EXECUTIVE BOARD EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT
SCOTT BURTON
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
SIMON PAEK
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
GABRIEL JACOB
TREASURER
MATTHEW JONES
SECRETARY
STEPHEN LORETO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CARLOS CRUZ-AEDO
PAST PRESIDENT
MIKE GENNETTE
Russell Alger
DISTRICT PRESIDENTS DISTRICT PRESIDENTS
DISTRICT 1 Karl Akkerman
Billy Kim DISTRICT 2 Search In Progress
DISTRICT 3
DISTRICT 4
Wendi Eusebio
DISTRICT 5
Michael Chantos
DISTRICT 6
This is a unique message for me to writ rvice to Southern California and to the RSPA
I’ve volunteered for various organizatio ng in the profession we love. Volunteering . I’ve always believed that serving on a boa oth a commitment and a challenge a chanc out
Progressing through the levels of service from District to Executive Committee (EXCOMM) Levels provides invaluable perspective And if you are fortunate enough to reach the presidency, the role calls for being the best listener in the game You must bring vision to the division, along with a clear plan to make it a reality Most importantly, you need a strong team of doers I’ve been blessed to serve alongside what I believe to be the best Board of Officers in the country. As a team, this board has become one of the most diverse team of achievers I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside. Words simply cannot convey my thankfulness and love for this group.
Equally important, however, is knowing when to make room for the next leadership A team who leads with heart, provides opportunities for our division, and makes decisions with a sound fiscal mindset
The 2026–2027 Board of Officers in Southern California is an outstanding group a balanced mix of veteran leaders and fresh, service-minded professionals Simon Paek (dear friend) will be an excellent President, supported by Gabriel Jacob as Regional Vice President Together with the rest of the board, I am confident the next few years will be an exciting chapter for our division My heart will always be here in SoCal
The great news for me, or should I say we is - I am moving onto the RSPA National Board this January. I have yet another challenge to serve, this time as a National Vice President. This is a huge role that I hope to be prepared for. I’m thrilled that the West will have a voice, and that I can continue to serve the best professional association educating and certifying coaches Remember We change lives and bring joy to our students while sneaking in valuable technical skills Every time we step on-court we have this gift to offer This is what drive’s and challenges me It’s amazing to think that in 2027 we as an association will turn 100 years old
We Are The Higher Standard in Coaching
There are way too many people to even begin thanking here, so I’ll just have to do that when I see you next. I will say Thank You to everyone I have met along this (not over yet) journey, you have all touched and taught me much.
With gratitude and pride, Scott Burton
ScottBurton ScottBurton
By Simon Paek, RSPA Master Professional Coach Developer – Tennis and Pickleball Director of Racquet Sports, Mission Viejo Country Club
What an incredible World Conference we had in Kona, Hawaii in September!
With over 30 of our very own Southern California Division Professionals and family there, it was indeed a very special week for all of us
The setting was majestic, and the atmosphere was electric as nearly 600 RSPA members from around the world gathered and shared an incredible week. The National Staff out did themselves once again and the Outrigger Hotel was amazing.
Let me share some of the highlights from a personal perspective of this amazing week:
1 My long-time friend, mentor and just an all-around great person, Pam Austin receiving the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award
2 Southern California Division (YES, US!) winning the Division Olympics with a rousing rendition of Gang Nam Style for our Karaoke competition – we obviously killed it!
3 Luau – in particular the fire dancer!
4 Every single Sunset
5 Snorkeling with a few of my buddies and families and getting to see and swim with a gentle green turtle
6.The strolls around the property each evening, overlooking the beautiful waters of Kona.
7.The FOOD – oh my gosh the FOOD!
8 The forging of new friendships, the renewing of old ones Speaking of which, it was so great to see and hang out with Chuck Melkent, Director of Racquet Sports at Los Angeles Country Club and Richard Spurling, Founder of ACEing Autism from our division, just to name a couple!
How can I convey the heart-felt camaraderie, the quality of the education, the building of everlasting memories, the sharing of ideas and stories, the learning from and of one another I could go on and on I hope that the photos in the pages to follow can help paint half the picture of this AMAZING World Conference in Kona
If you missed it, please take advantage of the World Conference Virtual Experience and see some if not all the educational sessions for yourself. Get exclusive access to 31 sessions. Sign into your account on RSPA.net and look for WRC25 Virtual Package today! WRC 2026 will be held in Dallas, TX – dates forthcoming WRC 2027 will be held in Orlando, FL – dates forthcoming RSPA turns 100 in 2027 and is sure to be an incredible and memorable Conference
All of our WRC’s are generally in mid to late Sept so please plan accordingly. I know that attending a WRC is very challenging on a lot of different levels – financial, time, family, etc. As I see it, even if you cannot attend every year, you owe it to yourself, your club and your students to make the investment and attend when you can Yes, it’s a major commitment; invest in yourself, your career, your club and your students as I mentioned Many of you are independent contractors, it’s a tax right off as well!
For those of you just starting out in the industry, or anyone who feels they cannot afford the cost of registration (usually around $600 or so), there is financial help out there in the way of scholarships. It is needs-based of course The scholarships are for our Division Conference in May as well as the WRC in September I encourage anyone who feels they are in need to apply! For any information or application on this scholarship, please contact our ED, Carlos Cruz-Aedo at: carlos cruz-aedo@rspa net
On a separate note, Carlos, Gabriel Jacob, our incoming Regional Vice President and I had the pleasure of attending a Job Fair, hosted by the Los Angeles Angels are Anaheim Stadium back in August This is our second year doing it and it’s an opportunity to represent and champion the Racquet Sports Industry as a viable and worthwhile teaching profession We want an RSPA Professional on every Racquets Court out there!
Evan Parry
Hello RSPA SoCal professionals!
I hope all of you enjoyed your time at the rolled rackets conference in Kona! I wish I would’ve been able to attend but I started a new job as the Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Chapman University Although my new role is obviously focused more on coaching college players, I’m still able to provide lessons in my free time.
However, I feel like the switch from being a director of tennis and a college coach, to exclusively just a college coach has increased my passion for teaching, whether I’m teaching mechanics, specific on-court movement, or more advanced tactics and strategy
Here’s a sample lesson plan from one of my recent team practices:
Dynamic warm up
Resistance bands
Rally progression warm up 20 1st serves (deuce and ad sides) 20 2nd serves (deuce and ad sides)
Drill stations
Station 1: ball machine with resistance belt -partner 1 will hit on the run forehands and backhands -partner 2 will shadow them with resistance belt on and then switch
Station 2: transition ball/net finish
-we need to target the service boxes when we are in the finishing zone and volleying instead of always hitting them deep (cuz our opponents are usually waiting for them at the baseline)
-coach feeds 2 groundstrokes, short ball approach, and then the volley must go in the service box -set up targets
Station 3: Serve, serve +1, force error combo
-Try and force and error sooner than later
Options after the serve +1 ball:
1 chip and charge
2 drive ball down the line
3 drop shot
These drills can be incorporated in your group clinics, junior team tennis practices, or adult league training. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Evan Parry RSPA
Elite Professional RSPA SoCal 1st VP
Matthew
Jones
RSPA SoCal Division Treasurer
RSPA Tennis & Pickleball Certified Professional
Phone: (323) 842-5592
Email: mattjstennis@gmail.com
Greetings RSPA SoCal Members,
Matthew Jones
I hope this message finds you well and energized as we head into the final stretch of 2025! I’m honored and excited to serve as your new Division Treasurer, and I look forward to supporting our racquet-sports community in this role. As always, it’s a privilege to be part of such a diligent board and as I transition into my new role, I am eager and excited to help ensure the financial health and sustainability of our division’s programs and events.
