Addvantage 2010 April

contents the total professional – enhancing your career

departments

10 USPTA and SAP Open – Unique partnership marks 16th anniversary

2 Executive Committee 3 Vice president’s message

12 USPTA accepting nominations for annual awards – Recipients to be honored during USPTA World Conference in September

5 Cardio Tennis 6 Classifieds 20 USPTA – Celebrating diversity

15 USPTA announces redesign of tennis-health.com 19

USPTA Professionals raise more than $4 million for charity

22 Career development 24 Industry action

28 Networking in style – USPTA personal Web Site contest recognizes outstanding participants

On the cover – Wheelchair tennis player John Becker of Boca Raton, Fla., demonstrates “strength of position” in the wrist (biomechanics) during a seminar taught by USPTA Professional Dan James at the 2009 USPTA World Conference.

Becker has been ranked in the top 35 in the world in men’s wheelchair tennis.

volume 34 • issue 4

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone – 713-978-7782 800-USPTA-4U Fax – 713-358-7794 e-mail – magazine@uspta.org

Shawna Riley Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan John Dettor

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Editor Managing editor Circulation Advertising

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. 2010. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/April 2010

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USPTA Executive Committee Division presidents, regional vice presidents and past national presidents:

California Division

National Board of Directors: Tom Daglis

President 310-340-6185

Randy Mattingley First vice president 281-358-2181

Bunny Bruning Vice president 515-285-1459

Mark Fairchilds Vice president 209-571-2582

Chuck Gill Vice president 561-624-8900, ext. 8932

Jack Groppel, Ph.D. Vice president 847-658-1077

Eric Stephens President 562-496-3530 Pierre Mareschal Regional vice president 626-744-1650

Eastern Division Ron Dyson President 585-223-4681 Mark Savage Regional vice president 845-565-7600

Florida Division Richard Centerbar President 561-487-7070 Dave Richardson Regional vice president 239-495-8100

Hawaii Division Jerry Cape President 808-382-5968 Ken Nakama Regional vice president 808-679-3197

Intermountain Division Jim Loehr, Ed.D. Vice president 407-438-9911

Harry Gilbert Immediate past president 386-793-0084

Kim Davis President 719-536-0797 Alden Bock Regional vice president 303-232-6272

Middle States Division Bill Sember President 484-888-8329 Wilson Pipkin Regional vice president 717-898-3102

Midwest Division Molly Card Beckmann President 317-582-1550, ext. 229 Paul Marcum Regional vice president 248-626-9880, ext. 4006

Missouri Valley Division Gary Trost President 405-848-2994 Kendell Hale Regional vice president 816-436-1608

New England Division Jacques Faulise President 401-952-7000 Christopher Stevens Regional vice president 603-610-0183

Northern Division Brian McCoy President 763-656-1590 Dilcia Pederson Regional vice president 612-824-6099

Pacific Northwest Division Hunter Lipscomb President 541-753-1043 Nancy Cox Regional vice president 503-399-3252

San Diego Division Dophie Poiset President 858-756-4459 Nelson Alapi Regional vice president 858-382-6571

Southern Division Pat Whitworth President 678-482-6357 Jeff Hawes Regional vice president 504-482-4084

Southwest Division Sara Stablein President 602-636-9840 Vicki Foster Regional vice president 602-930-8423

Texas Division Jim Sciarro President 903-581-7788 Joe Snailum Regional vice president

Past presidents Mid-Atlantic Division Pat Hanssen President 434-295-6167 John Cleary Regional vice president 301-924-3450

Northern California Division Michael Galli President 510-673-6875 John Sharpe Regional vice president 925-283-5448

Ron Woods (2005-2007) 361-991-7501 David T. Porter, Ed.D. (2003-2005) 808-675-3755 Joseph Thompson (1999-2003) 720-470-6550

Vice president’s message USPTA University: New program to recruit and guide young pros “

T

ennis – It’s what I do” was the theme of both path.” I believe it’s time to make a push for a more the 2009 World Conference and my last edi- prepared and better educated new USPTA member. torial. With the spring season right around I hope that as USPTA Professionals we can help our the corner, I’ve decided that my own personal theme youth, especially in these difficult times for finding of 2010 might be something like: “Tennis – It’s what jobs, understand that a career as a tennis-teaching I do. How ’bout you?” professional can be very rewarding. It’s what we do.

In a dismal economic climate, choosing a career And that’s why USPTA University was created.

– or deciding to stick with the one you’ve already USPTA University is a program to help us, as got – seems to have taken on an even USPTA Professionals, train the next greater significance for anyone intergeneration of tennis-teaching profesested in financial stability. And who sionals. USPTA University has a misisn’t interested in that these days? sion statement that reads: “USPTA University is the highest quality As our new Membership Comtraining and development system for mittee chairman, I would like you to high school and college students inknow that it is my goal to help our terested in becoming certified tennis current members feel excited and professionals.” This is the goal of the proud in their chosen career, as well program – to help a student prepare to as financially stable as possible. I also pass the certification test and become hope to recruit potential members a teaching professional by the time he who can help our Association retain Mark Fairchilds or she graduates from college. There both its high standards and quality, as will be two different aspects to USPTA University: well as help the USPTA continue to flourish.

That’s why I’m so pleased to be able to tell you an education process and an application process. about our brand-new program: USPTA University. Our CEO, Tim Heckler, and our national staff When I decided to become a tennis-teaching have paved the way for the education process of the ­professional back in 1987, there really wasn’t any spe- program to be implemented by working over the years cifically designed program or one particular pathway to organize educational information and opportunito help make that happen. I consider myself so fortu- ties on our Web site. USPTA University students will nate now that I understood back then the importance be able to choose from a wide array of educational of getting certified by the USPTA to help nurture my benefits. A student will have the opportunity to take fledgling career. Some potential professionals have the PTCA I online course, which covers teaching been lucky enough to have mentors to help guide skills, business and tennis programming, advanced them, but for a vast majority of us, it was a difficult player development and much, much more. The process that sometimes ended with a person ulti- student will be able to utilize tennisresources.com, mately turning toward another profession. We need which is an extensive search engine that allows users to help educate potential teaching professionals on to find out all they need to know about the sport of how to turn a dream of teaching tennis into a career tennis. Two essential areas of video clips are available and how to help get them on the right track toward to USPTA University students: “How to Feed” and certification instead of having them grow frustrated “Teaching Basic Stroke Fundamentals.” The University member can also use the Coaches Resource with any roadblocks that might come their way.

Thus, I believe 2010 is the time for us to help that Center to learn all kinds of drills to use on the tennis younger generation interested in teaching tennis find court. Also, the vast articles on different approaches a more clearly marked road than the one most of us to teaching in ADDvantage magazine will help the traveled. As I wrote in my last editorial about working student continue to grow. This education component as a teaching professional, “I want to help in any way will allow any USPTA University student motivated possible to make it a more prestigious and profitable to become a tennis-teaching professional to have acprofession for ANYONE who chooses it as a career cess to a large library of educational content. continued next page

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Tom Daglis

First Vice President

Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Bunny Bruning Mark Fairchilds Chuck Gill Jack Groppel Jim Loehr

Past President

Harry Gilbert

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations

Rich Fanning

Administrative Director

Marty Bostrom

Director of Communications

Shawna Riley

Creative Services Director

Julie Myers

Publications Manager/ Kim Forrester Managing Editor Director of Public Relations

Poornima Rimm

Communications

Jill Phipps

Director of Marketing

John Dettor

Sports Marketing Coordinator

Rick Bostrom

Digital Asset Director

Timothy Heckler

Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru Tennis Multimedia Management Video Production Director

Joe Birkmire

Video Editor

Nick Warwick

Video Editor/ Flash Designer

Aisha Nelson

Director of Fred Viancos Professional Development Corporate Janice Stollenwerck Services Administrator Receptionist

Erin Ortbal

Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Information Technology/ Multimedia

Scott Bucic

Divisional Executive Administrator

Kalin Cogar

Director of Computer Service

Kathy Buchanan

Membership and Certification Manager Membership Membership/ Insurance Assistant Director of Finance Payroll/Benefits Controller Merchandise/ Accounting Assistant

Vicky Tristan Sylvia Ortiz Melony DeLoach Kathy Ladner Renée Heckler

Ellen Weatherford Shelina Harris

Legal Counsel Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone 713-97-USPTA 800-USPTA-4U Fax 713-978-7780 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/April 2010

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from previous page The application process is just as significant because this is where the students will find the essential on-court training they need.

One of the ideas being discussed on how to make this happen is the possibility of holding workshops at divisional conferences to share the specific on-court teaching skills needed to become a teaching professional with high school and college students. Another possibility is to help the student find a summer job working with a USPTA Professional at his or her facility. The USPTA University student will be able to have limited access to the Find-a-Job site to look for work as a camp counselor or an intern. This is where I’m asking every USPTA member to help out by being open to training and/or mentoring future USPTA Professionals. USPTA would like to ask you to post your jobs for high school and college kids to see.

I believe that having a strong summer staff reflects well on both the USPTA pro as well as the facility where he or she works.

USPTA is also thrilled to announce a new partnership with the ITA, which is the governing body of collegiate tennis. A collegiate tennis player is somewhat similar to USPTA Professionals in that we had to train hard to pass a certification test while a varsity collegiate player had to survive the struggles of junior tennis and face other difficulties to reach the collegiate tennis level. USPTA and ITA believe these are the people who are dedicated and driven enough to excel in whatever career they choose, which makes them perfect candidates for USPTA University if they are interested in tennis-teaching careers. They most likely will meet the qualifications we look for in our organization. In addition to being very good tennis players, most college players are good students and just need a program and some training from an experienced professional to become a quality tennis professional.

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ADDvantage/April 2010

Each one of us studied and trained to pass the USPTA certification test, so let’s give back to help our youth reach the same goal. As a USPTA member, you can help make this program successful by not only interacting with a potential University student from your area but also by participating in the national program. I assume you have seen some of the early surveys asking each of you about your helpers during the summer and the different types of jobs they do.

Since there is a vast array of facilities throughout the country, there is a variety of interesting responsibilities a potential tennis teacher might need to handle. One of the challenging parts of the application process will be to fully expose these newcomers to all of the different kinds of on-court training they need to become a quality, certified professional.

For all of these reasons, we really want to hear from you on what specific needs you have at your facility as well as the basic training components you want in place for these young individuals. There are no better trainers than USPTA Professionals, and if you could list your opportunities on our Find-a-Job site, it would really go a long way to help develop this program.

In closing, I believe USPTA University will help the tennis industry as a whole. In the fall of 2009, we had 30 million tennis players in the United States. There are approximately 12,000 college students competing in collegiate tennis in addition to the countless number of younger students playing competitive junior or high school tennis. Now, more than at any other time, we have a huge number of young people enjoying the game of tennis who would possibly like to work in the tennis industry someday. USPTA University is a program that can start educating our youth on how to reach that goal and enjoy a career in tennis. ď ¨

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Tips from the pros

Heart-rate monitors pump up your cardio program

by Mike Woody, USPTA, National Cardio Tennis speaker

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ardio Tennis continues to build its amazing track record for participation and revenue production.

Designed for fun and fitness, Cardio Tennis has increased revenue, participation, and exposure for our sport, both nationally and internationally. A key differentiation tool of Cardio Tennis is the heart-rate monitor.

The HRM can be an effective marketing tool to grow Cardio Tennis and other fitness

by a person’s age and percentage of what researchers have found to be safe. The big attraction, however, is finding out how many calories you can burn!

The benefits of using heart-rate monitors impact both user and coach. The users benefit because they are inputting their own personal data to monitor their workout and manage it safely. Because the monitor gives immediate feedback, users can increase their

intrigue your students, and it will motivate them to play more. The heart-rate monitor is also a strong revenue generator. You can sell HRM watches to your students. It stimulates interest in signing up for classes and it creates a buzz that makes your program stand out against the competition.

Here are some of the best ways to market your program, boost participation, and educate players to wear the heart-rate monitor.

1. Be a HRM advocate – Wear and talk about the heart-rate monitor any time you’re playing tennis. Talk about how it motivates you with the information it displays. You’re the role model. The students will follow your lead.

2. Become knowledgeable in cardio fitness science and all the benefits. This will allow you to become the person everyone comes to with questions. It provides an opportunity to invite them to your Cardio Tennis classes.

Heart-rate monitors are the best tools to ensure you’re pushing the players at a safe level.

programs. When effectively promoted and communicated, it’s bound to be a popular electronic tool for the tennis professional.

Let’s start with a quick review of the HRM and its benefits. The heart-rate monitor is a device worn by the user that measures heart rate and calculates other elements of a workout. The most accurate device uses a chest-strap transmitter and a wrist receiver.

It measures whether the wearer is meeting the target heart rate, which varies by age. It also measures whether you need to vary the level of intensity. The device gives immediate feedback on a user’s heart rate and the level of heart-rate zone. The zone is defined www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

intensity based on their heart rate or decrease if they’re pushing themselves too hard. By the way, the traditional method of assessing heart rate by checking the pulse is still used.

However, there’s a higher risk of error, and it takes longer. Immediate and accurate feedback is the result of wearing the heart rate monitor.

For the tennis professional the benefits are exciting. By having the students wear a heart-rate monitor, you’re able to supervise their effort. And it’s the best tool to ensure you’re pushing the players at a safe level.

No question, the HRM is a phenomenal marketing and programming tool. It will

3. Involve those wearing their heart-rate monitors in your Cardio Tennis classes.

Continually ask them what their rate is during the class. Those wearing the monitors will be able to communicate to you quickly. Those who don’t will start to see the value of wearing them and how easy it is to receive feedback.

4. Have demos for people to try and experience wearing a monitor. You can purchase a half dozen cardio watches. In addition, this is an opportunity for you to sell watches to your clientele. Having demos will distinguish your program from others. This tells your clientele that you’re committed to them and the Cardio Tennis program.

continued next page 5

ADDvantage/April 2010

from previous page 5. Display heart-rate-monitor charts and give cardio fitness tips at the end of any lesson, especially Cardio Tennis. Players can’t get enough health and fitness tips. As a coach, you must help them make the connection that Tennis – for the Health of it! is the way to go for a lifestyle of fitness.

6. Host a Calorie Burn Challenge. Most heart-rate monitors tell users how many calories they’ve burned. Set a club challenge to burn 500,000 calories in one month. After classes the coach asks players how many calories they burned, keeping a public tally.

This kind of promotion will increase participation and individual play time.

7. “Cardio Tennis: Get Fit” contest – Looking to jump-start your Cardio Tennis program? Receive the promotional kit to help you run the exciting, innovative and profitable “Cardio Tennis: Get Fit” contest at your facility. The kit contains forms, letters, templates, tips and promotional details to help you start a Cardio Tennis team or teams at your facility, then to track team members’ progress throughout the contest. To order, e-mail info@ cardiotennis.com.

8. Sponsor a Heart-Rate Monitor Personal Research activity.

Have players wear a heart-rate monitor for all their fitness and sport activities. Each time they come to your class, they report how many calories they burned and their average heart-rate zone. This becomes a very interesting and engaging activity.

Most men will burn 400 to 700 calories, and women 300-500 calories, playing tennis for one hour. During this challenge participants might also report they played golf for five hours, and only burned 450 calories. The surprise of this activity is that most people will discover how much easier it is to get a great workout playing tennis. They can’t believe something that is so fun has phenomenal cardio health benefits. The secret is in the spectrum of different movements, full-body engagement, and speed required in tennis versus same-speed fitness workouts.

Classifieds BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Tennis/Health Club for sale, or looking to take a partner. Four indoor courts, complete gym with Nautilus. Three racquetball courts. Six outdoor courts with clubhouse and garage. Visit www. toddsmith.usptapro.com. Phone 423-764-8444.

DRILLS NEED TENNIS DRILLS? USPTA Master Professional Jorge Capestany’s new Web site has more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Log on to www. tennisdrills.tv to see (and print) more than 18 free samples.

EMPLOYMENT USPTA’s Find-a-Pro. The best job-posting service so you can find the best jobs, free. For more information, visit uspta.com.

TECHNOLOGY FindTennisStore.com FREE Internet listing for your Tennis Pro Shop. Pro shop owners just need to register their store and what it offers at the Web site.

Consumers will be able to find you by entering their zip code. You must have a physical location for customers to visit.

TENNIS PRODUCTS PRO/COACH PRICING on racquets, apparel, shoes, bags, balls, strings and accessories. Get baskets, carts, training equipment, books, videos and more. www.TennisExpress.com/800833-6615.

QM-1 Portable Camera Support.

Extendable pole, precalibrated system places on fence, from either side, quick and easy. MyTennisTools.com.

VACATION OPPORTUNITIES Vacation opportunities for ­tennis professionals at the No. 1 all-­ inclusive Sandals and Beaches ­resorts in Jamaica and St. Lucia for you and your partner. Certification required. For information contact Mike ­Romisher at 847-207-9475 or ­­­­­e-mail Vis10sPro@aol.com.

Five-Star Caribbean Resorts are Waiting for You! Working ­vacations available for certified tennis professionals. Family and couple resorts available. ­Contact: www.fitbodiesinc.com or call ­Denise Cox, 678-778-4673.

MISCELLANY

9. Try a T-shirt campaign and promotion – Acquire brightlycolored shirts with the message “Watch Out!” This will increase awareness and, of course, it’s just fun.

10. Offer a certain percentage off for anyone wearing an HRM when playing Cardio Tennis. It’s a message that players value the watch and the fitness. In addition, you could package the heart-rate monitor into a series of Cardio Tennis Classes for $200, as an example.

In conclusion, the heart-rate monitor is one of the most effective tools that can be used in any tennis program, especially Cardio Tennis, because of the measurable benefits to students and to you, the professional.

Today’s customers want to be assured they are getting fitness improvement and health values from the heart-rate monitor.

Tennis professionals unite! Strap on your heart-rate monitors and let’s pump it up! It’s good for the player. It’s good for you. It’s good for business. And it’s good for the health of your community.

P.S.: Find yourself a “Cardio Queen” or “Prince of Puff & Huff.”

Introducing personalities into the marketing mix is a sure- fire way to build your program. 

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ADDvantage/April 2010

Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Pay by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. (No agency or cash discounts.) Issue closes 15th of month, two months preceding cover date. Fax to 713978-7780, attn: ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone.

No exceptions are made. USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement. The USPTA is committed to the policy that all people have equal access to its programs, facilities, employment and membership without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status. USPTA is an equal opportunity employer. USPTA reserves the right to reject any advertisement at its discretion, or to edit the advertisement to be certain that any employment requirements set forth in it conform with the law.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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ADDvantage/April 2010

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USPTA and SAP Open

Unique partnership marks 16th anniversary

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or the past 16 years, the USPTA – through its Northern California Division – has played a vital role in the success of the SAP Open, the Bay Area’s premier men’s professional tennis tournament.

According to USPTA member and 10-year tournament director Bill Rapp, “the Bay Area USPTA Professionals continue to be incredibly loyal and supportive – and truly help make the SAP Open one of the finest events on the ATP World Tour.” This year’s tournament took place Feb. 8-14 at the beautiful HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. Here are some highlights:

Final results No. 2 Fernando Verdasco (ESP) def.

No. 1 Andy Roddick (USA) 3-6, 6-4, 6-4

2010 marked 122 years of world-class tennis in the Bay Area. Fourteen-time Grand Slam champ “Pistol Pete” Sampras came to town to kick things off against Fernando Verdasco.

The event’s official charity, East Palo Alto Tennis & Tutoring, received a check from SAP for $12,000. Verdasco, of Spain, and Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic made their Bay Area debuts and were fan favorites. Andy Roddick, Verdasco, Sam Querrey and Denis Istomin played in the semis. It’s been eight years since the No. 1 and No. 2 seeded players faced off in the final. It was a full week of excitement and drama!

Fernando Verdasco. Playing for the first time at the SAP Open, he defeated Yen-Hsun Lu, Benjamin Becker, Ricardas Berankis and Denis Istomin to reach the final. On Sunday, he defeated No. 1 seed Andy Roddick in three tough sets on stadium court before lifting his singles trophy.

Sam Querrey & Mardy Fish. This unseeded American duo defeated Robbi Ginepri and Travis Rettenmaier, No. 3 seeds, Johan Brunstrom and Jean-Julien Rojer, and No. 2 seeds Eric Butorac and Rajeev Ram to reach the final. On Sunday they defeated Benjamin Becker and Leonardo Mayer, who earlier knocked out No. 1 seeds Mike and Bob Bryan.

(Left to right) Tournament director Bill Rapp; finalist Andy Roddick; CEO of Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment, Greg Jamison; champion Fernando Verdasco; and senior vice president and general manager, SAP America’s West Region, Rob Schilling

Sam Querrey (USA) / Mardy Fish (USA) def.

Benjamin Becker (GER) / Leonardo Mayer (ARG) 7-6(3), 7-5

The loyal support of NorCal’s 700-plus USPTA tennis professionals (led by president Mike Galli, pictured at right, next to Wayne Odesnik) truly makes the SAP Open successful. Bill Rapp (pictured second from left, after Tomas Berdych) thanked the pros for everything they do to help make the SAP Open the Bay Area’s premier professional tennis tournament.

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ADDvantage/April 2010

(Left to right) Tournament director Bill Rapp; doubles finalists Leonardo Mayer and Benjamin Becker; doubles champions Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey; and senior vice president and general manager, SAP America’s West Region, Rob Schilling www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Highlights of the week 2010 Top Ticket Sellers (USPTA members/Elite Staff and their facilities in alphabetical order): n

Paul Allam

Pacific Athletic Club

n

Gordon Collins

Courtside Club

n

Chuck Fowler

Saratoga Country Club

n

Dana Gill

LifetimeTennis.com

n

Marc Moran

ClubSport Pleasanton

Bill Nandor

Amador Valley High School & Mission San Jose High School

n

Kevin Pope

Ruby Hill Golf Club

n

Riaz Shivji

Peninsula Tennis Club

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John Togasaki

Doubles-Experts.com

n

Claudia Vlasic

San Francisco Tennis Club

n

Bryden Yemm

University Club of Palo Alto

n

Two-time SAP Open winner and 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras kicked off tournament week in San Jose. He played a charity singles exhibition against Fernando Verdasco benefitting official charity East Palo Alto Tennis & Tutoring. Sampras played world-class tennis (reminiscent of years ago), but Verdasco was too tough and won in straight sets. “Walking out on stadium court was a thrill for me,” said Sampras, a two-time SAP Open champion. “I really enjoy playing in San Jose and this was another great experience for me.”

East Palo Alto Tennis & Tutoring (EPATT) is a Stanford University-based organization that provides tutoring and tennis instruction to underserved children from East Palo Alto, Calif. EPATT executive director Dave Higaki accepts a check from SAP. The check was presented to Higaki and several EPATT students by three-time SAP Open champion Andy Roddick; SAP executive vice president, Line of Business Solutions, Doug Merritt; ATP player Ryler DeHeart; and tournament director Bill Rapp. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Nearly 350 ladies from all around the Bay Area attended the sixth annual Ladies Day Luncheons. The attendees enjoyed a gourmet lunch, tasted premium wines from La Crema and were entered in a raffle to win great prizes. Following the lunch, the ladies enjoyed featured SAP Open singles and doubles matches. Pictured above are ladies enjoying lunch and a chat with Spanish sensation and SAP Open champion Fernando Verdasco.

The 16th annual Elite Staff Dinner was hosted on Friday evening to honor nearly 90 elite staff members and USPTA Professionals who organized several thousand club members, students and friends to attend the SAP Open.

Doubles teammates Rajeev Ram and Eric Butorac stopped by the dinner to share their appreciation with the elite staff members. Pictured above are (left to right) Rajeev Ram, Gordon Collins, Bill Rapp and Eric Butorac.

ADDvantage/April 2010

11

USPTA accepting nominations for annual awards Recipients to be honored during USPTA World Conference in September

T

he United States Professional Tennis Association is now accepting nominations for its 2010 National Awards Program. Each year the USPTA seeks inspiring stories of USPTA Professionals who not only grow the game, but also serve as ambassadors and use the sport of tennis as a tool to impact people and communities. The awards are presented in every facet of the tennis business in which USPTA members work.

