The Texan Summer 2021

n i s U Join ntonio!!!

San A 3-15, 2021

USPTA Texars Augusatt S1onterra e m m u he Club T S l a u n n A ra Blvd r e t n o S 1 0 9 t Retrea San Antonio, Texas 78258

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USPTA Texas Summer Retreat

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Retreat Featured Speakers

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2021 USPTA World Conference (WC21)

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craig's corner

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Minority Participation in Tennis 1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

H PRESIDENT

MATT WATSON

2214 Prestonwood Drive Arlington, Texas 76012 mwatson@tbarmtennis.com

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

CRAIG BELL

5201 Westgrove Drive Dallas, Texas 75248 972-931-4950 cbell1360@aol.com

1st VICE PRESIDENT

MEL MCREE

3400 Mesa Road Lubbock, Texas 79403 806-786-2660 mel@lubbockcc.org

2nd VICE PRESIDENT

KELLY MARSHALL

2510 Onion Creek Parkway Austin, Texas 78747 kmarshall@onioncreekclub.com

3rd VICE PRESIDENT

ADRIEN CHABRIA

1912 Abrams Rd. Dallas, TX 75214 214-232-5237 adrien@lakewoodcc.com

SECRETARY

MICHELLE STALLARD PO Box 4950 Horseshoe Bay, Texas 78657 512-924-7097 mstallard@hsbresort.com

TREASURER

ERNIE ABRAHAM

13765 Southern Oaks Dr. Burleson, Texas 76028 817-980-9374 abrahamernie@yahoo.com

PAST PRESIDENT

JENNY GRAY

449 Champions Dr. Georgetown 78628 512-930-3783 jgray@berrycreekcc.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CHARLOTTE WYLIE

2113 Winding Creek Drive Keller, Texas 76248 888-445-0505 817-521-7483 charlottewylie51@gmail.com

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owdy fellow USPTA Texas Tennis professionals! 2021 is in full swing and it seems we are moving toward some normalcy again. We have certainly been tested on many levels over the last year and I hope this letter finds all of you in good health and prospering on and off the courts. Tennis has certainly seen an increase in activity since the Covid pandemic and I hope that restrictions have lifted you are all enjoying prosperous times on the courts. Let’s be sure to continue to practice safe and responsible measures to ensure the health and enjoyment of all so that we can continue to grow the game!

I am thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a live USPTA Texas Summer Retreat at the beautiful Club at Sonterra in San Antonio August 13-15. AJ Chabria, Education Chair for USPTA Texas, is working diligently to provide our Texas tennis professionals with a first-class weekend of presentations. We are planning on providing a combination of live and virtual workshops – a first for us and hopefully a great benefit to all of you. I am confident you will enjoy the slate of speakers that AJ has lined up for all of us.

Due to our February conference being cancelled we are expanding our educational opportunities at the August retreat. We will also be offering golf opportunities for those that would like to enjoy playing one of the beautiful courses at Sonterra. We will be offering a golf outing on both Friday and Saturday afternoon.

We are currently planning a 4-person scramble one day and 2-person Modified Shamble the other day. Please watch for more information as registration opens for the Summer Retreat and information will be provided on how to register for all opportunities at our 2021 Summer Retreat.

The University of Florida has partnered with the USPTA and the USTA to provide certified tennis professionals with an educational curriculum focused on developing the business and leadership

Matt Watson competencies required to successfully manage a tennis and racquet sports operation in the for-profit club setting, the member-owned club setting or the public facility setting. The USPTA Director of Racquet Sports Certification Program curriculum was developed by a committee of leading industry professionals and an educational advisor and is intended to create an educational pathway to leadership for tennis and racquets professionals. This is a terrific opportunity for current directors and those that wish to one day become a Director of Tennis to expand their tennis and business acumen and gain incredible insight as to what it takes to be a successful director.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2021 World Conference at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas, NV the week of September 19-23.

This will be an incredible opportunity for more education, as well as a great time for renewed fellowship with fellow tennis professionals from around the world.

Continued health and happiness to all of you and I hope to see you in San Antonio!

Regards, Matt S. Watson, USPTA Elite Professional

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COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSONS

DATESTHATRATE!!!

2021

Awards Mel McRee Buying Show Chair Ernie Abraham Division Conference Kelly Marshal Education Adrien Chabria Ethics/Legal

SEPTEMBER 10–12

USPTA Texas Junior Gran Prix John Newcombs Tennis Ranch

19–23

USPTA World Conference Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

(New Braunfels) (Las Vegas)

Tommy Connell Diversity & Inclusion Jack Foster Finance Ernie Abraham Jr. Development Craig Bell & Adrien Chabria

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Lessons for Life Dennis Reblin Long-Range Planning Jenny Gray Membership Tom Ingram National Convention Jim Sciarro Nominating Rex Cuajunco Regional Directors Craig Bell Sport Science Bob Haugen Testing & Certification Tom Ingram USPTA Adult Leagues Jenny Gray Elevate Eli Sepulveda

Advertising Information: All ads must be print ready and in color, if possible.

Pricing is per issue: ¼ Page $125 ½ Page $150 Full Page $250 ¼

Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/USPTATexas

½ Full

USTA Liaison Van Barry

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s a x e T USPTA 1 2 0 r 2 , e 5 1 3 m 1 August Sum t a e r t Re nterra o S t a b u l C e Th Blvd 901 SonterraTexas 78258 San Antonio,

This past year has been difficult for all of us because of the pandemic. We were shut in, confined and many businesses suffered. Now is the time to get out and enjoy fellowship.

Time to get some education, network with your fellow tennis professionals, play some golf if you are so inclined and socialize. This year will be a combination of in-person events/seminars and virtual seminars. What better place to do all this but The Club at Sonterra and beautiful San Antonio?

We will have seminars, specialty courses, membership luncheon and Friday night social at Rebecca’s Creek Distillery complete with tour and tasting. So…. join us it’s time for us all to start living our normal lives.

A room block has been reserved at the Stone Creek Legacy Courtyard by Marriot August 12 -15.

Click here to make a reservation.

USPTA TEXAS DIVISION

Silver Horn Golf Club 1100 West Bitters Rd San Antonio, TX 78216

USPTA Texas Golf Outing 2:00 pm tee time Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14. Friday is a 4-man scramble. Saturday is 2-man modified shamble. People can sign up as an individual or as a team. $60 per day Golf is limited to the first 20 people to sign up each day.

To sign up call Charlotte – 817-521-7483 Charlotte Wylie 2113 Winding Creek Drive Keller, TX 76248 4

USPTA Texas 2021 Summer Retreat Schedule THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021 6:00 pm

Board Meeting

Milano Italian Grill

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2021 7:30 am

Registration

8:00 am – 12:00 pm Specialty Course - Becoming a Great Director of Tennis

Scott Mitchell

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm General Membership Meeting

Virtual/On Court Ballroom

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm The Case for the 2.5 Player

Lane Evans

Indoors/Virtual

3:15 pm – 4:15 pm Digital Marketing for Tennis Professionals

Jeff Contreras

Indoors/Virtual

6:00 pm - ?

Rebecca Creek Distillery

Tours, Tasting & Dinner

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 7:30 am

Registration

8:00 am - 9:30 am

Title TBD

Scott Mitchell

9:45 - 11:15 am

Branding Workshop

Fred Shlesinger Indoors/Virtual

11:30 am – 12:15 pm The New Director of Sports Certification 1:00 pm

Kim Bastable

Indoors/Virtual

Mike Barrell, Evolv9

Indoors/Virtual

Margot Carter

Indoors/Virtual

Craig O’Shannessy

On Court/Indoors

Lunch on your own

2:00 pm - 3:15 pm Junior Programming and Competition 3:30 - 4:30 pm

On Court

WTCA

Riverwalk anyone? Dinner on your own SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2021

8:00 am – 12:00 pm Specialty Course - Purposeful Practice

USPTA Texas 2021

Registration Name: __________________________________________________ USPTA No. ___________ Phone No. ________________

Address: _____________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________

USPTA Member registration: Includes all social functions, seminars and two (2) USPTA specialty courses.

q

USPTA member

$89.99

What do you plan to attend?

q Friday Specialty Corse q General Membership Meeting q Rebecca Creek Distillery Tours, Tasting and Dinner q Sunday Specialty Course

Return Registration to: Charlotte Wylie 2113 Winding Creek Drive Keller, TX 76248

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t a e r t e R d e r u t Fea rs e k a e p S

Kim

Bastable

Kim is Faculty and Director of USTA Professional Tennis Management at the University of Florida where she is creating and overseeing the new Director of Racquet Sports specialization within Florida’s ONLINE Sport Management Master’s program. She teaches 3 courses at UF, all dedicated to helping coaches improve their abilities – both on and off the court or field of play.