One of the core pillars of RSPA SoCal is ensuring that you, our members, feel supported at every level. Beyond our incredible District Presidents, our entire Board including the Executive Board/Director, committee chairs, and myself is here to serve as a resource and partner in your professional journey.
Whether you’re looking for:
Guidance on certifications or upgrades
Speakers or presenters for upcoming events
Support in promoting your local programs
Opportunities for networking, mentorship, or coaching development
We’re here to help. As we reflect on a productive Q3 and look ahead to an exciting Q4, I want to thank all our members, coaches, and clubs for keeping the racquet sports spirit thriving across Southern California. Please don’t hesitate to reach out we truly want to hear from you! I’m especially excited, in my new role, to connect and explore how we can continue strengthening and serving our community together.
Local Los Angeles Pickleball & Padel Facilities Some new, some soon to come Mixed Padel + Pickleball
Los Angeles Padel Club (LAPC) | Opening Fall 2025 | West Los Angeles
Will open a permanent clubhouse in Summer 2025, with 7 permanent padel courts, including 2 tournament courts - Los Angeles Padel Club
Ballers L.A.| Coming Summer 2026 | Downtown Los Angeles
(in former Macy’s at The Bloc)
A social club concept coming next year: 18 pickleball courts + 4 padel courts as part of a mixed-use racquet club + lifestyle space - Los Angeles Times
Padel Up | Westfield Century City + Culver City | New padel club locations. The Century City site is actively open/bookable. - Padel Up
The Padel Courts | East Hollywood (Sunset Blvd)
Existing facility with 2 full padel courts + one mini court One of earlier padel presences in LA - The Padel Courts
LA Galaxy Park (Padel & Pickleball Courts) | Torrance / South Bay area
Offers 4 padel courts through Taktika Racquet Sports - LA Galaxy Park - Pickleball & Padel
Pura Padel L.A. | Sherman Oaks (rooftop)
Featured in padel news as one of the newer urban padel centers - Pura Padel LA
PIKL LA | Mid-Wilshire | La Brea
Newly opened outdoor facility (6 courts) Ribbon cutting held August 2025 - PIKL LA
California SMASH Pickleball & Social Club | El Segundo
Premium indoor pickleball + social club concept CaliforniaSMASH
PowerPlay Pickleball | Carson
Ambitious project: Phase 1 already has 9 indoor courts + practice court. Phase 2 aims for 21 outdoor courts plus a large clubhouse by winter 2025 PowerPlay Pickleball
Love.Life Pickleball | El Segundo
A 6,500 sq ft indoor space with three courts, lessons, observation lounge - Love Life
I am genuinely excited to serve as your RSPA SoCal Division Treasurer and to contribute in a meaningful way to our division’s growth and sustainability.
If you haven’t yet, please consider (re)joining for 2026 and encouraging your colleagues to join and get certified too! Send in your event plans, tournament recaps, ideas, facility updates, or short racquet sports tips, so we can highlight them in upcoming newsletters.
Don’t forget: your Board is here as a support network lean on us, collaborate with us, and let’s build a stronger racquet sports community together.
Let’s make Q4 a season of energy, engagement, and excellence I look forward to seeing many of you courtside in the weeks ahead
With gratitude and excitement!
Matt
Karl Akkerman
Hello District 1 members,
As all of you know by now, the RSPA is rebranding itself to add new sport's certification in pickleball, squash, padel, and platform tennis. So we are asking you all to make an extra effort this year to let your members / clients know about our organization for very good reasons. You are a professional highly trained and continue to update and educate yourself with the newest technology and new sports activities You need to let your clients know you are keeping abreast about all these changes Your organization offers all those things It boosts your value as a professional. I am sure you hear at least once a month (I do), " Let's ask Karl, he is a professional, I bet he knows." I always tell my students when if I miss a clinic or have to reschedule a lesson, that I was at a convention or an educational event to learn new stuff. They love to hear that stuff. It adds value and credibility to your reputation. Some of the time I do know the answer and sometimes I don't but I eagerly tell them I know how to find out And you can reach out to national at 407-634-3050 and they have all the resources you need to help you answer those questions
Please mention RSPA as often as possible to market you and our organization. You don't have to go into too much detail, just explain that we are the oldest, largest, and most prestigious professional certification in the racquet business.
