Regional President: Mike Kolendo m_kolendo@charter.net
Regional Vice President: Lisa Wilcott supermiketennis1@gmail.com
Secretary: Christy Bennett bennett@newengland.usta.com
Treasurer: Chris Stevens stevens10spro@gmail.com
Vice President: Kristen Gerety kdgerety@icloud.com
Vice President: Billy Previdi previdib@gmail.com
Vice President: Milan Kubala stowemiles@gmail.com
Past President: Michael Mercier supermiketennis1@gmail.com
What does a day in the life of a tennis professional look like? The answer likely depends on your job title. The day-to-day activities of Academy professionals, college coaches, and touring coaches are very different. Throw into the mix professionals that work at resorts, country clubs, indoor facilities, and recreation departments and it’s easy to imagine the variety of responsibilities, organizational skills, technical proficiency, and political savvy it takes to be successful. The truth is a tennis professional’s career can take many different trajectories and may not resemble even another professional’s preconceptions of what we do for a living.
This is one of the dilemmas our New England Board faces each year when putting together our spring conference. Obviously we’d love to see as many of you as possible at our event, but determining exactly what topics should be presented and which speakers should be recruited can be a bit like trying to nail jelly to a wall. Would big names like Tom Gullickson or Mark Kovaks working with nationally ranked juniors or touring pros, giving us the latest techniques for maximizing an elite athlete’s potential do the trick? They are incredibly fun to watch, and we’ve certainly done that. But every time we do, I find myself wondering… “Is anyone in attendance actually working with these types of players? Is this information even relatable to the students they are working with?”
While I’ve certainly worked in the high-performance space, it’s no longer how I spend most of my time. My students tend to be in the beginner to 3.5 range, because my business is positioned to bring tennis to the masses.
NE Executive Director: Pam Dodman pamela.dodman@uspta.org
This year, I’m happy to say that our New England Spring Conference is aimed at… well… me. We’ve put together a program specifically for club professionals, high school coaches, and recreation coaches – the professionals that work primarily with club and recreational players.
To accomplish this, we’ve recruited a great group of speakers. Headlining the list are Greg Patton, Ken DeHart, and Danielle McNamara, but all of our presenters are seasoned professionals with plenty of energy and experience to share. I’d encourage all of our New England members to check out the schedule or events and consider attending.
In my 25+ years as a USPTA certified professional, I’ve attended countless conferences. While some were certainly better than others, I’ve taken something home from each and every one that helped to improve my own program – a new stroke technique, a new drill, a different way to manage a group, a business idea, or simply another way to present something I already do. There’s always something.
Connecticut: Paul Coorssen
pcoorssen@gmail.com
Maine: Wilbur Shardlow shardlowtennis@roadrunner.com
Massachusetts: Stu Lehr stuartklehr@gmail.com & Phil Hayman hayman.phillip@yahoo.com
Rhode Island: Nestor Bernabe nestortennis@gmail.com
Vermont: Joyce Doud jdoud@edgevt.com
Coach Greg Patton began his first tennis coaching job at UC Santa Barbara in 1976, kickstarting a forty-two year career that would take him across the world and impact thousands of athletes along the way. Patton's coaching has impacted young tennis players on and off the court including some of the top players in today's world rankings In the Spring of 2018, Coach Patton retired from Boise State University, finishing his career as the winningest active collegiate tennis coach, fourth in all-time victories (808) , and with 24 Conference Championships Since retiring as a college head coach, Patton continues his near life-long journey in the world of tennis Through camps and clinics, Coach Patton engages with tennis players of all ages and abilities He also maintains a coaching position with the USA National Collegiate Team , where he continues to work with the top college players in the country Off the court, Coach Patton continues to inspire and motivate teams, businesses, and other organizations through speaking events across the country Coach Patton is a training for the Positive Coaching Alliance
Ken DeHart is the Director of Racquets at Alpine Hills Tennis & Swimming Club in San Jose, CA Ken is a USPTA Master Professional, recipient of the USPTA Lifetime Achievement Award, 4-time winner USPTA Divisional Professional of the Year, 3-time winner of the USPTA Career Development Award, and was formerly a divisional officer for the USPTA Southwest and USPTA Northern California. Ken is an international speaker having spoke at Coaches Conferences at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. Also, Ken is a PTR Master Professional, has been inducted into the PTR Hall of Fame, and is a member of the Yonex Speakers Team
Danielle Lund McNamara was a standout player at the University of Michigan She was the Big Ten Sportswoman of the Year and All-Big Ten Player In her thirteen years as the Head Women's Tennis Coach at Yale, McNamara led the Bulldogs to four Ivy League Championships, four NCAA Tournament appearances and four ECAC Indoor Team Championships Her teams were ranked as high as #1 in the Northeast and #28 in the nation She was named the Wilson/ITA Northeast Region Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2013. McNamara coached 39 All-Ivy singles and doubles players in her tenure at Yale. McNamara demonstrated a tremendous ability to recruit the best and the brightest players on a national level, recruiting multiple blue chip and 5-star players according to the tennisrecruiting.net rankings. She recruited seven top-25 ranked classes, three of which were in the top 10. Two of her recruited players competed in junior Grand Slams prior to coming to Yale (Wimbledon, US Open). Currently, Danielle runs her own tennis company, DLM Coaching, where she provides tennis recruitment services, total athlete development services, and on-court coaching
Registration for Conference:
Cost: Click here.
Saturday & Sunday:
Members - $119
Non-members - $139
Saturday ONLY:
Members - $89
Non-members - $99 FREE for new members (1-3 years) who are attending a division conference for the first time. 5 scholarships for 50% off registration. Email Pam Dodman, at pamela.dodman@uspta.org
APPLY BY April 7th.
Members must login on the USPTA site before registering.
Non-members must create an account before registering. Click here.
Registration for Pickleball Certification:
You must be an active USPTA Professional to be eligible for pickleball certification.
Lodging:
Fairfield Inn in Portsmouth, NH (650 Borthwick Ave.)
$139 + taxes per night
Mention USPTA New England when booking
Click here to go to hotel website. You must call to book the room.
For over 30 years Tennis: Europe & North America has been sending players and coaches to prime destinations for competitive tennis play. The organization is run by USPTA Elite Tennis Professional Martin Vinokur. Coaching positions are available. Contact Martin Vinokur at info@tenniseurope.com For more information about the program click here.
by Stefan Laporte; USPTA Elite Professional & McMahon Careers Executive Search Consultant
The tennis and racquet sports industry has changed rapidly as a result of COVID. Professionals who have remained successful over the past two years have had to stay ahead of these changes by being more engaged in their business and practicing many of the basic concepts that are relevant to any industry.
No longer should you assume that you are settled into your job for years to come and that you are entitled to your position. The philosophy “there is work to be done and always room for improvement”, has never been more accurate. Here are some tips that I hope resonate and maybe even change the way you approach some aspects of your business:
Tennis is a Business: Tennis might be a job or a passion for you, but it’s a business for your General Manager or Owner. Be passionate and have FUN with tennis, but in your professional role you must treat it as a business designed to meet the needs of your members. In turn will garner great respect and stature, but this must be earned. Don’t take it lightly. Show your pride and passion by constantly educating yourself on both racquets-sports trends and club industry trends.
“Dress for Success'': This old motto is still relevant and should always be remembered. We have the power to influence what our members buy in the pro shop. Make sure as your pro shop stocks the latest items, that you and your staff wear these same items. Members like to see apparel “live and in living color”. Never wear a logo from another club or a brand that your shop doesn’t carry. Ask your GM for a staff uniform budget and note that most vendors will give you a 10-15% discount off the cost price for purchases you make for yourself or your staff.
Zoom meetings are here to stay: Zoom isn’t going anywhere so-make sure you are dressed for success whenever using the platform. For staff or club meetings make sure to look professional and take off your cap so your face can be seen. For an interview, it’s best to wear a collared shirt, with a jacket. Remember, you are a businessperson first, and a racquets-professional second. Your image is top priority so play, and look, the part.
Prepare - Preparation is the pathway to confidence: An example can be found again in those Zoom meetings. Take 10-15 minutes of time to prepare, at minimum, to make sure the background is professional, and the lighting highlights your face. Consider investing in a Ring Light that diffuses the light all around your face and makes you stand out. Set the stage and pay attention to details that will make the participants think - “Wow, he/she looked great.” Try not to use a phone for Zoom unless necessary and if you do use a phone, make sure it's secured - no one wants to follow you on a handheld phone that is constantly moving. If your preparation is poor, your presentation on Zoom will show your flaws.
Take off your hat and sunglasses: It’s good practice to occasionally remove your hat when not teaching, so members can see your face. When talking to members close up on the court, or in the pro shop, take your sunglasses off so they can see your face, and your eyes. While on the subject of hats and sunglasses, remember too - Don’t forget sunscreen. Protecting your skin, and your life is more important than anything else. Take care of yourself first, so you can then take care of others.
Be prepared to provide metrics to your GM or Committee Chair: Avoid general statements such as “we are really busy”- instead, provide measurable insights such as “lessons are up 20% from the same week last year” or “Weekend cardio clinics are up 30% this season from last season.” Know your numbers and provide facts. When necessary, be prepared to provide rationale or reasoning for changes while being careful to define what you know, from what you believe or think. If you have not worked on your financials, get started now. The business of a professional or Director today is not just about how to teach a lesson – it’s about how to manage the business.
Take a 360-degree View: Look at yourself physically, socially, and professionally, in the same way you would be seen by those you work with, work for, and by those who work for you. Make a strategic plan for self- improvement, even if it is just one little thing such as “actively engaging in continuing education opportunities rather than passively attending” or “improving my posture so my members and staff see a strong, confident professional.” The smallest improvements can make a significant difference in your current role, and in your ability to secure a future opportunity.
Apply to participate in business-focused education programs such as the USPTA Director of Racquet Sports program, or the Certified Racquet Sports Executive Program (CRSE) program offered by McMahon Careers. If your career goal is ultimately to be a Director – or a more confident and competent Director, or if just want to become more involved in the operations of your facility, you should commit to learning as much as possible about the off-court responsibilities that are expected of today’s professional by General Managers and Owners.
Whatever your current role in the industry, it has a critical impact on your employer, as well as your own career-path. Don’t underestimate the impact that you have on those around you, or how the work you do today, can impact your future. Dressing and making yourself look successful is the first step to being successful. As professionals, we are in positions that are typically multifaceted requiring that we “run on all cylinders” at all times. We are in the spotlight constantly; in fact, many people equate our roles as being similar to being in the entertainment field. Like Entertainers - we must always “look the part” and come prepared to “play the role”.
Stefan J. Laporte, is a certified USPTA Elite Professional, and Professional Pickleball Registry certified. Stefan brings a sterling reputation built over 40+ years in the private club and tennis Industry to McMahon Careers. having achieved the highest level of trust, leadership, and respect that has been the cornerstone of his successful career.
Stefan is based in south Florida; however, he continues to spend his summers as the Director of Tennis at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton, New York. Maidstone is one of the country’s most outstanding summer clubs and is designated as a Top 30 Platinum Club of America
McMahon Careers offers career coaching and executive education programs for racquet sports professionals and executive search services for employers. The firm also manages USPTA Director Search. For more information visit: https://mcmahoncareers.com or https://USPTADirectorSearch.com
by Lisa Wilcott; USPTA
In preparing for my annual Sunshine Tennis work trip to Barbados in February 2023, I organized with Team Fame Leaders at The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport Rhode Island, and had the kids write a few letters to some of the children at the St James School in Barbados. I had local contacts in Barbados and emailed the principal at the school. I was hoping to introduce tennis to the kids, donate racquets and balls, and give away a backpack filled with goodies that I received from my connections with the USPTA. I was also hoping to start a “Pen Pal” connection. As a board member of Tennis Without Borders I also brought a banner and wanted to get some photos of the kids in school and playing tennis.
When I stopped by the school, the principal was not in, but I was introduced to two teachers who suggested I make my presentation of what I was doing there, and what I wanted to do with their class of 24 kids. The kids were very enthusiastic, raised their hands with many, many questions. Some asked if they could come to America and be part of the Team Fame program. I read to them some of the letters from the Team Fame kids and I could see they wanted to be “Pen Pals”. A few of the students had some tennis knowledge, but ALL of them wanted to play tennis, immediately!
One of the teachers asked if I could do the lesson right then, so I scrambled and said of course I could, and would be back in 15 minutes. I ran back to my hotel grabbed about 8 racquets, cones, balls, and my partner Kathy, who luckily was available to help me. We quickly put together a lesson plan, did a relay race, demonstrated volleys, did some catching skills, and some basic hitting for about 45 minutes.This was all done in the hot sun in a pasture. The kids loved it especially when the two teachers joined in on the relay race. We set up a date the following week for me to return as they had to study for midterms, and this would also give them time to work on their pen pal letters.
I returned to the school that Tuesday morning to confirm our lesson, spent about an hour with the principal. He was very interested in what I was offering to do and was wondering how we can do this on a more regular basis for all the 125 students. As busy as he was, he loved telling me about his days when as a young Bajan, he came to the US to train to be a teacher in upstate New York, and how he had no idea how to deal with all the snow and cold.
I had met another female pro, Bridie, from London, who offered to bring her friend Caroline and come help; I was excited there would be four of us to put on the clinic for the kids. We had four stations spread out on the field, used some tape as a net attached to a mango tree, had kids catching, throwing, and hitting balls, and running around having a blast. After the hot sunny class, we took a picture with the group and left time for Q&A which is always so interesting. As promised, two days later I returned to the school to get the letters for Team Fame and spent time with the kids in their classroom. Because it was African Week at the school, many kids had on gorgeous colorful attire instead of their classic standard uniforms. They asked me if I was doing tennis that day and I had to say no, so they asked if I was coming back next week but, again, I unfortunately had to say no as my flight was the next day…but I did promise to keep in touch, come back next year, and I would look forward to connecting through email.
I am so happy for this connection and the opportunity to continue to make kids’ lives better through the sport of tennis. I know I will be receiving emails from these kids, and I promised to write back to them and return next year.
Lisa Wilcott served as Tennis Director for 30 years at the York Golf & Tennis Club in York Maine Lisa is currently a Senior Teaching Professional at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport RI She is a USPTA Elite Professional, serves as Regional Vice President on the USPTA New England Board and is also on the board of Tennis Without Borders. Since 2020 Lisa has travelled and worked with Gigi Fernandez, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin and The Bryan Brothers at Celebrity Camps in the US.
The USPTA New England Board is excited to announce that the USPTA New England Hall of Fame Honorees will have a permanent home at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI. The board purchased 40 bricks and has a section of the walkway devoted to our Hall of Fame Inductees.
Each Hall of Fame recipient will have their name engraved on a brick. Prior inductees into the division's Hall of Fame have their brick already established on the walkway! A Ceremony for this year's Hall of Fame inductees as well as previous years' will be held at the International Tennis Hall of Fame later this year. Stay tuned for the day and time!
Current USPTA New England Hall of Fame Inductees whose brick is on the walkway:
Laury Hammel - 2018
Jerri DiCamillo - 2018
Robert Green Jr. - 2018
Lynn Miller - 2017
Mike Quitko - 2017
Al Rogers – 2017
Norma Taylor - 2016
Don Henson - 2016
Larry Abrams - 2015
Howard Burnett - 2015
Henry Tiberio - 2015
John Foley - 2014
Frank Kenney - 2014
Dave Fleury - 2013
Kay Ruel - 2013
Betty Walsh - 2013
Ed Reid - 2013
Avis Murray - 2012
Dudley Bell - 2012
Jack Barnaby - 2012
Ed Sereus - 2012
Jacques Faulise - 2012
Mario Llano of Middletown, RI will be heading tennis certification for New England as the Tennis Coach Developer. Mario will facilitate the certification process for applicants, and coordinate and conduct the in-person workshops for the Level 2 certification. Now, a little bit about Mario....
Mario Llano is a USPTA Elite Professional from Colombia. He has played tennis since the age of six becoming Colombia’s national champion at the age of 17. He played in Challenger tournaments and eventually decided to play college tennis. Mario played Division II tennis at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri where he reached a national ranking of eight in Division II singles.
Mario has served as the Director of Tennis at the Village of Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, and the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Also, he owns and operates the RI Tennis Academy, which he has done for over 20 years. Currently, he is the Head Tennis Professional at the Centre Court Tennis Club in Providence, Rhode Island.
by Meredith McCraw; CourtReserve
Social media is one of the most powerful strategies for building a local community-based business. Have you thought about how social media could increase your revenue and followers and secure potential customers? There are 95 million posts that are shared on Instagram each day. Three hundred million photos are shared on Facebook each day. Five hundred million tweets are shared each day.
Finding the right social media platform for your club or organization is significant. Your target audience will determine your most beneficial platform. If you have a club of ages 60+, you will likely not use Instagram or Twitter; Facebook may be a better option. If you have a training facility for young teens and adults, Instagram may be your best option Understanding your club’s demographic will help you find the right channel. You will get more interactions by using the appropriate platform and implementing hashtags.
Hashtags (#) are the second most crucial part of growing a social media account. When scrolling through social media, whatever post or video you interact with, the algorithm will automatically take those hashtags and show you more posts related to those hashtags on your feed. For example, a tennis club may post a video of a significant tennis ball rally during one of the player lessons that day. That tennis club needs to implement hashtags for that specific tennis audience. If you put #tennisrally or #besttennispointever, tennis players and fans will be more likely to see it In addition to target audiences, you want to expand the possibility to just tennis fans, especially if it is the best tennis point ever. You can use hashtags such as #viralvideo #instagramreels #funnyvideo, even if it may not be that funny. You can also use hashtags for local businesses and community publicity so more local people can start seeing your posts.
Posting high-quality videos and pictures will also be vital to growing your social media following. Take the time and effort to make sure it is visibly appealing and easy to understand. The more information you give in the post, the more interaction you will get and a follow.
Players at your club can see your information posted on social media, like a highlight from a tournament or essential information regarding court conditions and lessons Other players and admins may also come across your page and see you have mutual followers and the same interest and may follow you. Following people, in general, is a great way to grow your followers. When you follow someone, they will most likely follow you back.
The more followers you have, the more publicity you receive. More advertising may invite new members or guests to your facility to see what the talk is about. Ultimately, all these things working together will increase revenue for your club or business. It’s always possible to create a social media account, step out of your comfort zone, and get creative. Contact us at CourtReserve.com so we can help manage your club while you manage your social media!
Lynn Miller and Wilbur Shardlow conducted clinics for high school and middle school tennis coaches free of charge! Lynn offered her expertise to New Hampshire coaches and held the 3-hour clinic at the Newport Tennis Club in Newport, NH. Wilbur shared his prowess to the coaches of Maine. Wilbur conducted a total of four 4-hour clinics throughout the massive state of Maine; Armstrong Tennis Center in Bangor, Midcoast Recreation Center in Rockport, A-Copi Tennis Center in Augusta, and Foreside Fitness & Tennis Center in Falmouth.
