Addvantage 2017 July

Inside this issue USPTA Returns to Orlando for 2017 World Conference – 48 The Challenges of Senior Tennis – 52 The “Four Awareness” Points When Playing Tennis– 54 Departments: 52 Inside Coaching 42 CEO’s Message 54 Master Pro Corner 44 First Vice President’s Message 56 USPTA’s 90th Anniversary 46 USPTA News 58 Career Development 48 USPTA World Conference 60 Member News Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com On the cover: 2017 marks a year of major change for USPTA – a new World Headquarters and brand new national staff. Meet the new staff on Page 46.

CEO’s Message

April Executive Committee Meeting

A

pril is always an important time of year for the USPTA as our Executive Committee ­gathers for the first of its two semiannual meetings (the other during our World Conference). As most everyone knows, our Executive Committee is the governing body of our association. Thus, it is vital that members of this leadership group be updated on all of the activities that have transpired since we gathered in Indian Wells last September as well as understand what lies before us for the remainder of 2017.

For 25+ years, this meeting has been held in our offices in Houston. Thinking that our new building in Lake Nona would be completed by now, the decision was made back in September to hold it in Orlando. Because of the permitting issues that we had with the city last fall, construction did not start until December, which meant that our building would not be finished by the time everyone traveled to Orlando. Thus, we had to hold the actual meeting at a hotel by the Orlando airport the last weekend in April.

Like all Executive Committee weekends, the agenda for this year was chock full of side meetings surrounding the main event. It began Thursday morning with a three-hour session with our division Executive Directors and Administrators going over division activities. This meeting also included a valuable training session with our recent endorsee, Setteo, on the registration process through a social media platform. For the rest of that afternoon, the Board of Directors met to discuss key initiatives, where we stand on professional development, what the financial picture looks like for the year, and to hear the latest news regarding the construction of our building.

Friday was quite the opening day for the Executive Committee meeting. It began with an insightful presentation given by Andy Odenbach of Tavistock as to all that is happening here in Lake Nona.

It was incredibly exciting to hear about the new buildout of a 50-acre campus for

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KPMG which, when completed in the fall of 2019, will host 1,000 people from all over the world each week of training.

Starting this fall, Tavistock will begin construction of an upscale, performance hotel adjacent to the USTA National Campus including a Crystal Lagoon, while also commencing Phase 2 of the buildout of the Town Center, which will add almost a million square feet of entertainment venues, food and dining outlets, residential living and retail. Orlando City Soccer will complete its complex by year end right behind our space and Drive Shack (a high end version of Top Golf ) has already cleared land for the construction of its new facility right down the street from us, scheduled for completion in Q1 of 2018.

After conducting the usual business in the morning, Craig Morris, General Manager of Community Tennis for the USTA, updated everyone on the new youth initiative, NET Generation, recently launched by the USTA to attract kids and parents. Craig went on to preach how critical it will be for our members to promote the program and get background screened in order to be a confirmed provider. More details of the overarching endeavor will come out this summer while the consumer promotion will take place during the US Open.

Later that afternoon, I surprised everyone in the audience (including the new staff ) by introducing them to our Executive Committee. I wanted to use this opportunity to give our leadership their first glimpse as to who will be coming on board. It was also beneficial for members of the new team to meet each other for the first time. We then headed out to our new office to see our construction progress, take a tour of the USTA National Campus and then participate in a fun, round-robin tennis competition pitting the divisions against one another while enjoying drinks and dinner on a balcony overlooking the courts. To have the recent hires join in a relaxed social setting also helped create the first team-building exercise for all.

By John Embree

Saturday morning was spent reviewing the important work being done by all USPTA Committees. After President Chuck Gill adjourned the meeting at noon, the Nominating and Awards Committees spent the better part of the next day and a half conducting their respective businesses. Interviews were conducted with the Nominating representatives so that the new slate of officers can be presented to the association by mid-June. Meanwhile, the Awards Committee plowed through more than 100 applications for various USPTA awards that will be given out during the upcoming World Conference in October. A hearty thanks goes to both groups for their due diligence and thorough effort to complete the tasks at hand.

