:00–1:45 PM – Lunch and Regroup
A quick break, often while watching video or checking messages. It’s rarely just a meal. This is when I catch up on the things that slipped through the cracks earlier in the day.
2:00–4:00 PM – Men’s Team Practice
Now we’re rolling. Intensity picks up in the afternoon with structured practice for the Kingsmen. Drills, live ball, match play, doubles patterns, we mix it up depending on the season and our goals that week. I love seeing the progress these guys are making.
4:00–6:00 PM – Women’s Team Practice
Next up: the Regals I shift focus but stay locked in The women’s group brings a different energy and dynamic to the court, and I’ve got big hopes for this season The balance of coaching both programs keeps things fresh and sharp And I love to integrate both teams into fun activities They support each other like one big happy family But I also stress that both teams are their own unique team with their own identity 6:00–7:00 PM – Recruiting
I use this time to respond to prospective student-athletes, evaluate video, follow up with families, or coordinate campus visits Recruiting never really stops, it’s a long game that’s all about building trust and finding the right fit for both sides
7:00 PM – Evening Wrap-Up
I’ll usually debrief the day, jot down notes for tomorrow, and respond to any final messages from recruits, assistants, or players Then I do my best to unplug and reconnect with my family!
Final Thoughts
Being a college tennis coach isn’t just about the X’s and the O’s It’s about people I’m proud of the wins and the rankings, but what really matters are the relationships that have lasted long after graduation Coaching at Cal Lutheran has allowed me to be part of something deeper: a community built on mutual respect, shared effort, and lifelong impact
Thanks for following along
– Coach Mike Gennette: Head Coach, Cal Lutheran Kingsmen & Regals Tennis RSPA SoCal Past President
by Simon Paek, Regional VP and Coach Developer Tennis / Pickleball
I hope everyone is enjoying a great 2025! The following is the Certification I hope everyone is enjoying a great 2025! The following is the Certification Calendar for the year for Level I, Level II as well as for Pickleball: Calendar for the year for Level I, Level II as well as for Pickleball:
Look for emails as well as Social Media posts for more information. This same calendar
Look for emails as well as Social Media posts for more information. This same calendar can also be accessed through the following link to our website: RSPA.NET. can also be accessed through the following link to our website: RSPA.NET. If you know If you know anyone that needs information or is looking to get certified, please pass along this anyone that needs information or is looking to get certified, please pass along this information, thanks in advance. information, thanks in advance.
Another great source of information would be to contact our certification team at HQ via
Another great source of information would be to contact our certification team at HQ via email at certification@rspa.net. You can also email me at paektennis@gmail.com email at certification@rspa.net. You can also email me at paektennis@gmail.com
Times
Location
Sunday 9am-5pm Monday 8am-2pm
iTennis Cerritos
19700 Bloomfield Ave Cerritos, CA 90703
Saturday 12pm-5pm Sunday 9am-5pm Monday 8am-2pm
iTennis Cerritos
19700 Bloomfield Ave Cerritos, CA 90703
Saturdays 11:30am-3:30pm (May 17th) 7:30am-11:30am
Mission Viejo Country Club 26200 Country Club Dr Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Burbank Tennis Center (May 17th) 249 Amherst Dr, Burbank, CA 91504
We combine comprehensive education, background screening, and clear policies to implement standards for athlete safety Working alongside the U S Center for SafeSport and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, we develop safety policies and resources. Safe Play empowers the entire tennis community to recognize, prevent, and report misconduct, ensuring a brighter, safer future for our sport.
“StringPing has acted as the centerpiece within our membership communication strategy. The StringPing platform is dynamic, easy to use, and most importantly has propelled our membership engagement and revenue streams to new heights. The StringPing team has been a joy to work with and I deeply believe the platform is an indispensable tool to any club.”
— Dmitri Diakonov GPYC Director of Tennis
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