Calling for
Unity & More
Brian Dillman | RSPA CEO
Happy New Year! Welcome to the 2025 version of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association. We’re thrilled to have you with us, as this year, you can expect even more! I don’t know about you, but I love the fresh start a new year brings—a blank notebook, a chance to reflect on the past 365 days and an opportunity to set new priorities for the year ahead. As Kevin Warren shared at the 2024 World Racquets Conference, “Each year, you should look at yourself and decide how you’ll improve—your services, the products you offer, your leadership, your mentorship, your volunteer work—to create the new, 2025 version of you. Which version of the iPhone will you be in 2025?” Let’s all commit to continuous improvement in 2025 and aim to become the best version of ourselves—our own iPhone 16.
I’m calling on the entire racquet sports ecosystem—USTA, USA
Pickleball, Padel USA, US Squash, APTA, manufacturers and every entity connected to racquet sports—to unite and advocate for our industry. The move from USPTA to the RSPA was driven by member feedback to embrace the future of racquet sports and to create a united platform where all entities can engage with the market together. Advocacy for all racquet sports is how we’ll build an industry that attracts the best people and the best ideas.
Today, each racquet sport faces unique challenges: tennis advocates for court space amid expansion of other sports, pickleball demands more infrastructure to keep up with rapid growth, padel is striving to expand, and platform tennis and squash need more national exposure. But together, we have a more powerful voice.
A good friend in Germany introduced me to the concept of the racquet club of the future. What will it look like? How will it be managed? What unifying themes will draw together all racquet sports? The answer is clear: health and wellness. When we step back from hitting balls and look at the bigger picture, we see that we’re a part of the health and wellness industry. Racquet sports are uniquely positioned to improve health and fitness, enhance social connections and change lives in a positive way. Now that sounds like an industry that we all want to be a part of!
As your association, we have been planning for 2025 and have 10 New Year’s resolutions.
Brian Dillman RSPA CEO
Our 2025 Resolutions
1. Deliver WIIFY (What’s In It For You) by ensuring you know exactly how RSPA benefits you, making our message clearer and more focused on you.
2. Tennis remains at our core and we will expand your professional development by creating more pathways to advance your career, keep you competitive and support your passion.
3. Sharpen focus on specific audiences:
You—our current, past and prospective members. Consumers by helping them understand the value of certification and why RSPA is the gold standard. Employers by demonstrating the value of hiring certified professionals who are committed to the industry and their own career growth.
4. Promote careers in racquet sports by spotlighting the wide range of rewarding careers within racquet sports, highlighting a market full of passionate, service-oriented
6. Recruit new members through our apprentice program, high school outreach and member testimonials, along with the inspiring stories of racquet sports professionals.
7. Evolve RSPA’s branding with an improved website, upgraded IT infrastructure and streamlined communication from national headquarters.
8. Continue to improve our service levels from Lake Nona to better serve your daily needs and empower your success.
9. Introduce high-value partnerships that will support your business, career development and personal brand.
10. Improve every day by working harder, innovating and building a stronger racquet sports industry.
Iam going to guess that many of you start your day off with a nice cup of coffee. I swore I would never drink coffee; however, I discovered the magical potion back in 2009 to help kickstart my day and continue my days as I sat in the NICU at our children’s hospital. Coffee really does amaze me— you take these grinds, add water, blend it together and it makes this powerful drink that provides the boost needed to start the day. I am sure that you are asking, what does this have to do with the RSPA? The answer … a lot!
In September of 2024, our association transitioned from the USPTA to the RSPA. There are people on both sides of the fence with great passion, but this is
A Coffee Chat
Mark Faber | RSPA First Vice President
not unique to our situation; it is with situations in which people are vested. I am truly proud that my parents raised me to respect other’s opinions, and embrace and learn where they are coming from. I was also raised to understand that just because others might have different views from myself, it does not mean we cannot be friends. Our differences are what make us better.
In 1993, I became an official member of the USPTA. As I passed my certification to become a P-1 Professional, I was so proud and knew that the USPTA was going to help me in my career. Since 1993, much has changed in our industry. Clubs that were solely tennis have added platform, pickleball, squash and padel.
If I were a young person wanting to accomplish goals who understood the industry and did my homework in job searching, I would quickly realize that while tennis is the core business for many facilities, they have supplemented their businesses by offering more to their members. I would also see that many of the jobs in the marketplace, especially the ones in leadership positions, have the words racquet sports in the title.
Do not think it was easy for someone like me to make this transi-
tion from USPTA to RSPA. Speaking for myself, it was very hard. This association has given me so much more than I could have ever dreamt of. Through this process, I asked myself: What would the 22-year-old Mark need today to succeed? Setting my feelings aside, the answer was simple. He would need an association that could provide him with the best chance to succeed. Back then, the USPTA was the answer because tennis was it. With more than tennis being offered at facilities, the RSPA is the new way. Facilities and their members need more; therefore, our current and future members need more to succeed.
Tennis was, is and will always be our core. The removal of the word tennis from our name does not change that. We are providing the young version of myself, and others, with the best chance to accomplish goals based on today’s industry demands.
You are probably wondering why I mentioned coffee earlier. Well, that is simple, and I ask all of you to think about this. Up until September, we were just coffee grinds. We were the USPTA that offered some education in other sports, no real commitment and no real kick. In September, we added water, stirred the cup and changed those grinds into one powerful drink. What we have done here is taken all the coffee grinds (tennis, pickleball, platform, squash and padel), added some water and stirred. Once blended, it became a powerful drink, known as the RSPA, that will jump-start not only a new professional’s day, but their career and the strength to be the best, as well as a future industry leader.
WORLD-CLASS WINDSCREENS
Our proprietary Tuffy® and Tuffy® Closed Mesh Windscreens are an ideal choice for any place you need a visual barrier. Both offer superior sun/UV resistance and are perfect for use on any tennis, pickleball or padel court when extra protection or privacy is necessary.
Custom imprint to make the windscreen ‘pop’ with your own branding.
USPTA to RSPA
Aislinn Leonard | Public Relations Coordinator
By now, you know the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) has officially rebranded as the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA). What you may not know is how it started or why the change happened, but the transition marks a pivotal moment for the association’s history and future.
August 2022: A Bold New Direction
The decision to transition from USPTA to RSPA was not made imprudently. It was the combination of careful planning and thoughtful consideration under the leadership of former CEO John Embree. Recognizing the rapidly growing world of racquet sports, Embree and the USPTA leadership knew that a rebranding would not only better represent the diverse needs and requests of members but also align with the ever-changing industry.
May 2023: Assessing the Path Forward
With the rebranding vision taking shape, the next step was to ensure that the transition was done thoughtfully and strategically. To facilitate this, three different agencies vetted the rebranding project. This step was crucial in ensuring that the USPTA’s new identity would resonate with the membership, while also providing a forward-thinking approach to growing the racquet sports community.
September
2023:
A Unified Vision
By this time, the USPTA Executive Committee agreed to move toward an official embrace of all racquet sports. This decision signaled a broader commitment to supporting all racquet sports under a single banner. The shift was not only about rebranding, but about fostering a more supportive environment for members, offering more professional development opportunities and strengthening the racquet sports community.
February 2024: Strategic Planning Begins
By now, the USPTA had selected an agency to help craft a comprehensive strategic plan. The goal was clear: Develop a plan for the association that would reflect the new mission and value statements.
April 2024: Approving the Strategic Direction
After many discussions and careful evaluation, the Executive Committee approved the USPTA’s new strategic direction. The plan emphasized the association’s ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled support across all racquet sports, while remaining rooted in its original mission of empowering professionals. The approval of the strategic direction was a key milestone in setting the stage for what came next.
June 2024: A New Identity Takes Shape
To move forward with the new brand, the RSPA Executive Committee took another major step by voting to approve the new name and logo. This vote was a crucial turning point, marking an official first step in bringing the RSPA to life.
September
2024:
A Historic Moment
The conclusion of this transformative journey came in September 2024, when the RSPA’s Executive Committee voted unanimously to officially adopt the new name and logo. This historic moment marked the official beginning of a new chapter for the association, one that is committed to supporting professionals across a wide range of racquet sports. The RSPA, formerly USPTA, is more dedicated than ever to being at the forefront of the racquet sports industry.
Looking Ahead
The RSPA is positioned to lead with innovation, integrity and inclusivity while supporting professionals in the racquet sports community. This transformation is not just about a new name or logo—it is about embracing the future of racquet sports and creating a more vibrant, inclusive and supportive community for all its members.
Gauff Has Momentum Heading Into 2025
Momentum
Steve Flink | International Tennis Hall of Fame
In so many cases over the years, the WTA Finals have been a sparkling showcase for the top eight women players in the world, but conversely the tournament itself has often not lived up to expectations. That was not so in 2024. In the final of the fifth biggest tournament in the women’s game at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the two combatants put on an exhilarating display from start to finish. After three hours and four minutes of pulsating tennis, Coco Gauff ultimately overcame the tenacious Qinwen Zheng by 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) in what I believe was one of the two or three best women’s matches of the year. Not only was Gauff behind 1-3 in the second set, but she also rescued herself from 3-5 down in the final set to seal her biggest title since taking the 2023 US Open. Her triumph in Riyadh was worth $4,805,000.
Gauff capped a spectacular week with that victory over the accomplished Zheng, who was a finalist at the Australian Open and an Olympic gold medalist in 2024. The 20-year-old American also defeated Iga Swiatek in round robin play at Riyadh and upended Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. This established her as the youngest woman to beat the No. 1 and No. 2 ranked players in the world at the same tournament, since Maria Sharapova stopped Amelie Mauresmo and Justin Henin back-to-back for the 2006 US Open title.
Concluding her 2024 season with such a flourish puts Gauff in very good stead as she approaches a new campaign in the coming year. After she secured that 2023 U.S. Open crown, Gauff set the bar exceedingly high for herself. The
popular Black American believed she was going to claim another Grand Slam title in 2024, but did not realize that lofty goal. It was not as if Gauff did not make a concerted effort to get back on the board at the majors. She reached the penultimate round at the Australian Open and was ahead 6-5, 30-0 against Sabalenka in the opening set before bowing 7-6 (2), 6-4. At the French Open, Gauff advanced to the semifinals, but Swiatek, an estimable clay court player, decidedly outplayed Gauff.
Gauff had performed well in those first two Grand Slam events, but her level in the last two was not as commendable. During round 16 at Wimbledon and the US Open, Gauff was beaten by her capable countrywoman Emma Navarro. In the former, Navarro prevailed 6-4, 6-3 on the British lawns; in the latter, Gauff served no fewer than 19 double
faults and made 60 unforced errors in a self-inflicted 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 loss on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Not long after that bruising setback, Gauff parted ways with her renowned coach Brad Gilbert. Gilbert had been instrumental in leading Gauff to her triumph in New York, the previous year, but she wanted to hear another voice. Gauff hired Matt Daly, a former college player who coached Denis Shapovalov in 2023. The new alliance swiftly reaped rewards for both coach and player. Gauff took the title at the China Open in Beijing, reached the semifinals in Wuhan before losing a hard-fought match against Sabalenka and then finished her 2024 season in style with the triumphant run in Riyadh.
That sequence of three productive tournaments at the end of the year was the most inspired tennis she had played since the summer of 2023. The most encouraging part of it was how much more stable Gauff looked off the forehand in claiming that WTA Finals crown. Although there were times when her second serve woes still surfaced, Gauff double faulted only four times in three long sets against Zheng and just twice in her 7-6 (4), 6-3 triumph over Sabalenka.
