Anoosh Davoudzadeh Forges His Own Path In Tennis pg. 50
New Member Resources
CEO John Embree
pg. 43
Platform Possibilities Gary Horvath pg. 48
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From the CEO USPTA
New Professional Development Resources for Members John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
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Photo courtesy of Caron Badkin
he USPTA is always seeking more resources for our members to advance their careers. If we look at golf, the Professional Golf Association (PGA) of America has 19 regionally based career counselors to help its members find jobs, and help employers find the best PGA professionals. While we may not be able to afford an entire in-house department dedicated to job searches and career coaching, there is no reason the USPTA can’t provide similar services. Announcing USPTA DirectorSearch! I am thrilled to inform you of our new partnership with USPTA Master Professional Mark McMahon of McMahon|10s, which will now be fully dedicated to performing these valuable services on behalf of USPTA members. Mark and his team have put together a robust platform that conducts full assessments of facilities and matches positions to fit their needs at the Director
of Tennis level and higher. Pros who seek to become general managers or leaders of tennis programs and athletic departments will appreciate the thorough analysis USPTA DirectorSearch will offer. USPTA DirectorSearch will be linked to the new Find-A-Pro and Find-AJob website, and the two entities will work together to provide a fantastic new service to our membership. And coming out of the global pandemic, the time is perfect to launch these new career services. As pros look for new opportunities and as clubs evaluate the products they offer their clients, there will be lots of changes in the marketplace. We want to be at the table leading those discussions and USPTA DirectorSearch will help ensure this is the case. To learn more about USPTA DirectorSearch, visit usptadirectorsearch.com.
Mark will be one of the headline speakers for our upcoming World Conference Virtual Event in September, where he will discuss the role that his company will play in advancing our professionals’ careers. If you have ever considered a change in your career but were uncertain how to go about doing so, join Mark’s session or visit the USPTA DirectorSearch booth at the World Conference Virtual Trade Show. There is more. In early September, we will launch a brand new Find-A-Pro and FindA-Job website powered by Orange Coach, a Dutch company led by Sven Groeneveld, one of the world’s leading coaches. USPTA members will be able to create a dynamic online profile to post videos, as well as utilize job matching services and put their best foot forward as tennis professionals. You can hear from Sven at the World Conference Virtual Event. We are so excited about what this new technology will do to enhance the experience of our members looking for jobs and that of the facilities seeking them out. I cannot wait to get this initiative off the ground! Nothing is more important to our Association than assisting our members with their respective careers. By establishing USPTA DirectorSearch and upgrading our Find-A-Pro and FindA-Job website, we are elevating our capabilities to help pros in the job market like never before. Now, we can make an even more positive impact on the lives of so many of our professionals, and on the industry as a whole.*
September - October 2020
ADDvantage Magazine - 43
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Vice President Message USPTA
Making Projections During a Pandemic Richard Slivocka, USPTA First Vice President
et me first start off by wishing everyone the very best during this difficult time. We are all dealing with the most turbulent time in many of our lives. I hope that everyone and their family is safe and navigating carefully through these uncertain waters. That being said, we all have to actively adapt to the changing circumstances in both our personal and professional lives. We are seeing a dramatic effect on the tennis industry as a whole, in our clubs and also within our Association. My fellow USPTA Board member, Bill Mountford, wrote an excellent article in the July issue of ADDvantage regarding our changing industry during this crazy COVID time. I encourage you to read it if you haven’t already done so. Bill focused on education and professional development, so let me focus more on the committee I chair, which is Finance and Budgeting. This is the time to think outside the box. As of this writing, we are developing our budget for 2021. It is paramount that we be flexible while also cutting out unnecessary expenses. Keeping with this mindset, we have a variety of different scenarios with multiple contingencies for different profit and loss projections. Because of the commitment to provide a dues subsidy for all certified members in good standing in 2021, we must face the prospect of a significant budget shortfall. Coupled with the unknown
that the global pandemic has caused, the question we face is how to mitigate that shortfall against such an uncertain time. This process has been enlightening. The USPTA has done a tremendous job over the past seven years building up our reserves so that we might effectively deal with these unforeseen events. However, no reserve is limitless and we have to be concerned about where we will be positioned in the next 18 to 24 months. As the committee has worked on the budgeting process, I’ve had the opportunity to work with CEO John Embree and Director of Finance Michael Tomassini, and I am extremely confident in their ability to help manage our Association through this tough financial time. They have and the National Staff have done an outstanding job of watching over our expenses and making fiscally responsible decisions for our Association. The Board of Directors and Executive Committee are also very aware of how we manage our divisions, our different
B
U
committees, and how we conduct meetings in order to save as much money for the Association as possible. We were all caught off guard by this pandemic and it sent many of us in the industry ducking for cover and hoping for the best. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that projections and budgeting are great, but we must also be ready to adjust and make sensible decisions on the fly. I am not in the habit of quoting Mike Tyson, but “everyone has a game plan until you get punched in the mouth.” We took a hit and I love how our industry and our Association kept on going. If you have any questions/concerns, please reach out to your division board as well as anyone on the National Board. We will be happy to help. *
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September - October 2020
Photo courtesy of TZIDO SUN
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ADDvantage Magazine - 45
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USPTA Master Professional Corner
Platform Possibilities For Tennis Players, Clubs Gary Horvath, USPTA Master Professional
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n early March, I conducted a USPTA platform tennis certification test at the Meadows Swim and Tennis Club (MSTC) in Boulder, Colo., for Brock Borman, Connor Corrigan and Chad Tsuda. With their successful completion of their certification, there are now eight USPTA-certified platform tennis professionals in the Intermountain Division, of which seven live in Colorado. While the numbers are small compared to tennis, the sport is on the rise in Colorado. Today there are 15 to 20 platform tennis courts
in the state and about 25 in the Intermountain Division. Borman, Corrigan and Tsuda will play significant roles in the continued growth of the sport in the region. Borman, a former tennis professional in the Chicago area and a long-time platform tennis player, has already played a role in the expansion of the sport in Boulder and at Meadow Creek Tennis Club in Denver. MCTC has provided its players with new courts, quality instructional programs and leagues that use the Platform Tennis Index, or PTI.
By comparison, Tsuda and Corrigan are relative newcomers to platform tennis; however, they are quick learners and have proven they will build on their strong backgrounds in tennis. Tsuda was a nationally ranked junior tennis player and a strong performer for the University of Colorado Men’s Tennis Team. While growing up in Boulder, he occasionally played on the local public platform tennis courts, but has taken the sport more seriously since becoming MSTC’s director of tennis three years ago.
Photo courtesy of Gary Horvath
(Left to right) Brock Borman, Chad Tsuda and Connor Corrigan at their platform tennis certification exam in Boulder, Colo.
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September - October 2020
Photo courtesy of Gary Horvath
Master Professional Corner USPTA It is played over a net on a 60’ by 30’ court, including the out-of-bounds area. The rules and scoring system are similar to tennis with two major exceptions. First, only one serve is allowed. Second, the ball can be played off the 12-foot-high screens surrounding the courts after it lands in the playing area (22’ by 20’ area on each side). Platform tennis is the perfect complement to tennis. The sport places a premium on tactics, adaptability, and discipline because points are significantly longer, and the sport is played outdoors during the winter season. The sport is governed by the Gary Horvath gives a platform tennis lesson at Mt. Vernon Country Club in Denver, Colo. American Platform Tennis Association (APTA), which was founded in 1934. Corrigan got hooked on platform The Boulder session included onA short-lived teaching organization, tennis two years ago and has since and off-court discussions about the the American Professional Platform played with his father in several value of patience in constructing a Tennis Association certified Presidents Cup Qualifier (PCQ) point at the net and in the backcourt. professionals during the late 1970s. tournaments. He will be working with In addition, the dialogue also In 1998, the USA Professional Tsuda at MSTC to introduce platform addressed the subtleties of shot Platform Tennis Association (PPTA) tennis to junior tennis players in selection and positioning while playing was started by myself and fellow programs this summer. the net, such as volleys and overheads. USPTA Professional Hank Irvine and By design, the USPTA platform The discourse also focused on the APTA Hall-of-Famer Dick Reilly at tennis certification process is modeled challenges of getting players at an a platform tennis camp in Montana. after the process for tennis. Applicants indoor tennis facility and it extended The PPTA was originally incorporated are required to demonstrate their to the value of teaching platform in the Intermountain Division before teaching skills in private and group tennis to junior tennis players merging with the USPTA in 2015.* lesson settings, as well as their ability who play at high altitude. Most to play the sport. In addition, they take importantly, the camaraderie that was an online test that focuses on topics shown within the group of Boulder ranging from grips to strategy. professionals will benefit them and the Education and learning are key sport itself for years to come. components of the certification A brief primer is provided for those process. As a result, Horvath led a not familiar with platform tennis. The session prior to the certification to sport was founded in Scarsdale, N.Y., discuss topics related to playing, in 1928 as a winter replacement for teaching and the business of being a tennis and is played on a court that platform tennis professional. looks like a miniature tennis court.
