Matt Watson 8407 Crooked Trail Tyler, Texas 75703 matt@hollytreecc.com
EX OFFICIO
Jenny Gray 901 Sonterra Blvd San Antonio. Texas 78258
512-930-3783 jgray@clubatsonterra.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tosha Smith 8003 Greenslope Dr. Austin, TX 78759 512-848-0598 tosha.smith@rspa.net
A Message from President, Mel McRee
A Message from President, Mel McRee
Dear RSPA Texas Members,
Happy Springtime USPTA Pros!
As we move into the end of spring, I’m filled with appreciation for everything we’ve already accomplished this year—and excitement for what’s still to come. The strength of our association lies in its people, and I’m proud to say that the professionals in the Texas Division continue to raise the bar.
Firstly, I want to thank all our speakers and presenters who did such a fantastic job at our recent conference in Las Colinas. Also, want to give a shoutout to Tosha who put countless hours into the preparation for the event. As tennis pros we know how much time and energy it takes to run a successful tournament, the hours before a ball is ever hit, well that’s Tosha and our conference. Things ran so smoothly and it was all her fault. Right there with her are our education and conference chairs, AJ Chabria, and Kelly Marshall, respectively. They make up the Holy Trinity of teamwork for our conference and they truly deserve special recognition.
We started 2025 with an incredible Texas State Championships in Houston, welcoming 425 players from 20 regions across the state. Jenny Gray, who did a phenomenal job directing the event, shared how special it was to see so many professionals and players come together in the spirit of competition and community. I want to personally thank the incredible volunteers who helped make it happen— Tosha Smith, Kelly Marshall, Matt Watson, Sarah Flood, James Daly, Gavin Fonger, Debbie Lowry, Becky Reger, and Michelle Ash—it truly takes a team. And a huge thank you to Chancellors Family Center, Life Time Galleria Tennis, JCC Houston, and The Met for generously hosting us. Congratulations to the Austin Men’s Team and the Abilene Women’s Team on their wellearned championships.
This spring also included one of my favorite annual traditions—the RSPA Ladies Champions Event held during the Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston. Ernie Abraham, who runs this event with great heart and energy, reported 56 players and coaches representing clubs from across Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Tyler, the Valley, and Corpus Christi. Tyler once again came out on top in an exciting final against the Onion Creek “Rajun Cajuns” from Austin—earning their second win in the past three years. Ernie also wanted to give a big thank you to Bronwyn Greer and the staff of the Men’s Clay Court Championships for their ongoing support and hospitality.
This year we have a lot of wonderful USPTA events heading your way. We recently held the Champion of Champions event at River Oaks Country Club in Houston The USPTA Junior Circuits will culminate with the Gran Prix at Newks in September. We are having our annual golf tournament headed by Matt Watson in June, our Summer Retreat in Waco in August, and in November we will be hosting our first ever USPTA Pickleball State Championships in Rockwall. Personally, I am very excited about this event. We will have regions all over the state hosting USPTA pickleball leagues to qualify players for the event in November. This will become a terrific opportunity to form teams at your clubs and facilities and monetize and make pickleball more competitive and organized in Texas. On top of all of that the World conference is in Rancho Mirage, California in mid-September as well. All in all, we have a great lineup of events for USPTA pros and their players.
Our Texas Division Conference in February saw one of our best turnouts in recent years. Held in Plano, it featured great speakers, engaged attendees, and a noticeable boost in energy from last year’s event. We’re already planning to return next year—with improvements to the agenda that we believe will make it even stronger.
One thing I am also extremely excited about for this year is our reinvigorated committees. We need more volunteers and we have so many exceptional pros with talents galore. The committees will meet in person or virtually to tackle the issues, bring fresh new ideas to the board, as well as volunteering for events. This is also a great training ground for future board members, and presidents. To everyone who applied I want to thank you for your time and service to our association.
Looking ahead, our Summer Retreat is set for August 1–2 at Ridglea Country Club in Waco. This event is always a favorite—two days of education, connection, and camaraderie with your fellow pros. It’s the perfect mix of professional development and personal connection, and I hope to see many of you there.
Again, thank you all for being a part of our great association, we have the best pros in the country and it is truly a pleasure to represent and serve you.
And of course, our World Conference is fast approaching! We’re headed to Kona, Hawaii, September 21–25, at the stunning Outrigger Resort. Registration is open, and spots are limited—so don’t wait. Let’s send a strong Texas contingent to the islands and represent our division with pride.
Regards,
Mel McRee, USPTA Elite Professional
I truly believe RSPA is revolutionizing the racquet sports world. The work we’re doing matters—whether it’s on court, behind the scenes, or in our communities. And none of it happens without you. Our greatest asset will always be our members, and I want you to know how much I appreciate the passion, dedication, and leadership you bring every single day.
As summer approaches, I wish you success on the court and beyond. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and continue doing what you do best—elevating this profession and each other.
With gratitude,
Mel McRee RSPA Texas
DATES RATE
JUNE 28 - 29
RSPA Level 1 Workshop High Point (Plano, Texas)
JULY 11 - 13
RSPA Level 2 Workshop High Point (Plano, Texas)
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Awards | Matt Watson
Conference | Kelly Marshall
Education & Certification | Sarah Flood
Competitive | Jenny Gray & Ernie Abraham
Membership | Mel McRee
Finance | Michelle Stallard
Diversity, Equality, & Inclusion | Adrien Chabria
Nominating | Jo Keene
USTA Liaison | Fred Viancos
AUGUST 1 - 2
RSPA Texas Summer Retreat (Waco, Texas)
SEPTEMBER 5 - 7
RSPA Texas Junior Gran Prix (New Braunfels, Texas)
SEPTEMBER 21 - 25
RSPA World Conference (Kona, Hawaii)
Another RSPA Texas Adult Championships in the Book
We held another successful RSPA Texas Adult Championships on January 17- 19, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Ten (10) women’s teams and ten (10) men’s teams played in the event. There were over 425 players from all around the state of Texas. The Abilene ladies’ team were the victors over Austin with a score of 70 - 58. On the men’s side, Austin defeated San Antonio 67- 61 to win the men’s 2025 team championship. Jenny Gray did an amazing job directing the event along with a fantastic lineup of volunteers - Mel McRee, Tosha Smith, Kelly Marshall, Matt Watson, Sarah Flood, James Daly, Gavin Fonger, Debbie Lowry, Becky Reger, and Michelle Ash – we could not run the event without our volunteers.
RSPA TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Highlights
The 2025 RSPA Texas Annual Conference was a great success! Held on February 7 - 9 at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center in Plano, Texas, this year’s conference saw increased attendance and continued growth in participation.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all the speakers who generously volunteered their time and expertise to present engaging and insightful sessions. Speakers included: Jonathan Fralick, Beverly Bowes, Scott McCulloch, Mel McRee, Chris Gale, Mark Faber, Kelly Marshall, Michelle Stallard, Michael Jordan, Matt Watson, Adrien Chabria, Brandon Day, Cindy Benzon, Nick Bradish, Rex Cuajunco, Valentina Starkova, and Tosha Smith. We held a pickleball certification on Sunday morning.
On Friday, the RSPA Texas General Membership Meeting Luncheon took place, featuring a national update presented by Mark Faber, First Vice President of the National Board.
RSPA Texas
Annual Conference Highlights
RSPA Texas Annual Conference Highlights
RSPA Texas Division and USTA Texas came together for a Friday evening dinner, fostering connection and camaraderie. On Saturday, we continued the tradition of hosting a joint Awards Luncheon, where we proudly recognized and celebrated all of our distinguished award winners.
RSPA Texas
Annual Conference Highlights
The RSPA Texas & USTA Texas Awards Luncheon was held on Saturday.
Congratulations! 2024 RSPA Texas Award Winners
Star Award
Proud Award
FERNANDO VELASCO
Industry Excellence Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
JOHN INGRAM
DEBORAH CONNELL
CHRIS MOLINA
Congratulations! 2024 RSPA Texas Award Winners
Elevate Award
ZACHARY WILLIAMS
Diversity Award
TERRILEE TATUM
High School Coach of the Year Award
LANCE HAGAN
Professional of the Year Award
Large Facility Manager of the Year Award
SARAH FLOOD
TODD HARBOUR
Another Successful RSPA Texas Champion of Champions Event
The RSPA Champion of Champions Event was held during the Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston on April 2nd and 3rd. A special shout-out to Ernie Abraham for once again running a fantastic event. This year, 56 players and coaches participated, representing clubs from across Texas—including San Antonio, Houston, Tyler, Austin, the Valley, and Corpus Christi. Congratulations to the Tyler team for claiming 1st place, and to the “Rajin Cajuns” from Austin, who secured 2nd place.
NO.1 BALL ON TOUR*
SAME GREAT PERFORMANCE
RECYCLABLE PAPER LID
RECYCLED PAPER LABEL
MADE FROM 30% RECYCLED PLASTIC
PERFECTING PROTECTION
TAILORED WINDSCREENS FOR EVERY FACILITY NEED
Our selection includes proprietary TUFFY, Standard VCP, Open Leno, and Closed Mesh Polypropylene, designed for various applications such as enclosing tennis and pickleball courts, practice fields, batting cages, and baseball outfield fences. Whether your priority is privacy, durability, or budget-driven, our windscreens offer the perfect solution.
Explore our full range of windscreens and find the perfect fit for your facility today!
