BASELINES O ffic ial Ne w slette r of t h e U S P TA F lorid a D iv is ion
In This Issue :
Recap of a Great Year and Focus to 2020
2019 Division Convention 2019 World Conference
Award Honorees 2020
2020-2021 Board of
Officers Announced
Regional Education Days
JANUARY 2020
2018 USPTA Large Division of The Year C
ongratulations to all for tremendous efforts in achieving this honor. It takes an entire team of dedicated division members working together to showcase the Florida Division’s impact on our Association and industry. To set this successful year in motion, the Florida Board met in early January with the purpose of finalizing a strategic Plan. The Plan comprised four main points: Communication, Convention, Education and Events. Within those points, specific projects focused on leadership development, inclusivity, responsible fiscal and
business planning, educational advancement and continued relationship development with industry partners. Our longstanding partnership with USTA Florida, key to this success, was an invaluable component in bringing best opportunities to our membership. Florida members’ continued support of tennis growth through programming and tremendous involvement in a wide variety of charitable events were also major factors in the Division receiving this honor. Well– deserved everyone! Thank you!
Presidents Message USPTA
Taking It To The Next Level Jason Gilbert, 2018-2019 USPTA Florida Division President
H
ello USPTA Florida! What an incredibly exciting and productive year it has been! As your Board President, I’m happy to report that our organization continues to “Lead the Way!” Due to the amazing efforts of our members, our District President’s and your Board, we were awarded the prestigious 2018 Large Division of the Year! What a tremendous honor and accomplishment bestowed on our organization. A big thank you to all our members. Over the course of the last two years our (your) Board has been able to accomplish a multitude of important projects including creating a strategic plan specific to the division that became our road map or north star. Once that plan was created, we invited all of our District Presidents, our boots on the ground, to Orlando in order to share that vision. This was imperative in order to implement and continue to create relevance and more value for your membership. This year’s Division Convention held at the beautiful PGA National Resort in West Palm Beach could arguably go down as one of the best ever! Our attendance was at an all-time high seeing over 300 attendees. We received positive feedback regarding our education and social events. Our convention and education committees did a phenomenal job on delivering top-notch relevant speakers and
putting together innovative events such as the black-light night tennis and an extravagant and very special awards ceremony and formal dinner. The board has also been able to formalize contracts for the 2020 through 2024 division conventions at some remarkable facilities. With education being one of our lead measures on our strategic plan, we have been able to continue to organize District Meetings and Regional Education Days across the state. By working closely with our partners, such as USTA Florida and great sponsors, we’ve been able to deliver great education to our membership free of charge. We will be continuing our District Meetings and Regional Education Days, so if you haven’t been able to attend one, please look for notices and save the dates on your calendar for 2020. It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to serve our organization as Board President. As my term comes to an end, I couldn’t be prouder and more excited with the direction we are going. Much of the credit goes to our past leadership that we were able to honor in 2018 at the Grand Cypress Resort, who truly paved the way to where we are now. Special thank you to our current board. Their dedication and passion were instrumental. The Florida Division is truly “taking it to the next level!*
The proposed 2020-2021 slate for Florida Division Board of Officers is confirmed. Thank you to Nominating Committee Chairman Conrad Cowan and committee members Paula Scheb and Alex Hermeto for their diligent work in completing the process. Sincere appreciation is extended to all those who applied to serve. 2020 - 2021 Board of Officers Announced: President Joe D’Aleo Regional Vice President Rich Walker Vice President Mike Curran Vice President Michele Krause Vice President Jim Morton Vice President Jose Pastrello Vice President Milos Vasovic Membership Chair/Head Tester Glen Howe
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USPTA
Celebrate Outstanding USPTA Florida Honorees
Ryan Smith Florida Diversity
Mike Baugh Florida High School Coach
Marcelo Gouts Florida USPTA/USTA Service Award
Chad Berryman Florida College Coach
Trish Faulkner Florida Hall of Fame with Chuck Gill and Jason Gilbert
Richard Centerbar Spike Gurney Florida President Award with Jason Gilbert
District Professionals
Jim Morton Florida Professional of the Year with Jason Gilbert
Matt Bacon Florida District President
Christopher Champion USPTA Diversity
Jose Pastrello USPTA Lessons for Life FL Industry Excellence
District Professionals
District 1 Panhandle William McClelland District 3 Jacksonville Andy Fletcher District 5 Lakeland Drew Dickens District 6 Daytona Beach Jacqueline Johnson District 7A Tampa Eric Dobsha
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Brenda Mertz Florida Lessons for Life
Jicham Zaatini Naples District 12 Florida District
Greg Heartt USPTA and FL U30 Professional
District 7B St. Petersburg Robert Brierley District 8 Sarasota Charles Sandomenico District 9 Vero Beach Christophe Delavaut District 10 West Palm Andrei Daescu District 11 Boca Raton Dennis Quaye District 12 Naples Ron St. John
Wendy Tatum USPTA and FL Large Facility Manager
District 13A S. Miami Daysi Espinal Salazar District 14 Lee County Jeff Diggs District 15 Melbourne John Sanders District 16 N. Dade / S. Broward Tom Mar District 18 Bonita Springs/Estero John Ramsey District 19 The Keys Nicole Berger
USPTA
2019 World Conference A
LAS VEGAS
ction was non-stop as division members enhanced career development through a variety of seminars, meetings and networking oppportunities while enjoying all the great food and entertainment Las Vegas has to offer.*
The USPTA Florida Division Board poses with the Large Division of the Year award at the 2019 World Conference in Las Vegas.
Joao Pinho (Middle States) and Jason Gilbert (Florida) pose with their Division of the Year awards
USPTA Florida members enjoying Las Vegas and the seminars.
Mike, Jason and Joe having a blast at Michael Jackson One!
USPTA Florida members celebrate their award at the 2019 World Conference in Las Vegas.
Joe D’Aleo, Pat Anderson, Dave Moseley – Welch Tennis, and Jason Gilbert.
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USPTA
RED Recap I
camaraderie within their districts. In 2019, REDs were held in Orlando, Clearwater, Jacksonville, Naples and Boca Raton. Thanks to Jaon Gilbert, Greg Heartt, Mike Baugh, Matt Bacon, Jicham Zaatini and Meika Ashby for leading the coordination for these successful events. The RED calendar for 2020 will begin with RED Orlando on January 22 during the Racquet & Paddle Sports Show. Visit R&PSS Website Link www. racquetshow20.com/RED1 for more information. RED Sign-ups - www. racquetshow20.com/REDTIM. The Naples event, hosted by Wyndemere Country Club, kicked off with a lunch and the USTA women’s meeting. General Manager Ryan Cozzetto participated in a panel with Jose Pastrello and Milos Vasovic. Fitness Director Keri Manix got on stage with Samantha Ardenfriend talking about the importance of working fitness and tennis together. USTA FL representatives spoke about NetGen and leagues. Jamie Stevenson, the
Courtesy Photo
n 2013, the USPTA Florida board initiated a creative focus on education by establishing Regional Education Days (RED). The goal of this project was to deliver seminars and relevant topics to local areas and reach teaching professionals who may not be able to travel to the USPTA World Conference and FL Division Convention. The REDs are offered at no cost to our members and consist of six hours of classroom and on-court seminars providing professional development and networking opportunities for USPTA professionals. As supplements to the annual division convention, REDs reach out to diverse groups, provide opportunity for new speakers and engage camaraderie within each region. In addition, focusing on the tennis community and volunteers utilizes our partnership with USTA FL through presentations featuring Adaptive / Inclusion & U30’s. These one-day sessions have continued to grow throughout our division and nationally to offer tennis professionals the opportunity for career development and professional
Regional Education Days in Naples, Fla. 2019.
superintendent of Bonita Bay Club, spoke about best practices in how to maintain your facility and courts in impeccable condition. The last portion of drill swap and ideas featured everyone describing what works best at their club. We had a total of 46 fellow professionals that came to the meeting. I am very thankful for everyone who took the time to come out and learn. We will continue to work hard to bring more help and education days to the area. - Jicham Zaatini On Saturday, Aug. 3 District 3 (Jacksonville) hosted its second Regional Education Day at the beautiful Timuquana Country Club. 45 pros from in and around North Florida enjoyed the USTA Florida sponsored luncheon that featured USPTA Elite Professional Margo Carter speaking about “The P.A.Q” communication code. We then shifted over to the courts where Styrling Strother spoke about “Winning the Moment in Match Play.” Matthew Lucas, the Head Men’s Tennis Coach at the University of North Florida showed the pros “Division 1 doubles tactics and drills for the club players.” The keynote speaker of the event was Whitney Reid Pennell, the CEO of RCS Hospitality Group, who came in and gave an amazing presentation on “G.R.A.C.I.O.U.S Service”. Molly Zimmer with USTA Florida discussed “adaptive training and events in North Florida.” We wrapped up the afternoon with a “swap meet.” The pros broke into groups and discussed different social concepts, tournament formats, lesson tips and different event themes. All the pros that attended received 5.5 credits. We want to thank the USPTA Florida, USTA Florida, Timuquana Country Club and RCS Hospitality Group for making 2019’s R.E.D a huge success for all the pros in the Jacksonville area. The next R.E.D is already in the works. - Matt Bacon *
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USPTA
What Rain? Ben Rakusin, USPTA Elite Professional
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entertaining and even though he was restrained by being indoors, he showed once again that he has as much tennis knowledge as any random 50 pros combined. Of course, as for Michele, she could present in a phone booth and make it as fun
Courtesy Photo
n Saturday, Nov. 9, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Regional Education Day at the Oaks in Boca Raton. It was a double privilege as I not only was an attendee, but a co-presenter myself. My friend and fellow tester Kyle LaCroix and I had
Regional Education Days in Boca Raton, Fla. 2019.
a great time presenting an interactive session on common stroke errors of club players. We were the lucky ones as the remaining on-court sessions were washed out. A little thing like rain, however, could never deter or discourage the likes of dedicated Florida pros. The two affected presenters were Michele Krause and Gerry Berkheimer. Gerry is always
as anything. (I hope our young pros know what a phone booth is). Another significant note on Michele’s session was the clear agreement among the group that there are not nearly enough red, orange and green balls being used for all sorts of teaching out there in the trenches. The inimitable Trish Faulkner not only monitored a women’s pro meeting but led the national
update and shared excellent tips on running successful club events, for which she is legendary. The Florida USTA presence was formidable, featuring Executive Director Laura Bowen along with Dustin Forman and Maria Miro. There was an unprecedented sense of “how high can we jump for you?” which I believe is a direct result of the climate created by Laura’s leadership. Pros Jimmy Roesch and the ubiquitous Mike Baugh gave timely presentations on career advancement and 21st century networking, respectively. The day was wrapped up with a panel on “What directors are looking for” with Vernon Gettone, Chris Lee, Trish and monitored by Kyle. Last but not least, great kudos to Meika Ashby for coordinating a terrific day of learning, camaraderie, good food and fun. There was a refreshing mood of, not confrontation, but interaction, with healthy debates on teaching styles, career paths, pickleball’s role, and other lively topics. All in all, the REDs are among the best, most valuable resources available to us. With the coming increase in education requirements (long overdue) these events should continue to grow and be more plentiful. Sure, they are a no-brainer for earning your credits, but they are of even greater value in making us all better pros. Don’t miss them.*
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USPTA
Filling the Pipeline! Dave Freiman, USPTA Elite Professional
C
onsider a simple business principle that I learned many years ago, that I still follow today, “Fill the pipeline on one end and good stuff will come out on the other end.” If you don’t put anything in the pipeline, then nothing will come out. You get what you put in. Early in my tennis career, I wanted to be successful and I wanted to learn all I could about running my own business. I had just moved into the Tampa area and was trying to find my niche and to create an income for myself. My entrepreneurship spirit lead me to marketing a tennis program to a local residential community with neighborhood tennis courts. My investment was my time and money, which resulted in new clients, a large summer tennis camp and a good start. A few years later, I was still wanting to grow my business. After some research, I found a similar company in Atlanta, and contacted the owner, who was a USPTA member and who was nice enough to invite me to his area to discuss his entire operation with me. I traveled out to Atlanta to visit him and learn all about how he started his business and the things he was doing to be successful. This was very helpful in shaping my business and it probably prevented many mistakes I might have made, saving me time and helping my income grow for the future. An extra benefit was that I continued to consult with him and through the last 20 years we have remained good friends. I filled the pipeline by investing my time
and money where I gained valuable knowledge, which helped me create a more structured and solid business. I have always had the attitude that you get out exactly what you put in, including my professional association with the USPTA . How did I fill the pipeline? I have attended many USPTA Florida Division Conventions, several USPTA World Conferences and other industry related workshops, all at my own expense. While it may have been tough sometimes financially and with loss of time in my business, I committed to going and made it a high priority every time. This past summer was my “Perfect Storm” as I could not attend the USPTA Florida Division Conference, after about 20+ consecutive years of attending. Over the years I have also volunteered and helped coordinate many local tennis events, including a USPTA Pro League, as well as been the USPTA District President for the Tampa Bay area. These experiences and the new friendships I have made, have helped create who I am today. The return on my investment has been tenfold. Finally, I get to talk to many of the coaches at all the tennis clubs in my area through one of my companies, TeamTennisJuniorLeague.com. As the league director, I talk shop and I get to hear from their perspective what is going on in their world. Unfortunately, I do not see many of them at the conferences or other USPTA events. I’m sure they all have some very good
reasons for not attending but I also know the value of attending. The USPTA provides many opportunities to grow your career, and now with the World Headquarters located in Florida, those opportunities have only increased. I have seen a lot of positive things happening in the organization, both nationally and in Florida, due to the leadership and board at the top and the many professionals who do get involved. To any professionals that might be reading this, we need your unique input and perspective and I challenge you to get involved in the USPTA, to volunteer and help grow tennis in your area. Fill the pipeline. You only get back what you put in, but your return will be tenfold! It has for me and it will for you. Notices of upcoming events are sent by email blast to the entire Division or particular Districts/Regions, as needed. All events are listed on the USPTA Education Calendar. Visit uspta.com/ USPTA/Calendars/Education.*
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USPTA top junior player or an interclub county team. There is a major difference between coaching competitive tennis players and club-level players. Great coaches are able to adapt their coaching style, attitude, and communication depending on the player with whom he or she is working. Every player is different, each with varied From Playing strengths, and weaknesses. Therefore, it to Coaching is important to treat them differently as Pedro Wagner, USPTA Professional well, not only in coaching, but also in your approach them as individuals. Coaches -Love,” says the umpire after who have played at the professional or a well fought first point of the collegiate level have a better understanding match. Everything looks in place, the game of what players need to do in specific plan was set, preparation was great, and situations and what those players are right now, nothing else matters. It is on. I feeling when playing a match. However, have been in this position countless times. highly skilled players who become coaches However, there is something completely can also struggle to understand why their different this time. The butterflies in my players aren’t able to perform under stomach won’t stop even after the first pressure when it came very easily to them few games. A helpless, lonely feeling takes during their playing career. over my body, and a few moments later, it When structuring a lesson, developing finally hits me. I find myself not across the a training program, and selecting the net from my opponent, but rather on the right competitions on a player’s or team’s sidelines, in the coaching box. calendar, coaches who were trained and When looking for a coach, players experienced in competition will be able tend to look for individuals who were to better recognize the most appropriate incredibly successful in their careers as path for their players’ success. The athletes. Coaches who were exceedingly number of matches to be played, the talented players have a great advantage preparation required, the physical and to succeed over those who weren’t. mental fatigue which will occur, the However, there is much more to coaching burnouts… everything counts. There is than your own ability to play the game. no substitute for first-hand experience, Transitioning from the position of player and only those who have lived in the to the one of coach is not an easy task, nor competitive world of tennis are able to is for everybody. There are advantages understand how truly challenging it can and disadvantages to both coaches be. With the right preparation players are who were great athletes and those who more likely to accomplish their goals and weren’t. There are both advantages and enjoy themselves in the process. disadvantages to being a coach who Coaching tennis is far more than had a successful playing career. In this feeding balls and correcting players’ piece, I will discuss the positive aspects techniques. Tennis is one of the most of coaching after having played at a high difficult sports to learn because so much level, and I will point out instances where of the game is mental. To become a great these coaches need to pay attention as tennis coach, it is necessary to maintain their own expertise might be negatively positive interactions with players, as impact their work. this relationship will be the foundation Being able to recognize that all players of players’ trust in their coaches. are different is imperative for coaches’ Tennis is highly affected by emotions success, whether they are coaching a and knowledge of the game itself is not
“15
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sufficient to be a highly qualified coach. What differentiates an average from an extraordinary coach is the interaction built between coach and player, and the ability to for both parties to feel and express what is happening on the court. A coach who started playing tennis at an older age is not capable of understanding the difficulty of some situations that the players may encounter. Players rely on commands, but they also rely on their coach for inspiration. Being familiar with the roller coaster of emotions caused by the sport on and off the court will help influence players not only to improve themselves, but to look up to their coach as a role model. After concluding my college tennis career, I noticed how challenging my own coaching experience could be. In the beginning, I felt a lot of responsibility and pressure on my shoulders, making it harder to have full confidence in myself. That being said, watching tennis matches from the outside of the court makes it much easier to analyze the players’ flaws, and what he or she should do differently to improve. When I put myself in the players’ position, I am able to give them my best advice and instruction from my own experiences playing competitive tennis. Overall, transitioning to a tennis coach after concluding my college tennis career has been an enjoyable way to teach the sport I love, while utilizing my past experiences of playing competitively. The relationship between coach and player is a huge part of being a successful tennis coach. The experience of having played competitive tennis is definitely helpful and beneficial towards understanding sensations and advising the players in similar situations on court. I advise coaches in similar situations, especially young coaches from all levels, to emphasize the importance of communication with their players. By understanding how they feel, it is easier to put yourself in their position and instruct them positively based on your experiences as a competitive athlete. *
TENNIS MAGAZINE 2019 EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD FOR TENNIS MAGAZINE 2019 EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD FOR
BEST NEW INNOVATION BEST NEW INNOVATION
USPTA
Convention Comments: What I did I miss... Are you kidding? Ben Rakusin USPTA Elite Professional
T
he recent USPTA Florida Division convention at PGA National was the best of all worlds; old and new, traditional and modern, simple and complex, action packed and thought-provoking. The real thought-provoking aspect of the conference was clearly the expanding dialogue concerning the USTA accreditation of the USPTA. I’m going to save my take on all that for another time, but it doesn’t in any way diminish the positive impact of this conference. Our conference has always been about education and this was no different. Diana Liberto, Mark McMahon, Feisal Hassan, Steve Keller, Scott Schultz, Trish Faulkner, Laura Bowen, Lisa Pugliese are just a sample of the top professionals and industry leaders visible at educational sessions that were available. There was opportunity to improve your teaching skills, your understanding of special needs players, your understanding of club operations, even strategies for your very career path. I personally loved the array of round table and panel formats. I felt there were many conversations going on; not just presentations. It’s clear to me that the tennis expertise of the Florida division is unequalled anywhere and nothing will change that.
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Our conference has also always been about recognition. It was wonderful to see Peggy Gurney assisting in awarding the first Spike Gurney award to Richard Centerbar. I’m happy to say that I’ve called
deciding what your goals should be, juast learn about Trish and try to be a small fraction of that. Oh yes, we play; do we ever. Despite the unfortunate shortening of the team tennis due to weather,
Leadership from USTA Florida and USPTA Florida signed a re-newed Partnership Agreement in effect for the next two years.
those three friends for many years and R.C. has been one of the guiding lights of our division for a long time. This brings us to Trish Faulkner and her induction into our Hall of Fame. I could wax poetic about Trish’s accomplishments in and around the game for the next fifty pages. Suffice to say, if you are a young pro
there were two great chances for lively and fun action on the court. Pro Triples, energetically monitored by Michele Krause and Meika Ashby, was a heart pumping, laugh-inducing blast. I even coaxed my body out there for some of the fun. We also witnessed XGLOsive Tennis. The folks who do these events put on a
USPTA great show and help us all experience the closest thing to psychedelic tennis. Women’s forum, club manager’s forum, tip swap, golf, food, drink and camaraderie still don’t complete the list of offerings available at our conference. Oh, and you can even upgrade your certification (I had to do a little work). The World Conference this fall will be in New Orleans and I’m certain it will be spectacular as always. But if your travels are limited to Florida, you won’t find a better experience than our annual get-together. As I like to say when I promote this conference in my certification class, Pat Anderson and the board really put on a mini-world conference. Don’t miss another one.
Florida Division Board
Convention Evaluation
This was my second Florida conference. I’ve been a USPTA member since 1999 and moved to Florida full-time two years ago. The conference gave me a chance to meet some great people, share ideas, and start forming some great relationships. I’ve got a better idea of what, whom, and where Florida USPTA is heading. I found that the tone and message in this year’s seminar was quite different than last year. One of the seminars I attended was dedicated to the impact of potential future changes in our industry and the need to address those changes effectively. I hold an MBA and noticed the strong emphasis on the use of educational methodologies such as SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) and other analytical techniques to focus on the business aspects of operating in the tennis industry; focused both on the customer base being serviced and the providers themselves. Thanks for the insight. It definitely gives us something to consider.– Joan Patterson, USPTA *
USPTA Florida Division Master ProfessionalsDave Brown, Glen Howe, Will Hoag, Trish Faulkner, Barry Goldsmith and Dave Kozlowski
Professional Women’s Forum, coordinated by Laura Bowen, USTA FL Executive Director at the Division Convention at PGA National Resort. Women’s forums will be offered at each USPTA FL educational event for women to exchange ideas and Promote inclusion.
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USPTA
Ted Withall, USPTA Master Professional, Mentor and Friend Passes at age 100 J.J. McDonough, USPTA Elite Professional
T
ed Withall was born nine days after the World War I Armistice on Nov. 20, 1918 in El Paso, TX. His dad got his discharge from the army and they went home to San Diego, CA. Tennis and baseball occupied Ted’s time every day-all day with his best friend, Ted Williams. After high school Williams got tapped for the big leagues. Ted went to San Diego State College where he was No. 1 on the freshman tennis team and pitched for the freshman baseball team. Ted went to San Diego for four years and then transferred to University of California at Berkley (B.S. degree). Between 1942-1946 he served in the Air Corps and between 1947-1948 enrolled at the University of Southern California for a year of graduate work. In 1948 he started to teach tennis in and around Beverly Hills and also had a radio show (singing) in Hollywood. Ted met Helen Garey at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles in 1947. It was love at first site for Ted. They were married ten
Ted surrounded by Peggy Gurney and fellow past Florida Division Presidents: Trish Faulkner, Richard Centerbar, Richard Verzaal, Kevin McCarthy, Will Hoag, Mark McMahon and Chuck Gill at Celebration of Life service for Spike Gurney.
days later and were married for 70 years. Helen passed away at age 93 in 2017. In 1951 Ted succeeded Pancho Segura, who went on tour, at the Concord Hotel in upstate New York (summers-five years). In 1951 he also taught tennis in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (winters-five years). In 1956 he was teaching at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton, NY. He succeeded Fred Perry at the Boca Raton Hotel and Club in 1957 where he stayed for 13 years. Ted worked at the Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, New Jersey from 19601969 in the summer months. Ted left Boca for the Tennis Club in Fort Lauderdale because it presented a new concept in tennis clubs: condos surrounding tennis courts. Ted then went to the Beach Club in Palm Beach during the mid-70s for several years.
Ted was offered a vice presidency at the indoor Tennis Club of the Palm Beaches. Ted was also Head Pro at the St. Andrews Club in Gulf Stream, Florida. Ted joined the USPTA in 1950. He was the first President of the Florida PTA. He became President of the USPTA in 1972. He was among the first group of members to be honored as a Master Professional. He was also the first member to be inducted into the Florida PTA Hall of Fame. He has been a member for 64 years. Ted passed away on Thursday, August 8 at the Boca Raton Hospice. He was always quick with a joke and a song. Ted is survived by his daughters Robin Cox and Lisa McCusker, his grandchildren J.J. McDonough and Erin McCusker, and his greatgrandchildren Kane and Van McDonough.*
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USPTA News Volleys & Dates 2020 USPTA Florida Testing Dates April 8-9...................................................... National Tennis Center Orlando April 13-14...................................... Collier’s Reserve Country Club Naples May 11-12............................................................................... Oaks Boca Raton May 31............................................................. Florida Convention TBD June 3-4...................................................... National Tennis Center Orlando June 15-16.................................................................. Tops’l Resort Destin July 8-9....................................................... National Tennis Center Orlando August 3-4............................................................. Forestmeadows Tallahassee August 10-11........................................................................... Oaks Boca Raton September 9-10......................................... National Tennis Center Orlando October 19-20......................................................................... Oaks Boca Raton November 11-12........................................ National Tennis Center Orlando December 7-8.................................................. Oaks at Boca Raton Boca Raton, FL
USPTA FL Diversity Honoree Ryan Smith Having Autism is not an easy challenge to live with. Though it is a challenge and not an issue. I still have more challenges to overcome through determination. One of those is becoming a better person each and every day. By the way, I am working with my first student on my own. He is a Special Olympics tennis player and teammate of Manatee County at the orange ball level. I’ve been working with him for a couple weeks and he is doing well. See this picture of Charlie and I having a ball on the court.
Welcome New Members
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
It’s Time for Dues! As we head into the holiday season, it’s already time to get ready for an exciting 2020. USPTA Members can look forward to new features on USPTA.com and the new USPTA member app. We are looking forward to announcing changes and additional member benefits resulting from our status as the only USTAaccredited tennis-teaching association. As always, there are some great events on the horizon for education, networking and fun! None of this would be possible without the support of you, our members. As we bring 2019 to a close, it is now time to pay your member dues for 2020. We are happy to report that membership dues have not increased this year. A portion of your dues goes directly to your USPTA division so they can continue to run outstanding educational events across the country. In our continuing efforts to Go Green, unless you requested to have a paper statement sent to you via US Mail, all dues notices will be sent via email. Please visit uspta.com to login to your Member Documents and download your invoice to submit a check payment via US Mail, for tax purposes, or to submit for reimbursement. You may also pay your dues online through the website. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF USPTA!
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2020 – 2021 Board of Officers and District Presidents - USPTA Florida Board of Officers JOE D’ALEO President 850-267-9195 joe.daleo@vacasa.com RICH WALKER Regional Vice President 386-212-3989 rwalker@theiconteam.com MIKE CURRAN Vice President 239-444-3643 mcurran@gulfharbour.com
MILOS VASOVIC Vice President 239-394-4464 Milos77@gmail.com
DISTRICT 4 – CENTRAL FL
DISTRICT 9 – VERO BEACH
DISTRICT 14 – LEE COUNTY
GREG HEARTT
DISTRICT 15 -MELBOURNE
386-793-8922
JIMMY ROESCH
DISTRICT 14 – LEE COUNTY ALEX HERMETO
gheartt@isleworth.com
321-558-9390
ALEX HERMETO 239-839-6104 239-839-6104 alex@cypresslakecc.com alex@cypresslakecc.com
jroesch@egyachtclub.com GLEN HOWE Head Tester 850 891-4979 Tennismasterpro2004@yahoo.com PAT ANDERSON Executive Director 407-696-0515 pat.anderson@uspta.org
District Presidents
USPTA
DISTRICT 5 – LAKELAND CY SMITH 828-850-0951 Cyspro3@gmail.com DISTRICT 6 – DAYTONA BCH. MICHAEL SANDERS 386-846-9718 mike@occ1907.com DISTRICT 7A – TAMPA BRANDON FELDMAN
MICHELE KRAUSE Vice President 941-457-7880 michele.krause@me.com
DISTRICT 1 – PANHANDLE WILLIAM McCLELLAND 251-232-4800 mcclelland@ustaflorida.com
JIM MORTON Vice President 305-367-2611 x2188 jmorton@oceanreef.com
DISTRICT 2 – TALLAHASSEE ELIZABETH SEAY 850-544-6776 eaadkison@aol.com
JOSE PASTRELLO Vice President 239-269-2095 pastrellotennis@gmail.com
DISTRICT 3 – JACKSONVILLE ANTHONY GERACI 941-626-2771 MATTHEW BACON swfltennis@gmail.com 704-609-1353 mbacon@timuquana.net
813-419-3752 brandon.b.feldman@gmail.com DISTRICT 7B – ST. PETE MIKE BAUGH 812-259-0321 baughelite@gmail.com DISTRICT 8 – SARASOTA
DISTRICT 10 – WEST PALM JOSH STURGIS 561-635-5924
DISTRICT 16 N.DADE/S.BROWARD DISTRICT 16 N.DADE/S. FELIPE ALARCON BROWARD 305-608-0530 FELIPE ALARCON felipealarcon28@hotmail.com 305-608-0530
jsturgis@clubatibis.com
felipealarcon28@hotmail.com DISTRICT 11 – BOCA RATON DISTRICT 17 - GAINESVILLE CHRISTOPHER CHAMPION MEIKA ASHBY DISTRICT 17 - GAINESVILLE 269-365-8728 786-547-7522 meika.ashby@oaksclub.net
CHRISTOPHER CHAMPION champion.christopher@yahoo.com 786-547-7522
DISTRICT 12 - NAPLES
champion.christopher@yahoo.com DISTRICT 18-BONITA AREA
JICHAM ZAATINI 239-465-3019 jichamz@hotmail.com DISTRICT 13 A – S. MIAMI PAULO BARROS 407-259-8944 pbarros@fisherislandclub.com DIST. 13B -N. MIAMI BEACH/ AVENTURA TODD RUBINSTEIN 954-588-0609
ADAM LANE DISTRICT 18-BONITA AREA 239-908-1554 ADAM LANE adamlane10s@aol.com 239-908-1554 adamlane10s@aol.com DISTRICT 19 - KEYS JUSTIN ROMERO DISTRICT 19 - KEYS 505-352-4095 JUSTIN ROMERO jromero@oceanreef.com 505-352-4095 jromero@oceanreef.com
Todd@sunshinestatetennis.com
iGENIE
GET A FREE DEMO! For sales and service Stan Oley’s Tennis Inc. 800.352.6878 www.stanoleytennis.com
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The Official Ball Machine of the USPTA
NEED DRILLS? Go to:
playmatetennis.com (800) 776-6770 January 2020 — Baselines - 17
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USPTA Florida Division 1123 Arbor Glen Circle Winter Springs, FL 32708
USPTA FLORIDA DIVISON CONVENTION Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
SAVE-THE-DATE! May 28 - 31, 2020 Members interested in speaking at the USPTA Florida Convention:
Please use this link to upload a short Biography, Title of the Presenta�on and Presenta�on Outline by March 1st. www.cognitoforms.com/USPTA1/_2020USPTAFloridaConferenceSpeakerSubmission A�er the deadline, the Educa�on Commi�ee will evaluate the applica�ons and fill the spots accordingly. Final decision will be made by March 15th.
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