Photo Credit: Fred Mullane, Camerawork USA
The view here is that Gauff will have a very good chance to win the upcoming Australian Open. Sabalenka has been the champion in Melbourne for the last two years and will remain the favorite, but she has yet to find her range on the hard courts Down Under. However, Swiatek now benefits from the veteran coach Wim Fissette. Elena Rybakina—the best server in women’s tennis and a finalist at the 2023 Australian Open, now being coached by Goran Ivanisevic—must be taken seriously. In any event, it seems to me that Gauff will be awfully difficult to stop as she chases a second Grand Slam title at the start of 2025. I like her chances.
CERTIFICATION CALENDAR
JANUARY 2025
Padel Platform Squash See RSPA.net for availability
*Check Certification Calendars on rspa.net for the most up-to-date information
Tennis Level 1 Virtual (2 sessions) *usually, sessions are 7-days apart check rspa.net for all details
Certification opportunities
Aislinn Leonard | Public Relations Coordinator
Tennis
Tennis is the backbone of the racquet sports industry and our association. As one of the most globally recognized sports, tennis provides numerous career opportunities for certified professionals. Whether you are coaching beginners at the local community center, leading competitive programs at clubs or working with aspiring professionals, tennis offers a wealth of career paths.
As the foundation for specialization in other racquet sports, tennis professionals are recognized for their ability to teach technique, strategy and sportsmanship in a way that fosters growth and passion for the game.
Pickleball
Pickleball is currently one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and this rapid growth is creating an increasing demand for certified instructors. This dynamic sport combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, and it appeals to players of all ages and skill levels. As a certified RSPA professional, you are presented with a unique opportunity to tap into a highly engaging and expanding market.
Pickleball’s popularity among both younger and older demographics makes it an excellent sport for players and current coaches of all skill levels to expand their knowledge and coaching abilities. The sport’s smaller court size and simplified rules make it accessible for beginners, while its fast pace and strategic depth offer exciting challenges for more experienced players.
Padel
Padel is rapidly gaining popularity across Spain, Italy and beyond, positioning itself as a major global player in the racquet sports industry. Played on a smaller, enclosed court, padel incorporates aspects of tennis and squash.
RSPA certification offers a tremendous opportunity to be at the forefront of this growing sport. With an increasing number of padel clubs and courts opening worldwide, there is a significant demand for qualified coaches to lead both recreational and competitive programs. The sport’s emphasis on teamwork and communication makes it particularly attractive for club settings and group instruction.
Squash
With its fast-paced nature and emphasis on agility, speed and strategy, squash continues to be a vital part of the racquet sports industry. Whether you are teaching basic technique or preparing players for competition, RSPA certification in squash ensures you have the skills to advance in this niche but highly rewarding career.
Squash professionals often work with a wide range of players, from juniors developing their skills to adults looking to improve their game. The growing interest in squash globally, particularly in countries with strong professional leagues, makes this an excellent sport for professionals to specialize in.
The RSPA is committed to providing members with the tools, resources and opportunities to advance their careers in a variety of racquet sports. Our association offers professionals certification in five racquet sports—creating distinct career paths for coaches and professionals. From the foundation of tennis to the rapidly growing games of pickleball and padel, these sports are key to the RSPA’s mission of having a diverse and inclusive racquet sports community.
Platform Tennis
Platform tennis is the sport of wintertime. Played on a small, elevated court with special paddles and balls, it is also known as paddle. This certification offers an exciting opportunity to teach and coach during the winter months. The sport’s specialized equipment and court design make it different from traditional tennis, providing instructors with a chance to develop a distinct skill set. Whether working with newcomers or seasoned players looking to refine their skills, platform tennis offers certified professionals the chance to thrive in a unique part of the racquet sports industry.
There has never been a better time to grow your career in the racquet sports industry than now. Whether you are a seasoned tennis professional looking to add another certification to your belt or a beginner wanting to start a career in racquet sports, RSPA certification opens doors to endless career opportunities. The future of racquet sports is bright, and the RSPA is here to help you be at the forefront of this exciting industry.
Embracing Change:
RSPA’s Rebrand and What It Means for You Embracing Change:
JAMMIN'
JIM RSPA’s Rebrand and What It Means for You
Jim Stockwell | RSPA Chief Service Officer
Aing and validating the tennis profession, we’re excited to be rebranding to the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA). Our organization has evolved with the sport, and this rebranding reflects our commitment to supporting professionals across all racquet sports, including tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, padel and squash. You may be asking, why change now? Why acknowledge other racquet sports? The truth is, while tennis has been and will always be the largest sport within our community, other racquet sports are growing and booming in popularity. By expanding our name and reach, we’re positioning ourselves to better support professionals across these emerging disciplines.
You might also be curious about why we’ve dropped US from our name. As racquet sports gain global appeal, we believe this slight adjustment will welcome international recognition and inclusivity. Rest assured, this shift won’t impact the quality or integrity of our offerings—our primary focus remains on supporting you, the racquet sports professional.
Status & Certifications
WITH
Membership Status and Certifications
Membership Fees
What About Membership Fees?
One of the most frequent questions we’ve received is whether membership fees will increase due to the rebranding. Here’s the good news: there’s no change in fees. We want to ensure that our members continue to access valuable resources
Branded Merchandise
If you’re concerned about how the rebrand might impact your certification status, there’s no need to worry. Whether you’re an certified in tennis, pickleball, padel, squash or platform, your current certification and educational credits will remain intact. The digital materials tied to your membership, such as your membership card, certificate, insurance verification and years of service certificate, will be updated to reflect the RSPA branding over time, but the credentials you’ve earned will stay the same. If you’re mid-certification or just getting started, your process will continue without interruption.
New RSPA Branded Merchandise
We’re thrilled to offer members a range of branded merchandise, from customizable business cards to banners and apparel featuring our new logo. USPTA-branded items, like clothing or accessories, are still permitted, so you can continue to proudly wear your legacy gear. Replacement business cards or banners aren’t automatically covered, but members can reorder these items if desired. Our online store will feature a variety of options so you can represent your new RSPA affiliation with style.
New Logo
Guidelines for the New Logo
With the rebrand, members may notice multiple logo versions for different racquet sports. Generally, members are encouraged to use the sport-specific RSPA logo that reflects their primary certification, but you’re also welcome to display multiple logos if you hold certifications in more than one racquet sport. For personal branding materials, members can use either the full RSPA logo or the acronym, depending on the context. As always, guidelines are in place to help you use our logos consistently across platforms.
Spreading the Word
Your role is crucial in introducing the RSPA name to your community. From clubs to coaching sessions, every interaction is a chance to strengthen the RSPA brand. This rebrand is more than a name—it’s a movement to unify and uplift professionals across all racquet sports, old and new. We’re here to support you through these changes, making sure RSPA represents not just a shift in identity, but an elevated platform for all racquet sports professionals.
Getting Better Together:
About RSPA Membership
Collin Brazan | Director of Marketing
There’s never been a more exciting time to be a member of the recently unveiled Racquet Sports Professionals Association, and we’re proud to consider our members as part of our association. Having spent the better part of the past 100 years supporting tennis professionals nationwide, we now expand our expertise and community across multiple sports, bringing greater inclusion and opportunity to all our members.
Renewing your membership allows us to maintain a trusted partnership and provide unparalleled support throughout your career. And for those looking to kickstart a career in racquet sports, turning their passion into a full-time career or something bigger than a hobby during their free time, first-time members can join the association in any of our five sports: tennis, pickleball, padel, platform tennis and squash.
Your success is our success and we desire to succeed together. To our existing members: Renewing your membership for 2025 allows us to recommit to our shared lifelong partnership and continue to provide the benefits you expect from our association—from health and liability insurance to retirement plans.
And to those considering a membership: There have never been more opportunities to launch a racquet sports career with an association that provides more than a certification certificate. From career support, to pathing that develops your skillset, to a network of professionals from around the globe, the RSPA can be your professional partner.
Thank you for your membership. Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for your investment in our mutual growth and achievement. Thank you for your interest in our association and in growing racquet sports.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President.