2009 USPTA award winners

The USPTA is accepting nominations until the July 2 deadline. Recipients will be honored at the annual awards breakfast during the USPTA World Conference, Sept. 27 – Oct. 2 in La Quinta, Calif. All Professional-level USPTA members are eligible. The award categories are: USPTA Stars are members who have dedicated many years to volunteering in grassroots tennis, and through initiatives incorporating multicultural and other aspects, bring the sport and sportsmanship to the players they touch. Their giving spirits have made them stars in their own communities. We may not have heard of the people who receive this award, but their stories are inspiring, and almost all of us know at least one person who deserves a nomination.

The USPTA Industry Excellence Award is given to teaching professionals who take both an altruistic and entrepreneurial attitude toward their jobs. They use their own resources and those offered by the industry to build programs that

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ADDvantage/April 2010

bring tennis to more people. At the same time, they are successful in growing a tennis business. The recipient of this award will receive a $1,000 grant from the Tennis Industry Association and a Tennis Tutor ball machine from Sports Tutor for use in his or her grassroots programs.

The Alex Gordon Award for Professional of the Year recognizes a member who, over a career, has demonstrated exemplary achievement in seven areas, including: contributions to USPTA and USTA; as a teaching professional, player and coach; in education, research and publications; and with other organizations, achievements and contributions.

The Facility Manager of the Year Award is the only USPTA award available to nonmembers. Applicants/nominees must be the general manager (in function, if not in title) of a club or tennis facility.

College Coach of the Year and High School Coach of the Year award recipients are usually selected based on their results as team coaches, however, individual coaches

may be considered. The Touring Coach of the Year is selected on the basis of his or her work with a playing professional on the ATP tour or the WTA Tour and/or touring juniors.

Players who have been the most successful at the USPTA International Championships and/or USPTA national surface tournaments, as well as international, national and sectional competition may apply for the Player of the Year award. The eight categories for this award are: Men’s open, women’s open, men’s 35-and-over, women’s 35-and-over, men’s 45-and-over, women’s 45-and-over, and men’s 55-andover and women’s 55-and-over.

The George Bacso Tester of the Year award recognizes the USPTA tester who does the most to advance certification opportunities and the certification process.

The USPTA Lessons for LifeTM Award recognizes those USPTA members who have done the most to raise money for charities through tennis events. While the award spotlights individuals who have raised large amounts of money, it also honors those hosting the most creative, original or unique tennis event to raise money for charities.

An individual hosting an event raising the most money will not necessarily receive this award.

The USPTA Tennis Across AmericaTM Award recognizes those USPTA members who have done the most to get people to play tennis. Established in 1990, TAA is the original, free, grassroots lesson program.

It also has a multicultural segment that targets various communities and potential players who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play. While the award does look at individuals who have held the most free clinics with the greatest number of participants, it also looks at individuals hosting the most creative, original or unique free tennis event to get people to play the game.

Award nomination forms and guidelines are available at www.uspta.com, by calling 800-877-8248 or by sending a request to pr@uspta.org.  www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA announces redesign of tennis-health.com

T

he USPTA’s announcement of the redesign of tennis-health.com shows its continued commitment to communicate the tremendous health benefits of tennis and that tennis is fun, easy, exercise for people of all skill, age and fitness levels. This free, interactive Web site, which supports the Tennis – for the health of it! SM initiative, targets teaching professionals, tennis consumers, health-care professionals, and non-tennis playing consumers. While tennis-health.com was originally launched in April 2009, the upgraded site includes feature articles and videos (of the month) and a blog on “tennis and your health” featuring Jack Groppel, Ph.D., an internationally recognized authority and pioneer in the science of human performance, and an expert in fitness and nutrition.

In addition, registered users can sign up to comment on the blog and receive e-mail alerts when new content is posted. They can also track their tennis activity and weight loss if losing weight through tennis is one of their goals. The connection function allows users to search for and connect with other consumers or teaching professionals or invite others to visit the site and register. It is a great way for people who are trying to get healthy together to invite accountability partners to the site and monitor their progress and help motivate each other. People may also share stories on how tennis has impacted their lives.

To register and get started, visit www. tennis-health.com.

The site also features an extensive event search that has been improved. Consumers have the opportunity to search for tennis events, programs and teaching professionals in their area. The event search now allows consumers to search events by type of event, date, facility, city or ZIP code. Registered teaching professionals have the opportunity to promote their programs, events and facilities on the site.

Also, since USPTA and TennisMD.com entered into an agreement that makes TennisMD a health and fitness content provider for tennis-health.com, USPTA now features articles and videos from TennisMD regularly on the site, giving users more fresh content to choose from on topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, wellness, injury prevention and much more.

“Our goals through this site are to not only inform the public that tennis is a great way to get healthy and provide them with tools and resources, but to also provide them with avenues to actually get out and play tennis in their local communities,” said USPTA CEO Tim Heckler.

Tennis-health.com, which was created in support of the USPTA’s Tennis – for the health of it! initiative, features numerous resources for each market/demographic. The site also features information and background on the initiative, and a breakdown of how different markets, whether they are recreational tennis players, competitive tennis players, nonplayers, or parents looking for activities for children, can benefit from tennis.

Tennis – for the health of it! is an initiative started by the USPTA in January 2008 to make the general public aware of the tremendous health, fitness and psychological benefits of tennis and encourage people to get out and play the sport as a part of their regular fitness regimens. The sport of tennis is also social and fun, and can be a welcome change to routine gym workouts or as an additional activity in a fitness routine as part of a healthy lifestyle. The USPTA and its members are the delivery force through which the public can receive these benefits through lessons and other tennis activities.  www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2010

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Tennis enhances your immune system through its conditioning effects, which promote overall health, fitness and resistance to disease.

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

EVER DREAM OF PLAYING IN THE US OPEN? REGISTER NOW! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER YOU CAN COMPETE FOR A WILD CARD INTO THE US OPEN QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT. TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND SIGN UP TODAY!

THE OPEN IS NOW OPEN.

ARE YOU IN?

VISIT USOPEN.ORG

FOR EVENT DETAILS AND INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN REGISTER © 2010 USTA. Photos ©Getty Images

USO Natl Playoff_Poster_7.5x10.indd 1

3/17/10 2:00 PM

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA Professionals raise more than $4 million for charity

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n 2009, United States Professional Tennis Association teaching professionals raised more than $4 million for charity through the association’s Lessons for Life™ program.

“Our members continue to stay committed to raising money for important charitable causes, while at the same time bringing their communities together through these efforts with tennis,” said Diane Selke, Lessons for Life chair, USPTA Master Professional and head tennis professional at Valley Country Club in Aurora, Colo.

A variety of charities benefit each year from the USPTA’s Lessons for Life program, including the American Cancer Society, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation, Mothers

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Against Drunk Driving, Scripps Stevens Cancer Center, and many other national and local charities.

Lessons for Life became USPTA’s national charitable program in 1999. The USPTA and its members have raised more than $40 million since the program’s inception. Through this program, the USPTA encourages its members to use tennis as a vehicle to help others through fundraisers and other activities in their communities. Many of the fundraisers take place at country clubs and commercial clubs, where the majority of USPTA Professionals direct tennis operations and programming.

Fundraisers take the form of tournaments, pro-ams, auctions, black-tie dinners and clinics.

In 2009 USPTA and Rally for the Cure joined forces to raise awareness in the

fight against breast cancer through tennis and Lessons for Life under the broader ­Tennis – for the health of it! initiative. Rally for the Cure has the tools and materials for USPTA tennis-teaching professionals interested in running a Lessons for Life charity tennis event in support of Rally for the Cure. This is just one more way USPTA teaching professionals can give to important causes through tennis and Lessons for Life.

Lessons for Life is officially celebrated in October, but events may be hosted any time during the year. People who are interested in participating in a Lessons for Life event should contact a USPTA Professional in their area. USPTA’s Find-A-Pro service is available at www.usptafindapro.com or by calling 800-USPTA-4U for help locating a USPTA Professional. 

ADDvantage/April 2010

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Bringing the world together on the courts of Camp Friendship

by Alina Ackenbom, USPTA

M

y name is Alina Ackenbom. In 1997 I received a summer job offer as a tennis instructor at Camp Friendship in Palmyra, Va. Before that, I grew up playing tennis in Ufa, Russia, where I was a top-ranked junior. Having graduated from college with degrees in English and German, coming to the United States to teach tennis seemed like a dream come true.

Little did I know back then that my summer experience of 1997 would change my professional and personal life. Since 2000 I have been a year-round tennis director at Camp Friendship. My husband is Camp Friendship Executive Director Chuck Ackenbom and we have two young children.

kids provides great enjoyment as I watch them interact and communicate and learn much respect for each other and the countries they represent.

After we have drills and instruction we always play group games and matches. We actually changed the well-known game of “Around the Court” to the game of “Around the World” where every player represents his or her home country.

Our doubles and mixed doubles matches are always great fun. I mix up the teams and have players from different countries team up. This provides a great way to practice English, positive sportsmanship and respect for each other.

Camp Friendship is a traditional summer camp, but one of the goals of camp has always been to bring in children from other countries for an outstanding summer camp experience and develop lasting friendships between children of different nationalities.

Sports like tennis, golf, and gymnastics are specialized programs offered to children who wish to improve their skills while at camp.

Every summer, children from more then 20 countries participate in camp programs. These 10 weeks of summer camp are the most exciting time for me as I get to work with children who represent the United States, France, Venezuela, Italy, Russia, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Egypt and many other countries. Teaching these

Every summer children from more then 20 countries, like these South Korean youth, come together on the courts of Camp Friendship.

Through teaching kids tennis at Camp Friendship on a daily basis I get to observe great things such as language barriers broken, great friendships made, and long-lasting relationships built. As children go back to their home countries they continue to communicate with each other. Quite a few of my older students reported to me that they even got to visit their friends in other countries.

I feel very fortunate that a decade ago I was given an opportunity to work with young children. Sometimes people ask me how I can stand being on the hot court teaching long hours. Well, this is more than just teaching to me. This is truly an amazing experience to teach tennis in an atmosphere of true diversity.

Alina Ackenbom teaches a group of students at Camp Friendship.

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I feel empowered by the fact that I was given a great opportunity to teach children one of the most amazing sports and help them become better world citizens in the process.  www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Career Development conventions (division conventions, 5 credits) May 13-15

Southern Division Destin, Fla.

May 17-18

Eastern Division Flushing, N.Y.

June 1-6

Florida Division Key Largo, Fla.

June 3-6

Pacific Northwest Division Richland, Wash.

exams, upgrades & certification review courses (4 credits for PTCA I segment) April 2 April 4 April 5-6 April 10-11 April 11 April 11 April 11-12 April 15-16 April 15-16 April 17 April 17-18 April 17-18 April 17-18 April 18 April 19 April 24 April 24-25 April 24-25 April 25 April 30 May 2

Minneapolis Winter Springs, Fla. San Francisco Atlanta Indian Wells, Calif.

Richmond, Va. Los Angeles Flushing, N.Y. Boca Raton, Fla. Park City, Utah Aurora, Ill. Rockville, Md. Tyler, Texas New Orleans, La. Williamsburg, Va. Portsmouth, R.I. Fayetteville, N.C. Big Rapids, Mich.

Lexington, Ky. Port Washington, N.Y. Nashville, Tenn.

May 2 May 2 May 2 May 2 May 2-3 May 3 May 3 May 3 May 15-16 May 16 May 17 May 17-18 May 23 May 28 May 31 June 1 June 3-4 June 5-6 June 6 June 12-13

Conway, Ark. Des Moines, Iowa Hilton Head Island, S.C. Ocala, Fla. New Braunfels, Texas San Diego Long Beach, Calif.

Greenwood, Colo.

Boca Raton, Fla. St. Louis Frederick, Md. Houston* Hilton Head Island, S.C. W. Orange, N.J. San Francisco* Richland, Wash.

Key Largo, Fla. Philadelphia Aurora, Ill.

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

specialist degrees Little Tennis® Facility Management





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. 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.

specialty courses

Computer Technology Sport Science

Cardio Tennis, April 11, Minneapolis, M. Krause

Competitive Player Development Pro Shop Operations

Global modern tennis, April 25, Berkeley, Calif., J. Yandell

   



Wheelchair Tennis

TBA, June 1-6, Key Largo, Fla.

CPD (Competitive Player Development) – Gained through the USA ­Tennis High Performance Coaching Program ­administered by the USA Tennis Coaching ­Education Department.

For more information about USPTA’s specialist degrees, including applications, please visit our Web site at www.uspta.com or contact the USPTA Education Department at 800-USPTA-4U or education@uspta.org.

cardio tennis April 11

Minneapolis

(Seminar DVDs, ½ credit/specialty course DVDs, 2 credits)

The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. Schedule is subject to change.

Call the USPTA Education Department for more information or e-mail education@uspta.org.

Earn education credits from World Conference DVDs Receive your education credit report card via e-mail by visiting the members-only section of uspta.com.

Please visit www.growingtennis.com (workshops) to register online.

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ADDvantage/April 2010

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA is the world’s largest producer of broadcast-quality tennis instruction on DVD. These are just a few of the more than 100 titles available. For easy ordering, go to www.usprotennisshop.com.

!

!

NEW

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NEW

Mark Bey $24.95

NEW

Otis Sadler $24.95

Mark Bey $24.95

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NEW

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NEW

Rick Macci $24.95

Specialty courses – $44.95. Bonus! Earn education credits while watching!

Managing a tennis complex by USPTA Master Professional Drew Sunderlin

Industry action Members Hector Hernandez, USPTA, was named 2009 USTA Middle States Teaching Pro of The Year. Hernandez is head tennis professional and personal trainer at Westend Racquet Club in Allentown, Pa. He was chosen for his significant contribution to USTA MS tennis.

USPTA professionals Mark Woodforde and Owen Davidson were named to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2010. The class was introduced during Tennis Night in America at the BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup at Madison Square Garden. Woodforde is retired from the ATP tour. He is known for

being part of the doubles team, “The Woodies,” with Todd Woodbridge.

Woodforde joined the ATP tour in 1984 and won 12 Grand Slam titles during his career, 11 of which were with Woodbridge.

He also won five Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. He and Woodbridge won the ATP Doubles Team of the Year four times. Owen Davidson also played on the ATP tour. He partnered with Billie Jean King to win eight Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. In 1967, he became one of a few to win a calendar year Slam for mixed doubles, when he teamed up with Lesley Turner Bowrey to win the Australian and King to win Wimbledon, French and U.S. Championships. The 2010 induction ceremony

USPTA professionals Scott McCulloch, Terence Killen, Terry Killen and Frank Fourgeau helped run the second annual “Madisen’s Match” at the prestigious West Bay Club in Estero, Fla., in February. Event founder Duane Chaney was inspired to put on the event after his niece, Madisen, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. This charity event worked in conjunction with the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation and the Children’s Hospital Cancer Fund to provide support to pediatric brain tumor victims. Celebrity participants in the event included Mikael Pernfors, Tom Gullikson, Jimmy Arias and Kathy Rinaldi. More than 140 people participated in more than five-and-a-half hours of tennis clinics and games, a pro-am match, luncheon and charity auction. The event raised approximately $12,000 for charity.

Pictured: Mikael Pernfors, Terry Killen, Terence Killen, Kathy Rinaldi, Duane Chaney and Tom Gullikson. will take place July 10 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s headquarters in Newport, R.I. For more information, visit tennisfame.com.

Dave Richardson, regional vice president of USPTA Florida Division, was appointed as the new director at large for the USTA. This is a newly appointed position made by the Executive Committee of the USTA Florida Section.

HEAD player Ivan Ljubicic hammered 21 aces with his YOUTEK Extreme Pro to defeat Andy Roddick 7-6, 7-6 and claim his biggest career success by winning the Indian Wells Masters. The Croatian added the American to a victim’s list which also included fellow HEAD player Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals and Rafael Nadal in the semis in the Californian desert.

Ljubicic achieved success in his fourth Masters 1000 final for his 10th career trophy. Ljubicic, third in the world four years ago, has cracked the ATP Top 15, rising to 13th after his first title since Lyon last autumn. HEAD was well represented at the semifinal stage as well, with Robin Soderling defeating Andy Murray 6-1, 7-6. Sweden’s 2009 Roland Garros finalist took the victory using a YOUTEK Radical MP.

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ADDvantage/April 2010

Five USPTA members and Midtown Tennis Club professionals in Chicago were recently recognized by several tennis organizations for their excellence. Midtown tennis professional David Muir was named to the Chicago District Tennis Association Hall of Fame.

Muir is past president of the USPTA and was also the CDTA’s Coach of the Year in 2006. Muir’s credits include 11 USTA national titles. Butch Staples, Midtown’s head tennis professional, was named USPTA Illinois Professional of the Year. Midtown tennis professional and club manager Joe Lyden was named by the USPTA’s Midwest Division as its Male Player of the Year for age 55-and-over.

He was also recognized by the USTA’s Chicago District as its No. 1ranked player in the 55 and over category.

Similarly, Midtown professional Lisa Culp, winner of five USTA national senior doubles titles, was recognized by the USPTA’s Midwest www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Industry action Division as its 55-andover Female Player of the Year. Finally, Midtown general manager and vice president Michael Mahoney earned a USTA No. 1 ranking for 50 and over in Chicago.

The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Roetert named Paul Roetert, USPTA, CEO beginning in September.

Roetert was previously managing director of Player Development and tournament director of the U.S. Open Junior Tennis Championships.

Roetert holds a Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the University of Connecticut and completed his Masters of Science in biomechanics and undergraduate work in physical education at California State University, Fullerton. He was the managing director of Player Development for the USTA in Boca Raton, Fla. Prior to his managing director position with the USTA, Roetert was the executive director for the American Sport Education Program at Human Kinetics, in Champaign, Ill.