Before this role, she was a Gator tennis player, earning NCAA All-America honors and winning 3 SEC championships. She

Margot

Carter

Margot is a USPTA Elite Pro, PTR Professional and USTA Coach Developer. At 18 she left England with a full scholarship to play tennis for Tennessee Tech University, where she holds the record of number 5 on the all time season victories list. After graduation she returned to TTU as the Assistant Coach and earned her Master degree. Margot is the Founder and CEO of Spherical Yellow, Inc., a company dedicated to all aspects of growing tennis. Passionate about a positive attitude toward life and tennis as at the core of Spherical Yellow. Margot has presented at various WTCA and USPTA events over the last few years, one presentation topic, "P.A.Q. The Communication Code" Margot wrote into an article which was printed in Tennis Pro.

Jeff Contreras is an accomplished USPTA Certified Professional Tennis Coach from Lubbock, Texas and has coached countless champions and collegiate players since 2003.

In recent years, Jeff has become internationally recognized as one of the best digital marketers in the Tennis Industry to date.

From programs like "0-75K in 30 Days" , "6 Figure Tennis", and "Steps to Building a Tennis Site", internationally recognized tennis internet marketer Jeff Contreras has changed the industry overnight.

Jeff is an accomplished tennis business developer, strategist, consultant and digital marketer. Jeff knows first-hand the amount of frustration and time running a tennis business can be. For the past 18 years he has shared his knowledge with many in the tennis industry and has led them to succeed in the marketplace.

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has spent 35-years in the tennis business, coaching at country clubs, racquet clubs, and schools - including 10 years as Director of Kansas City Junior Tennis League.

She holds a masters degree in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership from the University of Missouri, two certifications in mental toughness coaching, and an executive certificate in leadership from Notre Dame University.

She lives in Leawood, Kansas with her husband Jack. They have six married children and 13 grandchildren.

Jeff

Contreras

or

he

Lane Evans is a USPTA Master Professional living in Norman, OK with his wife Lori. In January 2020, he began a new role as VP of the USPTA National Board and has been nominated for a second term. He has been a tennis teaching professional for almost 40 years, almost 35 as a USPTA member. He spent 22 of those years as a Club GM and a Fitness & Wellness Director as well.

In 2020, Lane completed his USPTA Master designation. He also completed his Master Trainer designation with the International Sports Sciences Association with certifications in 6 different protocols. He Chairs the USPTA National Pickleball Committee and the USPTA National Past President’s Committee. He Co-chairs several other committees.

With over 2,000 USPTA Education Credits, Lane was recognized by the Missouri Valley Division in 2018, 2019 and 2020 as the Education Merit Award winner. He completed 2020 with 304.5 credits. He was recently named Missouri Valley Division Professional of the Year for 2020.

He is a Master Tennis Performance Specialist with the iTPA(International Tennis Performance Association). He is certified by RacquetFit, TPI(Titleist Performance Institute) at Fitness Levels 1 & 2 and Super Speed Golf at all three levels.

Lane served as a USPTA Tester and was Chairman of the USPTA National Fitness & Wellness Committee where he and his committee developed and wrote the New USPTA Specialist Degree in Tennis Fitness-Level I. Lane is the USPTA Southern Immediate Past-President and served at various positions on the Southern Board and at the state level for many years in North Carolina.

Lane is an Associate Professional at Westwood Tennis Center in Norman, OK where he works with all levels of players.

He also volunteers time at First Serve of OKC, First Tee of OKC and Moore High School where he is the Assistant Coach.

Scott

Mitchell

Scott is a USPTA Master Professional and considered an industry leader in first-class facility management, junior and adult coaching, and program design and implementation. Scott is currently the CEO for Premier Tennis International providing innovative and profitable solutions for clubs/facilities and professional tournaments. He has been involved in some of the

LAne

Evans

largest and most prestigious facilities in the U.S. and many of the worlds’ leading professional tennis tournaments. He has been an Executive Director of Racquet Sports with 30 years’ experience at private clubs, public facilities, and resorts. He now shares his experiences through career development and facility operations consulting and management.

In addition, Scott oversaw all operations as Tournament Director of the premier $100k Dow Tennis Classic, and during his tenure the DTC received 4 straight years of Gold Star Standard by the USTA and has become the benchmark of all Pro Circuit events. Annually serving over 15k fans and 4k youth through outreach programs during our event. 2019 was a year where significant improvements were made which resulted in an almost $500k revenue increase from sponsorship and ticket sales over 2018. Scott is currently providing his Premier Tennis Academy Internationally with Corvuss American Academy in India. Scott is a Master of Tennis Junior Development: PTR and a USTA Coach Youth Tennis Faculty Member. Scott is a sought-after speaker on tennis operations, management and coaching with the USPTA, USTA and PTR. Scott is a PTR National Tester and Clinician for all aspects of their pathways, adult and junior development.

Scott’s coaching background is extensive as he has won a National Championship as an assistant coach at Georgia Perimeter College. He also coached the GPC #1 player to a win over then NCAA #1, has been a USTA National Zonal Coach working with many of the nation’s top boys and girls. Scott is one of the industry leaders in developing both adults and juniors and their tennis. He has coached numerous juniors to play collegiate tennis and has coached over 50 adult league champions.

He is married to Ashley a former Florida State University player and ACC doubles champion and they have 3 children, Brady-12 and girl/boy twins, Brooklyn and Cason, 10 years

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Fred

Schlesinger

Dynamic presenter, Fred Shlesinger, is a Renaissance man with a diverse background and varied interests that allow him to relate to both large and small audiences on a variety of topics. He understands critical life choices after making one himself when he entered the financial services industry in 2004, which came after a successful 27 year career running men’s clothing companies.

Fred is a highly successful Financial Advisor, Coach, Educator, and Public Speaker.

Additionally, he devotes a great deal of his work week helping business owners and individuals in their education for greater financial and personal efficacy In the early 70’s Fred entertained various types of people in a variety of venues as a professional musician and standup comic in New York. With that he seamlessly pulls together his 40+ years of entertaining developing a unique presentation style where he enjoys a more interactive approach in his presentations and classes, using the 4 E’s: Entertainment, Education, Enlightenment and Enrichment in all of his interactions. Because of his style and the value that he brings to so many, he has been invited to speak at many National Conferences as a keynote Speaker on Financial Sales and Branding topics.

Early on in his financial services career, he added financial education classes to his business plan, and worked hard in the 401(k) and D.I. markets looking for small/medium size business owners that were in need of Financial Education. He led the Southwest region year in and year out in most 401(k) plans written and most Disability Insurance earnings In 2009 he added mentoring New Advisors to his teaching role. While helping them in the field, he continued to work closely with new and existing clients to build their financial future in these very challenging times. After a great 2009, Fred ended up among the top 50 Advisors at the Principal nationally continuing that trajectory of success over the following 11 years.

Fred continuously teaches 3 workshops throughout the Dallas – Ft. Worth business community, including Financial Wellness, Success in Selling, along with Personal & Business Branding. He teaches quarterly at Collin County Community College as part of their Continuing Education program, University of Texas at Dallas, and is on the Advisory Council for S.I.F.E. (Students in Free Enterprise). Fred works closely with Jewish Family Services, and many out-placement firms such as DBM, LHH, Right Management, Career Jumpstart, and many more fine organizations.

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From 2007 through 2020, he taught over 500 Workshops, which created a competitive advantage over other Advisors because he was willing to take the time to educate prospects and clients with easy to understand concepts along with helping clients execute sound financial and business principles.

At the end of 2020, Fred sold his very successful financial services practice to enable him to teach tennis full time. So for the third time in his life he has rebranded himself as a successful USPTA certified teaching professional pursuing his passion for the great game of tennis. He continues to deliver his branding workshops, both locally and nationally, as branding has become a very important aspect in the world of business.

Fred’s other passions include music, comedy, cooking, and wine. He is especially proud of his talented and successful family. He has been married to his lovely wife, and former actress/singer, Barbara for 30 years and they have 4 talented children between them. Iliza, a very successful world renowned stand up comic with 5 Netflix specials and multiple movies to her credit. Ben, a gangster rap artist who also has a successful Cannabis farm in northern California. Brad, who is a tennis teaching pro at Prestonwood Country Club and Emeryld, an emerging singer songwriter with over a 100 written songs to her credit with millions of plays.

Fred is looking forward to sharing with the group, the value and importance of being able to brand yourself as a professional business person creating that competitive edge over other professionals who remain mediocre and generic.

You can always contact Fred at 972-841-2122 or shlesinger@ icloud.com.

2021 USPTA World Conference (WC21)

Experience the Premier Tennis Education Event Live in Las Vegas!

The 2021 USPTA World Conference (WC2) will make a triumphant return to an in-person format September 19-23, 2021, at the Westgate Resort and Casino in glamorous Las Vegas, Nevada. The USPTA World Conference is the world’s largest gathering of tennis professionals, industry leaders, representatives, manufacturers, wholesalers, and media. In addition to robust educational offerings, including on-court seminars, the USPTA hosts meetings, industry discussions, evening social events, the 2021 Awards presentations, and so much more!

Experience five days of in-person learning from some of the very best in the tennis industry. Attendees will participate in classroom learning sessions, on-court

seminars, panel discussions, and more.

The impressive speaker lineup includes; Dr. Jim Loehr, a world-renowned performance Psychologist; Katrina Adams, Vice President of the International Tennis Federation; and former world No. 1 tennis player, two-time Grand Slam singles champion, and successful doubles partner, Stan Smith.

During the Awards Luncheon, the association will recognize deserving professionals who are growing the game of tennis. The 2021 Awards Program recognizes USPTA members for their 2020 accomplishments. Learn what’s new in the industry by exploring the WC21 Trade Show and visiting 70-plus booths with representatives from every imaginable tennis industry manufacturer

and company while enjoying evening festivities.

Register today to save $50 with the early bird discount. The cost to attend for members is $399, while non-members who register before July 1, 2021, is $449.

Once the early bird deadline passes, the member price for the five full days will be $449 and $499 for non-members. Guest passes for WC21 are $179, and day passes are $175.

Hotel registration information, including the USPTA WC21 hotel discount link, will be sent to you after registration.

(Rooms are $139 plus $10 resort fee plus applicable taxes per night.)

For more information and to register, visit www.uspta.com/wc21

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2022/23 USPTA Texas Proposed Slate I would just like to confirm that the Nominating Committee believes it is in the best interests of the Division to maintain the status quo & continue with the same slate of officers for the upcoming term:

This may be a little unconventional not to mention unprecedented, but since 2020 was basically a lost year (compounded with the fact that to a person, every board member mentioned the level of cohesiveness with the current group) it seems to be pragmatic to give everyone an extra term in their current position in order to allow each one of them to 'finish the job' that they were tasked with before the pandemic affected everyone & everything, including USPTA-Texas business.

Any opposition to the slate must be in the hands of the Executive Director by September 1, 2021.

In accordance with the Bylaws of the USPTA Texas Division, nominees for the positions of President and Regional Vice-President may not be challenged. Any opposition to the slate desiring to be added to the ballot must receive at least 20 signatures from members in good standing. Only one person can run against a board position. The person with the most signatures running for the same position will be put on the ballot.

Any opposing candidates please send your name, signatures with member number and which office you are opposing to:

Charlotte Wylie, USPTA Texas Executive Director 2113 Winding Creek Drive, Keller, Texas 76248 10

President,

Matt Watson Regional Vice President,

Craig Bell

1st Vice President,

Mel McRee

2nd Vice President,

Kelly Marshall

3rd Vice President,

Adrien Chabria Secretary,

Michelle Stallard Treasurer,

Ernie Abraham Past President,

Jenny Gray

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©

A NEW BALL IS BORN: ONE THAT’S GENTLER ON THE EARTH THROUGH LONGER LASTING, FRESH-BALL FEEL & 100% SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING. THAT BALL IS TRINITI.

WILSON.COM © 2019 Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Trademarks advertised other than those of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. are properties of their respective owners. 18-1417

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CRAIG'S CORNER

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big Texas sized “Howdy” to all of you out there who are reading this latest edition of Craig’s Corner. Could someone please hit the 2020 reset button!! Is this one of the most interesting (or difficult) times we live in or what? Well, in my sixty years of traveling around the sun, 2020 has got to be “the most interesting” or “one of the most interesting” years I’ve experienced. I did grow up in the 60’s which around the late 60’s was quite fascinating as well – especially 1969.

But I’ll tell you this, 2020 has been about as friendly as fire ants as the ol Texas saying goes – meaning - I can’t wait for 2021 to get here fast enough and put 2020 in the rear-view mirror!

So Anywho, with that being said (which ain’t a whole lot), here are my latest thoughts, mental musings and other such mind-bending nuggets to digest for you, the faithful.

On the Lonestar scene, as I was thinking about what to write in this issue of Craig’s Corner, I was reflecting about all the great Texas pro’s I’ve met since I arrived on the Texas Great Game scene in 1987. For right at thirty-three years I’ve been doing business in the Great State and I wanted to say “Thanks” to all those who’ve helped me along the way. There are way too many people to mention but you know who you are and I really appreciate your kindness, friendship and willingness to help me become a better tennis professional by freely sharing your information and your thoughts. And where did most all this learning take place – well at our USPTA Texas Conventions and Buying Shows.

I recall when I first attended a USPTA Texas conference in 1987 being held at the DFW Grapevine Hilton I didn’t know anyone (not one single person) when I walked in those doors.

Fast forward some thirty-three years later and it now takes me two hours to walk through the parking lot just to get in the front door – which I’m certainly not complaining about as I really enjoy catching up with all of you every six months or so. I’m am 100% certain that I have benefited immensely from becoming involved in our professional organization. I cannot stress this enough – GET INVOLVED in some way, shape or fashion with USPTA Texas or maybe your local tennis teaching organization – and if you live in an area that does have a teaching professional organization then start one up!

Through my willingness to get involved, I have learned so much more than I have given

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back in return. I am positive that if I would not have gotten involved with USPTA Texas, then I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had in my professional life – I can guarantee you this!

This is not a PSA (Public Service Announcement) for USPTA or USPTA Texas as I write this column solely on what I can come up with, not what anyone tells me to do - so if you are a young professional, middle aged or older more mature professional like me, it’s never too late for you to offer up your services to the group. You too will personally benefit for the small amount of time that you help shape this organization. We need good tennis professionals like you who are reading this article!! For the success of USPTA Texas, we need talented individuals (male or female) to hold up your hand and say I’ll help in a large way or a small way – really, there is no role to small! But in the end, I can guarantee you that if you do hold up your hand, then you will be welcomed to an organization\association of fellow tennis professionals that will gladly share their thoughts on how you too can and will become a better teaching professional both on and off the court. If you’d like to speak more with me about all the great things you can GET INVOLVED with and how you can personally benefit, I’d be more than happy to speak with anyone. But GET INVOLVED – we need you and you won’t be sorry you did!

On the national front how about tennis finally returning on the world tour! Finally, something to watch on the telly boys and girls – the US Open is officially back and play has been surprisingly well considering that the tour has basically been off about six months. On the men’s side of the draw, Rafa, The King and Stan the Man are noticeably absent but this leaves the door wide open for The Joker to add to his tremendous war chest of Grand Slams. Well, that quite didn’t work out the way Novak thought as headed ended his run early by letting his temper get the best of him. I’m of the ilk that he deserved what he got based on his actions of hitting a ball, innocently enough, directly at a linesperson as he was heading to a changeover. What really infuriated this author was, Joker didn’t even stop by to explain his momentary lapse at good judgment at the “obligatory” post player presser – “I can’t cotton to that” as the ol saying goes. So now, the door is literally wide open to a first-time US Open and Grand Slam champion – which is great to see who can hold their nerves well enough to win seven matches in two weeks! On the women’s side of the ledger a couple of notable absences are world #1 Aussie Ash Barty and former world #1 Samona Halep. But once again Serena lurks in the wings ready and awaiting another opportunity to tie Margaret Court with 24 Grand Slammies and lay claim to being the greatest female player to have ever chased the little yellow ball around the court. As of this writing (September 9th), Serena still has either a resurgent Vika Azarenka or Elise Mertens to go

through in the semi’s (bottom half of the draw) with Naomi Osaka and wunderkind Jen Brady in the top half. It’s been a very interesting US Open as we all know that there are no crowds of adoring fans in The Big Apple other than on a Zoom screen and everyone in attendance is wearing a mask. Give “kudos” to new Chief Honcho at USTA, Mike Dowse, and his crew for making the best out of a bad situation! Ok – since this is live and I’m doing this without a safety net, my predictions are: The Russian, Daniel Medvedev to hoist his first title on the Men’s side and Serena Williams to “finally” get the proverbial monkey off her back and collect title #24. How’s that kids for an “HSO” – Hot Sports Opinion!

On the world stage did you know that the Great Game is the Fourth Most Popular Sport worldwide? This is according to some internet statistics – not fake news, mind you – with no Russian or Chinese involvement\interference in trying to influence this decision! The website mostpopularsports.net uses a new method to measure popularity by tracking the results of website visitor traffic of over 300 sports websites, reflecting which sports the internet users in the particular country are most interested in.

While the methodology is not entirely scientific, it does try and track a critical portion of new media on a worldwide level. “The rankings may not be 100% accurate due to two factors - the internet users in a country may not represent the general population perfectly and second, the sample data we use (Alexa rankings) may not be 100% accurate representation of what the internet users visit”, the site said in a statement. “The worldwide popularity rankings take into account the population of countries and are based on general surveys/discussions on the internet.”

Interestingly enough, tennis came in fourth on the international popularity list scoring one billion fans across the planet. Soccer was “top dog” with 3.5 billion fans, cricket second with 2.5 billion and field hockey third with 2 billion.

Following tennis were volleyball, table tennis, baseball, golf (450 million), basketball and the NFL at 400 million. In the world of the Red, White & Blue however, tennis comes in sixth place behind football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer, but does finish ahead of golf which is one spot behind The Great Game as 7th most popular sport in the US of A. Anyway, it's time to circle the wagons, put out the fire and call in the dogs -- until next time, Keep Your Eye on the Ball and Don't Forget the Sunscreen...

Craig Bell CB cbell1360@aol.com craigbell@benttreecc.org 214-762-4691 (cell\text)

Styled for the court and beyond.

SUMMER ’20 NIKECOURT COLLECTION

The Official Distributor of Nike Footwear & Apparel to the USPTA. USPTA Members Receive Preferred MEMBER Pricing. uspta.fromuthtennis.com

USPTA and ATA Partner to Further Provide Minority Participation and Opportunities in Tennis LAKE NONA, FL — The USPTA today announced it will partner with the American Tennis Association (ATA) to provide extensive educational opportunities to ATA coaches.

As part of the agreement, the USPTA is committed to granting Free Access to USPTA division conferences and the USPTA World Conference to a select number of ATA and HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) coaches.

In addition, ATA coaches will have access to the USPTA’s education website, TennisResources.com.

Slated for August 3-8, 2021, at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, FL, the USPTA will support the ATA National Championships with seminars for coaches in attendance and education for players and parents. The USPTA is dedicated to

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providing ATA members and coaches of HBCU institutions with robust educational workshops to elevate their coaching and teaching standards.

The USPTA holds a strong belief in making both capital improvements to tennis facilities and establishing Professional Tennis Management (PTM) programs at HBCUs. To attract coaches of color to our industry, HBCUs need to improve their facilities to be on par with other major universities across the country. By creating a PTM program at one or two HBCUs, candidates who seek to become a tennis-teaching professional will better understand the pathway to an exciting career in tennis.

In return for this commitment, the USPTA will be the exclusive tennis teaching organization of the ATA. “I’m

ecstatic about partnering with the ATA,” said John Embree, CEO, USPTA. “Inviting ATA members to become certified professionals or certified instructors of the USPTA will be mutually beneficial as we usher in the next great group of tennisteaching professionals.”

Founded in Washington, D.C., in 1916, with its mission to elevate black tennis, the ATA is the oldest and longest-running African American sports organization in the country.

“The exposure granted to ATA members and HBCU coaches through USPTA programming and training offers incredible opportunity to improve how tennis is delivered to our community,” said Roxanne Aaron, President, ATA.

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Have you ever wanted to become a published author in a national magazine? Now is your chance! ADDvantage Magazine is seeking tennis-teaching articles from experts like you. Whether you've got great on court tips, training techniques, or business acumen to share, CLICK HERE or on the graphic below to learn more and pitch us your idea!

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USPTA TEXAS DIVISION ANNUAL CONFERENCE & SOUTHWEST BUYING SHOW 2113 Winding Creek Drive Keller, TX 76248

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