Gary Horvath founded the USA Professional Platform Tennis Association, which merged with the USPTA in 2015. Horvath is a USPTA Master Professional and has been a member for 43 years.
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ADDvantage Magazine - 49
USPTA
Anoosh Davoudzadeh Forges His Own Path In Tennis Lucas Casás, USPTA Communications
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Peter Wright pulled him aside for “a heart-to-heart.” Wright told Davoudzadeh that he had the talent to play on the varsity team, but that studying for a degree in genetics would take too much of his time. “He laid down the facts for me,” Davoudzadeh said. “My entire family are all very educated. Education is number one. In order to set yourself up to live a comfortable life where you’re not struggling financially, you want to have your education.” Davoudzadeh graduated from Berkeley and worked in biotechnology for seven years before spending time in dotcom and marketing for luxury auto brands. Then, he turned to pizza. “My college roommate worked in various capacities at this pizza chain,”
Photo courtesy of Anoosh Davoudzadeh
noosh Davoudzadeh was around 8 years old when a friend suggested they go play tennis. Davoudzadeh, who moved to the U.S. from Iran at age 3, never played tennis, but he had played table tennis, “which is a pretty popular sport for Persians.” “I had an understanding of the spins and how to hit the ball, and that translated into tennis for me,” Davoudzadeh said. “From that point on, I fell in love with the sport.” He played tennis in high school in Pleasanton, Calif., and was No. 1 in singles at Diablo Valley College before transferring to UC Berkeley, where he played club tennis. After Davoudzadeh performed exceptionally well in a walkon tournament for a chance at a varsity roster spot, long-time Bears coach
(Left to right) USPTA members Conan Lorenzo, Monty Basnyat, Anoosh Davoudzadeh and Farhad Roshanaie pose with legendary basketball commentator Dick Vitale (middle) at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Fla.
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September - October 2020
Davoudzadeh explained. “He came upon an opportunity to purchase one of these locations and he knew all the ins and outs and needed a partner. He trusted me and knew I had strong work ethic so we did it together. It was more like on a whim. “It turned out to be a really successful venture together and we expanded and bought more locations.”
Good friends and connections
Davoudzadeh may have pursued other careers before tennis, but he never left the game he loved. A USPTA Elite Professional and a 17-year member, Davoudzadeh starting coaching tennis on the side after college. Then his former coach at Diablo Valley recruited him to be an assistant coach. “I think this is what all teaching professionals struggle with,” he said. “When you are reliant upon your body and the weather and other noncontrollable factors in order to make an income, it’s always a scary and difficult proposition.” While he pursued other careers, Davoudzadeh continued coaching tennis on the side at various clubs in the Bay Area. He coached his own students, high school teams, and even managed park and recreation programs, all while competing in USTA League. “The restaurant business is tough, and it takes a toll,” he said. “It wasn’t really my passion, so I sold my businesses and got out and started pursuing tennis full-time.” Within a few years, Davoudzadeh earned an assistant director position at Blackhawk Country Club in California.
Photo courtesy of Anoosh Davoudzadeh
USPTA
Davoudzadeh poses with coaching legend Nick Bolletieri.
It “was more like a career than just a teaching professional job. There was event planning and running programs and teaching was a part of it,” he said. “I had a salary and a 401(k) and other benefits. It was more of a well-rounded job and it allowed me to get into tennis full-time.” Davoudzadeh was at Blackhawk CC “up to about three months ago, right when COVID hit. Unfortunately, because of the budget and loss of revenue, I was let go at Blackhawk.” He soon landed on his feet and started teaching at a nearby club. “I’m fortunate that I used to work at Lafayette Tennis Club so I had a really good relationship with the owner,” he said. “I was lucky to have good friends and connections.”
number one,” he said. “Number two, communication is key when you’re in a service industry. Not just in order to create relationships with your clients, but also to be able to communicate whatever you’re teaching in the best and most efficient way.” From his background in science, to his time in corporate America, to his decade-plus running pizza restaurants, Davoudzadeh has had to learn to communicate with a wide range of people. “I feel like you’re communicating in probably six or seven different languages when you’re talking to these different segments of the working world,” he said. “Just learning to navigate and communicate with different people and finding the best way to get your point across is probably the best experience that I’ve gained having all these different careers.”
And recently, Davoudzadeh became even more involved in tennis. He is in his first year on the USPTA Northern California Board of Directors. “Our main responsibilities are putting together USPTA events and conferences for the NorCal Division,” he said. “Last year we had a great event over at Stanford and we had a lot of great speakers. “My motivation was to do exactly what we’re doing, which is to provide better educational content for the pro,” he said. “To be able to help in screening the speakers and presenters and making sure it’s the best content, best bang for the buck, I thought it would be nice to be a part of that process.”*
Seven different languages
Managing so many facets of a club presented a new challenge, but it also offered Davoudzadeh an opportunity to use skills he learned over the course of his professional career. “When I was in a service-oriented business as a teaching pro or as a director of tennis, it’s all about service,
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USPTA
Stemming the Tide
be more aware of which way the wind is blowing on college campuses so we can stem the tide. In talking with good friend and CEO of John R. Embree, USPTA CEO the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, ach of us is being affected by the And unfortunately, varsity tennis is Tim Russell, his association is proactively global pandemic in our own way. The vulnerable. You are probably aware of the addressing this situation. He reminded fall-out on businesses, our social lives, news that Stanford University eliminated me that there are 1,700 collegiate varsity travel, entertainment, etc. is incalculable 11 varsity sports, many of which are programs and approximately 20,000 at this stage. It will be years before we truly Olympic disciplines. Thankfully, tennis student-athletes playing college tennis. comprehend the massive toll that it has was not cut, likely because Stanford Men’s Tennis has a sizeable footprint in collegiate taken on our world. and Women’s tennis have historically been athletics. But, to save additional programs As the professional sporting world the most iconic collegiate programs in from cancellation, it is imperative that makes an earnest attempt to rebound, existence. But, many programs at other tennis-teaching professionals advocate for amateur athletics is under extreme institutions have not been so lucky. In fact, local college programs. Our professionals pressure. High school competition is in 63 men’s and women’s varsity programs should ensure that the community serious jeopardy this fall, and after-school have already been eliminated because of embraces the varsity players, supports programs for kids of all ages will be paused the revenue decreases expected in the their matches and participates in various for the foreseeable future. Development coming year with the likelihood that more programs for tennis enthusiasts of all ages. for aspiring athletes may be stunted will be axed in the coming months. And, An athletic director would be hard-pressed because of precautions implemented to with the Ivy League shuttering all Fall to cancel a program that is totally engaged blunt the spread of the virus. There will be sports in 2020, spring sports like tennis with the general population of the town or fewer opportunities for kids to improve will clearly be under the microscope for city where the college resides. their talents and to show off their abilities, possible elimination. So, I encourage you to connect with the thereby turning junior sports upside down. Why is this matter so important to collegiate programs in your area to make If you are a college football fan anxious our industry? If there is a