Worth noting is the nomination by the Executive Committee of Rick Macci and Harry Hopman (posthumously) into the USPTA Hall of Fame, which will also take place during the awards luncheon at the World Conference. In the case of Harry Hopman, this recognition is long overdue for the indelible mark he left on the tennis world as the foremost coach of some of the greatest players ever from Australia (Rod Laver for example). Rick Macci is certainly deserving because of his impact on developing Jennifer Capriati and the Williams sisters early on in their careers while also dedicating so much of his time to a multitude of USPTA division and World Conferences.

Preparations for these meetings requires a complete team approach. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make these sessions go smoothly. My compliments go out to all who helped make this particular meeting a genuine success. And, I would be remiss if I did not thank the entire Executive Committee for their leadership and for the contribution that they make at both a national as well as divisional level. The USPTA is marching together down a positive path: the Executive Committee deserves much of the credit for getting us to this point in our rich history. h

First Vice President’s Message

Take Advantage of Membership Documents

By Gary Trost

T

hese are personalized for you! On the USPTA website you can log on to a great benefit that every member should take advantage of by downloading, displaying and sharing. Your dues statement, membership card, membership certificate, insurance certificate, education report card and many more are all waiting for you to use them.

Be proud of crushing the education requirements for the last three years and send a copy of your report card to your department head or general manager. The CMAA endorses education and your general manager should know about your self-improvement for possible future pay raises and/or subsidizing you at future conferences. While you are sending your manager this, download and add a copy of your insurance verification letter, showing that the value of your certification also benefits your employer. The

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insurance coverage is required at some positions, but it is an added benefit to you and your club, and your superiors should know about it.

There are two certificates that you must download and display – your membership certificate and your years of service certificate. For a few dollars at a local retailer, you can purchase two picture frames and display them on the wall in your office. Your clients, members of your club and other employees should see that you are a current member in good standing with the USPTA. Educating the general public of your certification and reminding them of your dedication will make you more a desirable professional than one without certification. The years of service certificate is a proud reminder of the years that you have invested in your profession and the USPTA – display it proudly.

Before heading to your convention, download your membership card, which has a QR code on it. Us-

ing this makes recording your education during the convention easier, and the card is proof of your current membership.

They are easy to print and cut, and with a little magic lamination plastic it will keep nicely in your wallet. Also provided and ready to download is a digital logo that is personalized with your name and waiting for you to use as a signature for emails – this adds to your professional look online.

You can also download your dues statement for easy payment, your continuing education requirements and our endorsee product information. If you require more liability insurance and/or sex abuse and molestation insurance – there are forms to purchase extra insurance for both of these.

Probably one of the most important benefits in this area is the most underused! The USPTA Retirement Gold+ program has our endorsees making contributions to your retirement plan when you order their product – it is so easy! There are professionals ready to help you sign up and get started for you future; I wish this was there for me when I first started in the USPTA. Everyone, this part of the U ­ SPTA website is for made especially for you – it’s easy, it’s personalized – get started here: documents.uspta.com. Log in and look more professional immediately! h

USPTA News

Meet the New USPTA Staff 2017 marks a year of major change for USPTA – a new World Headquarters and brand new national staff. Below is a brief introduction to each of the new staff members who began their immersion into all things USPTA on May 15 with the new office going “live” on May 30:

Amy Buchanan – Director of Membership & Certification Amy Buchanan is a dedicated, bright and savvy leader offering solid experience in all aspects of organizational training facilitation/development and needs analysis.

She most recently served as senior training coordinator for Diamond Resorts International where she developed training content, as well as planned and implemented training programs, policies and procedures. She has also worked for TravelClick as a QA, Training and Workflow Manager; Lumea Inc., as Staffing Assistant and Office Manager; and Town of Windermere as Assistant to the Town Manager/ Grant Administrator. She is currently studying for a degree in management and organizational leadership from St. Petersburg College, St. Petersburg, Fla.

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Brittany Cabral – Education Clerk

Brittany Cabral comes to USPTA from the U.S. Army where she served as a 92Y-Unit Supply Specialist from 2011 until now. She was responsible for supervising and performing tasks involving the general upkeep and maintenance of all Army supplies and equipment. She received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Medal, NATO Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Prior to her stint in the Army, she worked for Empire Scientific doing data entry and receptionist work. She attended Valencia College, where she earned an associate’s degree, and Monroe College. She is attending night school for a degree in diagnostic medical stenography.

John Cornell – Director of Communications John Cornell is a communications professional with vast experience. Most recently the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, Ga., he has also worked for the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Princeton University, the U.S. Naval Academy Athletic Association and the Baltimore Ravens. He has a BBA in marketing from James Madison University in Harrisburg, Va., and a master’s degree in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University in Miami. He excels in media relations, writing, editing, event management, photography and graphic design, to name a few.

Dana Dasch – Human Resources Manager Dana Dasch has more than six years of comprehensive human resources experience with a primary focus on recruitment and retention, benefits administration, compliance, employee relations, orientation, training and development. She has proven experience collaborating with senior management to ensure selection of the best candidates for the team, and she is skilled in developing strategic processes for maintaining compliance in all employment and HR practices.

Previous employers include Central Florida Press and Hilton Worldwide.

She has a degree in hospitality, retail and sport management from the University of South Carolina, and she earned her PHR certification in 2014 and SHRM certification in 2015.

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Risa Epstein – Membership Services Coordinator Risa Epstein has worked for Meeting Expectations in Atlanta since 2011, most recently as Association Manager.

In that position, she managed on-boarding, recruitment, retention and engagement processes for 2,000 members; provided membership data and metric reports; managed a certification review course for members; and served as liaison between organization and student chapters at local colleges. She has a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Management in Orlando, Fla. Kelli Ferry – Front Desk Coordinator Kelli Ferry brings to the table administrative and service experience along with organizational and interpersonal skills – a perfect fit for the first person a visitor to the World Headquarters will meet. She previously was the lead concierge at the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club for two years and prior to that, was the Executive Administrative Assistant for Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, a megachurch in Florida, with an average of more than 30,000 worshipers attending regularly. She worked with church board, staff and leadership, coordinated meetings and events, and assisted with accounting.

Sarah Fisher – Membership Services Coordinator Sarah Fisher has a bachelor’s degree in event management from the University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Her most recent experience includes working for Pulte Homes as a

Host II, where she managed sales consultants’ deposits, tracked payments, updated MLS, proofed marketing documents, trained new hosts, updated records and completed general office and computer work. Sarah has also been and continues to this day as a performer at Walt Disney World Resort, has been singing the national anthem around Orlando since she was sixteen years old, has been a wedding coordinator, and a Marriott “At Your Service Agent.”

John Gerard – Video Production Manager John Gerard most recently worked as a videographer, producer and editor for the Florida Panthers (NHL Hockey Club) in Sunrise, Fla., where he shot, wrote, produced and edited commercial and promotional materials across multiple platforms.

He previously worked for The ATL! (WALT-TV) in Atlanta; Tennis Channel’s Monte Carlo Rolex Masters Live Studio Wrap-up Show in Culver City, Calif.; WTA in St. Petersburg, Fla.; BB&T Atlanta Open; WXIA-TV (NBC) in Atlanta; WTVH (CBS) in Syracuse, N.Y.; and CityTv – “Breakfast Television” in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Patsy-Ann Thomas – Membership and Computer Services Coordinator Patsy-Ann Thomas has been a part of the corporate industry in both operations and compliance departments by providing insight for growing organizations by recognizing where process improvements can be implemented, workflow developed and streamlined, departments organized, and team members developed through training and time management with emphasis on clear communications and quality customer service. Patsy-Ann previously worked for Orange County Tax Collector, Connextions, Orlando

Health and Rotech Healthcare, all in Orlando.

Teresa Thompson – Publications & Communications Coordinator Teresa Thompson is an avid tennis player who regularly competes on local interclub and USTA league teams.

She produces Tennis View Magazine, which in 2008 was named “One of the Hottest Magazine Launches of the Year” by Media Industry News. She performed or managed all phases of production, including editorial, circulation, photography, copy writing, design, printing, advertising, fulfillment, website design and social media. Teresa has a bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Oregon.

Michael Tomassini – Director of Finance Michael Tomassini has an extensive track record of successfully handling diverse situations and developing solutions that achieve beneficial and profitable results. He previously was Chief Financial Officer for L&J Accessories, LLC, in Maitland, Fla. As a member of the executive management team, he provided insightful views into the company’s operations and financial performance and provided guidance with business decisions. He has an MBA in Accounting from Keller Graduate School of Management in Orlando and a bachelor’s in technical management account from Devry University in ­Orlando.

As of this writing, there are still three positions yet to be filled: a Graphic Services Specialist, a PR Coordinator and an Accounting Clerk. We welcome the new team to the USPTA and hope that they have a long and enjoyable career with our association. h

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USPTA World Conference

USPTA Returns to Orlando for 2017 World Conference

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ot only is Orlando the site of the new USPTA World Headquarters, it is also the location of this year’s World Conference, Oct. 11-15, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. This year we are joining forces with the USTA to bring you a fantastic event!

The schedule is starting to shape up – look for it in the August issue.

Need a car? Save on your rental

Save up to 30% at participating locations and lower your travel costs for both business and pleasure. Go to bit.ly/AvisUSPTA and enter Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) No. U353920 or call 800-831-8000.

Save up to 5% at participating locations. Go to bit.ly/EnterpriseUSPTA and enter account number XZ06853 and Password USP.

2017 USPTA World Conference registration rates l

Full registration $339 by Sept. 8/ $389 after Sept. 8

Hotel Reservations l Hotel

The link to register for the conference hotel will be available after you have registered for the conference. l Room rates $165 per night + taxes & fees (approximately $192 total)

Need a roommate?

Contact USPTA (uspta@uspta.org, 800877-8248) to be put on a room-share list.

We will send regular updates.

Stay Connected #USPTAWC17

facebook.com/USPTA.Official twitter.com/USPTA_Tennis instagram.com/uspta/ youtube.com/user/TheUSPTA

Save up to 10% at participating locations. Go to https://www.nationalcar.com and enter account number XZ06853 and password USP.

Certification, Upgrading

Need to take the Certification Exam or upgrade your rating? The PTCA I and Certification Exam will be offered at the World Conference. Contact the Membership Department at membership@ uspta.org or 800-877-8248 for more information or to sign up. h

Things to do in Orlando

The Orlando entertainment options are too many to mention. The one item that must be included, although that is not in Orlando but only about a 45-minute drive from the hotel, is the Kennedy Space Center. It is an outstanding educational site that is truly out of this world. www.kennedyspacecenter.com. l The host hotel is located across the street from

SeaWorld and the SeaWorld Water Park.

l On I-Drive there are helicopter rides, Fun Spot

(which is like a board walk amusement park), indoor race cars, an ICE BAR, an indoor parachute facility, and even Mango’s ( just like in South Beach Miami). l Disney World (buy discounted tickets at www.mydisneygroup.com/uspta2017) and Universal. l Let’s not forget that you can take an airboat tour and look for live gators in their natural home. l Night life – Universal Citiwalk, Disney Springs and Pointe Orlando have tons of restaurants.

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Photo credit: Visit Orlando

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presented by

Oct. 11-15

Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®

Highlights

Wednesday, Oct. 11 Opening Reception Thursday, Oct. 12 Day at the USTA National Campus USPTA Buying Show Friday, Oct. 13 Awards Luncheon Saturday, Oct. 14 Division Parties

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Inside Coaching

The Challenges of Senior Tennis

By Rod Heckelman, USPTA

I

t’s a fact, the general population of this country is becoming older than ever, and the tennis population is no exception. It is anticipated that between 2007 and 2017, the population of 45- to 64-year-olds will have grown by 39 percent to an estimated 118 million strong … it’s a good bet that this percentage is even higher with the aging tennis population. If that’s the case, we in the tennis instruction industry need to adjust our teaching to their needs. First, let’s understand that most of the tennis tips we see in magazines or on television are examples or demonstrations provided by top tennis players. Or in other words, a “how to do” if you are a top player with exceptional physical skills. Second, many younger pros have yet to experience any challenges brought on by aging, so teaching or coaching this transition can be difficult and unfamiliar turf. Today’s coaches need to know the issues and challenges that senior players face, and adjust their teaching to each player’s personal characteristics. Always remember, this is not learning how to coach someone with limitations, this is about optimizing how they can play with their current physical skills. Here is a quick list of the issues that will likely impact a senior player and some possible solutions.

1. The loss of vision The Problem: Although not very noticeable, the eyes just don’t work as fast as they do in a younger player. The inability to pick up the flight of the ball will naturally cause a delay in reaction. The senior player will need to take a little more time to evaluate and calculate the oncoming ball. The result of this hesitation means later contact, less opportunity to load up to hit the ball, and less coverage of the court.

This is actually one of the primary reasons that top tour players begin

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to decline in their early 30s. What you can’t see well, you can’t react to; it’s that simple.

The Solution: Senior players need to develop the ability to adjust. This will require learning strokes that can be executed even when hitting a ball late or off balance, such as going to a backhand or forehand slice.

They may need to slow down some shots to help create a slower paced game that can accommodate the slower vision. They also must learn to focus more on the contact point and less on the evaluation of the total flight of the ball.

2. Declining mobility The Problem: At all levels and in various degrees, a player’s mobility declines. The ability to cover the court and retrieve balls for defensive reasons diminishes, and the ability to position and hit strong

offensive shots is impaired. There is also the impact of covering a wider margin at net and reaching up higher for overheads.

The Solution: Help your students develop perfect starting movements to be as efficient as possible in their footwork. In correlation, also develop the best possible recovery movements that will help them prepare for the next shot.

Teach shots that they can use to adjust when not in position; this usually means learning to slice on many ground strokes and also learning more touch volleys at net and soft spin overheads to help reach and retrieve lobs. Just remember, there is a big difference between adjusting and compensating; adjusting is what we creatively do to survive the moment … compensating means we could have executed better but failed.

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3. Lack of flexibility The Problem: Low balls, wide balls or just in general, balls that are just out of your natural reach become a challenge. Young players have enough physical support to muster up enough power to handle any shot that challenges their loss of leverage. They have the strength and muscle to use just a flick of the racquet and be successful in getting the ball back in play and maybe even pull off some remarkable shots.

This fades, and other survival shots need to be learned.

The Solution: Help your senior players develop a softer touch.

Teach them to hold the racquet in such a way that they can create some alternatives. This could mean new grips or new strokes. The continental grip for instance, is a valuable asset for serve returns, approach shots and, of course, volleys.

It also can be used to help reach out and capture wide ground strokes with the addition of a little slice.

4. Challenging ability to focus The Problem: As lives become more complex and challenging from the natural course of work, family and the increase in many responsibilities, there is a challenge of staying focused. Older players may also not have the support system as is often the case when younger, reminding them of the need to stay engaged, so that task falls solely on their shoulders.

The Solution: Senior players need to find a more relaxed way of focusing, one that creates easy access to the state of mind needed to be focused. The answer – tennis can provide an escape from the dayto-day grind. Help your players realize that focusing is a task of simplification and not the result of trying harder. This exercise can be used in many other aspects of one’s life to enhance one’s total life ­experience.

5. Serving alterations and throwing action The Problem: The throwing motion is not a natural motion for primates, so that action can take a toll on the

body. Shoulders get stiff, the ability to use racquet speed and spin diminishes, and players can no longer just overpower opponents.

The Solution: Simply put in baseball terms, become a pitcher and not a thrower. Teach new spin serves, better placement and change of pace. Realize that developing a serve that can create a predictable response that can be just as effective as overpowering the opponent.

7. Migrating into the doubles game The Problem: Once again, players who primarily play singles tend not to accept this transition. But moving into more doubles play is also the reality of many tennis programs, such as league play and the result of having less court time available.

The Solution: Make learning how to play doubles an art. Appreciate the many nuances that doubles play can provide. Teach how to lob better, control volley angles, and

Today’s coaches need to know the issues and challenges that s­enior ­players face, and adjust their teaching to each player’s personal ­characteristics. Always remember, this is not learning how to coach someone with limitations, this is about optimizing how they can play with their current physical skills.

6. Diminishing power and spin The Problem: It’s not just a loss of strength but a loss of timing as a result of some that was mentioned above, but mostly from the fact that we end up naturally playing less tennis. Many weekend warriors spend the first hour of each time they get on the court just trying to find their timing.

The Solution: First, your seniors need to accept the new schedule of life. No longer can they participate on a daily basis. Take on the challenge of developing a strategy that capitalizes on this new characteristic. Engineer a game that will provide an opportunity for your student’s opponent to lose to them – a big transition from putting together a game that is designed to beat the opponent. Also realize that your players can improve by expanding their game with greater variety. Simply put, develop more tools for their tennis toolbox and expand more horizontally instead of always trying to improve vertically with more power and more spin.

develop a precise cross court return of serve. Help your player become a good teammate and maybe most important, enjoy the new social atmosphere doubles can develop.

8. The lack of examples and role models The Problem: As mentioned earlier, seldom do we see displayed examples of successful senior tennis. It’s not in magazines, videos or television. We are bombarded with examples of top players and how they perform with their remarkable physical skills. Although entertaining, it’s not easy to emulate and learn from in most cases.

The Solution: Encourage your players to take the time to watch the top senior players in their age group.

Have them note their skills and see how there might be something they could emulate. Demand more from the tennis media and the powers that be in the tennis world to provide this information. Most important, encourage them to read books that pertain to their style of play and skill/physical level. h

Rod Heckelman’s career started in 1966 as a teacher at John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch in Carmel Valley, Calif. Later he opened as the resident pro for Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch on Camelback in Scottsdale, Ariz. In 1976 he took over as head pro/tennis director at the Mt. Tam Racquet Club in Larkspur, Calif., and added the title and responsibilities of general manager in 1982. In 2010 he was awarded “Manager of the Year” for the USPTA NorCal Division and the “Manager of the Year” at the USPTA World Conference. He has also written several books.

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Master Pro Corner

The “Four Awareness” Points When Playing Tennis

By Fernando Velasco, USPTA Master Professional

I

n every match, you will find critical points that can determine whether a player wins or loses. At these critical points, I suggest reviewing what I call the “four awareness” points: First Awareness: Self Every player possesses certain shots that he feels more comfortable hitting on a critical point. For example, it could be a forehand topspin, or a slice.

When choosing which shot to hit on a critical point, the player should decisively utilize the shot that comes more naturally without changing his mind.

That is when mistakes are made.

court or directly at his opponent’s feet; open spaces or shoe laces.

should serve the first serve with some power, but with more placement.

Fourth Awareness: Score When the player decides on her shot and its placement, and is aware of the court challenges, a good player should also remember the score in hand. Players will be aggressive when the score is in their favor, and be more conservative when tied or behind. For example, when a player is serving at 40-15, the serve should be powerful and assertive. In contrast, if the score is 15-40, the player

Over time, these four awareness points will become both automatic and reactionary as players become more experienced in playing and competing. After the shot has been properly executed, they will sometimes give themselves a pat on the back for doing the right thing at the right time, and remind themselves that they followed the “four awareness” points. h

Second Awareness: Opponent When a player decides on a shot at a critical point, she needs to consider her opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

During the match, she should notice the shots the opponent has less success with than others. On a critical point, the player should use the shot she feels more comfortable with but also, she will aim toward her opponent’s weaknesses.

Third Awareness: Court Once a player decides on his most consistent shot and considers the opponent’s weakness, he also needs to consider the court conditions. Factors such as the sun, wind and surface will make a difference on the shot executed.

When in doubt, he should either choose a shot toward an opening on the

Over time, these four awareness points will become both automatic and reactionary as players become more experienced in playing and competing.

Fernando Velasco is Director of Special Events for The Polo Tennis and Fitness Club in Austin, Texas. Velasco is originally from Bolivia, South America. As a ­USPTA and PTR Master Tennis Professional with 40-plus years of experience in the tennis management business, he has served as general manager and director of tennis at topnotch clubs in Chicago, Phoenix, Dallas, Savannah, Ga., and Boca Raton, Fla., and lately, at the Grey Rock Tennis Club in Austin. He is considered one of the top teaching professionals and managers in the country, having been selected as USPTA Professional of the Year and PTR International Pro of the Year. He is a sought after speaker at national and international tennis professionals conventions, and is a ranked player in Texas, and nationally ranked by the USPTA, PTR and USTA.

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USPTA’s 90th Anniversary

USPTA Past Presidents (1997-2015) Will Hoag (1997-99) has been the director of tennis at Coral Ridge Country Club, owned by the Robert Trent Jones family, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., since 1973. He became a member of USPTA in 1972, is a Master Professional, and he was named USPTA Professional of the Year in 2002.

Joe Thompson (1999-2003) is a USPTA Master Professional and the 1998 USPTA Professional of the Year. He was the director of tennis for Rolling Hills Country Club in Golden, Colo., for 30 years, and he has been a USPTA member since 1976.

David T. Porter, Ed.D., (2003-05) is the head tennis coach at Brigham Young University - Hawaii. He is a USPTA Master Professional and was named USPTA Professional of the Year in 2012.

He has been a Head Tester since 1988, served on the National Board from 1994-2007 and has been a member since 1986.

Ron Woods (2005-07) has been involved in tennis for more than 50 years and has been a USPTA member since 1967. He was on the USPTA national Board of Directors for 13 years. As a player, he attended the University of Houston on a tennis scholarship. Woods was the director of tennis at

the Corpus Christi Country Club from 1970 to 2001, and then went on to serve as the executive director for the USPTA Texas Division until 2008.

Harry Gilbert (2007-09) is the head professional at Waccabuc Country Club in Westchester County, N.Y., during the summer and is director of tennis at the Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Fla., during the winter. He has been a USPTA member since 1981. He served on the Florida Division Board of Directors for eight years, including a three-year term as president. He was named Florida Division Professional of the Year in 1992 and 1994.

Tom Daglis (2009-13) is a USPTA Master Professional. He was the 2003 George Basco Tester of the Year, and in 2006, he received the USPTA Professional of the Year Award. He was also inducted into the USPTA Southern Hall of Fame.

Tom McGraw (2013-15) is the tennis director at the Port Royal Club in Naples, Fla. McGraw has been teaching tennis since 1979 and a USPTA member since 1980. He earned his Master Professional status in 2008. He previously served as president of the USPTA Southern Division and USTA Kentucky Vice President concurrently. h

Career Development Exams, Upgrades Cardio Tennis & PTCA I

Conferences/ Activities

(4 credits for PTCA I segment)

(Division Conferences – 6 credits)

July 8 July 8-9 July 9-10 July 10 July 15 July 21 July 23 July 28 July 29 August 3 August 5 August 5 August 5 August 6 August 7 August 12 August 12 August 18 August 25 August 26 August 26 August 26

Indianapolis Boca Raton, Fla. Garden City, N.Y. Vienna, Va. Boston Asheville, N.C. Clayton, Mo. Wilmington, Del. Columbus, Ohio Port Washington, N.Y. Huntington Beach, Calif.

Tallahassee, Fla. Granbury, Texas Hilton Head Island, S.C. San Francisco Wilmington, N.C. Atlanta Latham, N.Y. Laie, Hawaii Boca Raton, Fla. Seattle Eau Claire, Wis.

Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and PTCA I unless noted. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly.

July 15

Level 1 Training Course

Princeton Racquet Club; Princeton, N.J. July 16

Level 2 Training Course

Princeton Racquet Club; Princeton, N.J. Sept. 8

Level 2 Training Course

Crooked Creek Country Club; Alpharetta, Ga. Sept. 16

Level 1 Training Course

Preakness Hills Country Club; Wayne, N.J. Oct. 22

Level 1 Training Course

Aug. 18 Oct. 11 Oct. 22 Nov. 9

Midwest Division Convention Mason, Ohio 2017 USPTA World Conference Orlando, Fla. Hawaii Division Convention Honolulu Middle States Convention Philadelphia

Methodist University; Fayetteville, N.C. Nov. 5

TRX Training Course Park Crossing Swim and Racquet; Charlotte, N.C.

Nov. 12

Level 1 Training Course

Ferris State University; Big Rapids, Mich.

Webinars (.5 credits)

Watch all recorded webinars at tennisresources.com.

For more information visit uspta.com/Education.

Please visit www.cardiotennistraining.com to register.

Applicant: late cancellation fee – $95; failure to cancel – application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee – $25; failure to cancel – $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.

Accredited Professional Coach Register your Accredited Professional Coach (APC) and specialty course credits earned with the USPTA SmartCode Education System. This uses your smartphone to instantly register your attendance to all seminars and specialty courses earning APC. To use the system at a seminar, general session or specialty course, you must scan two QR codes. One QR code is on your conference badge. The second QR code will be in your conference notebook and cannot be scanned until the end of the session or the beginning of the next session. If you do not have a smartphone, you may use someone else’s. Forms are available upon request.

58 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Education requirements All USPTA-certified Professionals must earn 6 education credits in a three-year period to remain current. Go to USPTA.com/Education for a partial list of eligible activities. Please send verification (email, letter, certificate, receipt, etc.) that shows you attended the event/activity and submit it along with the date and agenda to education@uspta.org to receive your credit. (International members, Recreational Coaches and those over the age of 65 are exempt.) ­Questions? Write to education@uspta.org or call 800-877-8248, ext. 147.

Member News • The South Suburban Tennis Academy tennis class at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School, under the direction of USPTA/PTR tennis professional Andy Ventress, posed for a group picture wearing their red noses in support of Red Nose Day, May 25, which raises funds to help change the lives of millions of children.

• The tennis community was thrown a curve ball last week, as news spread quickly that Steve Johnson Sr., had passed away. Many of us were left wondering how could this be, how could this amazing man that touched so many be gone? On behalf of the USPTA Southern California Division, we have suffered a huge loss. We lost a coach, lost a mentor and many of us lost a great friend. Johnson was so much more than just a member of our division, he was active at division events, a frequent speaker at conferences and a huge advocate for our sport. The outpouring of stories and memories has been • USPTA Master Professional Hugh Calhoun Waters III, died April 24 in Richmond, Va. With his passtruly amazing; the touching and emotional ing, the tennis community has lost a dedicated and passionate player, instructor and ambassador. tributes posted all over social media have Water’s motto in life and tennis was “to play is to win,” and his presence in the game was immeasurshown that Steve was truly beloved in tennis able. In 1963 he became the Director of Tennis for the City of Orlando. Here he hosted a series of circles all over the country. No doubt we will professional tournaments featuring Rod Laver, Pancho Gonzales, Ken Rosewall feel his absence for years to come, but let’s and friends. And, it was here that his love of helping juniors achieve lofty goals in not dwell on the loss, but rather rejoice in the tennis blossomed and many of his junior players received college scholarships. memories. When I think about Steve now, I In 1970, he was invited to come to the Westwood Racquet Club in Richmond as feel a sense of loss but also a sense of warmth their Director of Tennis. With a desire to expand his teaching to more players, and peace, and despite the sadness, a smile Water’s co-founded the Richmond Tennis Academy where over 600 adult and sneaks across my face as I think of the gentle juniors were taught each week. Volunteering was an integral part of Water’s soul who wanted nothing more than to share community involvement and he received many awards and honors including being inducted into his love of the game with everyone. You will be the USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Hall of Fame, the USPTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Hall of Fame, and the missed Steve, but you will never be forgotten, Richmond Tennis Hall of Fame. The USTA honored his family with the USTA Family of the Year Award and your spirit will live on with every ball we in 2000. He was past President of USPTA Mid-Atlantic Section, past President of Richmond Tennis hit. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve’s Association and served on USPTA national and USTA Mid-Atlantic Section boards for many years. family…wife Michelle, and kids, Alison and Stevie. Godspeed, my friend.

• USPTA Professional Susan Elaine Nidzgorski, 56, of Haymarket, Va., passed

~ Cari Buck, USPTA Southern away on April 14, after valiantly battling ovarian cancer. She was a career California President middle school science teacher, tennis coach, and professional tennis instructor who added meaning and knowledge to every life she touched. At the age NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS of 10 she learned the game of tennis from her older sister Bobbi and instantly President Chuck Gill fell in love with the game that became the center point of her next dozen First Vice

Gary Trost years of high-level competition, and committed her to a lifetime of passion President for teaching the game to others. Her career of teaching began in 1982 at St. Helena’s Catholic Vice Presidents Alan Cutler School in Wilmington. A few years later, she transitioned to the Upper School of the Alfred I. du

Feisal Hassan Pont Institute and Children’s Hospital (longterm rehabilitative hospital with an in-house academic

Ken McAllister program) in Wilmington. There, she learned and respected the intricacies of providing traditional

Jack Michalko subject-based instruction to children with significant physical impairments. In the summer of

Diane Selke

1992, she moved north to northern Virginia where she made her home for the last 25 years. Sue Past President Tom McGraw coached secondary school tennis teams at multiple high schools. Nidzgorski was named Coach CEO John Embree of the Year on multiple occasions by fellow conference coaches. She was awarded the USPTA MidLegal Counsel George Parnell Atlantic President’s Award in 2017 and High School Coach of the Year in 1997-98.

TM

ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 Phone – 407-634-3050 email – magazine@uspta.org

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Managing editor Circulation

Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern time 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 USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA.