Break Through
One of my favorite quotes is from Simon Sinek, who shared a comment from Steve Jobs when he was confronted with questions about competitors in the marketplace. He said, “We achieve more if we chase the dream, not the competition.” When I took this role in December, I vowed to look forward and lead us into the future. Our industry has a history of looking left and right, worried about what everyone else is doing. Well, the great thing about our industry is that competitors will appear with statements like, “We can do it better, more free stuff, cooler swag, endorsed by celebrities, less expensive and many more gimmicks.”
Although we believe in the effectiveness of strong marketing, we believe more firmly in the importance of quality career development, masterful education and high certification standards.
We are the gold standard in professional certification, continuing education and career services, and we have been for 97 years. We have a national staff who serves you every day and strives for continuous improvement. We work diligently to support your needs, no matter what they are or who you are. We have 16 executive directors and leadership in 17 divisions who care about your success and your careers.
I believe in our association and our structure as we have made incredible strides forward. But right now, we must separate ourselves from the noise and break through the clutter. How do we do that? Together, under one common belief that we can:
Time to Break Through the Clutter and the Noise
Champion the spirit of racquet sports by developing professionals who lead with integrity, innovate in coaching and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet community.
We care about your career as a racquet sports professional. We care about quality, standards and your success, on and off all courts!
When I talk about doing this together, I mean we share a bond. No matter where you are from, what you look like or what you believe, if you are committed and dedicated to a career in racquet sports, we want to bond with you.
Do you know how a tennis racquet is made? Carbon fiber, or graphite, begins as very fine fibers that look like hair. Imagine 14,000 fibers being bonded together with resin, or glue, rolled into large sheets, cut to sizes and shapes, placed in a mold and put in an oven to heat and bond, or unite, everything together into one unit. Any engineer would be absolutely appalled by my simplistic version of this process, but I am trying to make a point. These fibers, which bond together to form one unit, are the perfect representation of our association. We are all individuals, but when connected to our divisions or our national team, we are part of the oldest, largest and most prestigious professional trade association
in the racquets industry. This is a moment to strengthen our bond and be stronger than ever, together.
At the time of publishing, we will be embarking on the World Racquets Conference, where we will be making some bold, brave and future-thinking announcements. Join us live on September 16 at 8 a.m. PST (or on our social media channels and YouTube to watch afterwards). We will also be hearing from some amazing speakers at the largest gathering of racquet sports professionals the world has ever seen. By this time, we will also have embarked on the largest paid media marketing initiative ever by our association to lead, to inspire people to join our industry and to promote our brand!
We are excited to share this new journey with you because it was initiated and inspired by you! At 97 years old, our association is ready to break through the clutter, separate ourselves from the noise and recommit ourselves to your success.
Be bold! Be with us on September 16 and be with us on this new journey of change, together.*
Brian Dillman USPTA CEO
A CHANGING ASSOCIATION A CHANGING ASSOCIATION
As we move into the change of seasons, and possibly for some of our members, a change of job or a move to a different location, I am excited to give you a glimpse of some of the changes USPTA will be revealing in the next few months.
First, I hope you all had a wonderful and safe summer season. For many, it was unseasonably hot, and we watched unusual weather play havoc with lessons,
kids camps and special events. It was a time of tornadoes, floods and severe fires, all of which affect our members in different parts of the country. This summer we had the opportunity to watch some fantastic matches at Wimbledon, and it is also an Olympic year, which is always one of my favorite times for all sports in general.
Second, now is the time to plan your event calendar for your season and 2025 in general. As you are looking to hire new staff, please remember to look at the USPTA certified professionals who are in the job marketplace. You can also have your club sign on to TeamWork Online, which will list your open positions. To gain more exposure and traction in their career advancement search, our members, for no fee, can sign up with their own profile. You are then able to receive online notices of open positions that fit your own job search. This and our other new member benefits can be found on our website.
Trish Faulkner
USPTA President/Hall of Fame
sports as a career. Major benefits include mentoring and networking opportunities at divisional meetings and the national annual World Racquets Conference. Best of all, it allows the apprentice to access our educational database on TennisResources.com There is no application fee or testing required. The $50 annual membership fee is prorated depending on when you apply. To learn more, call the USPTA office or visit our website. If you
know of any young players who might have an interest, encourage them to check it out!
the attendees a very exciting, upbeat and energetic five-day conference with some very unusual division challenge activities! I look forward to seeing you all there. Now for the latest in USPTA news! The board has given approval for Brian and our marketing department to secure television time on the Tennis Channel and additional platforms during the leadup tournaments to the US Open. Our goal is to further educate consumers as to who we are and what we do. The pickleball craze is ongoing with many indoor
facilities being built. Ramona and our multimedia staff have filmed a series of educational pickleball videos which will feature some top tournament players. This year, we are also adding a new award for the Pickleball Coach Developer of the Year. Padel is also booming, not just in the USA, but all over the world. This is a great deal in part to Marcos del Pilar, who is conducting Padel certification courses worldwide. Brian has done an impressive job of bringing in new endorsees. You will get to meet them at the WRC, where they will continue to offer strong new benefits to our mem-
Another new and exciting program is our Junior Racquet Sports Apprentice membership category. This is open to any 14-17-year-olds who might be interested in learning more about teaching racquet
Our USPTA Lake Nona office and staff have been exceptionally busy in the first eight months of 2024. CEO Brian Dillman has reached out to all division leaders to discuss ideas and benefits that will encourage members to become more active and involved in all initiatives. He also visited almost all division conferences in the first part of 2024 along with our Board members. Final adjustments and plans are ongoing for our WRC at Rancho Mirage. Brian and the staff have promised
bers. I don’t have space to describe all the new options members have to utilize their membership to the fullest, but one of the most important new online benefits is our
mental health program. In our next Town Hall webinar, we will be expanding our dialogue on all our new benefits, so tune in and listen for all the new information.
We are encouraging all committees to gather at the WRC to meet and socialize. A small budget for each committee has been set aside that the committee chair will have access to. Look for the time and place for each meeting.
While you are enjoying Rancho Mirage, don’t forget to mark your calendar for our 2025 WRC in Kona, Hawaii, from September 21-25. More details to come about special hotel rates, airfare options and side trips designed for the attendees by our wonderful Hawaii division members.
While at the WRC, I hope you all will support our award winners by attending the ceremony. Additionally, I highly encourage all of you to attend the General
Membership meeting on September 17 at 5 p.m. This meeting will not have our usual agenda. You will be asked to make some important decisions about our future. Also, while at the WRC, look for the staff and board to sport some new outfits! No further comments on this.
As usual, I want to remind all division EDs to check your dashboard to follow up on members lacking Safe Play because there are too few education credits and too many who have let their membership lapse. Speaking of awards, after the WRC, please start collecting information on your impressive members who will qualify to be nominated for 2024 division and national awards next year. All divisions are expected to enter a presentation for the Division of the Year Award. Remember, we award $1000 to the winner of both the Small and Large Division of the Year.
On a side note, Rob Scott, our national board member from Intermountain,
submitted his resignation from the board due to time commitments and personal issues as he and his family lost everything in a major wildfire. We thank Rob for all the work he did while serving on the board, particularly on the marketing committee. We wish Rob and his family the very best of luck and we hope to see him at our upcoming events. The board is meeting to possibly name a replacement for the rest of the 2024-2025 term.
We will have a lot to discuss at, and after, the WRC. I hope you will attend and support your board and national staff as we work extra hard to make the organization even bigger, better and stronger.
Thank you,
Trish Faulkner
*
INTERLEAVING:
INTERLEAVING: AN APPROACH TO TEACHING
Drawing from my educational background, which includes roles as a high school and college teacher, I transitioned into various positions post-retirement. These roles ranged from serving as an educational consultant for the Discovery Channel, to directing classroom programs for the Mortgage Bankers Association and facilitating training within the casino industry. Concurrently, I held leadership positions as the director of tennis across multiple clubs and operated a sizable tennis retail store. Throughout my journey, tennis and education have remained central to my life's work, with a steadfast dedication to fostering student excellence driving my endeavors.
As professionals in the realm of tennis, we inherently embody the role of teachers. Although your aspirations within the tennis profession may extend beyond the court, there will be occasions where you find yourself equipped with a racquet, a bucket of balls and a student across the net. While some may refer to us as coaches, I prefer to characterize us as educators. Our role aligns more closely with that of educators who happen to
wield a racquet.
While coaches
often assume managerial responsibilities, our focus remains on imparting knowledge and nurturing growth in our students. People absorb information through a variety of senses and emotional experiences. I've found that most students learn best through hands-on engagement and visual observation. Very few respond well to auditory instruction alone. With this in
Bob Anderman USPTA Master Professional
mind, I minimize verbal instruction and instead prioritize active participation from my students. I've noticed that within about 30 seconds of talking, many students begin to lose focus. Therefore, I utilize an instructional method known as interleaving, which involves mixing different skills during the learning process. Through my own observations and supported by empirical research, interleaving has proven to yield superior results compared to traditional blocked practice methods.
"Interleaving has proven to yield SUPERIORRESULTS compared to traditional blocked practice methods."
These studies offer compelling evidence of the benefits of interleaving training, particularly in promoting long-term retention, facilitating the transfer of learning, refining the ability to differentiate between similar concepts and improvment of problem-solving abilities across a wide range of learning domains.
Blocking involves repetitive practice in a fixed location or pattern with the student
staying in one place and hitting shots repeatedly until they achieve the desired outcome. Conversely, interleaving fosters long-term retention.
For instance, when teaching backhand, a blocking approach might require the student to hit backhands repeatedly until they consistently land within the designated area with sufficient velocity and technique. In contrast, an interleaved approach would incorporate forehand, backhands, slice and topspin into the practice session. While blocking may lead to immediate improvement post-lesson, interleaving demonstrates superior results in the long run. The interleaved student shows better performance on the backhand two weeks later with the added ability to adjust to new playing situations.
One significant challenge of interleaved teaching is the lack of immediate feedback for the student. The prevalent
belief is that mastery requires extensive repetition—often cited as 10,000 repetitions. Consequently, students may feel a sense of accomplishment when asked to repeat a specific action multiple times. While most students readily embrace improving their competitive performance, some may require additional persuasion. This is when educators must devise innovative strategies to ensure long-term retention. I ask high school players to watch a tennis match and count how many forehands are hit from the same place and hit the same way. It then becomes clear that they must learn to do more than stand in one place and hit the same shot repeatedly.
Coaching a high school team presents the challenge of making a significant impact, especially considering the varying skill levels of the players. In my coaching role, I encounter the additional hurdle of inclement weather, often forcing us to practice indoors. With only half our sessions held on the courts and our first match typically scheduled about three weeks later, I find myself guiding 40 boys and girls across five courts. Despite the logistical constraints, I strive to maximize our practice time by employing interleaving techniques which allows me to rotate players and allocate coaching attention effectively. Focusing on a variety of skills simultaneously yields noticeable progress. Achieving long-term retention is paramount, and interleaving proves instrumental in this regard. Numerous studies have amassed empirical evidence supporting the advantages of interleaving training, particularly in promoting long-term retention, facilitating the transfer of learning, refining the ability to differentiate between similar concepts and improvement of problem-solving abilities across various domains of learning. This technique, prevalent in education and learning, especially within the realms of cognitive psychology and pedagogy, involves integrating diverse topics, concepts or skills within a single learning session or curriculum rather than teaching them in isolation or in a blocked manner. *
ENHANCED ENHANCED
THE USPTA’S PADEL CERTIFICATION
Collin Brazan Director of Marketing
the USPTA agreed to a multiyear extension of its agreement with USPTA Master Professional Marcos del Pilar, as the leading authority for Padel certification under the USPTA umbrella and Padelmba USA.
Padelmba USA will continue to be the USPTA’s worldwide exclusive provider of Padel certification, online educational courses and training programs that will be recognized and officially endorsed by the USPTA in exclusivity.
Padelmba USA is the leading Padel training company in the USA with an e-learning methodology and professional certifications. It is the platform where teaching professionals perfect their knowledge and teaching methods. The developed methodology pushes professionals to complete specific Padel training techniques in all areas of the sport.
Those certified to teach Padel via Padelmba USA’s certification workshops in the USA will become USPTA members, will have full access to USPTA membership benefits and will receive the first
" As we think about building anything new, especially a new sport, we need to build a solid and stable foundation. Nobody does a better job at building this foundation than Marcos."
calendar year of their USPTA membership included in the price of their certification course, among other additional benefits.
“As we think about building anything new, especially a new sport, we need to build a solid and stable foundation. Nobody does a better job at building this foundation than Marcos. He and his team not only teach solid fundamentals, but they also inspire joy and passion in each workshop.
Padel is on the road to explosive growth in the United States, as it has been around the world. For Padel’s long term stability, we need certified professional coaches who know how to teach the game correctly and who understand the business of Padel.
Getting certified through Padelmba and the UPSTA will provide the building
Level 1 - Instructor
Level 2 - professional Level 3 - elite level 4 - master
after completing a set of courses, earning official accreditation of 500 hours of Padel teaching, serving as an assistant to three Padel certification courses and running Padel clubs for at least two years.
“This multiyear partnership extension with the USPTA is not only a step toward the internationalization of Padel in America but also a fusion of visions. We both see Padel as a complementary and expansive sport with enormous potential to capture the interest of players and fans alike. This partnership focuses on leveraging our deep expertise to develop the American market, offering world-class education for both players and coaches to expand and improve their racquet sports offerings and deliveries,” del Pilar said.
“The USPTA has always represented the gold standard in coaching, certification, education and career development. That excellence is part of our DNA, and we truly believe that our state-of-the-art education will improve our students' learning experience and will facilitate new opportunities for their continued success.”
Marcos del Pilar is a successful serial entrepreneur and businessman as well as one of the most influential and important figures in the development of Padel in the United States. His extensive and renowned experience in management, marketing and sales make him one of the most valued Padel consultants across the globe. He is a key piece for some of the most important venture capitals and investment groups involved in Padel in the world. He is also the cornerstone of most Padel projects in the United States, including his roles as the key leader behind the first-ever Padel World Championship in the USA (2022) and the co-founder and commissioner of the world-renowned PRO PADEL LEAGUE.
Expanding Padel certification amplifies a pivotal tool for coaches as new
students emerge in the ever-expanding racquet sports market. The USPTA continues to offer its certifications in tennis, wheelchair tennis, platform tennis and its newly reimagined pickleball and squash pathways—available to USPTA nonmembers—to help teaching professionals further develop their careers. *
blocks to a successful Padel career, both on and off the court,” said USPTA CEO Brian Dillman.
Those who complete Padelmba USA’s first course will become certified as a Recreational Padel Coach, a Padel Instructor, or a Padel Professional based on test scores. The equivalent USPTA Instructor - Level 1 or Professional - Level 2 certification will be granted to those who earn a corresponding Padel certification. Professional Certified Padel Coaches (Level 2) can apply for Elite (Level 3) certification after completing a set of courses and earning official accreditation of 100 hours of Padel teaching. Elite Certified (Level 3) Padel Coaches can apply for Master (Level 4) certification
A VISIT WITH KEN ROSEWALL MY WIMBLEDON HIGHLIGHT
over the course of my lifetime, Wimbledon has been an annual celebration unlike any other. I have had the good fortune to be on those hallowed grounds for 55 of the last 61 years, and my reverence for that singular sporting festival has never diminished.
Every time I make the journey to Great Britain, I am delighted to be on hand for the centerpiece event in the world of tennis and happy to watch the sport’s most majestic players showcase their skills for audiences thirsting to see them perform mightily.
This year we witnessed Carlos Alcaraz successfully defend his title by defeating Novak Djokovic in a second straight final and observed a revitalized Barbora Krejcikova capture her second major singles title and her first on the London lawns.
But as much as I enjoyed watching the two champions taking the game’s highest honor, the personal highlight for me this year was catching up on a few occasions with Ken Rosewall, who travelled from his home to Wimbledon along with his son.
Rosewall is 89, but the evergreen Australian still has an extraordinarily full head of hair, a youthful outlook on life and a deep sense of humility which knows no bounds. He is the most modest champion I have ever known.
Here is a man who is one of the greatest players ever to pick up a racquet. He is a champion of enduring excellence who lasted at and near the top of the sport longer than anyone. His golden backhand was one of the five best in history, his footwork was immaculate and his game could best be described as sheer elegance. He was an exemplary
sportsman and craftsman. But Rosewall speaks only in an understated tone about what he accomplished and chuckles or nods self-deprecatingly whenever someone like me praises him. I tried to compliment him a few times when we crossed paths this year, but he simply smiled shyly and changed the subject.
Rosewall emerged in the early 1950’s and competed until 1980. He won eight majors, securing all the Grand Slam singles titles except for Wimbledon.
Half of those majors were amassed as an amateur in the fifties and the other half were collected across his thirties after Open Tennis came along in 1968. Rosewall turned professional in 1957 and was ineligible to play the majors for over a decade.
He also won two prestigious titles at the 1971 WCT Finals in Dallas and in 1972 over Rod Laver which was one of the most coveted crowns in tennis. The latter triumph in a fifth set tie-break over his countryman was a seminal moment for tennis on television with astronomical ratings on NBC and 21 million American viewers.
At Wimbledon, Rosewall was four
times a finalist, realizing that feat for the first time in 1954, making his last appearance in the title round twenty years
later. I was there when he came close to securing the crown in 1970 against coun tryman John Newcombe.
Many in the Centre Court crowd that afternoon were deeply saddened when Rosewall lost in five memo rable sets. At 5’7” and less than 150 pounds, he was a diminutive figure and yet indisputably one of the giants of his trade.
The way I look at it, he remains in that stratosphere. When Rosewall watched matches this year— not infrequently on Court
One—he was approached in the crowd by both strangers and old friends who were either happy to shake his
hand, or seemingly hoping to get his views on the shape of the sport today. Some who have reached the summit in tennis can be arrogant and condescending, but not Ken Rosewall, as he is the ultimate gentleman in tennis.
Seeing him at Wimbledon this year made me sentimental. This was the 50th anniversary of his last final at the All England Club in 1974 when he was beaten by an insatiable young lion named Jimmy Connors. Later that summer, Connors overwhelmed Rosewall again in the U.S. Open final. I was introduced to him after that loss by a colleague and liked him immediately. It astonished me that he made it to the finals for the two most important tournaments in tennis that year at 39, which was irrefutable proof of his longevity and greatness.
So, this piece is for Ken Rosewall, a man of fundamental decency, an unimpeachable ambassador for the game and an ageless individual who has enriched my life much more than he has ever known.*
Steve Flink
International Tennis Hall of Famer
GreenSet Padel
Leading Innovation and Growth of Padel with GreenSet Padel as the Official Partner of the USPTA
in the dynamic world of sports, quality and innovation are fundamental pillars that differentiate industry leaders from their competitors. Padel Court Deluxe stands out as one of the leading manufacturers and installers of Padel courts worldwide, so we are thrilled to announce a significant transition: becoming a brand name as GreenSet Padel. This change underscores a commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring a superior playing experience for players of all levels.
A New Era with GreenSet Padel
Since the merger of GreenSet and Padel Courts Deluxe in 2022, the goal is to be the global leader in tennis, pickleball and Padel courts. GreenSet is the leading reference globally for tennis and pickleball hardcourt surfaces, represented at the Australian Open, Davis Cup Finals, ATP & WTA Tour Finals, the Olympic Games, the ATP & WTA 1000 Masters in Cincinnati and other leading tournaments, clubs and universities around the world. Combining the two companies under one brand, GreenSet Padel will elevate the standard of Padel courts even further within the GreenSet brand portfolio. This transition will bring enhanced durability, performance and player satisfaction to their courts, therefore reinforcing GreenSet Padel’s position as the top choice for Padel court installations worldwide.
Building for Major Events
GreenSet Padel is the primary manufacturer and installer of Padel courts for prestigious professional events. Previously, their courts were selected for World Padel Tour and A1 Padel events, and just recently have been selected for the elite tournaments Dubai Premier Padel P1 and Oysho Vallado-
USTA Connect. These affiliations underscore commitment to quality and excellence in sports infrastructure. Furthermore, the company announced that the new Dallas Open 2025, a prestigious ATP 500 event, will play on GreenSet surfaces, helping to cement their stellar reputation for quality and reliability.
lid Premier Padel P2. These events highlight the trust placed in the company’s quality and reliability by the best Padel players in the world as well as leading Padel leagues and organizations globally.
Strategic Collaboration with the USPTA
GreenSet Padel’s collaboration with the USPTA marks a significant milestone. The USPTA, with its long-standing dedication to promoting tennis and Padel in the United States, finds a perfect partner in GreenSet Padel. Together, they enhance the sport's development across the country by providing top-tier facilities that meet and exceed international standards.
Expanding in the US Market
This partnership with the USPTA allows GreenSet Padel to offer the broader Padel community in the United States access to superior quality facilities. This strategic alliance will support the sport's growth at all levels, from amateur players to professional athletes, therby ensuring a comprehensive development framework for Padel in the US.
Highlighting Key 2024 Constructions
GreenSet Padel continues to showcase its excellence through several key projects in 2024. These include a beautiful private court in the mountains of Colorado, the construction of the Padel 39 facility in Austin, Texas and Henrik Zetterberg’s Zmash Padel in Detroit, Michigan. Additionally, the impact of Racquet X on the industry has been significant by demonstrating the brands innovative approach and market leadership. GreenSet Padel’s industry leadership is further solidified by their membership in the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) and GreenSet’s partnership with
certification workshops
Commitment to Sustainability in the biggest padel factory in the industry
In an era where sustainability is more important than ever, GreenSet Padel has adopted eco-friendly practices in all of its manufacturing and construction processes. The company strives to minimize its environmental footprint by using recyclable materials and technologies that reduce energy consumption. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment, but also reinforces GreenSet Padel’s position as a responsible leader in the sports industry.
Looking to the Future
The transition to GreenSet Padel and their strategic partnerships mark an important milestone in the company’s history, but it does not stop there. With a clear vision for the future, GreenSet Padel continues to explore new technologies and materials that can further enhance its products. The company is also committed to promoting Padel globally by supporting events and programs that encourage participation and growth in the sport. For over a decade, Padel Courts Deluxe has established itself as a key player in the Padel industry through its dedication to quality, innovation and sustainability. As the official partner of the USPTA and with the current transition to GreenSet Padel, the brand is uniquely positioned to significantly contribute to the development of Padel in the United States and beyond. By offering players and coaches with world-class facilities that reflect the best the sport has to offer, GreenSet Padel is ready to take Padel to new heights *
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Padel Courts Deluxe becomes Courtesy of GreenSet Padel
Local Hero National Inspiration
From Local Hero to National Inspiration
Kara Borromeo's Journey in Tennis
United States Professional Tennis Association’s own, Elite Professional Kara Borromeo is a distinguished tennis professional based at the Coral Reef Park Tennis Center in Palmetto Bay, Fla. As the director and head pro, she has significantly impacted the local tennis community through her innovative coaching methods and dedication to the sport.
Borromeo's coaching philosophy centers on making tennis enjoyable while ensuring that students learn proper techniques and develop good form. She offers programs for all age groups, from children as young as five to adults. Her approach involves using various colored balls to suit different skill levels, ensuring the learning process is both fun and effective. Borromeo emphasizes the importance of playing for personal fulfillment and enjoyment rather than external pressures, fostering a healthy competitive spirit among her students. She is a beacon of light in an industry dominated by men to promote, encourage and inspire girls and women to have a say and break barriers in tennis.
Borromeo is recognized for her contributions to Junior Team Tennis (JTT), where she has successfully led multiple teams to local, regional and national competitions. Her dedication to junior tennis includes not only teaching, but also providing opportunities for young players to travel and experience the camaraderie and competition of team events. This holistic approach to coaching helps in developing not only tennis skills but also
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
life skills such as discipline, teamwork and resilience.
Borromeo's commitment to tennis and her community has earned her numerous accolades. She was named the USPTA Florida Miami District 13 Professional of the Month in 2021 and has been recognized as one of the top 50 coaches in America by Tennis Channel's "TOPSPIN" program. Her recognition
as Coach of the Year by the USPTA underscores her influence and success as a coach. Earlier this year, Kara was presented by the City of Palmetto Bay’s Mayor, Karyn Cunningham, the key to the city for her dedication and leadership in the city. She also received the USPTA FL/ USTA FL Joint Service Award 2022 and was honored at the 2024 USPTA Division
Conference this year with the USPTA Stars Award.
In addition to her professional achievements, Borromeo is known for her volunteer work. She and her late husband were named USTA Florida Tennis Volunteers of the Month for their efforts in promoting tennis among youth in MiamiDade County and went on to receive the 2018 USTA FL Exceptional Youth Tennis Provider Award. She even mentored nine college students to become USPTA certified teaching pros. Kara’s husband taught her how to teach tennis and even started their program together.
“All awards I have received, I give credit to him,” Kara said. Kara and her husband have been instrumental in integrating Special Olympics programs and mentoring future community coaches.
Borromeo's personal journey is equally inspiring. Of Pacific Islander descent, she was introduced to tennis by her mother, who played a significant role in shaping her determination and work ethic. This background gives her a unique perspective and a strong drive to serve as a role model for young players, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
Through her leadership at Coral Reef Park Tennis Center, Kara Borromeo continues to nurture a vibrant tennis community, emphasizing fun, personal growth and competitive success. Her impact on tennis in Palmetto Bay and beyond highlights the profound difference a passionate and dedicated coach can make in the lives of their students.*
Jim Stockwell, USPTA Director of Membership