significant certain they are an integral part of the to see if the season will be played, don’t reduction of college tennis programs, tennis community. Directors of tennis hold your breath. At the time of this there will be fewer players who will should look for creative ways to engage writing, we don’t know what the picture aspire to becoming tennis-teaching their youth with local college players this will look like for the fall. No matter what, professionals upon graduation. If parents fall. Many high school and college players the revenue normally generated by a full see a reduction in programs offering will be attending classes virtually this fall, slate of college football games will take a scholarships in tennis, why would they so could clubs offer complimentary court huge hit. As a result, college administrators push their children to pursue tennis as time to college players in exchange for must make difficult decisions regarding youngsters, knowing that opportunities to volunteering in their junior programs? the future viability of non-revenueplay in college are reduced? With school online, could a morning generating sports. College players have been part of the or midday practice be scheduled that normal pipeline combines high school and college players? of up-and-coming Directors should also get junior talent for our players familiar with the college match Association, but experience, once they recommence, and imagine what the continue to promote college tennis as an long-term effect option for kids who aspire to make tennis will be on the entire their lifetime sport. We cannot afford industry if college to lose those college opportunities and tennis programs have our children choose another athletic shut down. This pathway if our sport is to survive in the existential threat long term. is likely not on Be an advocate for the sport that has many people’s radar done so much for all of us. The future screens at this of our industry depends on us keeping time, but we must college tennis vibrant and healthy.*
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest University
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September - October 2020
ADDvantage Magazine - 55
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Theragun Becomes Official Recovery Device of the USPTA
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Photo courtesy of Therabody
he United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), the global leader in tennis-teacher certification and professional development, has signed a multi-year partnership with Therabody™, formerly known as Theragun®, the leader in tech wellness and percussive massage therapy, becoming the Official Recovery Device of the USPTA. “Theragun devices are terrific for tennis coaches and players to aid in their recovery after a long day on the court or to help with muscle strains. Once you use a Theragun product, you will swear by its effectiveness,” USPTA CEO John Embree said. “This is a very exciting day for our Association. One of the benefits of the USPTA and Theragun relationship is the opportunity to provide educational tools through Therabody University to maximize the benefits of percussive massage therapy, not only during training and matches, but also off the court as well.”
Through its partnership, Therabody will exhibit and showcase its Theragun Percussive Massage Therapy devices at the USPTA World Conference and other division conferences. Additionally, USPTA coaches will have premium access to Therabody’s education division, Therabody University, giving coaches the opportunity to educate and train their players on the benefits of activation and recovery through using Theragun devices. "I'm thrilled to be partnering with the USPTA and its tennis-teaching professionals and their players, providing them with the opportunity to feel better naturally and recover faster after a rigorous day on the court with our Theragun devices," said Dr. Jason Wersland, founder and chief wellness officer of Therabody. "We've spent years working with athletes and professionals developing protocols that will provide not only education on how to advance their recovery, but also how they can implement and incorporate Theragun into their everyday routines." Every Theragun is scientifically engineered to deliver the most effective percussive massage therapy experience available. Each device syncs with the Therabody app to activate custom tennis pre- and post-workout recovery routines. The custom tennis routines show players how to activate before a warm-up, with recommended 30-second treatments focusing on the shoulder, forearms, hips, legs as well as the bottom of the shoe. For re-activation during a match, players can use a Theragun device for ten seconds on each side of their shoulder,
glutes, upper legs, and bottom of the feet. These custom routines featured on the Therabody app are key when it comes to a successful game, set, and match.* To learn more about Therabody and its suite of natural product solutions including Theragun Percussive Massage Therapy devices and its USDA Certified Organic CBD product line, TheraOne, please visit www.Therabody.com. To become an official affiliate for Theragun, click the apply now button at https://teamhqs.com/.
September - October 2020
ADDvantage Magazine - 57
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USPTA Career Development
USPTA
Career Development USPTA Certification Testing Dates
Sept. 5-6............................................................. Countryside Country Club Clearwater, FL Sept. 8-9.............................................................................. Queens College Flushing, NY Sept. 9-10................................................ Colorado Athletic Club Inverness Englewood, CO Sept. 11-12........................................................... Royal Oaks Country Club Houston, TX Sept. 12................................................................Tuskaloosa Racquet Club Tuscalossa, AL Sept. 12-13.............................................................Rush Copley Healthplex Aurora, IL Sept. 14-15..................................Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel Berkeley, CA Sept. 14-15..................................................... USTA National Tennis Center Orlando, FL Sept. 18-19..................................................................Tucson Country Club Tucson, AZ Sept. 19............................................................ Todd Morsilli Tennis Center Providence, RI Sept. 19-20................................................................ Monroe Athletic Club Monroe, LA Sept. 19-20.......................................................... Forest Crest Athletic Club Mountlake Terrace, WA Sept. 25................................................. Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center Minneapolis, MN Sept. 25-26................................................... Hilton New Orleans Riverside New Orleans, LA Sept. 26-27....................................................................Oaks at Boca Raton Boca Raton, FL Sept. 27.............................................. The Sports Club of West Bloomfield West Bloomfield, MI Oct. 1-2.................................................................. Peak Health & Wellness Missoula, MT Oct. 2...................................................................................... Saw Mill Club Mt. Kisco, NY Oct. 3........................................................................ Missouri Athletic Club St. Louis, MO Oct. 3-4.................................................................... Richland Tennis Center North Richland Hills, TX Oct. 3-4...................................................................... Sea Cliff Country Club Huntington Beach, CA Oct. 4.................................................................... Haig Point Tennis Center Hilton Head Island, SC Oct. 9..........................................................Oklahoma Golf & Country Club Oklahoma City, OK Oct. 9-10.......................................................... Boise Racquet & Swim Club Boise, ID Oct. 10-11....................................................................Atlanta Athletic Club Johns Creek, GA
Oct. 12-13....................................................... USTA National Tennis Center Orlando, FL Oct. 16-17................................................................... Tanoan Country Club Albuquerque, NM Oct. 17-18.......................................................... Green Island Country Club Columbus, GA Oct. 18........................................................................... The Dominion Club Glen Allen, VA Oct. 18-19................................................................ Burbank Tennis Center Burbank, CA Oct. 19-20....................................Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel Berkeley, CA Oct. 23-24....................................................... The City Club at River Ranch Lafayette, LA Oct. 24-25......................................................................Oaks at Boca Raton Boca Raton, FL Oct. 24-25............................................................... Bayou Bluff Tennis Club Gulfport, MS Oct. 26....................................... The Omni Rancho Mirage Resort and Spa Rancho Mirage, CA Oct. 29................................................................... Greenville Country Club Wilmington, DE Oct. 29-30.................................................................. Anthem Country Club Henderson, NV
In Memoriam Don Henson (July 23, 1943 – June 10, 2020)
passed peacefully in San Diego with his family by his side at the age of 76. Don started teaching tennis when he was 17 and never looked back. In his 54 years as a USPTA member, Don served as a Tester and was named Pro of the Year for the New England, San Diego and Southern California USPTA Divisions. Don was inducted into the New England Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017. He is survived by his four children and nine grandchildren.
Bob Ryland (June 16, 1920 – Aug. 2, 2020)
passed away in New York, several weeks after celebrating his 100th birthday. Bob was a trailblazer of the game, becoming the first Black male to play professional tennis in the U.S., paving the way for other legends of the game, many of whom he coached. He was a USPTA member for 62 years and will be the lone inductee into the USPTA Hall of Fame in September.
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE
President................................................................. Feisal Hassan First Vice President.............................................Richard Slivocka Vice Presidents...............Lane Evans, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner, Jason Gilbert, Bill Mountford Immediate Past President............................................ Gary Trost CEO...........................................................................John Embree Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell
Editor...................................................................................... Jim Burke Managing Editor.................................................................Lucas Casás Layout/Design.............................................................Kevin Karczewski Editorial Assistance .............................Alegna Hollis, Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, Fred Viancos, Ellen Weatherford Circulation..................................................................... Trevor Trudelle USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 800-887-8248- www.uspta.com
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ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association. The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the United States Professional Tennis Association. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA.