OPPORTUNITY SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT

I’ve recently had the opportunity to be part of a search for a new “Director of Racquet Sports”, which is the new holy grail for our industry. We are seeing more and more clubs, whether it be private or commercial clubs, calling for a Director of Racquet Sports and not a Director of Tennis. With the evolution of our industry, we are all having to evolve and become part of a bigger ecosystem. With the development of the four P’s (pickleball, padel, platform, and pop), we are seeing more of a push from club owners and general managers for their future Directors to be well-versed in all aspects of racquet sports.

The process for filling these positions has been transformed and has become much more thorough over the years. We have seen the rise of recruiting firms that have helped facilitate these searches: McMahon Careers, Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace, GSI Executive Search, etc. I have had the opportunity to work with all three of these firms and I can tell you firsthand they all do a tremendous job. The preparation and the attention to detail is outstanding from all groups.

Until you have had the experience of going through the process of interviewing for a director position, it is difficult to know what to expect. I am in my 26th year as a racquet professional and I have had the opportunity to be in a fair share of these searches. I am going to give you

brief description of what to expect and the process you will encounter.

Resume and Application

The first step is finding the job and understanding your career path. You can view job listings by using the USPTA website or by going on the website of any of the recruiting firms. These sites will give you a great perspective on the career options as well as valuable information about the clubs looking to hire. Once you recognize the position that you are looking for, it is very important to have an updated and accurate resume. I believe that you should always keep your resume up to date since you never know when an opportunity might present itself. Always be ready! Application submission is the next step. This varies from club to club and firm to firm. All will ask you to submit a resume and cover letter. This is the step that gets you in the door. It is very important to be professional and precise when submitting these documents. This is your first chance to make an impression on the recruiter as well as the club.

Questionnaires and Personality Tests

So, you have made it past the first stage, now you will receive a questionnaire about your abilities, track record, business practices, teaching philosophies, etc. This is the chance for you to really shine and let them know who you are as a racquet sports professional. The most important thing is to be honest and not to try and tell them what you think they want to hear. I have seen this happen before to professionals and it does not work out well for them or the club. The job must be a fit for you as well as the club. Depending on the firm, you may also receive a personality test. This is just another way for them to get to know how you might fit into the club’s culture and if you have some of the traits that they seek.

Interviews

At this point, you are in the hunt for this position. You have jumped through all the hoops! The club and recruiter like who you are and the information you have provided them. Many recruiters and clubs will have two interviews. Typically, you will have a virtual interview and then an onsite interview. The onsite interview will be the final step. The interview is the most important part of the process. You will want to prepare yourself beforehand for some of the questions you may receive. Make sure that you can discuss your current job and why you have made the choices you have made. How do you handle difficult members? What will be your plan for the first 90 days on the job? These are just a few of the questions that you could be asked. Be engaging and precise. Understand who you are and what you can bring to the program and the club. This is your best chance to win the job! You will be nervous, which is to be expected, but make sure you read the room and answer each question to the best of your ability. Some onsite interviews will have an on-court component, depending on the club and the position you are interviewing for. Be ready to go with your drills and have a lesson plan. No freelancing.

Make sure you have questions ready for the end of the interview. You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. It must be a fit for you as well as them! Sometimes you can get a vibe from a member or a GM that this might not be the place for you. That is okay, but better to realize that now instead of six months after you have taken the job.

Conclusion

If you really want to take charge of your career in the racquet sports business, the USPTA has partnered with the University of Florida to provide certified tennis professionals the opportunity to earn a USPTA Director of Racquet Sports Certification. The education curriculum focuses on developing the business and leadership competencies required to successfully manage a tennis and racquet sports operation. I strongly encourage anyone who is looking to grow in our industry to take a chance and complete the program!

I am currently in my fifth month as the new Director of Racquet Sports at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, AZ. The opportunity to become the Director of Racquets at such a great club was a fantastic opportunity for me and my family and I am very lucky. However, I had a goal to be in this situation. It is important to lay out your career path and set goals for your future.

I get so many questions from racquets professionals about how they can move up in the industry. What skills do I need to be successful as a racquet professional? The greatest advice that I can give to anyone who asks me that question is to be well diversified. I’ve had many professionals that have gone on to be Head Professionals and Directors and the advice is the same: