Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Game
Also Inside:
Platform Tennis Footwear Customer Service
Changers
Why having paddle Style and comfort, Take extra care when
alongside tennis may rather than function and tying knots on a hybrid
work for your club tech, are driving sales string job with polyester
17 30 16
1
.4
TA pg
USP
ating
or
corp
In
2018 Babolat Tennis Industry Ad 8.125x10.875.indd 1
BABOLAT PURE AERO
TEAM BABOLAT PRO PLAYERS MAY PLAY WITH A CUSTOMIZED OR DIFFERENT MODEL THAN THE EQUIPMENT DEPICTED.
1/29/18 3:07 PM
THE WORLDWIDE LEADERS IN CLAY COURT TENNIS
CELEBRAT
IN
10 YEARS G
Combine the comfort of clay with the easy
maintenance of a hard court
INDUSTRY NEWS
7 Universal Tennis partners
with PTR and USPTA
7 Prince, Paddletek partner
for pickleball
7 USTA names annual
award winners
8 Tourna introduces Grit
string with nano particles The powerhouse
8 Tennis Teachers Conference women's team at Miami
University in Ohio now
set for New York City has a new, winning
9 Har-Tru celebrates 10 years tennis facility.
of ClayTech
11 iTPA World Conference to
be hosted in Atlanta in July 30 The
12 US Open has new logo, Substance
celebrates 50 years
12 Ashaway introduces PU-based
of Style
string for squash, racquetball While technology
13 Snauwaert launches direct- matters, shoe 26 Certified Check
to-consumer effort
13 USTA to host second All-
companies are Set your business
American College Combine cultivating a apart, and stay
13 USTA renames national fashion-forward current on racquet
events in honor of BJK
14 “Art Courts” celebrates
approach to trends, with USRSA
US Open innovation drive sales. certifications.
PLUS
43 From the CEO
p.41
45 Vice President's Message
47 Master Pro Corner
43 47 48 55 48 Inside Coaching
The USPTA Conduct a Competition How to 52 TennisResources/
Caribbean Sol
is Rockin' Community Can Help You Extend the
and Rollin' Tennis Build A Strong Life of Your 55 USPTA Endorsee Profile
in 2018! Evaluation Junior Program Tennis Courts 57 Member News
58 USPTA Financials
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 59 Career Development
id e in st al le rs .
ts , w it h ex pe ri en ce d na ti on w
& re pa ir pr od uc
m en t- qu al it y sp or t su rf ac in g
To ur na
sportmaster.net
TennisIndustry
OurServe PUBLISHER
JEFF WILLIAMS
EDITOR
PETER FRANCESCONI
EDITOR'S NOTE
PRODUCTION EDITOR
SAM CHASE
T
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
BOB PATTERSON
ennis providers are con- ous relationships in youth sports. We CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
tinuing to connect with need to do all we can to keep kids safe. CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR,
DAVID LASOTA, KENT OSWALD, NATE PAGEL,
the new Net Generation I recently went through the Safe CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER
brand, designed to bring Play program, background check, and
players ages 5 to 18 into the SafeSport Training Course by the CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS
tennis through programming, teaching National Center for Safety Initiative
tools and learning opportunities. Net (NCSI), which is also accessible through ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Generation also is bringing together NetGeneration.com. The Safe Play TIM McARTHUR
parents, coaches, players, teachers and program includes a 45-minute Safe EDITORIAL DIRECTION
volunteers—all working to make tennis Sport Education Module, guidelines on 10TEN MEDIA
an important part of kids’ lives. misconduct and reporting procedures,
TENNIS INDUSTRY
There are many reasons why it makes and the background screen. The NCSI 250 Park Avenue, Ste 825, NY NY 10017
sense to become a Net Generation course includes three modules, each 646-381-8735
provider, including access to world-class about 30 minutes long. info@tennisindustrymag.com
coaching curriculum and a free While you may need to give up a little
coaching app that many providers are al- bit of time for this online training and to ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
ready using and raving about. There are complete the background check, I urge
JOHN HANNA
770-650-1102, x125
promotional materials to help you drive every provider to do this. hanna@knowatlanta.com
business, and equipment to use on court If you think you’re already pretty
with kids. Net Generation also provides well-informed about the issues this APPAREL ADVERTISING
a single registration platform, and as a training addresses, let me assure you, CYNTHIA SHERMAN
provider, you and your programs will be there’s a lot you don’t know. The many 203-558-5911
cstennisindustry@gmail.com
listed in a searchable directory. warning signs, and how to report them,
were just some of the eye-opening con-
tent the Safe Play program addresses.
The USTA doesn't want any tennis
If you think you’re informed provider to be in a situation where they Tennis Industry is published 10 times per year:
monthly, January through August with combined
about the issues this hesitate to act because they aren't sure issues in September/October and November/
training addresses, let me of what to do. December, by Tennis Media Company, 250 Park
Avenue, Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Periodical
It’s our job to recognize these warn-
assure you, there’s a lot you ing signs and to know what to do about
postage paid in Duluth, GA and at additional mailing
offices (USPS #004-354). June 2018, Volume 46,
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PARTNERSHIPS
Team USA Recognizes
Developmental Awardees
Universal Tennis Partners Konstantin Anisimov, father and coach
of 16-year old Amanda Anisimova, the
With Both PTR and USPTA youngest player in the WTA Top 150,
was named the 2017 Team USA Develop-
U
mental Coach of the Year as part of USTA
Player Development’s annual Team USA
Coaching Awards.
niversal Tennis, which The JTCC in College Park, Md., was rec-
is the company behind ognized as the 2017 Team USA Develop-
the Universal Tennis mental Program of the Year, while USTA
Rating (UTR) system, Florida was named the 2017 Team USA
continues to expand its Player Development Section of the Year.
partnerships. In April, Universal Tennis Renowned coaches Ricardo Acuna,
announced agreements with both the Andy Brandi and Tom Gullikson were
PTR and USPTA, then followed that Chairman and CEO Mark Leschly. “We also honored with Team USA Legendary
with a partnership with Love Sports, are glad to … provide tools and technol- Coaching Awards. All honorees were
the premier digital, event and social ogy to enhance the development of club recognized at a reception in March at the
platform for tennis in China. and recreational tennis worldwide.” Easter Bowl junior tournament in Indian
The agreements with the PTR and The partnership with Love Sports Wells, Calif.
USPTA are designed to grow and allows results from sanctioned Chinese
enhance professional development events to be included in UTR's database. USTA Names Winners
resources for teaching pros and UTR’s database has 6.5 million match of Annual Awards
coaches. Under the agreements, UTR results from more than 700,000 players The USTA announced the winners of its
Powered by Oracle will become the from 200 countries. Members can use Annual Awards presented at the USTA Annu-
official tennis rating of the PTR and UTR’s platform to register and commu- al Meeting and Conference in March in Carls-
USPTA. Universal Tennis will enable nicate with players, create profiles and bad, Calif. The honorees were recognized for
teaching pros in both groups to use its groups, develop tournament draws, post their dedication to growing the game.
technology for free. and submit scores, and compare players • Eve F. Kraft Community Service Award:
“Tennis professionals are key in from around the world. Teaching pros Terri Florio, Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
establishing a love of the game and will also be able to leverage UTR’s event • Community Tennis Association of the
facilitating play for players of all ages management system to schedule and Year: Dallas Tennis Association
and abilities,” says Universal Tennis run tournaments, camps and clinics. • • Janet Louer USTA Junior Team Tennis
Organizer of the Year: Mark Platt, St. Louis
• NJTL Founders’ Service Award: Bert Cole,
EQUIPMENT Arlington, Texas
Prince, Paddletek
• Brad Parks Award (for development
of wheelchair tennis): Grady Landrum,
P
town Club at the Met, Houston
• Ralph W. Westcott USTA Family of the
rince and Paddletek have announced a partner- Year Award: The Fridinger Family, White
C O U RT E S Y P R I N C E S P O RT S
ship to launch new pickleball paddles that use Bear Lake, Minn.
Paddletek’s polymer-based technology. • Seniors’ Service Award: David Carey,
The Prince paddles will be designed and Asheville, N.C. (posthumously)
manufactured by Paddletek and assembled in the U.S. The • Volunteer Exceptional Service Award:
first five models to launch are the Spectrum, Spectrum Steve Gerdes, Omaha, Neb. (more than
Pro, Response, Response Pro and Quantum, which range 10 years of service); Roshan Rajkumar,
from $99 to $140 and are available at Paddletek.com. • Minneapolis (up to 10 years of service)
T
The USTA has named its No-Cut Coach
All-Star Team, which recognizes excep-
ourna has introduced an innovative new string made with nano tional high school coaches nationwide
technology called Tourna Grit. The company says by combining carbon who implement a “no-cut” policy that
fiber nano particles with advanced co-poly materials, the string feels welcomes all students onto their high
“gritty,” so it grabs the ball better and imparts spin easier. school’s tennis team.
Tourna says Grit also uses strings of graphite 10,000 times thinner than human “By providing more students the
hair, yet 100 times stronger than steel and 80 percent lighter, making it a durable opportunity to play and represent their
string that is extremely elastic, lively and “full of feel and pop.” It is available in 16g high school, No-Cut Coaches provide
and 17g, in sets and reels. Contact sales@uniquesports.com or 770-442-1977. • their players with a lasting impression of
inclusion and what it truly means to be
part of a team,” says Elliott Pettit, director
of USTA School Tennis.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Since 2013, the USTA has honored
Tennis Teachers Conference coaches for their dedication and leader-
ship in providing young players the expe-
Set for August in New York City rience of representing their school. This
year’s USTA No-Cut Coach All-Star Team
M
includes:
• Terri Bentley of Winter Park High
ore than 1,000 tennis profes- School, Winter Park, Fla.
sionals and industry leaders • Stacy Bryan of Abilene High School,
are expected to gather in New Abilene, Texas
C O U RT E S Y T O U R N A / U N I Q U E S P O RT S
York City on the eve of the US • Mark Faber of Springfield High School,
Open for the 2018 Tennis Teachers Confer- Holland, Ohio
ence. The event will take place Aug. 24-27 • Wendy Hastings of Menomonie High
at the Grand Hyatt and is presented by the School, Menomonie, Wis.
USTA and USPTA. • John Herring of Henry Clay High School,
The conference will feature more than 30 Lexington, Ky.
classroom and on-court educational sessions. The on-court sessions will take place • Julie Krieg of Anthony Wayne High
at SportTime Randall’s Island Tennis Center on Saturday, Aug. 25. Conference School, Whitehouse, Ohio
attendees will have the opportunity to attend opening day at the US Open on • David Pintado of Mount Diablo High
Aug. 27. Stay tuned for registration information. • School, Concord, Calif.
USRSA Names
New MRTs and CSs
Master Racquet Technicians
• Michael Cable, Tempe, Ariz.
• Jonathan Chan, Chandler, Ariz.
• Wes Ing, Canada
• Marek Nehasil, Canada
• Meredith Nixon, Canada
• Joseph Ocampo, Canada
Certified Stringers
• Randy Orebaugh, Gambrillis, Md.
• Leonardo Ricotti, Akron, Ohio COURT SURFACES
• Boris Ruizgoubert, Palm Coast, Fla.
H
community engagement tennis initia-
tive, “Serve & Connect,” which allows for
select National Junior Tennis & Learning ar-Tru LLC is celebrating 10 years of ClayTech by hosting play events
(NJTL) chapters to partner with local around the country. ClayTech is a hybrid clay court the company says
law enforcement officers in an effort to offers all the benefits and playability of clay with less maintenance.
build positive police-youth relationships Clay “is the safest and most generous surface physically, and it helps
through tennis. players improve footwork, balance, endurance and shot selection,” says Har-Tru
“Serve & Connect” pairs local law President Pat Hanssen. ClayTech is a system that gets glued to an existing hard
enforcement with children to learn and surface and infilled with red or green clay. It can be installed and playable in three
play tennis. The goal is to provide an days. The base is a 1/4-inch needle-punch textile that never requires rolling, has
opportunity for officers to engage in permanent lines, and needs minimal brushing and watering, says Har-Tru.
ongoing positive youth interaction and There are now more than 700 ClayTech courts in 21 countries, the company
community tennis programming at their reports, adding it has sold more ClayTech courts last year than any year since its
local NJTL chapter. introduction. Play events are scheduled for June and July. Visit hartru.com. •
Short
Sets
The USPTA received provisional defeated Belgium, 4-0, in Nashville, enforce a seven-minute total warm-up
accreditation from the USTA in March, Tenn., in April, to advance to the World period before each match to ensure on-
making it the first tennis teaching Group semifinals. The team will travel to time starts. Violators face a $20,000 fine.
certification organization to be accepted Croatia to play on Sept. 14-16.
into the program. The goal of the new Dunlop’s new CV series of racquets
accreditation program is to set uniform The 2018 US Open will use a 25-second earned the Tennis Magazine Editor’s
standards for the development of those serve clock, the first time such a system Choice Award for “Best New Line” of
C O U RT E S Y H A R -T R U L L C
new to the profession, and it will also will be deployed in the main draw at a racquets. Five frames make up the series,
include on-going coaching education major tournament. Players will have 25 including the CV 3.0 F LS, Agnieszka Rad-
for all certified professionals who are seconds from the end of a point to serve wanska’s racquet of choice. The award
members of accredited organizations. for the next one. The first violation will be comes on the heels of Dunlop’s CX series
a warning, followed by loss of a point and being named among Tennis Magazine's
The United States Davis Cup team then loss of a game. The US Open also will Gear of the Year at the end of 2017.
Center)—TBA
For more information, please call 888.380.9460 or visit www.lobstersports.com
• Oct. 21: Los Angeles (Sherwood
Country Club)—TBA
T
o celebrate the 50th anniversary of the US Open, the USTA is presenting
a slate of special events and activities. One of the most visible initiatives
is a new logo—a streamlined and modernized version of the tourna-
ment’s flaming ball logo, which was first introduced in 1997.
Anniversary events will be integrated into all US Open activities in 2018 and the
USTA is working with its licensees to create specific 50th anniversary merchandise
and products, which will be available this spring and summer.
This year’s tournament, Aug. 27 to Sept. 9, also marks the conclusion of the five- Har-Tru Sports is offering limited-edition,
year strategic transformation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center green line tapes, designed to be used
and will feature the new Louis Armstrong Stadium, with a retractable roof. as permanent, blended lines on Har-Tru
courts. Each set is 200 feet in length,
enough for one 60-foot court, two 36-foot
courts or one pickleball court.
The lines are pre-punched and manu-
factured with a herringbone pattern for a
more controlled ball bounce. They are best
installed with 2-1/2-inch aluminum nails,
C O U RT E S Y H A R -T R U L L C ; U S TA
COURT EQUIPMENT
PickupWall
Returns Balls
Automatically
T
he PickupWall captures balls
hit in practice to the back
wall, delivers them to a lifter,
then returns them to the ball
machine automatically, for continuous
practice. The unit can be set up in less
than two minutes.
“More than 50 percent of time on the
ball machine is wasted retrieving balls,”
says PickupWall National Sales Man-
ager Mike Puc. “With the PickupWall,
players can play continuously. Facilities
that charge for ball machine use will see
a steady flow of revenue.” The PickupWall continuously
Price for the PickupWall is $5,900. returns balls to a ball machine,
resulting in uninterrupted play.
Visit pickupwall.com. •
professional tennis player Kaitlyn Chris- engage in a “robust” online community. “Our USTA Renames National
tian—who acted as Emma Stone's tennis customers, not the retailer, are our top, and Events in Honor of BJK
double in the film Battle of the Sexes—has sole, priority and we are 100 percent dedi-
been signed to the Team Selkirk Advisory cated to serving their needs,” says Roberto
Staff and is now competing on the profes- Gazzara, founder and CEO of Snauwaert.
sional pickleball tour.
The former NCAA Women’s Tennis USTA to Host 2nd Annual
Doubles Champion from the University All-American College Combine
of Southern California competed at the The USTA will host the second annual
2018 US Open Pickleball Championship USTA All-American College Combine June
in April with the Selkirk Series AMPED 18-21 at the USTA National Campus in
Paddle. Orlando, Fla., with an expanded, level-
Selkirk also re-signed six-time pickle- based singles tournament and reduced-
ball national champion Enrique Ruiz to cost registration.
the Team Selkirk Advisory Staff. The Combine began last year as a venue The USTA will rename the USTA Girls’ 18s
for American juniors to showcase skills and 16s National Championships, and the
Snauwaert Launches to collegiate coaches and drew 120 high USTA Intersectional Team Championships,
C O U RT E S Y P I C KU P WA L L ; A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S
Direct-to-Consumer Effort school players and coaches from nearly 40 for boys’ and girls’ in the 16s and 14s age
Snauwaert, which recently re-launched programs. It will once again feature fitness groups, in honor of Billie Jean King.
its tennis brand in the U.S., has announced and agility testing, off-the-court program- The Girls’ 18s and 16s will be renamed
what it describes as a “disruptive, first-of-its- ming and a singles “Shootout” tourna- the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s and 16s
kind, free concierge service that connects ment that will award its boys’ and girls’ National Championships. These events
everyday players with local equipment champions a main draw wild card into a award US Open main draw wild cards to their
experts dedicated to delivering professional- future USTA Pro Circuit $15,000 event. 18s singles and doubles champions. The
grade racquet and string fitting sessions American boys and girls who are USTA USTA Intersectional Team Championships
through premium, private, on-court demo members with high school graduation are the national team championships, to
experiences.” years from 2018-2021 are eligible to which every USTA section sends a team of at
The new service is called “Ourserve”, and participate. least three boys and three girls. Beginning
the company says it will provide new and To register, visit events.universalten- in 2019, this event will be renamed the USTA
existing Snauwaert users the opportunity to nis.com/tournaments/1488/ Billie Jean King Team Championships. •
COURT RENOVATION
Artist collaborative KiiK
Celebrates
US Open
Innovation
I
n April, the USTA announced
an initiative to support com-
munity tennis programming and
celebrate the 50th anniversary of
the US Open, titled “Art Courts.” Work-
ing with Chase, the USTA has commis-
sioned five artists to turn tennis courts
into their canvas—and in the process
restore five public tennis facilities, in
Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago,
Cincinnati and New York. Art Courts is
an extension of the USTA and Chase’s
Return the Serve community outreach
program, which has donated over
$500,000 to local NJTL chapters.
iGENIE
(800) 776-6770
RacquetTech
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Tying One On
Special care must be taken
when tying knots on a hybrid string
job while using polyester.
By Bob Patterson
F
or racquet stringers just
starting out, there is no task
more intimidating than
tying a knot. It takes a bit of
practice, but as stringers gain more
experience, tying knots become a rou-
tine part of finishing a string job.
There are a variety of correct ways
to tie a knot, but as we always stress,
consistency is vital. Whether you use a
standard double half-hitch or a fancy
signature knot, or whether you increase
tension on the last pull before tying, or
leave it as is, you must be consistent in
your technique, which ensures you are
consistent in your results.
With the popularity of hybrid string
jobs, it is important to consider some of
the aspects you may encounter in tying
knots with a hybrid job, especially one
using a polyester cross string with a
softer, more fragile main string, such as
natural gut or a multifilament nylon.
Anytime you are tying off with a poly,
we recommend your anchor string also
be the poly, because the stiff nature of
poly string can damage a more fragile
anchor string. This is usually not a When tying off with a poly string, we recommend
problem with a poly main string and a your anchor string also be the poly.
gut or multifilament cross string, but
it does pose a potential issue when the
strings are reversed.
Usually, your starting cross knot that prevents using the second cross Once you have your anchor string
would be tied to a main string, but to as your anchor. You want to choose the installed, you can now go back and ten-
avoid tying a poly cross to a main that is location as close as possible so that you sion the top cross again, clamp with the
P H O T O BY B R A D C R A N FO R D
gut or a softer nylon, you’ll need to plan can safely tie-off. machine clamp and tie-off safely.
ahead so you can tie the poly on a cross. Then, with a waxed awl, carefully As with any new technique or proce-
First, open up a new tie-off on a enlarge the new tie-off grommet to dure, practice makes perfect, so don’t
conveniently located cross. Often this accommodate the tie-off. Since your expect perfect results right away. But
is the second cross, but sometimes you anchor string is yet to be installed, it will soon become second nature, and
may have to move to the third one if you will need to use a starting clamp will be incorporated into your best
there is a close main or another reason to start the crosses. practice routine.
RacquetSports
Brothers Dave (left) and
Drew Broderick direct
tennis and platform
tennis programs at clubs
in New Jersey.
platform tennis.
Being at one location all year, says
Drew, “helps the flow of both tennis
and platform tennis programs. You get
to know the members better and can
work on their racquet skills.”
Canoe Brook has five platform tennis
courts, seven tennis courts and two pro
shops—one for each sport—so lessons,
events and sales continue from season
to season. A high percentage of club
members play tennis for six months
and platform tennis for six months.
“Without the platform tennis courts,
this would be a seven-month position,”
Drew says.
A
for its 17,000 members and sanctions
more than 180 tournaments annually.
fter reaching the brother, Dave, racquets director at the Because of strong demand, there
final of the American Short Hills Club for the past 18 years, are plans to add more platform tennis
Platform Tennis was doing the same. Like many clubs courts at Canoe Brook. The Short Hills
Association (APTA) that have both platform tennis courts Club, the second oldest racquets club
Men’s National Cham- and tennis courts, both pros teach and in the country, runs more events for
C O U RT E S Y PAT T Y H O G A N
pionship in March—with partner oversee both sports. platform tennis than it does for tennis.
Jared Palmer, former No. 1 ATP men’s Drew has won the APTA Men’s Dave Broderick says the sport is popu-
doubles player—Drew Broderick began National title four times and been lar because it is social and there aren’t
turning his thoughts to tennis. ranked as the No. 1 platform tennis as many other activities in the winter.
Broderick is the racquets profess- player in the country. But at their “If you want to play outside in the
ional at the Canoe Brook Country Club respective clubs, Drew and his brother winter,” he says, “platform tennis is the
in Summit, N.J. Down the road, his have successfully merged tennis and way to go.” •
GrassrootsTennis
JUNIOR PARTICIPATION
Play It Forward!
The USTA’s Net Generation puts junior
players front and center when it comes
to growing our sport in communities.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Creating a
Development Pathway
A
s a Net Generation pro-
vider, Trenton Corvino is
excited that the program al-
lows him to access topnotch
plans for practices and lessons.
“This saves lots of time and keeps my
practices fresh and intentional,” says
Corvino, who is the junior competition
coordinator for USTA Pacific North-
west. “I can also build my own lesson
plans and save them as a favorite right
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y U S TA E A S T E R N, U S TA PA C I F I C N O RT H W E S T, U S TA M I DW E S T
to my phone.”
The red-orange-green ball compe-
EASTERN tencies enable Corvino to establish a
Flexible and Accessible Teaching Tools clearly defined development pathway
for his junior players. Plus, the Net
L
Generation app also allows him to
assess his players’ development.
aramie Gavin, director of he says. “There is a library of custom- “With just one click, I can forward
racquet sports at Midtown izable instructional tools and videos. their assessment to their parents, too,
Athletic Club in Rochester, And, since our Velocity competencies so expectations are clearly under-
N.Y., leads a comprehensive are similar to those in Net Generation, stood,” he says.
and structured junior development the tools work seamlessly with our “On top of all these great benefits,
program that has been extremely teaching and philosophy.” Net Generation gives parents a peace
successful in attracting new family Gavin says communicating with of mind knowing that coaches working
members. Now, he’s also an official Net parents is important in cultivating and with their children have been back-
Generation section ambassador. growing his junior player base. “The ground-screened and have access to
Midtown uses a curriculum called Net Generation assessment tools are great coaching resources. I recommend
Velocity, but Net Generation’s flexibil- extremely helpful in facilitating pro- Net Generation to providers looking to
ity and accessibility gives Gavin and his ductive discussions with parents about grow and improve their programs.”
staff a resource for additional teaching their child’s progress. They greatly
tools. “What I love about Net Genera- appreciate the transparency in terms
tion is all the resources online, and I of understanding what their child is
can use as much or as little as I want,” working toward.” —Mara Mazza
MIDWEST
A
s general manager and sional. I have been to three teacher
director of tennis at in-service training sessions and have
Cincinnati’s Western been developing relationships with the The Net Generation school
Tennis & Fitness Club, teachers. We’re all in this together and I
Angela Farley Wilson is constantly think they understand that I care.”
partnership is
working to get more children to play It’s about much more than just drop- important. I love how
tennis, and to play at her club. How- ping off equipment and then leaving, schools are heavily involved
ever, she understands that most kids Wilson explains. That’s why her club in initially teaching tennis,
don’t just start one day at a club. For is planning a family night for local
many kids, the first time they pick up a schools that are part of Net Generation. and how they can
racquet is at school. “I believe good instruction is impor- partner with a local tennis
“The Net Generation school part- tant for laying the foundation for fun professional.
nership is important,” she says. “I love and success,” she says.
how schools are heavily involved in And she believes Net Generation will
initially teaching tennis and how they help providers be successful in reach-
can partner with a local tennis profes- ing youth in their communities. •
Tennis Teachers
Conference Returns
To New York
A
s the world’s greatest the game—and improve their business. registrants are able to purchase guest passes
tennis players head to Learning has never been this much fun! for this incredible US Open experience.
New York this summer There’s always a high level of excite- These are available for $125 each, but only to
for the 50th anniversary ment and energy surrounding the TTC, early-bird registrants.
of the US Open, the as it shares the great stage of New York With a slate of more than 25 educational
best and brightest with America’s Grand Slam—the US Open. sessions, this year’s TTC promises to be
teaching minds in the sport will be making But this year, that energy figures to get one you’ll remember, providing you with
a similar trek, as the Tennis Teachers amped up even higher, as the tournament valuable information and insights that
Conference returns to the Grand Hyatt celebrates its 50th anniversary as the US you’ll never forget.
New York from Aug. 24-27. This year Open. In 1968, tennis opened its doors to All featured speaker/educational
marks the 44th staging of this prestigious professional players, ushering in a new seminars will be held at the Grand Hyatt
event, which brings together teachers and era of excitement and igniting a boom that New York on Friday, August 24 and
coaches from all across the U.S. and the still resonates through the sport today. Sunday, August 26. On Saturday, August
world for a collaborative and enlightening What’s more, this year also marks the 25 a full day of on court seminars will take
exchange of ideas and insights, impossible conclusion of the five-year strategic place at nearby Randall’s Island Tennis
to find anywhere else. transformation of the home of the Open— Club. The USTA will provide round-trip
This is the first time since 2014 when the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis bus transportation and a food voucher for
the last TTC was held, and like that Center—with the opening of the new Louis lunch that day to all registered participants.
conference, this TTC will also serve as the Armstrong Stadium. Everyone who registers The cost for the four days of the TTC
USPTA’s World Conference. This year’s for the TTC before the “early-bird” August is $399, but remember, only those who
TTC will focus on the latest trends in the 1 deadline will receive a free ticket to register before August 1 are eligible for the
sport from how technology is impacting Armstrong for the first Monday of US Open US Open experience. Day passes for the
the delivery of tennis to how we attract competition, making TTC registrants among TTC are available at $200 each, and TTC
more diverse players and providers to the the very first to experience the excitement of registrants are qualified for the special
game. The conference provides attendees this remarkable world-class venue (subject rate of $249 per night at the Grand Hyatt
with an unparalleled opportunity to learn to availability/change). A food voucher and New York. To register, go to 2018ttc.com.
from the best, and to share the sort of valu- transportation to and from the US Open This summer, the TTC is coming back
able ideas and insights that will help grow that day are also included. All early-bird to New York. Make sure you are too!
Join the
BEST &
BRIGHTEST
in Tennis
Join the USTA and USPTA for an outstanding tennis educational experience for
all coaches and providers looking to raise their game with world-class speakers,
networking opportunities, and interactive on-court sessions.
REGISTER AT 2018TTC.COM
*Subject to availability/change
CareerDevelopment
PRESENTATION SKILLS
M
any tennis While that’s a rational answer, it’s only basketball coach John Wooden once
instructors part of the quest. If a person is only said, “If you fail to prepare, you prepare
wish to become seeking to gather data and information, to fail.” Besides undermining your own
thought lead- then why bother attending the semi- quest, a lack of preparation is an insult
ers—a role that, nar? Why not merely read? to the men and women who are devot-
in our business, The unarticulated desire is ing time to come hear you speak.
entails everything from hosting emotional. A seminar is a communal Please, take your notes, conduct
innovative events to speaking at indus- experience. In that environment, we research, build an outline, craft your
try conferences. These hard-working seek not just data, but connection. talk, rehearse and fine-tune.
men and women often have many ideas We want the speakers at these events
about strokes, techniques, strategies, to understand us—to provide not just
the business of tennis and a wide range information, but inspiration. Here are a
of industry-related topics. few pointers on how you, as a presenter,
But a public presentation, of course, can make that happen.
is very different from a private tennis 2/Clarify the Audience
lesson, and you may be uncertain about Find out as much as you can about who
what it means and what’s required to will be listening to you. Teachers seek-
give a talk to a group—whether it’s to a ing to understand technique? Coaches
gathering of 10 players at a local facility, 1/Prepare who mostly work with juniors? Instruc-
or to an audience of hundreds at an On the morning of a seminar led by a tors who help adults? Parents? Chil-
SHUTTERSTOCK
industry conference. local teaching pro, I was shocked to dren? What age? What level?
Ask someone why he or she is at- hear him ask if it would be appropriate Each of these groups has a wide range
tending a seminar and you’ll frequently to, in his words, “wing it” during that of knowledge, interests and expecta-
hear this: to obtain useful information. day’s presentation. Legendary UCLA tions, each of which poses significant
• “The TOM Conference was the best tennis and racquets industry educational event I have ever
attended.” —Patricio Misitrano, Wee Burn Country Club, Darien, Conn.
Jim Baugh Austin Doerner and Michele Krause Nick Bollettieri Tom Lehman
24 TennisIndustry June 2018 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . TennisIndustry.org
Tennis Industry Forum
in NYC, Monday, Aug. 27
The 11th Annual TIA Tennis Forum will be held in New
York City on Monday, Aug. 27, the first day of play at the
US Open. The Forum is slated to run from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
at the Grand Hyatt.
In addition to the latest news on
the state of the industry and updates
TENNIS FORUM on grow-the-game initiatives such as
Net Generation, the Forum will include
business insights and the Tennis Industry
Hall of Fame. Stay tuned for more
information about the conference agenda
and how to register.
Tim Bainton
D I S T I N G U I S HU
ESDRFSAAC C
I LEIRT TY-I FOIFC-AT THIEO-Y
NEAR AWARDS
CCAORUERETR CAODNVA
S TNRCUECMT IEONNT
I
Certified Check n 1986, the U.S. Racquet
Stringers Association
launched the Certi-
Set your business apart, and stay fied Stringer program to
provide racquet stringers
current with racquet and string trends, an opportunity to demon-
strate their competency
through USRSA certifications. and expertise through a
validation process. That program has
By Bob Patterson set the standard for professional rac-
quet service worldwide.
Executive Director, USRSA Why is certification important?
Think about professionals in other
industries. Anyone can call themselves
an accountant and provide financial
services, but if you want to make sure of
a person’s qualifications, you’ll look for
a Certified Public Accountant, who has
been vetted by an independent body
and has proven their qualifications
and ability to do the work. The same
concept applies to being certified as a
stringer or racquet technician.
USRSA certifications are not easy
to earn. The certification exams test
both the applicant’s skills with a frame
and also their knowledge of the subject
matter. Over the last three years, half of
the applicants taking a USRSA certi-
fication exam for the first time didn’t
pass. The most common reason, we
found, is that applicants come into the
test unprepared. Most applicants think
that because they have been stringing
for a while, they know it all. (For tips
on preparing for the exam, see “Test
Preparation” on page 28.)
how they interact with players—which Certification Types as coaches and teaching professionals.
helps clients play better and enjoy the USRSA Certifications are recognized Also, for MRTs who want to go a step
game more. That’s what our certifica- worldwide as the highest standards beyond, we added “Specialist” desig-
tion programs ultimately achieve. in the racquet sports industry. But we nations: MRT–Tournament Stringing
Why should you be certified? It’s also realize our industry has changed Specialist and MRT–Racquet Custom-
simple: If you are servicing racquets quite a bit since we first established ization Specialist. These changes are
and charging for those services, then these standards, and that it continues all part of this evolving industry, as
you should be striving to do that to to evolve. So we have changed and we constantly assess our programs to
the best of your ability. Being certi- updated our certification requirements make sure we are living up to the high
fied proves to your clients and others to remain relevant, and to continue to standards that we have set.
that you take your work seriously. You be the industry standard.
have proven your knowledge and skills In 1993, seven years after the USRSA
through an independent, comprehen- created the Certified Stringer (CS) Certified Stringer Expansion
sive examination process. You are a designation, we developed the Master This year, we are embarking on
skilled professional. Racquet Technician (MRT) certifica- the most significant change to the
Certification also provides an tion, which encompasses the skills and Certified Stringer program since it
invaluable opportunity to promote knowledge of the CS, plus much more. was introduced.
your skills and knowledge in a way that Last year, the USRSA introduced the The USRSA has always repre-
separates you from your competition. Professional Racquet Advisor (PRA) sented the four predominant racquet
And, even if your competition is also certification for individuals who are sports—tennis, badminton, squash
certified, you are at least competing on not technicians, but who sell or give and racquetball—and we have always
a level playing field. advice about racquets and strings, such provided instruction, information and
racquet for your test, throw it and the didn’t read the instructions and know where you are at any moment, even
grommets in your bag, and feel ready. how much time they had, or they failed though you can’t see the clock.
Regardless of your level of experience, to time themselves in advance. Timing If you are consistent and using
have more than one set of replacement yourself may sound silly if you are an proper technique, the time left after
grommets for your test racquet, and experienced stringer, but no matter each string job, or grommet or grip job
be sure to have practiced with them how relaxed you are when you work will be about the same. For the certi-
in advance. The same holds true for on racquets, you will be nervous on fication test, factor in a new environ-
heat sleeves: buy lots of them (they are test day. If you don’t know where you ment, a different machine or tools, a
inexpensive), and practice in advance. usually are in a string job at 6 minutes, stranger watching you intently, a bunch
Importantly, before you arrive for the 10 minutes, 12 minutes, etc., how will of noise—and it’s easy to see that all this
test, make sure the racquet is clean, you know if you’re getting close to your can cause you to lose time.
and this includes the handle! You don’t time being up?
want to waste 15 or 20 minutes of test Here’s a great strategy: Practice You’ve studied the manual, practiced in
time cleaning off all the dirt, glue or old stringing, gripping/build up, and grom- your shop and are ready—at least you
replacement grip slime. met/bumper guard replacement by think so. But take a little more time to
using the timer on your microwave or a be really ready, and you can sail through
•Timing: Even in my short time as a similar timer. That way, it always feels the USRSA exam!
tester, I’ve seen too many competent like time is running out. But wait for
stringers run out of time and not finish that “ding” enough times and that feel- Diane Hamm-Vida is a Master Racquet
parts of the exam. Why? Either they ing will go away. You will know exactly Technician based in Shallotte, N.C.
D I S T I N G U I S H E D F A FCOI LOI TT W
Y-EOAFR- T H E -Y E A R A W A R D S
C O U RSTH OC EO NTSRTERNUDCST I O N
D I S T I N G U I S H E D F A FCOI LOI TT W
Y-EOAFR- T H E -Y E A R A W A R D S
C O U RSTH OC EO NTSRTERNUDCST I O N
Hudsonville High
D I S T I N G U I S H E D F A C I L I T Y- O F -T H E -Y E A R A W A R D S
School
COURT CONSTRUCTION Hudsonville, Mich.
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y A M E R I C A N S P O RT S B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N
Hitting Walls: Bakko Bak Bords
education that easily made the grade. Courts: 12
Completed: May 2016
By Peter Francesconi
A
> Seven old asphalt courts were removed
from the Hudsonville High School campus
ll 10 outdoor hard-court winners of the Tennis Industry/
as part of a parking lot expansion, and a
American Sports Builders Association’s Distinguished Facility-
new post-tensioned concrete tennis facility
of-the-Year Awards are at schools or colleges—a positive sign as was constructed at a new location. The end
administrators and school boards see the value of investing in result is the Silver Award Winner for outdoor
tennis, and all its associated health benefits, for students. hard courts. The original plans called for 10
Eight of these impressive projects used post-tensioned concrete, resulting courts, but an additional two courts were
in a longer-lasting base that requires less maintenance than asphalt. This trend added as funding became available. The
continues to gain momentum throughout the sports construction industry. And, owner and contractor worked closely with
in a sign that court owners and managers are realizing the value of using knowl- neighbors to be able to pour concrete start-
edgeable builders, six of the 10 projects tapped the expertise of ASBA Certified ing at 4 a.m., to avoid the heat of the day
Tennis Court Builders. Their insights are clearly shown in the final products. and allow for proper curing.
^ ^
Nominated by: GMB Architecture + Engineering Nominated by: Baseline Sports Construction LLC
Architect/Engineer: GMB Architecture + Engineering General Contractor: Baseline Sports Construction LLC
Surface: California Sports Surfaces Surface: Competition Athletic Surfaces/Laykold
Posts, Nets, Accessories: Edwards Sports Fencing: Baseline Sports Construction LLC
Drain: Zurn Industries Lighting: Techlight
Courts: 8 Nets, Posts, Windscreens: Putterman Athletics
Completed: August 2016 Bleachers: Athletic Connection
Courts: 6
Certified Tennis Court Builder: David Clapp
> The Coopersville High School renovation project involved Completed: May 2016
replacing old asphalt courts with eight post-tensioned concrete
courts. The contractor was able to reuse most of the existing base > The new facility at Southern Wesleyan University is located on
material, although it required extensive testing to ensure proper a hillside, and large amounts of rain during construction resulted
densities. In addition, a new entry plaza was constructed to serve in erosion issues. The contractor solved the problem by building a
both tennis and baseball. second silt fence for added protection.
^ ^
Loomis Chaffee School Simmons College–Daly Field
Windsor, Conn. Brighton, Mass.
Nominated by: Milone & MacBroom Inc. Nominated by: Activitas Inc.
Architect/Engineer: Milone & MacBroom Inc. Architect/Engineer: Activitas Inc.
General Contractor: Cape and Island Tennis & Track Specialty Contractor: Cape and Island Tennis & Track
Specialty Contractor: R.A.D. Sports Surface: California Sports Surfaces
Surface: California Sports Surfaces Windscreen: Sportsfield Specialties
Nets, Windscreens: Har-Tru Sports Nets, Anchors: Har-Tru Sports
Posts: Douglas Industries Courts: 6
Courts: 12 Certified Tennis Court Builder: David Moore
Certified Tennis Court Builder: David Moore Completed: August 2016
Completed: December 2016
> At Simmons College, six new courts were installed between
> The Loomis Chaffee School was looking to upgrade its tennis new synthetic turf fields at Daly Field. Underlying fill and organic
program and revitalize its courts, using post-tensioned concrete soils beneath the court location made it unsuitable for an asphalt
to reduce long-term maintenance costs. With land at a premium, base, so the courts were built with post-tensioned concrete, with
the school put courts at three separate sites on campus. various ground improvements.
^ ^
Nominated by: Zaino Tennis Courts Inc. Nominated by: McConnell & Associates Corp.
General Contractor: Zaino Tennis Courts Inc. Surface: California Sports Surfaces
Surface: California Sports Surfaces Nets, Posts: Douglas Industries
Nets, Posts: Edwards Sports Windscreen: Aer-Flo
Fencing: Zaino Tennis Courts Inc. PT Cables: Tech-Con Systems
Courts: 6 Courts: 9
Certified Tennis Court Builder: Richard J. Zaino Certified Tennis Court Builders: Mike Mehaffey, JR Rockenfield
Completed: November 2015 Completed: October 2016
> Access to the courts at Laguna Beach High School required > For the nine new post-tensioned concrete courts at Bronze
construction of a temporary ramp from the street. The underlying Award Winner Kearney High School, the contractor had to deal
slab was in poor condition and required extensive grinding—a with a 20-foot grade change from east to west. To balance the site,
process that took three weeks. A neighboring family had a new- a 10-foot cut was made on the east side, and 10 feet of fill was
born with a breathing condition, so the contractor rented a home added to the west side. An elaborate drainage system had to be
for the family to stay in during the removal process. built to accommodate water runoff.
^ ^
Miami University Women’s Courts West Ottawa Middle School
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y A M E R I C A N S P O RT S B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N
Oxford, Ohio Holland, Mich.
Nominated by: Sportworks Field Design Nominated by: GMB Architecture + Engineering
Architect/Engineer: Sportworks Field Design Architect/Engineer: GMB Architecture + Engineering
Specialty Contractor: Tennis Technology Surface: California Sports Surfaces
Surface: California Sports Surfaces Nets, Posts: Edwards Sports
Nets, Posts: Douglas Industries Drainage: ACO Sport
Courts: 8 Courts: 12
Completed: September 2016 Completed: March 2016
> The highly accomplished Miami (Ohio) University women's > West Ottawa Middle School had three cracked asphalt court
tennis team was playing in a substandard facility separate from sites throughout the property. Officials wanted to consolidate the
the core athletic training and locker spaces on campus, so officials courts into one 12-court complex in a central location, and the
decided it was time to give them the space and recognition they result is a top-notch, post-tensioned concrete facility with two
deserved. The new facility included all earthwork, soil stabiliza- custom shade canopies and a storage facility. Coordinating the
tion, drainage, stone base, asphalt base, cushioned surface, LED slab installation with the adjacent wall installation meant leaving
lighting, scoreboards, water service and seating for 300 fans. open pockets in the wall for tensioning of the concrete slab.
D I S T I N G U I S H E D F A C I L I T Y- O F - T H E -Y E A R A W A R D S
COURT CONSTRUCTION
^
The Wheeler School
Seekonk, Mass.
Nominated by: Cape and Island Tennis & Track > Reconstruction of the courts at the Wheeler School involved
Architect/Engineer: Gale Associates Inc. extensive site preparation. The original asphalt courts were built
General Contractor: Cape and Island Tennis & Track with an 18-inch elevation difference between batteries, but the six
Surface: California Sports Surfaces new post-tensioned concrete courts are level, which required much
Nets: Har-Tru Sports larger equipment than anticipated to excavate and move boulder
Posts: Douglas Industries and ledge typical of the area. The design also included a French
PT Cables: Tech-Con Systems drain between the two batteries of courts.
Courts: 6
Certified Tennis Court Builder: David Moore
Completed: August 2015
The deadline for the 2018 Outstanding Facility-of-the-Year Awards is June 1, and awards will be presented at the 2018
ASBA Technical Meeting, to be held in Scottsdale, Ariz., Nov. 30-Dec. 4. For details, contact the ASBA at 866-501-ASBA or
info@sportsbuilders.org, or visit www.sportsbuilders.org.
AskTheExperts
Mailing
Lists?
Q: A few years ago, there was a way to If you are a USRSA member, you
communicate requests for NOS (new, should be signed up to receive mes-
old stock) racquets, bumpers, grom- sages from these lists, unless you have
mets, etc. to other USRSA members. requested to be removed.
Does it still exist? I do not see a link on If you are not receiving messages
the RacquetTech.com website. from these lists, check your spam folder
and be sure that the USRSA has your
A: Those lists do still exist, and they current e-mail address.
can be found on the Contact Us page of It is worth noting that there is no set
RacquetTech.com. There are three lists: schedule for messages from these net-
works. Messages go out on these lists
Exact • The Grommets Network, for finding only when there are members seeking
Lengths older bumper guards and grommet kits. grommets, racquets or strings.
(grommets@racquettech.com) If you want to submit a request,
Q: How would I go about finding simply send an e-mail to the relevant
exactly how much string is needed • The Racquets Network, for finding list describing what you are seeking
for the main strings and the cross racquets that are no longer current. and how you prefer others to reach you.
strings on a given frame? I want to (racquets@racquettech.com) The USRSA will then send an e-mail to
start using reels of string rather than everyone on that list with your request.
using individual sets of string. • The Strings Network, for finding sets Anyone receiving the notification can
of older strings no longer available at then contact you directly about the
A: The only way to determine exactly retail. (strings@ racquettech.com) item you are seeking. •
how much string you need for a par-
ticular racquet is to string the racquet,
leaving enough string after tying off
to reach your tension head, and then
“un-install” the string and measure
it. This is the only way in which you’ll
be able to account for your specific
reference tension, string stretch and
racquet-to-tension-head spacing.
If this sounds like a lot of work, it is.
There are easier methods, however,
to get pretty close to the exact amount.
You must develop a consistent way
of measuring string, and then gradu-
ally refine the amount you measure
for each make and model of racquet.
If you only use that string reel for one
racquet, you can even make notes to
yourself on the reel itself.
By keeping track and adjusting your
lengths as necessary, you should be able
to get to within a couple of inches of
the exact lengths of string needed each
time. Good luck.
SHUTTERSTOCK
in Coach Education
PTR Certification and Education Workshops are the most successful training courses for tennis teachers and coaches.
More than 300 PTR Workshops are conducted on five continents each year. All are led by specially trained PTR Clinicians.
Specialty Workshops
June 1 Rochester, NY GTN - Girls Tennis Network
June 8 Rockport, ME GTN - Girls Tennis Network
June 23 Irvine, CA GTN - Girls Tennis Network
June 23 Irvine, CA Competitive Games & Drills
Aug 24 Bedford, NY GTN - Girls Tennis Network
©Maxisport/Shutterstock
YourServe
By introducing tennis to
parents and children together,
we nudge parents into
thinking of tennis as a family
sport, and not just another
activity for their kids to try.
if multiple family members play tennis,
which is why entry-level family tennis
clinics are so important.
By introducing tennis to parents and
children together, we nudge parents
into thinking of tennis as a family sport,
not just another activity for their kids
to try. We also immediately and actively
engage parents as potential customers.
To successfully inspire participants
to become avid players, introductory
FAMILY TENNIS family tennis programs need to help
players quickly develop the ability to
Playing Together rally, which makes tennis fun. The use
of short courts and modified equipment
By offering family tennis programs, will help increase the interaction.
Children playing with their parents
providers can boost their business on shorter courts will get the repeti-
tion they need to develop rallying skills
and help the industry. as they spend active, quality time with
each other. At the critical entry level
when players are deciding whether or
By Kevin Theos not they like tennis, giving families a
chance to spend time together and learn
L
to rally can be the tipping point.
I’ve observed firsthand the profound
ast fall, during an industry play tennis together, but they often play difference in engagement and enjoy-
conference, I asked a room on their own. ment parents and kids experience when
full of tennis providers if This is too bad, because organized they are able to learn tennis together,
they ever had the experi- family programs, particularly at the instead of parents just watching from
ence of playing tennis with entry level, can help us increase the the sidelines or picking up balls.
their family members. Almost everyone number of core tennis players. Core Tennis is one of the healthiest activi-
raised their hands. players are the foundation of this ties families can enjoy together—and by
I then asked how many of them offer industry—they play at least 10 times a creating family tennis programs, we can
family tennis programs at their facili- year and account for the vast majority of capitalize on one of our sport’s strengths
ties. Almost no one raised their hands. tennis play and purchases. as we create more core players and
The experience of having played Our challenge has been, and remains, increase pros’ income. •
tennis with family members is nearly finding a way to rapidly take players
universal among avid adult players, and from their introductory tennis experi- Longtime USPTA pro Kevin Theos
by promoting organized family tennis ences to the point where they become is the USTA Southern Section TSR
programs, we can give our industry a engaged and committed core tennis for Alabama. Visit his Facebook
much-needed boost. players. One basic requirement is that page, FamilyTennis4All, to share
Tennis is one of the few sports that they have readily available tennis part- best practices, or contact him at
SHUTTERSTOCK
family members of different ages and ners. Family tennis can meet this need. theos@sta.usta.com.
ability levels can enjoy together. It also Whether children or adults, family
offers a vast array of health benefits. members will develop their skills along We welcome your opinions. Please email
We are fortunate that many families with a love of the sport. But that’s only comments to info@tennisindustrymag.com.
WILSON.COM
Pros often customize the rackets they use, including string patterns. Consumer racket specifications may vary from models customized by Pros for match-play.
© 2018 Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Trademarks advertised other than those of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. are properties of their respective owners. 18-0702
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WILSON.COM
Pros often customize the rackets they use, including string patterns. Consumer racket specifications may vary from models customized by Pros for match-play.
© 2018 Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Trademarks advertised other than those of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. are properties of their respective owners. 18-0702
Community Evaluation
by Jack Justice, USPTA Master Professional
A USPTA Past President (’90-’92), member since 1969 and a Southern Division Hall of Fame member,
Jack Justice has served in a variety of tennis positions throughout his more than 50 years in the industry.
He authored the USPTA “How to Hire a Tennis Professional” manual and was a long time tester for the
organization. He served as Chairman of the Master Professional, Ethics, Archives/Hall of Fame, Long
Range Planning, Club Relations, and USTA Relations Committees.
Add our exclusive Chroma-Bond® Digital Imprinting to make any court or facility look its best for
many years. Simple or dramatic imprinting that is so durable, it lasts as long as the fabric.
ACTUAL DEPICTION
hartru.com
Har-Tru is the official provider of Teaching Carts, 877-4-HAR-TRU (877-442-7878)
Ball Mowers, and Ball Baskets for the USPTA hartru@hartru.com
Anthony was just six when he started taking tennis lessons on the Island of Rhodes, Greece. At the age of
17 he was the fifth ranked player in Greece (under 18) and a member of the Greek National Junior Tennis
Team. He played college tennis at Tyler Junior College and later at Ferris State University, winning
national titles and an All-American status. In 2002, he started coaching high level juniors in Greece and in
2007 he was the coach of the Greek National Team at the Jr. Olympic Games in Belgrade, Serbia. In 2016,
he moved to the United States to be the director of junior development at Georgetown Prep Tennis Club
(Rockville, MD) where he currently works.
s p o r t m a s t e r . n e t • (800) 395-7325
10-S.com • 800-247-3907
Text to Chat 954-800-6790
Official Court Equipment Supplier of the
56 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine
!
Country Club.
Linsley McMillion was featured in the Mike Goldammer has been named
Pensacola News Journal story titled the director of tennis at Center Court
Tennis pro Linsley McMillion’s passion Tuscaloosa, a public tennis facility
for teaching shines on and off court. He operated by the Tuscaloosa County
works as a tennis professional at the Roger Park and Recreation Center Authority.
Scott Tennis Center in Pensacola, Florida. Goldammer will implement more
While on-court, Linsley has a talent for organized play and participation with
motivating his players to give their best programming, including a series of
effort and utilize smart strategies and shot selection. different sessions, lasting in 6-7-week blocks. Programs
Linsley is an especially great coach for the left-handed will include lessons, group clinics, leagues and mixers
student as he himself plays left-handed. for adults.
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE ADDvantage is published monthly by the USPTA
Editor.............................................................................John Cornell The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are
President.....................................................................Gary Trost those of the authors and not necessarily those
Managing Editor ................................................... DeVonte’ Martin
First Vice President................................................Feisal Hassan of ADDvantage or the United States Professional
Layout/Design........................................................... Gustavo Reyes
Vice Presidents................Cari Buck, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner Tennis Association.
Bill Mountford, Richard Slivocka Editorial Assistance...................................................... Risa Epstein,
Ashley Walker, Ellen Weatherford
Immediate Past President...........................................Chuck Gill Copyright© United States Professional Tennis
Circulation................................................................ Trevor Trudelle Association, Inc. 2018. All rights reserved.
CEO.........................................................................John Embree
USPTA World Headquarters Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not
Legal Counsel......................................................George Parnell 11961 Performance Dr.
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USPTA BUDGETED REVENUE AS OF DEC.31, 2017 USPTA REVENUE AS OF DEC. 31, 2017 US
Budgeted
$4,001930.54 Actual
$4,642,251.43
USPTA BUDGETED REVENUE AS OF DEC.31, 2017 USPTA REVENUE AS OF DEC. 31, 2017 US
G & A 0.37% G & A 0.31%
$4,001930.54 $4,642,251.43
VENTION 4.57% NATIONAL CONVENTION 7.11% NATIONAL CONVENTION 4.57%
5% EDUCATION 1.73% EDUCATION 1.55%
IF 4.1% TESTING & CERTIF 4.58% TESTING & CERTIF 4.1%
G & A 0.37% G & A 0.31%
0.68%
VENTION 4.57% MERCHANDISE 1.38% MERCHANDISE 0.68%
NATIONAL CONVENTION 7.11% NATIONAL CONVENTION 4.57%
ANCE 8.17%
55% MEMBER INSURANCE 8.44% MEMBER INSURANCE 8.17%
EDUCATION 1.73% EDUCATION 1.55%
S 6.45%
TIF 4.1% ENDORSEMENTS 7.91% ENDORSEMENTS 6.45%
TESTING & CERTIF 4.58% TESTING & CERTIF 4.1%
4.13%
0.68% MEMBERSHIP 40.98% MEMBERSHIP 44.13%
MERCHANDISE 1.38% MERCHANDISE 0.68%
TIES 30.05%
RANCE 8.17% DIVISION ACTIVITIES 27.48% DIVISION ACTIVITIES 30.05%
MEMBER INSURANCE 8.44% MEMBER INSURANCE 8.17%
TS 6.45% ENDORSEMENTS 7.91% ENDORSEMENTS 6.45%
44.13% MEMBERSHIP 40.98% MEMBERSHIP 44.13%
ITIES 30.05% DIVISION ACTIVITIES 27.48% DIVISION ACTIVITIES 30.05%
USPTA BUDGETED EXPENSES AS OF DEC. 31, 2017 USPTA EXPENSES AS OF DEC.31, 2017 USP
$4,431,745.95 $4,500,408.06
Kelly Sykes Frank Carleton Don Gomsi Paul Kid Kate Nicholson Eugenio Spano
Level III Daniel Tu Jose Carlos Costa Joseph Gorman Terence Killen Cathleen Nicoloff Jeff Stassen
Scott Ansay Todd Upchurch Stan Carter Genevieve Gramatica Jeff Kinlaw William O’Bryant Jamie Stevenson
Rosie Bareis Michael Vann Mark Centrella Jenny Gray Ryan Knarr Walter Oden Mark Suiter
Michael Baugh Bob Wagstaff Cody Chapman Matt Grayson Michael Kolendo Dan Oliver Joshua Surowski
David Beck Rich Walker William Chapman III Mallory Green Angela Koumaris Karen Olson Julie Sutherlin
Dan Beedle Pat Whitworth Holly Chomyn Peter Green Whitney Kraft Katie Orlando Tom Sweitzer
Jon Betts Rick Willett William Clark Nate Griffin Michele Krause William O’Shea Keith Swindoll
Cari Buck John Condreay Raleigh Grossbaum Angelica Lagrange Dustin Overbeek Frank Swope
Rick Calton Level II Kevin Condreay Bruce Gullikson Laurie Lambert Thomas Parkes Robert Taylor
Jorge Capestany Cedric Abalos Cheryl Connors Charlie Gundi Adam Lane Eric Pease Donald Taylor, Ed.D.
Marcia Cunniff Maika Adair Eric Cornejo Ron Gwyn Mike Lange Scott Pennington Kevin Theos
Alan Cutler Sylvia Adams Dany Couture Neal Hagberg Greg Lappin Gerry Perry Brian Thomas
Joseph D’Aleo Jr. Peter Alkhazov Nancy Cox Bobby Hagerman Paul Lauterbach David Petros Catherine Thomas
Anoosh Davoudzadeh Kyle Allen Stephen Coyle Kenyon Hall Kelsey Lawson Jonathan Pickett Linda Thomson
Dmitri Diakonov Tracy Almeda-Singian Jorgelina Cravero Lindsay Hall Tracy Lawson Dophie Poiset Stephen Thuot, Ph.D.
Doug Eng, Ed.D.,Ph.D Derek Ameel Justin Cuellar Mark Hanna Adam Lefkandinos Bert Poole Christin Thurston
John Evans Lance Andersen Chris Culley Craig Hardenbergh Warren Lem David Porter Nancy Tielke
Lane Evans Kirk Anderson Michael Curran Nora Harrison Danut Lepadatu Bryn Powell Patrick Tran
Mark Faber Patricia Anderson Daniel Daly Patricia Harrison Vern Leslie Orlando Protho Sergio Trevino
Trish Faulkner Kenneth Andriano Curtis Darrow Michael Harvey Alexander Levie Patricia Purcell Gary Trost
Jack Foster Samantha Ardenfriend Eddie Davis Jeff Hawes Dominique Levin Laura Puryear Don Turner
Michael Friedman Joe Arias Jonathan Davis Anastasia Hayden Darryl Lewis Serena Quarelli Wayne Turner
Mike Gennette Michael Arrigo Emile de Cuba Jason Hazley Keith Lipp Brody Queal William Uelze
John Gerard Marc Assaraf Kara De Geer Gregory Heartt Conan Lorenzo Christopher Racz Evan Valeri
Chuck Gill Gregory Aten Elizabeth Deerinwater Matthew Helm Cary Lothringer Ben Rakusin Tom Van De
Mike Graff Marc Atkinson Sr. Ken DeHart Cole Hennessy Mitchel Loudermilk Lindsay Rawstorne Joshua Varela
Philip Graham Annie Bachman Matthew Dektas Brittany Hill Thomas Low Mark Rearden Alvin Varnado
Joni Hannah Matthew Bacon Kyle Devlin Alvin Hom Adam Lucero Kristie Reid Milos Vasovic
Jim Harwood Amy Badger Steve Diamond Allen Hopp Gerry Maingot James Ridgley Andrew Veal
Feisal Hassan Michael Baldwin Jr. Mark DiChiara Nancy Horowitz Keyvan Maleki James Ritter Fernando Velasco
Scott Hutchinson Meg Bandy Milos Dimic Rob Horsch Louis Malfait Kelvin Rivera Ken Veney
Geoffrey Jagdfeld Andrea Barnes Todd Dissly Matthew Houser Tadd Maltby David Robinson Fred Viancos
Elliott James Monty Basnyat Rita Dotson Hassan Humayun Matias Marin Drew Robinson Gary Victor
Kimberly Jones Thomas Battaglia Andy Durham Ramona Husaru Laurie Martin Ana Rodriguez Emillia Viljoen
Josh Jorgensen Jason Beardslee David Dvorak Stefano Ianni Olga Martinsone Jose Rodriguez II Martin Vinokur,Ph.D.
Levander Kelley Donna Bearup Ron Dyson Abdul Idi Sheryl Maskell Austin Roebuck Andrew Violette
Kyle LaCroix Jeff Bearup Brian Edwards John Ingram III Delaine Mast Kyle Roeser Harold Wagner
Thomas Le John Beaube Sean Edwards Tom Ingram Alison Mays Farhad Roshanaie Wendall Walker
Anish Manrai Craig Bell Paul Einhart Michael Irwin Dean Mays Jeff Rothstein Steve Walters
Julius Mashonganyika Lynn Bender Charles Ellis Jr. Billy Jackson Ken McAllister Thomas Ruth Doanh Wang
Tom McGraw Miles Bentley John Embree Kevin Jackson William McClelland Chad Ruthig Kyle Warner
David Mendez Nestor Bernabe Alejandro Emerson Lisa Jackson Melissa McCorkle Derek Sabedra Matt Watson
Jack Michalko Mark Bernstine Nina Eriksson Brenton James Brian McCoy Rod Saludo William Weber
Patricio Misitrano Kelsi Black Pedro Estrada Jason Jamison Kevin McGuffie Roderic Sanchez Karen Weir
Donald Moody Martin Blackman Steve Faulkner Allan Jensen Carla McKenzie Thiago Santos Erika Wentz-Russell
Avis Murray Iztok Bombac Gigi Fernandez Dylan Jicha Cleon McKnight Sr. Ervin Saravia Lisa Wilcott
Sidney Newcomb Steve Boone Andre Ferreira Alvin Jogasuria Mel McRee Johann Saurbier Monte Williams
Steven O’Connell Desislav Borov Boris Fetbroyt Alexander Johansson Chuck Melkent Paula Scheb Brock Wilson
Stan Oley Aisling Bowyer Bill Fletcher Dick Johnson Carl Mendoza Linda Schley Helen Wilson
Suk Ong Benjamin Bradshaw Paul Fontana Joel Johnson Michael Mercier Brett Schwartz Kent Womack
Mark Pachtner Kevin Brennan William Foreman Ryan Johnson Rokhsha Mchael-Razi David Scott Marc Wurtzman
Ajay Pant Edward B. Feldhausen Trey Foster Craig Jones Christopher Michalowski Rob Scott Charlotte Wylie
Phillip Parrish Sr. Aaron Brown John Frausto Karl Jones Jeff Miller Patrik Segfeldt Shawn Young
Jose Pastrello Dave Brown David Freiman Michelle Jones Peter Minarich Tim Shanahan Jicham Zaatini
Steve Pekich Jr. Matthew Brown Bogdan Gard Jason Joseph Ter Ming Chew Alex Shusis Benjamin Zaiser
William Phillips III Bunny Bruning Michael-John Garnett Kyle Ju Bradley Mixson Brandon Sieh Carrie Zarraonandia
Joao Pinho Richard Buerkle Glenn Gerbino David Kane Jaxon Montague Len Simard Gordon ZawTun
Michael Pollard Chris Bull Robert Gibson Sibongile Kangwa Michael Moriarty Charles Skalsky III Rod Zerni
Bill Riddle Fred Burdick Jason Gilbert Patrick Kearns William Morris Richard Slivocka Anzela Zguna
Jenny Robb Scott Burton Kevin Gillette Manolito Kehoss Frank Morrison Yulia Smirnova Andy Zodin
Todd Rubinstein Jose Caballero Rita Gladstone Steve Keller David Moyer Chad Smith
Diane Selke Victor Camargo Balcazar William Glasgow Lyndsey Kelly Gustavo Munoz Jamie Smith
Jason Speirs Anni Campbell Julio Godreau Thomas Kelly Charles Nelson Jr. Scott Smith
Christopher Stevens Rose Cantlin James Goldman Forrest Kennel David Neuhart Michael Smookler
Joshua Sturgis Jeremy Carl Jenna Gollub Jonathan Kerch Linda Newcomb Arturo Solis
I N -H O U S E F I N A N C I N G I S B A C K - As low as 4.99%.