Member product showcase – Cliff Drysdale Tennis is pleased to announce a new partnership with Hawks Cay Resort, which will include the renovation and expansion of its tennis program. The facility is located on a 60www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

acre luxury Florida Keys resort. Guests and tennis club members will enjoy such services as private lessons, clinics, cardio tennis, junior and adult programs, social events, round-robin tournaments and exhibitions. Cliff Drysdale Tennis, founded in 2001 by tennis legend Cliff Drysdale and partners Don Henderson and Tom Brownhill, specializes in daily tennis operations and management for resorts, hotels and private tennis clubs; sports design and construction consultation for companies interested in building world-class tennis facilities; tennis educational programs, summer camps, clinics and retreats; and resort, hotel corporate outing planning and leisure operations. For more information, visit www. cliffdrysdale.com or www.

HawksCay.com.

A new book by USPTA Professional Ben Press is a celebration of the game as well as a memoir.

“One Hundred Years of Tennis at the Hotel del Coronado, Playground of the Stars,” is a handsomely packaged coffee-table volume ($29.95) that details the creation of the Hotel del Coronado and its association with tennis.

The game had been part of the hotel’s program since the resort’s founding in the 1880s, but had not been played under the spires of the iconic lodge since 2005, when the two courts that remained there were demolished in order to create a place

for condominiums. Before the elimination of the last two courts – once, the hotel had as many as seven – Press had served for 28 years as its pro.

Cleaning out his office, Press said he was struck by how much memorabilia he had collected. The book is about the Hotel del Coronado and a time when members of the Hollywood set shared its courts with presidents, corporate giants and sports figures. Among them: Walter Cronkite, Tom Landry, Mickey Rooney, Errol Flynn, Dustin Hoffman, Dinah Shore, Richard Egan,

Mike Wallace, Gilbert Roland, Jinx Falkenburg, Alexander Haig and George H.W. Bush. Press twice played with Bush, one of the 11 American presidents who have been guests of the hotel, beginning with Benjamin Harrison in April 1891.The book can be ordered at benpress.com.

2009 USPTA Texas Division award winners Angel Martinez

USPTA Texas High School Coach of the Year

Sujay Lama

USPTA Texas College Coach of the Year

David Licker

USPTA Texas Touring Coach of the Year

Kevin Clark

USPTA Texas Charlie McCleary Community Service

Susan Torrance

USPTA Facility Manager of the Year

Emily Schaefer

USPTA Industry Excellence

Ken Sumrow

USPTA Lessons for Life Award

Nony Michulka

Texas Proud

Craig Bell

USPTA Texas Pro of the Year

Jack Foster

USPTA Texas Tester of the Year

James Daly

Men’s Open Player of the Year

Guillaume Gauthier Men’s 35 Player of the Year Val Wilder

Men’s 45 Player of the Year

Ross Boling

Men’s 55 Player of the Year

Fernando Velasco

Men’s 65 Player of the Year

Ristine Olson

Women’s Open Player of the Year

Julie Cass

Women’s 35 Player of the Year

Kathy Vick

Women’s 45 Player of the Year

Barbara Sasser

Women’s 55 Player of the Year ADDvantage/April 2010

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Networking in style

USPTA personal Web site contest recognizes outstanding participants

I

n the tennis industry, as in the rest of the world, networking is the way to grow your business, find a new job and make valuable contacts.

A great way to “network” yourself is with your USPTA personal Web site. Do you blog? Include your USPTA Web site address.

Do you have a Facebook page? List your Web site address on your Info page. Or use LinkedIn, Twitter, your e-mail signature, club or business Web site; the possibilities are endless for getting your name out there.

If you’ve built up your personal Web site with information, photos, videos or more, enter the third annual USPTA personal Web site contest. If you haven’t visited your site or made changes in years, then it’s time to get busy before the contest ends Monday, Aug. 2, 2010.

Investing a little time and creativity paid off for last year’s winners. The grand prize winner was John Craig (http://johnscraig. usptapro.com). Christie Borne was the runner-up (http://christieborne.usptapro.com).

Many members use this benefit daily for everything from promoting tournaments and social tennis activities to notifying their students of schedule changes. Some members have used video, added links and more to make their sites comprehensive tennis sources for their clients.

To enter the contest, send the link to your USPTA personal Web site to usptapro@uspta.org. Type “USPTA personal Web site contest” in the subject line. It will be judged by the USPTA communications staff and USPTA Vice President Randy Mattingley, who is chairman of the Information Technology Committee.

If you haven’t explored the possibilities of your Web site, visit Find-a-Pro.com, click Find-a-Pro under “Players” and enter your last name. The link to your site is on the right side of the page, across from your first and last name. Click the link to get to the home page of your site, which features your name and USPTA

rating. If you’ve submitted photos or material in the past, it remains on the site. If you want to make changes to your Web pages, log in at the top, left corner of the site. Once you’re logged in, you can begin to explore and add new material. If you need help, there’s a “USPTA personal Web site help manual” that will walk you through the steps of setting up your pages. Also, take a look at the Tips and tricks link for additional help.

Each Web site entered in the contest will be judged in the following categories. Each category is worth a maximum of 5 points, and will be judged on a scale from 1 point to 5 points, with 5 points representing the best score for meeting the criteria of a specific category. Only usptapro.com sites may be submitted. No independent sites, please, and last year’s winners are not eligible.

Entries must be received for judging no later than Monday, Aug. 2, 2010, at 11:59 p.m., Central time.

_______________ Criteria _______________ Use of technology l Working links, both within the site and to other sites l Proper use of images, tables, video, etc.

Use of all site features l Bio, facility, events, lessons, news Content l Tennis related, appropriate for site l Proper spelling, grammar, punctuation l Updated information Use of graphics and photos Photo sizes – not too big or too small, proportional

l l l l l

Photo quality – good quality, in-focus photos Placement of pictures/graphics Use of fonts, not too mixed Use of color

____________________________________ You may also send a brief statement explaining how you use and promote your site.

There will be one grand-prize winner and three runners-up. Winners will be announced at the USPTA World Conference awards breakfast. (Winners will be notified in advance.)

Prizes will be products from USPTA endorsees: Grand prize winner – HEAD racquet, tour bag and string Runners up – HEAD backpack, string Good luck!

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2010

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