If you put your name out there to one of your RSPA Board Members, you can look into hosting an event, being a speaker, and becoming a board member. As a professional we know there is nothing an RSPA pro cannot figure out how to accomplish anything we set our minds to do. With collaboration and energy, everything good happens. Hope to see you on the courts, at a convention or at an event soon.
Karl Akkerman
RSPA Elite Professional
RSPA So Cal District 1 President
Kevin Finkelberg
Hello District 2 Pros,
The spring high school and college tennis seasons have come to a close Wishing the best of luck to all the teams competing in the Ojai Tournament this past April! Coaches, we are eager to collaborate with you to explore new venues for District 2 events If you are interested in hosting a workshop, please don't hesitate to reach out April was Autism Awareness Month! Have you ever worked with a student with autism in your group classes? Are you interested in learning strategies to better support these athletes? We are planning an adaptive workshop and would love for you to participate Please contact me if you’d like to join us
What are USTA CTAs? Community Tennis Associations are nonprofit, volunteer-driven organizations dedicated to fostering and providing tennis programming These associations run a wide variety of programs, including 10U tennis, adaptive initiatives, and high-performance training The USTA offers substantial benefits to CTAs We are proud to highlight the active CTAs in District 2 with RSPA members:
Excel Tennis Antelope Valley Kern County Tennis Association
Aceing Autism PAC Academy
If you’re interested in starting a new CTA or wish to learn more, please feel free to contact me.
Adult Red Ball tennis is gaining traction in Southern California! Coaches, if you’re interested in launching adult red ball programs for beginner tennis players, USTA will soon provide red ball equipment packages. Please reach out to discuss further opportunities.
Kevin Finkelberg
finkelbergtennis@gmail com 310-824-2970
instagram: finkelbergtennis
TENNIS LEVEL I CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP (2-DAYS)
MARCH 23RD-24TH - COMPLETED
AUGUST 24TH-25TH - COMPLETED
NOVEMBER 16TH-17TH
SUNDAY 9AM-5PM MONDAY 8AM-2PM
ITENNIS CERRITOS
19700 BLOOMFIELD AVE CERRITOS, CA 90703
TENNIS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP (3-DAYS)
FEBRUARY 1ST-3RD - COMPLETED
MAY 31ST, JUNE 1ST-2ND - COMPLETED
OCTOBER 25TH-27TH- COMPLETED
SATURDAY 12PM-5PM
SUNDAY 9AM-5PM MONDAY 8AM-2PM
ITENNIS CERRITOS
19700 BLOOMFIELD AVE CERRITOS, CA 90703
We invite professionals of all levels to our upcoming workshops!
Current and aspiring coaches are welcome to join one of our many pickleball certifications across the country, allowing you to hone your skills as a pro. We're proud to be a leader in the racquet sports industry – empowering our members on their journey to success. Now is your chance to network, learn, and improve your health on and off the court. Show your support for one of the fastest growing sports in America! CLICK ON THE
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
Russell Alger
Aloha Fellow RSPA professionals, I would like to take this moment to thank all of you that showed at our professional conference in Hawaii. Thank you, to all of the speakers for your time and effort, your participation in our association is necessary to our operations and growth. A quiet tip of my hat to Mr. Bellamy of Tennis channel fame for introducing me to and competing with me in Redball Tennis.
We are now into the downswing part of the season as summer has winded down. It is the perfect opportunity to take a little bit of time and focusing towards your marketing efforts with the holidays just around the corner. We all have perfect opportunities to advertise more packages or experiences at our facilities. I hope all of your boo bash tournaments are as delightful as they are spooky!
Our next district event will be in December I am planning an online module with a local college coach to come stay tuned! We will be discussing what racquet can do to better keep and introduce beginners into our wonderful sport and the skills necessary to do so
We are at such an impasse at the moment with Carlos, Sinner, Shelton and Fritz, the list of entertaining players goes on The question to us racquet professionals, is how do we continue to capture, welcome, encourage, and monetize participation. I look forward to seeing you at our next district event to further discuss.
Thank you RSPA
Russell Alger
Michael Chantos
By Michael Chantos, RSPA Southern California District 5 President
Rebranding as a Learning Process
Hello Southern California Members! Coming back from Kona with all the wonderful attendees, the 2025 World Racquet Conference offere offered perspective Across sessions led by industry leaders like Brian Dillman, Marcos Del Pilar, Chuck Gills, Simon Paek, Kyle LaCroix coaches, a consistent theme emerged: the future belongs to professionals who know how to evolve
Rebranding isn’t about starting over It’s about aligning your identity with who you’ve become and who the industry needs you to be It’s about updating your approach, expanding your skill set, and re-energizing your professional presence across all racquet sports
“You don’t have to change who you are you just have to keep evolving ”
Why Rebranding Is Trending in Racquet Sports.
Across Southern California and beyond, professionals are realizing that yesterday’s job title doesn’t always fit today’s opportunities The rise of padel, the explosive growth of pickleball, squash being in the LA Olympic and the renewed energy behind tennis are creating hybrid departments and multi-sport communities
Rebranding allows professionals to:
Position themselves as multi-racquet leaders, not single-sport coaches
Showcase growth through advanced certification and continued education
Strengthen their personal brand to match modern facility demands
This is more than a passing trend it’s a shift toward flexibility, collaboration, and lifelong learning
The Certification Connection
Evolving your certification through RSPA is one of the most powerful ways to formalize your rebrand Each level from Instructor to
represents not just knowledge but leadership maturity
It signals to clubs, peers, and members that you’re committed to staying current, credible, and capable across tennis, pickleball, and padel
I was very fortunate to meet some amazing elite and master tennis professionals through a Padel certification Those connections that were made reenergized my rebranding journey from being a professional rated to elite professional In the next section, I will go over the key process that took me there and hopefully it will help those looking to upgrade their certification For our SoCal Division, the commitment to continuing education and growth strengthens our entire community The more we grow as professionals, the more our industry grows with us
How Rebranding Will Shape the Industry
This movement is changing the landscape of racquet-sports management Clubs are seeking directors who can oversee integrated racquet programs
Coaches are expected to blend coaching, hospitality, and operational strategy
And professionals who invest in rebranding and certification are the ones rising into leadership positions
Rebranding isn’t a one-time decision it’s an ongoing process of reflection, learning, and reinvention The best professionals aren’t defined by where they started, but by their willingness to adapt to where the game is going and learn where the industry is trending
�� How to Rebrand Yourself
· Embrace adaptability and continuous learning
Our industry is evolving quickly, and as coaches and leaders, we must evolve with it Stay open to new ideas, technology, and teaching methods that keep you relevant and effective
Upgrade your certification
Earning or advancing your certification isn’t just about credentials it’s your professional rebrand Each new level reflects growth, credibility, and commitment to excellence
Refresh your digital presence
Update your LinkedIn, RSPA profile, and social media Many in our industry may not know your story and that’s your opportunity Use social media strategically to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and connect with respected leaders across racquet sports Your experiences inspire others we want to learn from you!
Create an action plan
Rebranding starts with setting clear goals, outlining specific actions, and staying accountable Consistency builds trust and your follow-through defines your professional identity �� Final Takeaway
Rebranding is a journey we all share one built on growth, adaptability, and community If you’re ready to take the next step in your certification, elevate your professional brand, or simply want to exchange ideas on how we can continue moving the industry forward, I’d love to connect Let’s keep learning, growing, and representing the RSPA Southern California Division together
Michael Chantos
RSPA Southern California District 5
RSPA Elite Professional | Tennis, Padel & Pickleball
LinkedIn: https://www linkedin com/in/michaelchantos/
Sam Tadevosian
I began my tennis journey at the age of five, immersing myself in junior tournaments and eventually competing at the collegiate level for Fresno State and Loyola Marymount University However, after years of intense play, I experienced burnout and transitioned into the financial sector. This career shift led to a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in a 50-pound weight gain within a year Recognizing the need for change, I started offering tennis lessons for a few hours each week to get back into shape while contemplating my next steps.
What began as a side activity gradually expanded due to increasing demand I discovered a passion for teaching, relishing the challenge of articulating skills that had become second nature to me. Interacting with clients of various ages and backgrounds was invigorating, and I soon realized the potential to build a sustainable business model around tennis instruction
For those embarking on a similar path in the tennis industry, I offer the following advice:
1.Be Patient: Building a clientele takes time. Initially, you may experience periods of inactivity, but it’s crucial to remain present at your club Engage with the community by introducing yourself, participating in games, and becoming an active member Your visibility and involvement will eventually lead to increased momentum.
2 Maintain Professional Appearance: Present yourself as a tennis professional by dressing appropriately and staying in good physical condition. Continuing to play tennis and maintaining fitness are essential aspects of this profession.
3.Seek Mentorship: Identify successful individuals in the field and learn from them. Observe their methods and strategies, and adopt a student mentality to absorb valuable insights
4.Foster Authentic Client Relationships: Genuine care and authenticity are vital. Clients can discern when you’re not fully committed Demonstrate passion for your work, understand your clients’ needs, and consistently challenge them to improve
5 Commit to Continuous Learning: Avoid complacency by continually seeking knowledge and embracing new ideas Utilize resources such as the RSPA, attend conventions, explore online content, and communicate with other clubs to stay informed about industry trends
6.Work Hard and Dedicate the Necessary Hours: Strong work ethic and willingness to invest significant time are keys to becoming successful in this industry Clients will appreciate your readiness, work ethic and consistency
I’ve been fortunate to have supportive mentors like Pierre Mareschal, be part of an exceptional club such as The Valley Hunt Club, and work with great clients I continually challenge myself to develop innovative ideas, events, clinics, and lessons to grow my business. This commitment to evolution and improvement has been instrumental in my journey from a collegiate athlete to a dedicated tennis professional
Secretary | Stephen Loreto
Since joining RSPA (formerly USPTA), I’ve consistently attended the Annual World Racquet Conferences because they align with my mission to elevate professionalism, community impact, and educational excellence in racquet sports coaching While there are many reasons I return each year, these core values make WRC especially meaningful to me
Professional Growth and Advocacy
I am a leader in the tennis industry, and the conference gives me a platform to connect with other professionals who share my vision for raising coaching standards
I advocate for the value of coaching careers, and this event helps me stay informed about trends, innovations, and challenges facing the racquet sports world
Learning and Inspiration
I’m deeply invested in building character and confidence in players, and the workshops and panels offer fresh strategies to enhance my coaching methods.
I gain insights that help me refine my educational approach, especially in areas like player development, inclusivity, and mentorship.
Hearing from a lot of experts in racquet sports, especially in tennis, gives me inspiration for continued education.
Community and Connection
As a Board Member of the RSPA SoCal, I use this space to build relationships with other district leaders, share best practices, and strengthen the network that supports my players and programs.
I am a bridge between generations, and the conference helps me bring back ideas that resonate with both seasoned coaches and rising youth players.
FUN and Vacation Time
I get to see different places, other facilities and enjoy local food.
Fellow colleagues, let us all plan to meet in Dallas, Texas for WRC26. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
Stephen Loreto District 6 President RSPA SoCal Division
President, Serving Advantage
RSPA SoCal District 6 President
Email: weusebio servingadvantage@gmail com
Cell: 818-522-6705
LinkedIn: Wendi Ota Eusebio
If you were at the RSPA Division Conference back in May, you may have met a few of our remarkable female youth coaches from Serving Advantage, young leaders who are not only competitive players but also dedicated coaches shaping the future of tennis Each of them has stepped confidently into their coaching roles and have demonstrated a strong commitment to ongoing coach development Their passion, professionalism, and heart for inclusion represent exactly what I hope to expand throughout District 6
Founded in 2020 by my son, Jacob Eusebio, and two of his high school tennis friends, Serving Advantage is a youth-led adaptive nonprofit based in Orange County. We offer year round adaptive tennis programming and our mission is simple: to make tennis accessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). What makes Serving Advantage unique is that 100% of our volunteers and coaches are middle and high school competitive tennis players who share their love of the sport while growing into confident, empathetic leaders both on and off the court.
Through monthly adaptive clinics, annual themed camps, and our brand new adaptive competitive pathway program, our athletes learn the game at their own pace while our youth volunteers gain meaningful coaching and leadership experience. Every rally, every laugh, and every breakthrough moment is a reminder that tennis truly is for everyone.
As your new District 6 President, I’m excited to connect with all of you and I’d love to hear from you, whether you have ideas for collaboration, want to learn more about adaptive programs, or just want to connect with others who share your passion for the game Together, let’s continue building our skills, our network, and the future of racquet sports in Southern California!
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
We invite professionals of all levels to our upcoming workshops!
Current and aspiring coaches are welcome to join one of our many pickleball certifications across the country, allowing you to hone your skills as a pro. We're proud to be a leader in the racquet sports industry – empowering our members on their journey to success. Now is your chance to network, learn, and improve your health on and off the court. Show your support for one of the fastest growing sports in America!
CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO REGISTER!
Pickleball Certification Workshop (1-Day)
March 1st - COMPLETED May 17th - COMPLETED
September 6th - COMPLETED
November 1st - COMPLETED
December 20th
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
by Simon Paek, Regional VP and Coach Developer Tennis / Pickleball
Dave Hagler and I have a busy 4th Quarter of Certification workshops to finish out the year. By the time this Newsletter goes to print, the Pickleball Certification Workshop on November 1 and Level II Workshop will have happened, with a Level 1 scheduled for Nov. 16-17 at iTennis Cerritos.
We are busy planning out the 2026 Certification Calendar currently. The plan again this year is to offer a minimum of four Level I and four Level II certification workshops as well as six pickleball workshops. All certification workshops can be found under the education calendar tab at RSPA.net once you log into your member account. The Southern California Division is looking for potential Coach Developers! Anyone who is interested in becoming a CD can reach out to either Dave Hagler or myself for more information. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet and have an opportunity to have a positive impact on professionals up into the association as well as giving back to the RSPA.
Dave Hagler: dlhagler@gmail.com
Simon Paek: paektennis@gmail.com
Simon Paek: paektennis@gmail.com
March 23rd-24th
Dates
Times
Location
August 24th-25th November 16th-17th
Sunday 9am-5pm Monday 8am-2pm
February 1st-3rd May 31st, June 1st-2nd October 25th-27th
Saturday 12pm-5pm Sunday 9am-5pm Monday 8am-2pm
iTennis Cerritos
19700 Bloomfield Ave
Cerritos, CA 90703
iTennis Cerritos
19700 Bloomfield Ave Cerritos, CA 90703
March 1st
May 17th
September 6th
November 1st
December 20th
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
Protect Your Child and Win
Elevate Your Game
COACHES Get Approved
FACILITIES
Protect Your Child and Win
“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
GROUP MESSAGING & 2-WAY TEXT MESSAGING
To learn more or to start your 30-DAY FREE TRIAL scan here or TEXT “TRIAL” TO 888 990 6790
