February 21 & 22, 2025
Congressional Country Club
Bethesda, Maryland
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME MESSAGE
Glenn Gerbino RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division President
Dear Members of the RSPA
Mid-Atlantic Division:
On behalf of the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division Annual Conference here at the prestigious Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. This event is a testament to the strength and passion of our racquet sports professional community. We are thrilled to share this time with so many talented professionals dedicated to elevating our craft.
Over the next few days, we will exchange ideas, gain insights from industry leaders, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our peers. Let us use this opportunity to learn, connect, and inspire one another as we continue to advance the game and grow our impact across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Many thanks to all of our presenters, our Board members, Education Committee members and Executive Director Joni Hannah for organizing this excellent event, and special thanks to Congressional Country Club for their part in making this event a success.
Thank you for your commitment and I hope you have a great conference.
Warm regards,
Glenn Gerbino
RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division President
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, February 21, 2025
8:00 am – 8:30 am Registration
8:30 am – 9:00 am Tim Smith USTA Updates
9:00 am – 9:30 am Laramie Richbourg & Jen Kaine Girls Rule the Court
9:30 am – 10:30 am Harry Gilbert What Great Hospitality Companies Can Teach Us
10:30 am – 11:30 am Betsy Gregory
Beyond the Baseline: A Blueprint for a Racquet Sports Professional’s Growth
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Jason Hildebrandt Ace Your Performance
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Brian Dillman Division Awards & Hall of Fame Luncheon
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Nick Bergman (On Court) The Ins and Outs of Platform Tennis
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Chandra Soucek (On Court) Pickleball Drills and More
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Luke Kairys (On Court) Babolat Demo Court
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Pat Whitworth (On Court) Favorite Drills from Top Pros
5:30 pm – 6:45 pm Cocktail Reception
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, February 22, 2025
8:00 am – 8:30 am Registration
8:30 am – 9:00 am Kevin Theos RSPA Updates
9:00 am – 10:00 am Pat Whitworth Make Your Program Magical –Add the Disney Touch
10:00 am – 10:30 am David Robinson Perks of the Profession –Teach on the Beach Vacations
10:30 am – 11:30 am Allison Flatley Unleash Your Super Powers
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Jakob Gustafsson It’s Not Who You Know
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Allison Flatley Lunch and REX Roundtable
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Logan West (On Court) How to Draft and Adapt Practice Plans
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Jakob Gustafsson (On Court) Tecnifibre Demo Court & Drill Exchange
Want to Get More Involved with the RSPA?
Volunteer
The Mid-Atlantic Division of the RSPA has long been committed to the promotion, development, and support of racquet sports professionals. Our success is attributed to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers. As we continue to grow and evolve, we invite you to join us by volunteering your time and expertise to one of our committees. Your new ideas and input are what make our division stronger.
Please scan the code below to volunteer for the Member Engagement Committee, Education Committee, Women’s Committee or Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Thank you for your continued support and dedication.
The RSPA Mid-Atlantic Board & Joni Hannah, Executive Director
Friday, February 21st @ 8:30 am – 9:00 am
Tim Smith
USTA UPDATES
Tim Smith is the Sr. Manager of Leagues at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. Since joining the organization in July 2023, Tim has supervised the USTA League product in Maryland and DC, while also directing several league championship events each year.
Prior to joining USTA, Tim served eight years as Executive Director of the Washington Area Frisbee Club, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the sport of ultimate frisbee in the Washington, DC metro area. After receiving his Kinesiology master's degree from James Madison University, Tim worked in campus recreation at Georgetown University for several years before transitioning into nonprofit recreation.
When not managing or participating in sport programs, he is often fishing in a nearby creek. Tim resides in Centreville, VA with his wife and two children, ages 10 and 7.
Friday, February 21st @ 9:00 am – 9:30 am
Laramie Richbourg & Jen Kaine
GIRLS RULE THE COURT
Laramie Richbourg is the Manager of Girls Rule the Court at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, leading program delivery, and supporting partner development and program messaging. Laramie began her journey with the USTA as a Leagues Assistant and proudly coached the first pilot Girls Rule the Court program in 2022 and is now preparing the program for expansion across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
Jen Kaine is the Coach of Girls Rule the Court. Jen became a founding coach for Girls Rule the Court in May 2022. With her background as a high school teacher and a passion for tennis, this opportunity was one she couldn’t pass up, truly a dream job! She started coaching Girls Rule the Court because it is the perfect opportunity for her to share her love of tennis (she’s an active USTA league player) and be a positive influence in the lives of young ladies
Friday, February 21st @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Harry Gilbert
WHAT GREAT HOSPITALITY CAN TEACH US
Harry Gilbert brings 40+ years of expertise in the private club, resort, and tennis industry. His philosophy of “a complete commitment to customer service” is the guiding principle behind all his work in the tennis and hospitality arenas. He is the Owner/Principal of Harry Gilbert Tennis which provides consulting services for tennis clubs, country clubs and resorts.
Harry has extensive experience delivering memorable experiences to members and guests at the private clubs and resorts that he has directed. He serves as Director of Tennis at Waccabuc Country Club, a member owned country club in Westchester County, NY. where he is beginning his 27th season. Responsible for all aspects of the tennis program, Harry creates the “service first” culture which permeates every aspect of the program. Harry is a certified RSPA Elite Professional and PTR Professional and served on the USPTA FL Board of directors for 12 years, including a 3- year term as President of the Division. He was twice named FL Division Pro of the Year and served for 14 years on the RSPA National Board of Directors, including a 2-year term as National President.
Friday, February 21st @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Betsy Gregory
BEYOND THE BASELINE: A BLUEPRINT FOR A RACQUET SPORTS PROFESSIONAL’S GROWTH
Betsy Gregory joined Congressional Country Club in December 2015. Prior to working at Congressional, she worked at Bethesda Country Club, Rhode Island Country Club and J. Alexander's Restaurant Group. While her background is in operations, Betsy had the opportunity to take her career on a new track and in 2013 she pursued Human Resources management. She attributes her success in leading organizational outcomes and building culture to her experience in operations and having had the opportunity to lead so many people from various roles, backgrounds and cultures.
Betsy is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University. Has worked up and down the east coast but moved to the DC region to be closer to family. Proud mom of two small boys and enjoys working on the farm with her husband!
Friday, February 21st @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Jason Hildebrandt
ACE YOUR PERFORMANCE
Not only is Jason Hildebrandt an active player, he is also a dedicated mental performance coach and a public speaker, helping athletes unlock their full potential through the power of sports psychology.
Jason’s journey in the US began with his collegiate tennis career, spending 4 years at the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology while qualifying for the NCAA for the first time in school history, followed by 2 years at the University of Wisconsin where he completed a Master’s in Sports Leadership.
Jason’s accomplishments beyond college include being the German National Champion in Doubles, the German Runner-Up in Singles, and competing twice at the prestigious Hamburg ATP 500.
Today, Jason uses his experiences as both a player and a coach to empower athletes to elevate their performance, focusing on the crucial role of mental strength in achieving peak results.
Friday, February 21st @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Brian
Dillman
MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION AWARDS & HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON
Brian Dillman serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), formerly the (USPTA). A transformative leader in the racquet sports industry, Brian has spearheaded the organization's strategic rebrand, expanding its reach beyond tennis to include pickleball, Padel, squash, and platform tennis. Under his guidance, the RSPA has become the definitive authority in racquet sports, providing certification and career advancement opportunities for professionals worldwide.
With over two decades of leadership experience, Brian has delivered results across a range of industries, including sporting goods, fitness, and fashion. His tenure at miha bodytec as CEO saw the company break new ground in health and wellness technology. At the same time, his leadership at Wilson Sporting Goods propelled him to General Manager of the racquet sports division, where he drove global growth and innovation. Brian’s career also includes key leadership roles at Cervelo Bicycles, Peter Millar, and Rodd & Gunn, further cementing his expertise in navigating complex, international markets.
Brian’s deep connection to tennis began as a nationally ranked junior player in Texas and continued through his collegiate years at the University of Illinois. He became a certified USPTA professional in 1991.
As CEO of the RSPA, Brian is committed to fostering the growth of racquet sports professionals both on and off the court. He has championed innovative programs that blend technical expertise with leadership and business acumen, reflecting his belief that racquet sports professionals are integral to the industry's future. Brian’s leadership is driven by a clear strategic vision, a relentless focus on results, and an unwavering commitment to empowering professionals to lead with integrity and create lasting, meaningful change within the racquet sports industry.
Friday, February 21st @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm (On Court)
Nick Bergman
THE INS AND OUTS OF PLATFORM TENNIS
Nick is the Director of Racquets at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY. In his position as director, Nick oversees the entire racquets department which includes tennis, platform tennis and pickleball. Nick first started working on the East Coast at Philadelphia Cricket Club in 1999. Then shifted to New York/Connecticut area.
Nick has worked in Fairfield/Westchester counties and run programs in private clubs and golf clubs for 20+ years, as well as indoor tennis for public facilities. Before that, Nick was the Director of Paddle Programs for Manursing Island Club, Innis Arden Golf Club, Weston Field Club, & Stamford Yacht Club. Nick was also the coordinator for the Fairfield County Women’s Platform Tennis League (1000+ ladies) for a number of years and has run 20-30 NRT tournaments for men or women along the way.
Friday, February 21st @ 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm (On Court)
PICKLEBALL DRILLS AND MORE
Chandra Soucek excels at just about any sport that includes a racquet or paddle. Chandra was an NCAA Division I tennis player at San Diego State and the University of Colorado, and has coached tennis for the past 25 years. In addition, Chandra competes at a high level in Pickleball, Squash, Platform Tennis, Padel and Court Tennis!
Chandra is currently the girls’ varsity tennis coach at George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church, Virginia and works at Onelife Fitness in McLean, VA as a Master Pilates Instructor. Chandra is also a teaching professional at the Pickleball Club of Tysons. Chandra competes in the senior division of the Pro Association of Pickleball Players and is an International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association Level 2 Instructor and Certified Pickleball Teaching Professional.
Chandra Soucek
Friday, February 21st @ 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm (On Court)
BABOLAT DEMO COURT
Luke Kairys is the Babolat Mid-Atlantic Region Territory Sales Manager for 12+ years. Luke has been a tennis retail industry expert since 1997 with a TennisPadel-Pickleball product focus.
Created in 1875, in Lyon, France, Babolat is the longestrunning international company specialized in racket sports. Babolat invented strings for tennis in 1875. Family-run for five generations, Babolat is an innovative brand providing complete equipment for those who love racket sports (tennis, badminton, padel): rackets, strings, connected tennis wristband, shoes, balls, bags, apparel and accessories.
Friday, February 21st @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm (On Court)
FAVORITE DRILLS FROM TOP PROS
Rick Macci, Ken DeHart, Rosie Bareis, Jorge Capestany, Butch Staples, Hans Romer & Sophie Woorons
RSPA Master Professional, is the owner of Tennis Services in Suwanee, Ga. and now retired from full time Country Club tennis. He is a twotime past president of the USPTA Southern Division, and currently the Executive Director. In 2022, he was proudly inducted into the USPTA Southern Hall of Fame.
Pat was honored as the 2001 USPTA Alan Henry Southern Professional of the Year, and is a two-time USTPA Pride of the South and Georgia Professional of the Year. Pat has been creating unique drills and games for over 25 years, stays on the bleeding edge with computers and software, and continues to perfect service to his clients. His talks have been heard at the USTA National Tennis Teachers Workshop, SuperShow Workshops, and RSPA National & Division Conventions
Pat Whitworth
Saturday, February 22nd @ 8:30 am – 9:00 am
RSPA UPDATES
Kevin Theos is in his second term as an RSPA National Vice president. He previously served as the president of the RSPA Southern Division and as president of the Alabama chapter of RSPA, creating and overseeing the highly successful RSPA Career and Leader Mentoring Program.
Kevin is the owner of Theos Consulting LLC and designs and develops educational content in the racquet sports industry. Previously, he served for over 16 years as the USTA Southern "Tennis Service Representative" (TSR) for Alabama. Kevin was the first executive director of the Birmingham Area Tennis Association, where he fundraised and built tennis and education programs for under-resourced youth. He has taught tennis in numerous public and private venues and holds a law degree from the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and a Master’s degree in Instructional Design and Development from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Saturday, February 22nd @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Pat Whitworth
MAKE YOUR PROGRAM MAGICAL –ADD THE DISNEY TOUCH
RSPA Master Professional, is the owner of Tennis Services in Suwanee, Ga. and now retired from full time Country Club tennis. He is a two-time past president of the USPTA Southern Division, and currently the Executive Director. In 2022, he was proudly inducted into the USPTA Southern Hall of Fame.
Pat was honored as the 2001 USPTA Alan Henry Southern Professional of the Year, and is a two-time USTPA Pride of the South and Georgia Professional of the Year. Pat has been creating unique drills and games for over 25 years, stays on the bleeding edge with computers and software, and continues to perfect service to his clients. His talks have been heard at the USTA National Tennis Teachers Workshop, SuperShow Workshops, and RSPA National & Division Conventions
Saturday, February 22nd @ 10:00 am – 10:30 am
David Robinson
PERKS OF THE PROFESSION: TEACH ON THE BEACH VACATIONS
David Robinson is a Washington DC native and an RSPA Professional since 1980. David has been in the racquets industry for 45 years and has experience in squash, pickleball and padel.
David is currently the Director of Racquet Sports at Little Falls Swimming Club in Bethesda, Maryland and also manages after-school tennis and pickleball programming at elementary and middle schools for most of the Montgomery County Public Schools in Bethesda and Chevy Chase. David is also a Senior Managing Partner of Racquet Sports Management.
Saturday, February 22nd @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Allison Flatley
UNLEASH YOUR SUPER POWERS
Allison Flatley has been instrumental in the health and fitness industry for over 30+ years. For 26 years, Allison was focused on building, operating and growing corporate, residential, commercial, government and hospital-based fitness and wellness programs.
From 2013 through 2017, Allison served on the IHRSA Board of Directors, as Nominations Committee Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. For 14 years, Allison shared her industry knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor at American University.
In 2017, Allison started Allison Flatley Consulting to help organizations with their strategy, business growth and client engagement. In 2022, Allison started the first Roundtable for Executives (REX) for women leaders. In 2024, Allison started the first REX Pickleball Roundtable. Allison enjoys spending time with her three adult children and is very active. Golf, running, biking and skiing are her favorite activities.
Saturday, February 22nd @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Jakob Gustafsson
IT’S NOT WHO YOU KNOW
Born and raised in Sweden, Jakob came to the US to play college tennis at University of Louisville. After 4 years there, Jakob went on to become an assistant coach at Morehead State University for 2 years and stayed in college tennis for a total of 13 years.
Jakob then moved to Tecnifibre where he is currently a Regional Sales Manager. At Tecnifibre, Jakob’s focus is on cultivating strong client relationships and steering the sales strategy towards sustained growth. With a background enriched by sports management and sales, Jakob’s expertise lies in developing and implementing strategic sales initiatives that resonate with our mission and fuel market expansion.
Jakob lives in North Carolina with his wife, Elissa, two children (Elias and Elouise), 2 dogs and 3 cats.
Saturday, February 22nd @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (On Court)
Logan West
HOW TO DRAFT AND ADAPT PRACTICE PLANS
Logan West is a USPTA Certified Elite Professional Coach. He is currently the Head Coach of the Girls and Boys Tennis Teams at his high school alma mater, Sidwell Friends. As a player at Sidwell Friends, Logan was named First Team All-Met by The Washington Post. Logan was a four- year letterman on the men’s tennis team at Dartmouth College and received his JD from The George Washington University Law School.
Logan’s girls’ teams at Sidwell Friends have won four DCSAA DC State Titles and four consecutive ISL AA Division regular season and tournament banners. The boys’ teams have won three DCSAA DC State Titles and four consecutive MAC Conference banners. Logan has received the following awards: 2018 DCSAA Boys & Girls State Coach of the Year; 2019 Washington Post All-Met Boys Tennis Coach of the Year; 2021 USTA Mid-Atlantic Section Coach of the Year; and 2022 USPTA Mid-Atlantic Washington, DC High School Coach of the Year.
Saturday, February 22nd @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (On Court)
TECNIFIBRE DEMO COURT & DRILL EXCHANGE
