2025 RSPA Intermountain Spring Edition by RSPA

RSPA Intermountain Newsletter

Thanks to our RSPA Intermountain Annual Conference Presenters!

Meet the RSPA Intermountain Board of Directors

KARL JONES - PRESIDENT

My passion for growing tennis was not an epiphany moment, rather a delayed experience over time It wasn’t until it became about serving others that I truly became ingrained in the fabric of this great sport I have had the distinct honor of being on the receiving end of some wonderful mentorship along my journey. Now I’m so excited to play a small part in serving tennis professionals with the tools to grow their careers. These tools include mentorship to younger professionals, on court education ranging from on court to management, and the ability to network and form lifelong relationships Thank you to the RSPA for providing this wonderful platform!

LAURIE LAMBERT - TREASURER

I believe that our sport needs educated people delivering the tennis experience, so I wanted to support the RSPA to help educate tennis instructors to be the best that they can be for our players!

GINGER PHILLIPS - SECRETARY

Serving on the Intermountain Board is a privilege as I get to work with such a wonderful group of RSPA pros, learn about and participate in Intermountain RSPA happenings, communicate and share ideas and stay involved off of the tennis court

MATT

HELM - REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

I serve on the RSPA Board because I want to strengthen and support the organization that has impacted my tennis career in such a positive and influencing way.

KAREN

SCHOTT - VICE PRESIDENT

Giving back to a sport that has enriched my education, my career and my personal life is a privilege I am excited to strengthen the relationships of tennis and pickleball professionals in our Division and to mentor young pros If I can nurture the development of some dynamic young female pros, whichI feel our sport needs, I will be thrilled

ANDY ZODIN - PAST PRESIDENT

Serving on the Board, for myself in particular, has been an effort to contribute to the industry in the most effective ways I know how, as this industry has given me so much Helping Intermountain tennis continue to grow, improve, and evolve with the times has been very satisfying to be a part of Working with the tremendous people of the RSPA and USTA during my tenure, has been the icing on the cake.

MAL COYNE - VICE PRESIDENT

I joined the RSPA Intermountain board of directors to connect with fellow racquet sports professionals in my region, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on events. This opportunity will help me grow as a Director of Racquet Sports while also strengthening the racquets community and professional network in Idaho

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

RSPA Intermountain

President Karl Jones

RSPA Intermountain

Executive Director

Leanne Palmisano

I trust you are having a great start to 2025! Thank you all for attending and supporting the 2025 Intermountain Virtual Conference, with each presenter bringing a different dynamic and expertise. One of the benefits of hosting the conference virtually is being able to attract some of the greatest names in racquets from anywhere around the world (on a volunteer basis). As we continually aim to meet the needs of our membership, we recently put out a survey, to learn if it is time to go back to in person. Results are coming in and the Board and I will discuss the results in our next meeting As our organization continues the transition into RSPA, our strategy is to offer a more diverse subject matter for our membership

This year, we were excited to offer seminars on financial planning, pickleball, tennis drills, 10 & under programming, current happenings in tennis with Tim Henman, and a look at the journey of Murphy Jenson. We also continued our collaboration with the CMAA by offering the second General Manager Panel with guests from country clubs and the city parks association. It is vital we continue to offer a well-rounded approach as we look to provide professionals with career building tools.

In addition, attracting young professionals into our industry is a priority It is our view that the grassroots efforts in our communities make the most impact Our in person local events have been continuing successfully in 2025 I want to take this opportunity to personally thank our District Presidents for their efforts in organizing these events and attracting young members into the association. They continually demonstrate that our profession can be viable, exciting, and extremely rewarding.

Nevada – Chris Painter

Wyoming – Josh Cossitt

Colorado – Damon Gillette

Montana – Scott Potter

Idaho – John Armstrong

Utah – Michelle Rawstorne

I am thrilled that so many Intermountain Professionals have already signed up for the World Racquets Conference 2025 in Hawaii. It promises to be a wonderful event!

Thank you for your continued support!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Thank you to all the RSPA members who attended our 2025 Annual Conference We hope you found valuable information to implement in your programs. As you prepare for the upcoming busy season, we are here to support you on your career path If you need help navigating our racquet sport certification opportunities, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

If you have any news you would like to share with the division, such as job postings, promotions, tips, or upcoming events, please send it to me at leanne palmisano@rspa net

If you are not following us on Facebook and Instagram, please do so for the latest news and events

RSPA Intermountain Annual Award Winners

RSPA Intermountain District News

Since our last update, we've received a great deal of feedback from our January Workshop Forum at Rolling Hills Country Club. The input has been valuable in shaping what's next, and I’m excited to share that we’re closing in on the date for our next RSPA workshop, which will be held at Denver Tennis Club. Details will be announced soon!

Meanwhile girls high school tennis season is in full swing and league players across

Color Damo

Idaho District President John Armstrong

RSPA Intermountain District News

Spring in Idaho offers a vibrant tennis scene with numerous events and programs catering to various age groups and skill levels

Adult Tournaments and Leagues:

Men's National Indoor Championships: The Boise Racquet and Swim Club will host the Men's 60 National Indoor Tournament from April 22-27, 2025, followed by the Men's 55 National Indoor Tournament from April 27-May 1, 2025

USTA Leagues: The USTA Mixed 18 & Over league is scheduled from February 28 to May 18, 2025, with district championships in Pocatello from May 30 to June 1, 2025. Additionally, the USTA Adult 40 & Over league runs from March 31 to May 18, 2025.

Social Tennis: Boise Social Tennis offers sessions for men and women on Wednesday evenings at Ann Morrison Park, Boise, starting April 2, and on Monday evenings at Heritage Middle School, Meridian

Youth Programs:

Tennis is Elementary (TiE): This statewide after-school program is designed for elementary students in grades K-6, utilizing modified equipment to suit younger players

Middle School Team Tennis: In Southeastern Idaho, the girls' middle school team tennis season begins April 7 and concludes with postseason tournaments the week of May 19.

High School Tennis:

The Idaho High School Tennis season begins with practices on February 28, 2025 Matches may begin starting March 12, 2025

District tournaments must be completed by May 10, 2025

The IHSAA State Tennis Tournament will be held May 16-17, 2025, at the following locations:

6A: Appleton Tennis Complex, Boise State University

5A: Boise Racquet & Swim Club, Boise

4A: Ridgevue High School, Nampa

Collegiate Tennis:

Boise State Men's Tennis: The Broncos' spring schedule features 26 matches, including contests against Big Ten schools and a match at Virginia, the 2022 and 2023 national champion

University of Idaho Women's Tennis: The Vandals have several matches lined up, including conference games against Montana State on April 4 and Montana on April 6.

Idaho State University Women's Tennis: The Bengals' schedule includes multiple matches throughout the spring season

These events and programs reflect the active and diverse tennis opportunities available in Idaho during the spring season

RSPA Intermountain District News

High School district is well underway with the gamut of weather, allowing for play or canceling due to rain or snow. Many of the pros in Montana also coach at the local high schools and give of themselves for two action-packed months before state tournaments in Late May. The club pros are also gearing up for our summer tournament and league seasons, as well as charity events for the fall.

The Montana Youth Tennis Foundation has been reinstated and will be hosting the Annual Peak Tennis Pro-am and Adult Camp from September 19 to 21, 2025, in Missoula. Plans are already in place for a 16-team adult and junior pro-am and a six-hour adult camp that weekend, with the Montana Youth Tennis Foundation as the charity to benefit from the weekend's activities. In 2024, $25,000 was raised for the MYTF with an adult camp and exhibition.

Summer is a busy time for tennis in Montana, and the RSPA Pros in the state pull together to make great things happen in many different communities across the state

Happy Spring

Spring Tennis Update

As we bid farewell to our indoor leagues, the weather continues to tease us with glimpses of spring outdoor season is just around the corner! Excitingly, we’re welcoming new 2 5 teams in the area and seeing a surge of 3 0 players so many that we’re almost running out of courts!

This past month, we were thrilled to host a free seminar, Mind Over Match, at Ivory Ridge Tennis Club and Sunpro Tennis and Pickleball Club. Utah Sports Psychologist Jon Osborn shared valuable mental strategies to help tennis and pickleball players sharpen their competitive edge.

We’re also grateful for the ongoing Utah Coaching Series, organized by Utah Tennis, which provides free education on various topics for coaches, volunteers, parents, and players. The next session, Connecting with Beginning Adult Players, will take place on April 16th at noon at PC Marc don’t miss it!

Additionally, we’re proud to have three young coaches on their way to becoming RSPA Certified. This certification is a fantastic stepping stone, setting them up for success in their coaching careers.

As we gear up for the outdoor season, we’re excited to see our tennis community grow and thrive. See you on the courts soon!

OUR MISSION

To champion the passion for racquet sports by developing professionals who lead with integrity, innovate in coaching, and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet sports community.

OUR VISION

To elevate careers in racquet sports with a certified professional on every court, inspiring people in every sport.

Montana District President Scott Potter

Utah District President Michelle Rawstrone

RSPA Intermountain District News

Red Rock Country Club had an amazing evening hosting the RSPA Event, featuring special guests and local pros in attendance for continuing educational credits and special guests. Our 20 attendees received the latest information on the development of the tennis and pickleball scenes in the Las Vegas area Karl Jones, the RSPA Sectional President, spoke about the rebranding of USTPA to RSPA and the vision of the association

Ryan Wolfington presented the exhibition match of Sabalenka vs Osaka hosted by MGM Sheryl Bon gave an update on Las Vegas’ pickleball scene, updating the attendees on local tournaments and new facilities

Lastly, Game Set Match who gave a preview of their new store opening in Henderson, NV Intermountain pro of the year Hassan Humayun was also in attendance with his professional insight. The night finished off with a Superbowl squares contest with snacks for everyone in attendance.

As the Wyoming RSPA District emerges from winter hibernation, joining the rest of the northern states, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming league season Don’t forget about the fantastic league team incentives for new entry-level players in our sport.

Many of our communities are already registering summer events and preparing for our busiest two and a half months of the year.

Wyoming will once again send a team to the Impact Team Tennis Junior National Event, scheduled for July at the Clemson campus. Peg Connor, the 2024 National RSPA Industry Excellence award winner, will lead the team this year A playoff event will be held in Laramie in May and can be found on Serve Tennis

After 19 years of dedicated service in various roles at Frontier Park Tennis, I will be stepping down at the end of April to join the USTA Intermountain team. I will be taking on the position of Junior Tennis Manager, succeeding Tiffany Milner as she transitions to a new role in Nashville, Tennessee. I am thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with many of you in the USTA Junior HP space and continue to build upon the exceptional legacy she has left behind.

As everyone kicks off their outdoor tennis season, I want to wish you the best of luck. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me in my new role as junior tennis manager at jcossitt@ita usta com if I can assist you in supporting junior tennis in your area

Nevada District President Chris Painter

Wyoming District President Josh Cossitt

Aloha!

We're thrilled to be able to welcome you to Kona, Hawaii, this September 21-25, in celebration of our annual World Racquets Conference. Registration is now open!

We anticipate our hotel and separately ticketed events to sell out quickly Register now to secure your spot, as this year's space is limited!

Pricing Details:

RSPA Members: $599 per person

Non-members: $699 per person

Guests of Registered Attendees: $349 per person

Kids' Meal Pass: $120 per person for children (ages 10-18) of registered attendees

Register Here

RSPA Intermountain Happenings

Welcome New Members

Samual Banister, Denver, CO

Wallace Eastwood, Meridian, ID

Merrit Foster, Colorado Colorado Springs, CO

Seth Khan, Aurora, CO

Timothy Kacmar, Golden, CO

Vernon McManigal, Windson, CO

Emily Orlove, Denver, CO

Nicholas Scott, Fort Benton, MT

Level 1 Workshops

Visit the RSPA for a list of Level 1 Virtual and In-Person Workshops

Level 2 Workshops

Denver Level 2 Workshop May 16-18

Visit the RSPA for a list of Level 2 l Workshops

Andrea Sykora, Denver, CO

Balsubramanian Vembu Srinivasan, Parker, CO

Samuel Tessler, Denver, CO

Enzo Francisco Vargas, Boulder, CO

Joshua Walker, Littleton, CO

Drextel Walters, Carbondale, CO

Erin Wilson, Las Vegas, NV

Pickleball Workshops

Littleton, CO June 28

Visit the RSPA to register and for a full list of the Workshops

Padel Workshops

Boulder, CO May 14-15 Engelwood, CO June 7-8

Visit the RSPA to register and for a full list of the Workshops

Our own RSPA Intermountain member Andy Zodin sat down with Andre Agass on KickServeRadio. Enjoy the interview! Click here to view.

RSPA Intermountain and USTA Intermountain join forces

RSPA Members don’t miss out on this great opportunity to earn some extra cash!

New Player Incentive for Leagues!

Intermountain RSPA professionals in good standing are eligible to receive money for recruiting new 2.5 Women and 3.0 Men to play league tennis.

• Every new 2.5 Women’s or 3.0 Men’s USTA Adult 18 & Over team=$400.

• Every new 2.5 woman or 3.0 man registered on any new team in TennisLink=$25.

Additionally, each RSPA professional that organizes a new 2.5 level Women’s team or 3.0 level Men’s team, or recruits a new 2.5 player or Men’s 3.0 player for the USTA Adult 18 & Over League, will receive one entry into a drawing for a trip to the 2025 US Open or the 2025 RSPA World Racquets Conference.

The submission deadline is 7/14/25.

For more information, and to receive a copy of the brochure, please contact:

Monica Haller Bradley

Email: mhaller@ita.usta.com

Phone: (303) 695-4117, Ext. 228