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The Official Publication of the RSPA Texas Division Winter/Conference 2026

Here We Go! RSPA TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 6– 8, 2026 DALLAS/PLANO MARRIOTT AT LEGACY TOWN CENTER

Inside...

DATES THAT RATE

2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE INFO.

SPEAKERS

SCHEDULE

A Message from President, Kelly Marshall Dear RSPA Texas Members,

PRESIDENT Kelly Marshall 2510 Onion Creek Parkway Austin, Texas 78747 512-585-1008 kmarshall@onioncreekclub.com REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Ernie Abraham 13765 Southern Oaks Dr. Burleson, Texas 76028 817-980-9374 abrahamernie@yahoo.com 1st VICE PRESIDENT Michelle Stallard 8112 Cobblestone Austin, TX 79735 512-924-7097 michellestallardhome@gmail.com 2nd VICE PRESIDENT Adrien Chabria 5712 Palo Pinto Ave. Dallas, TX 75206 214-232-5237 ajchabria@me.com SECRETARY Sarah Flood 11201 Lynbrook Dr. #3802 Houston, TX 77042 713-894-1256 Sarahflood0514@gmail.com TREASURER Otis Sadler 2635 Plantation Hollow Court Missouri City, TX 77459 832-754-3266 osadler@lakesidecc.com PAST PRESIDENT 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

It is truly an honor to serve as your President for the Texas Division of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and excited for the opportunity to lead, serve, and grow alongside such a passionate and dedicated group of professionals. RSPA Texas is not just an association — it is a network, a resource, and a collective of professionals who elevate one another. We are strong because of you — the coaches, directors, club leaders, and professionals who show up every day to grow the game, mentor players, and elevate our industry. I step into this role with deep respect for those who have served before me and a strong commitment to building on the foundation they have created. The strength of our division is built on the passion, commitment, and involvement of its members. And I want to be clear about one thing I have learned: the more you put into this association, the more you will get out of it. Whether that involvement looks like attending events, volunteering, mentoring, speaking, networking, or simply showing up and engaging — every level of participation matters. Growth happens when we lean in, and opportunity follows those who get involved. As we move forward, my vision is for RSPA Texas to be energizing, collaborative, and member driven. I want our division to be a place where ideas are welcomed, voices are heard, and innovation is encouraged. If you have a thought, a suggestion, or a new idea — bring it to the table. Your insight and experience help shape the future of our association, and I genuinely want to hear from you. I encourage you to raise your hand, step forward, and get involved. This is your association. When we engage together, we grow stronger together. Our board is committed to serving with intention, transparency, and enthusiasm. Together, we will focus on creating meaningful education, valuable connections, and opportunities that support you professionally and personally. The Texas Division Conference, February 6 – 8, is the perfect chance to fulfill your continuing education requirements and network with professionals from across the state! I am excited about the education sessions both on court and off-court and I hope that you will join us in Plano. Thank you for all that you do for racquet sports in Texas. I am excited about the journey ahead and honored to serve you. With appreciation and enthusiasm, Kelly Marshall President, RSPA Texas Division

DATES that

RATE JANUARY 15

RSPA Pickleball Certification (Sugar Land, Texas)

JANUARY 16 - 18

RSPA Texas State Team Championships (Houston, Texas)

JANUARY 17 - 18

RSPA Level 1 In Person Workshop (Austin, Texas)

JANUARY 31

RSPA Padel Certification (Richmond, Texas)

FEBRUARY 6 - 8

RSPA Texas Annual Conference (Plano, Texas)

FEBRUARY 13 - 15

RSPA Level 2 In Person Workshop (Plano, Texas)

RSPA TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

FEBRUARY 6 – 8, 2026 DALLAS/PLANO MARRIOTT AT LEGACY TOWN CENTER The Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center is a great property and conveniently located.

Make your room reservations by January 16, 2026, to receive a discounted rate of $179 per night by using the following link:

https://book.passkey.com/event/50970484/owner/2588625/home

2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION

When: February 6th- 8th, 2026 Where: Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center 7121 Bishop Road, Plano, Texas 75024 Click on the link below to reserve your room at a rate of $179 a night if booked by January 16th HotelLink: https://book.passkey.com/event/50970484/owner/2588625/home

RSPA Member Pre-registration: Includes all social functions, seminars, and the RSPA specialty course. • Register before January 23rd - $165 • Register before February 2nd - $175 • Register after February 2nd- $190 NEW RSPA members (Since March 2025) • FREE- Includes all social functions, seminars, and the RSPA specialty course Non-RSPA Teaching Pros: Includes social functions, seminars, and the RSPA specialty course (doesn’t include Friday Luncheon) • Register before January 23rd- $215 • Register after January 23rd- $245 Spouse & guest registration (does not include Friday Business Lunch) • $85 Name of spouse/guest Contact Tosha Smith with questions at 512-848-0598 or tosha.smith@rspa.net

The Buying Show is back and will be on Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Click link to register for the conference: https://members.rspa.net/uspta/uspta/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=DCONFTX26A

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2026 RSPA TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE DALLAS/PLANO MARRIOTT AT LEGACY TOWN CENTER

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Thursday FEBRUARY 5TH 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

RSPA Texas Division Conference Registration

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

RSPA Texas Division Board of Directors Meeting

Friday FEBRUARY 76TH TH 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RSPA Texas Division Conference Registration

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Buying Show

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Exploring how AI is Shaping the Future of Racquet Sports- Nick Bradish

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

The Business Behind the Experience: Why P & L Matters in Hospitality- Matt Greenemeier

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Leveraging Off Court Revenue!- Mark Gonzalez

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

RSPA Texas General Membership Meeting Luncheon

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Leadership: Building Influence, Culture, and Long Term Success.- Michael Jordan

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Successful Ways to Train New Pros- Beverly Bowes

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Buying Show Happy Hour & Raffle

6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

RSPA Texas & USTA Texas Happy Hour Reception & Dinner

Hosted by Kelly Marshall, RSPA Texas President, National Update- Mel McRee, Vice President RSPA National Board. Luncheon Sponsored by the Fort Worth Professional Tennis Association

Saturday FEBRUARY 7TH 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RSPA Texas Division Conference Registration

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

From Teaching Pro to Club Owner- Ren Turner & Kyle Plemons

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Drill Killers and How to Avoid Them- Mel McRee

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Ladies Doubles- Otis Sadler

12:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

RSPA Texas & USTA Texas Awards Luncheon

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Pickleball Drills & Strategy- Craig Bobo

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Advanced Stroke Production- David Mendez

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Drill Contest

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

RSPA Texas Social Event

Sunday FEBRUARY 8TH 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

RSPA Specialty Course- Understanding Perspectives Builds Success- Bunning Bruning

RSPA Texas

Annual Conference 2026 Featured Speakers OTIS SADLER RSPA Elite Professional Otis Sadler is the director of tennis at Lakeside Country Club in Houston. Before joining Lakeside, he was the director of junior tennis at Houston Racquet Club for eight years. Otis moved to Houston in 2000 and was the program director for the Zina Garrison All Court Tennis Academy. He also worked for the USTA Texas Section for five years, including as the director of junior recreation. He has been on the Tennis Channel on several occasions doing instructional videos for the RSPA.. Otis played his junior tennis in Texas and was a member of The University of Texas Men’s Tennis team from 19881993. He is a USTA Texas Section national coach and has worked with numerous national and world-ranked juniors. Otis works with both adult and junior players and has a wealth of knowledge to help his clients improve their game. In 2021 and 2022, Otis served on the African American Engagement project team for USTA Texas.

BEVERLY BOWES Beverly is currently the Director of Racquet Sports and Fitness at Cimarron Hills in Georgetown, Texas. She was previously the Director of Tennis at River Place Country Club in Austin for 14 years. Beverly was a top junior in the country and traveled the world (all the grand slams) before the age of 17 with the best coaches at the USTA. Beverly played for the University of Texas at Austin and then went on to coach at her alma mater when they were a national finalist team in the NCAA. She traveled on the WTA tour with Chris Evert (her idol) and was ranked in the top 50 in the world in both singles and doubles. Her highest world ranking was 38. Beverly also previously worked for the USTA in their High-Performance Junior Program where she took some of the best players in the United States to grand slam tournaments. She recently became certified in pickleball and enjoys playing and teaching. She has 2 great kids- Addie and Harrison. They have both played different sports but are now playing some tennis.

BUNNY BRUNING Bunny Bruning is an RSPA Master Professional with over 45 years of experience in teaching and coaching. Bunny has served on the Missouri Valley RSPA Board for more than 15 years and held the position of RSPA National Vice President from 2009 to 2011. Bunny has been inducted into the RSPA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame and has earned numerous awards, including five RSPA Missouri Valley Professional of the Year honors, the Lessons for Life Award, the Continuing Education Award, and the Iowa Professional of the Year Award. She is a certified Specialist in Competitive Player Development (High Performance Coaching) and Mental Toughness. Within her division, Bunny serves as the Certification Director for both tennis and pickleball. In September 2023, Bunny founded Women Coaching Racquet Sports (WCRS) and currently serves as its President. The organization’s mission is to educate, mentor, engage, and inspire more women to become coaches in racquet sports. Under her leadership, WCRS has grown to include a 17-member Board, along with Advisors and Ad Hoc members. Bunny frequently speaks at conferences, divisions, workshops, and high schools, advocating for women in coaching. After 42 years as the Tennis Director at Wakonda Club, Bunny retired in November 2024 but continues to teach and inspire players of all ages. She directs the West Des Moines Parks tennis program each summer and owns Bunny’s First Serve pro shop. Dedicated to community service, she founded Bunny’s Buddies, a free tennis program for mentally and physically challenged youth and adults. She also developed a summer Middle School Learn & Play Program that serves eleven area schools and actively mentors about ten up-and-coming coaches. Bunny competed on the WTA professional tennis tour for nine years, achieving world rankings of No. 41 in singles and No. 11 in doubles, as well as a professional doubles ranking of No. 4.

MARK GONZALEZ Mark has been in the tennis business since 1985, working retail and as a territory manager for several major hard and soft goods brands. Mark has served as the local territory manager for Yonex since 2005. In addition, Mark was RSI’s Stringer of the Year in 2019 and has strung at the AO, Western & Southern, Miami Open, ATX Open as well as other professional tournaments.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE FEATURED SPEAKERS

MEL MCREE Mel McRee is the Director of Racquet Sports at Lubbock Country Club and an Elite Tennis Professional, as well as a Professional in pickleball and padel, with 25 years of coaching and leadership experience. A Past President of the RSPA Texas Division and current Vice President on the RSPA National Board, Mel is passionate about professional education, mentorship, and developing the next generation of racquet sports professionals. Known for his energetic, light-hearted, and engaging presentation style, Mel’s goal is to offer new perspectives that help coaches—from brand-new pros to seasoned veterans—improve their on-court sessions, sharpen their leadership, and create better experiences for their players, just as others have done for him throughout his career.

NICK BRADISH Nick was raised in Wisconsin but moved to warmer weather to attend college at the University of South Alabama for a Computer Science degree. After 5 years working in IT ended during the pandemic, Nick began his tennis coaching career in Mobile, Alabama, working out of the Mobile Tennis Center. He pursued his education through the RSPA before moving to Houston in May of 2022 and embracing his role as Assistant Racquets Professional at Royal Oaks Country Club. After 2 years of dedication, he was promoted to Head Racquets Professional, where he remains currently. As a lifelong leader and orator, Nick excels at making tennis lessons informative and exciting, bringing an abundance of enthusiasm and energy to the court, creating a fun learning environment for aspiring athletes of all skill levels and ages. Off the court, Nick leverages his 5 years spent in the IT field of work and study to make office process easier and more efficient for members and his coworkers alike.

MICHAEL JORDAN Michael Jordan is a highly respected leader in the racquet sports industry, currently serving as the Director of Racquets at Dallas Country Club, one of the most prestigious private clubs in the nation. With 25 years of experience, he has played a pivotal role in shaping world-class racquet programs at The Princess Anne Country Club (VA) and Lancaster Country Club (PA), excelling as a Director of Racquets, Head Tennis Professional, and Staff Professional. Michael’s influence extends far beyond the court. He holds elite certifications from RSPA, PTR, PPR, PPTR, and USTA, demonstrating his commitment to the highest professional standards. A dedicated leader in the industry, he has served as President of the USPTA Middle States Division, a member of the USPTA National Mentoring Board, and the USPTA Adaptive Tennis Committee. Additionally, he is a PPR National Clinician and a distinguished graduate of the Certified Racquet Sports Executive Program. Michael is deeply passionate about mentorship, professional development, and helping individuals reach their full potential in both sport and life. His ability to inspire, educate, and lead has made him a sought-after voice in the racquets community, shaping the future of the industry with expertise and dedication.

MATT GREENEMEIER Matt Greenemeier is a seasoned hospitality leader with extensive experience in luxury resort operations and club athletics. He currently serves as Regional Director of Athletics for Arcis Golf, supporting 13 clubs and the overall athletics experience. Previously, he spent eight years with Four Seasons Resorts in senior athletic leadership roles, supporting multiple multi-million-dollar renovations. Matt proudly served more than 21 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves, including as Command Master Chief for 17 global units in support of the U.S. Submarine Force.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE FEATURED SPEAKERS

DAVID MENDEZ A lifelong competitor and leader in racquet sports, David Mendez, brings over three decades of playing, coaching, and program-directing experience to the game. A 1990 UIL Class 2A Singles Runner-Up, he went on to compete at the collegiate level for four years, including two years at Laredo Junior College, where he qualified for the 1992 NJCAA National Tournament. He continued his career at Northwest Missouri State University, competing in NCAA Division II from 1994–1996. The 1995 team finished 11th in the nation, and during his junior year he tied the school’s single season record with twenty-five wins and only two losses. That historic 1995 team was later inducted into the NWMSU M-Club Hall of Fame in 2012. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from NWMSU in 1997. Professionally, he served as Junior Director of Tennis at Midland Country Club from 1997–2002 before becoming Director of Racquet Sports at Odessa Country Club, a role he has held since 2002. Known for developing athletes of all levels, he combines technical expertise with a strong emphasis on mental performance and long-term athlete development. He holds multiple certifications, including RSPA Elite Professional, Pickleball Certification, and USTA High Performance Coaching Program (2020). He is also a Mental Toughness Specialist, certified in 2013 through Jim Loehr and Lorenzo Beltrame, and has served as a Former USPTA Board Member.

CRAIG BOBO Craig is the General Manager at Pickleball Kingdom in Pflugerville.. A Houston native, he was a top ten ranked junior tennis player and went on to compete collegiately at both UTEP and Texas State University. Following his collegiate career, Craig transitioned into coaching and club management, dedicating himself to the racquet sports industry. Over the years, he has held director and managerial roles across Texas, Ohio, New York, and New Mexico before returning to his home state. Over the past two years, Craig has made an impressive rise in his pickleball career, capturing his first Senior Pro Singles title at the 2024 PPA Austin Open and winning 50% of his matches during his debut NPL season with the Houston Hammers. He has also taken an active role with Ignite, organizing and leading the first local Ignite Combine for 2025. Craig now resides in Georgetown, Texas, with his family. He is a proud father of five grown children and a grandfather to four beautiful grandkids.

KYLE PLEMONS Kyle Plemons is the Vice President of Pillar Contracting, Inc., where he leads business development and daily operations for a nationally operating commercial construction firm that serves as both builder and consultant. With a strong focus on communication, operational efficiency, and client experience, Kyle has built a reputation for delivering complex projects with clarity and strategic foresight. He brings an entrepreneurial mindset to his work, frequently exploring ways to integrate technology and innovative processes to improve project outcomes and scale sustainable businesses. Drawing on a background in leadership and organizational development, Kyle is driven by long-term value creation, team growth, and the pursuit of multi-generational wealth through well-run, principled companies.

RENNIE TURNER Rennie Turner is the owner/director at Green Spring Solutions. Winner of 6 National Tennis Awards, serving the Racquets, and entertainment industry. Rennie credits much of his success to his 40 years in the industry as a competitive player, teaching professional, and club management. That experience allows for a finished project representing the best for the paying customer, at every player level, and maximizes income for the owner.

SAFE PLAY APPROVAL HOW TO GET SAFE PLAY APPROVED? STEP 1 Go to www.usta.com/safeplay. Click on “Get Safe Play Approved.”

STEP 2 Log into your USTA Account. If you have a USTA membership, Net Generation or TennisLink account, the login information will be the same. If you do not have a USTA account, click on the “sign up” button.

STEP 3 Be sure to enter your RSPA membership number (under the “Personal Information” page when you log in) so we can track your compliance.

STEP 4 Click “Launch Course” and complete the SafeSport Training*. Once completed, click “Next: Policy.”

STEP 5 Review the USTA’s Safe Play Policy and check the “I accept the Safe Play Policy” box. Click “Next: Background Check.”

STEP 6 Click “Launch Background Check.” You will be directed to the NCSI website to complete the screening process.

STEP 7 Complete the NCSI background check*. You will receive a 16-digit NCSI Applicant ID on the Background Screening Confirmation page. This will be automatically entered into your USTA account for you. Please make note of your ID for your records. You can use this ID to check the status of your screen by visiting www.ncsisafe.com/status.

STEP 8 The Background Check page in your USTA account will also provide information on the status of your background screen. You will be able to see if your background check has been approved or denied, is pending or if NCSI needs additional information from you. *The Safe Sport course is renewed every year and the background check is renewed every two years.

THE GOLD STANDARD 100 YEARS OF RACQUETS EXCELLENCE

ONE MEMBERSHIP. FIVE SPORTS.

RSPA-certified racquet sports professionals ensure the highest standards of instruction at your facility. The RSPA’s rigorous certification and ongoing professional development programs guarantee that your professionals bring exceptional teaching expertise and program management skills to your courts. As the industry's only comprehensive certification body, the RSPA provides expertise in tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and platform tennis – ensuring gold-standard instruction at every level.

LEARN MORE AT RSPA.NET

LINDA GORDON membership@rspa.net 407.634.3050 ext. 105

JUNIOR RACQUET SPORTS APPRENTICE MEMBERSHIP:

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? 1. JOB-READY SKILLS: Get trained in skills that will set you apart—whether you're interested in coaching, sports management, or simply building a strong foundation for future success.

2. EARN EARLY: Unlock job opportunities that pay and help you gain hands-on experience immediately.

3. BUILD LIFE SKILLS: Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication—skills beyond the racquet and prepare you for any path you choose.

4. JOIN A PROFESSIONAL NETWORK: Connect with coaches, mentors, and industry professionals ready to guide you to your goals.

NO APPLICATION FEE! NO TESTING REQUIRED! PRORATED FIRST-YEAR! Are you 14-17 and passionate about tennis? Start building a future in racquet sports with the RSPA Junior Racquet Sports Apprentice Membership! This program is designed to give you real skills, job opportunities, and valuable connections—all with no application fee, no testing required, and a prorated first-year fee of only $50!

FOR PARENTS START THEIR JOURNEY TODAY This program gives your teen a safe, guided way to explore a career in racquet sports. They'll gain practical skills, work experience, and confidence—all in an environment focused on personal growth and excellence.

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Go to rspa.net today to get more information and set them up for an exciting, fulfilling future in racquet sports!

VISIT RSPA.NET FOR MORE INFORMATION

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The Official Publication of the RSPA Texas Division Winter/Conference 2026

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