Addvantage 2014 June

Inside this issue

2014 Tennis Teachers Conference – Register Now!

Departments: 42 Growing Your Business 44 Tennis Teachers Conference 38 CEO’s Message 40 Vice President’s Message 50 Career Development 52 Member News 41 USPTA News Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com On the cover: USPTA will be joining the USTA in hosting the Tennis Teachers Conference in New York, Aug. 22-25. This promises to be an extraordinary event – the industry’s best gathered in one place, the glamour of New York City, and the excitement of the US Open!

CEO’s Message

We’re All In!

by John Embree

W “

e’re All In!” was the theme of our April Executive Committee and Board meetings held in Houston. This bi-annual gathering of our national and division leadership provides our association a terrific opportunity to get everyone aligned behind a few of the key initiatives that will galvanize the membership in a positive direction for the remainder of the year and future years.

The focus of the meetings this year was on two core pillars in the Strategic Plan, which has served as our road map since early 2013. Growing our membership at a net 5 percent clip over the next three years is one of our most fundamental goals. While our membership roster is tracking slightly better than 4 percent year to date (which is noteworthy), we cannot take our eye off the ball and assume that this trend will continue. It is incumbent on each and every member to reach out to fellow professionals who may not be a member currently and encourage them to join. There is no better time to be a part of the USPTA than now!

One of the most uplifting presentations made during our Division Leaders Workshop was conducted by Kaitlin Flaherty from Methodist University/ USPTA Southern and Jason Gilbert of USPTA Florida about the Under 30 initiative that they are leading in their respective divisions as well as nationally. Targeting this demographic and engaging professionals under 30 years of age with the USPTA has to be a priority for every division as we look to “get younger” as an organization. While there are three divisions actively promoting an Under 30 program presently,

38 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

the goal is to have six divisions by year vigorating; to witness the participants end that have embraced this campaign. working collaboratively and cooperatively with each other seeking recomRecruiting professionals of this age, mendations about what could be done getting them involved in the various back home to address these vital iniprograms at the division level, encourtiatives was incredibly motivating and aging them to attend division conferencouraging! ences and having them understand the Now, the heavy lifting begins. value of networking with like-minded Activating some of the concepts that professionals will help them develop into the leaders of our association down were fleshed out during these meetthe road. ings is essential if we expect to get any The second topic addressed was traction. It cannot be done nationally how to engage our entire membership without those boots on the street to about the importance of continuing make it happen. Whether conducting education, not just the usual 10 perregional education days in varying locations throughout divisions during cent to 15 percent who normally parthe year, actively promoting webinars ticipate in our educational offerings. that pros can do from Because every certified their home or office member (except for It is incumbent on each those who are retired) is and every member to reach computers, attending educational forums required to comply with out to fellow professionals the continuing educawho may not be a member at CMAA or IRSHA conventions nearby, or tion requirement of 12 currently and encourage coming to New York hours or six credits be- them to join. There is no for the Tennis Teachtween now and the end better time to be a part of 2016, we have to do ers Conference, etc., ­ SPTA than now! of the U everything we can to inthe next 2 ½ years are form our membership of this respongoing to be critical to making sure that sibility and make it as easy as we posALL members remain involved and sibly can for everyone to achieve this maintain their membership status. Afobjective. For that reason, we recently ter all, our stated mission is to “elevate announced the education credits being the standards of tennis-teaching prooffered with the on-line Coach Youth fessionals and coaches” everywhere Tennis program on 10 and Under Tenwhile growing our membership ranks with professionals who have hesitated nis will be doubled, thereby satisfying to join previously, especially the milthe requirement in totality. Best news of all: it is FREE of charge! lennial generation who will be the fu “We’re All In” was intended to be a ture of the USPTA. rallying cry for our leadership to em Are you “All In?” I hope so! Thanks for your continuing support of the brace these objectives. We conducted USPTA and your commitment to stay two energetic break-out sessions informed, and for meeting your educawhere small groups were created to tackle these questions. The ensuing tional requirements, which will make dialogue across division lines was inall of us better professionals. h

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Vice President’s Message

Helping USPTA Professionals Get Educated

by Alan Cutler

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n an effort to ensure that USPTA details coming soon).

Professionals continue to learn Nothing beats the face-to-face and progress in the profession, all interaction that conferences provide USPTA professional members will and they remain the best way to get be required to earn six credits of coneducation and valuable networking tinuing education within the next three opportunities. However, technology years. This means about 12 hours of offers some benefits without having to education, or four hours travel and incur the of training for each of the Nothing beats the face-to-face expenses associated interaction that conferences with conferences. next three years. provide and they remain the Beginning this year, Numerous educabest way to get education tional opportunities are we will attempt to debeing scheduled through- and valuable networking liver enough educaout the year so members opportunities. tional opportunities can earn the required six using available and credits. You can go to a USPTA conferaffordable technology so members can ence and earn all the credits you need complete the six-credit requirement in for the three years in one shot, since it the next three years. is worth five to eight credits (division/ USPTA accepts education from national convention). Beyond that, many sources. Any education or trainUSPTA will continue to offer free webing from an allied group such as CMAA, inars throughout the year, which will be USTA, USRSA, ITA or TIA will also worth half an education credit. There count. In fact, almost any education you are also the USPTA specialty courses on get will count. Some other examples DVDs that are worth two credits each include college classes, CPR training, and seminar DVDs that, depending employment seminars, company trainon the topic, are worth half or three-­ ing and computer courses. If it’s training quarters credits each. or education, it’s likely to count.

Many divisions will be providing So how do you get credit for nonadditional educational opportunities USPTA education? It’s simple; submit throughout the year, which are anticithe activity name, agenda/syllabus, date pated to be given half to two credits and the duration to the USPTA national each. You might want to consider atoffice education department for review. tending another division’s conference Remember to be patient as it is likely to or educational offering to learn from take time to process all the requests. If their expertise and experiences. There there are questions about what you subis also the USPTA National Educamit you will be contacted for additional tion Day that is in the planning stages, information. USPTA will also keep track scheduled for Nov. 17, 2014 (look for of your submitted educational credits.

40 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

You can access your personal education report card from uspta.com by going to the education section and clicking “Report Card” on the right hand side of the page. This will list all the events and activities you have on file. If there is anything missing, you can send the information listed above for the activity to education@uspta.org for processing.

We would also like to see members suggest divisional education subjects, host education events or even volunteer to assist by teaching other members in their specific areas of expertise. Contact your division leadership for additional information on how you can get involved. USPTA covers a large geographic area and many divisions can use the help and expertise that you can provide.

It is as much for your personal growth as it is for your career as a tennis professional to continue your education. This is also a great way to network and interact with other teaching professionals to exchange ideas.

The USPTA is here to help you. h NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tom McGraw President Chuck Gill First Vice President Vice Presidents

Past President CEO

Alan Cutler Jack Michalko Dan Moster Diane Selke Gary Trost Tom Daglis John Embree

USPTA News

Call for Nominations

T

he USPTA Nominating Committee is seeking candidates who are interested in serving on the USPTA National Board of Directors for the term beginning at the 2015 World Conference through the 2017 World Conference. Nominating Committee will be accepting applications until 5 p.m. EST on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Please note that only members in good standing with a certification level of Elite Pro or higher are eligible to apply. Any candidates failing to meet these criteria will not be considered.

Positions Board positions up for election include President, First Vice President and five other Vice Presidents. While there will be a Secretary-Treasurer, this person will be appointed by the President from one of the five elected Vice Presidents.

Time Commitment It is important that candidates understand that there is a significant time commitment associated with serving

as a USPTA national board member. The sample schedule below provides a sense of what the time commitment might look like on an annual basis.

• • • • •

4 in-person board meetings: 2-3 days each 2-3 board conference calls: 3 hours each World Conference: 5-7 days 2-3 division conferences: 2-3 days each Additional meetings (CMAA, USTA, TIA, etc.): 2-6 days per year • Committee work & other communications: 10-20 hours per week

Application Process To apply, please answer the questions below and email them, along with a cover letter, resume, and two letters of recommendation, to Nominating Committee Chair Molly Card ­Beckmann at mollyc317@aol.com. Please feel free to contact Molly at 317-441-5427 with any questions.

1. What board position are you applying for? (List all that apply): President/First Vice President/

Vice President/ Will serve where needed 2. What is your educational background?

3. What is your occupational background?

4. Please list and give dates of your tennis industry jobs and background.

5. Please list leadership positions you have held both in tennis and other industries.

6. How have you effectively managed people in the past (i.e., examples of situations you have had and how you dealt with them)?

7. What do you currently see as the USPTA’s strengths and weaknesses?

8. Please list the skill sets and talents you would bring to the USPTA Board?

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the following committee members: Molly Card Beckmann, Tom Daglis, Andrea Barnes, Bill Fletcher, and Rich Slivocka. h

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 41

Growing Your Business

TGA: Reaching Kids through Tennis

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n September 2013, USPTA announced a partnership with TGA Premier Youth Tennis, an exciting program and business model that increases USPTA members’ revenue and drives traffic to their facilities. The partnership will help grow tennis at the grassroots level and provide USPTA members with a business ownership opportunity.

In partnership with the USTA, TGA (Teach Grow Achieve) pioneered a school-based activation model that makes tennis accessible to youth through a five-level, instruction-based enrichment program in elementary schools, and a play-based program in middle schools. The specialized curriculums focus on instilling a passion for tennis while promoting advancement, achievement and the growth of

42 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

life skills on and off the court. After capturing and cultivating the students’ and their parents’ passion for tennis in schools, the family is transitioned to USPTA members and tennis facilities in their area.

TGA franchises the rights to the model in geographic areas. USPTA members who are looking to build equity in a business, grow their clientele and facility participation, and generate more money are encouraged to look into this opportunity. Members who have full-time jobs should consider purchasing franchise rights and hiring another teaching pro full time or a team to operate the business for them.

ADDvantage interviewed two TGA franchise owners to see how they are growing tennis in their communities

and the financial rewards they are reaping from purchasing the TGA/ USTA model. Kevin Rooney’s franchise is in Bergen County, N.J., and Brad ­Kirkpatrick is in North Seattle, Wash.

Why did you decide to start a TGA Premier Youth Tennis franchise?

Kevin Rooney: I was one of the initial franchises to run tennis pilot programs. I saw the excitement of the kids when I introduced them to the game at schools. I saw a need for after-school tennis programs at schools and community centers in my area. The forward thinking of the USTA with 10 and Under Tennis, Junior Team Tennis, Play Days, festivals, etc., got me really excited because I saw the opportunity to develop young people through the

player pathway and keep them and their parents in my programs for a long time. The ability to apply for grants through the USTA allows us to introduce tennis to young people at little or no cost. I also saw an opportunity to create more jobs locally on a parttime basis. I currently have 10 to 15 part-time tennis instructors working with me, which essentially doubled my entire staff.

Brad Kirkpatrick: I started looking at opportunities in the tennis industry in early 2012. I was doing some work with the USTA related to 10 and Under Tennis in my area and found TGA on Facebook and through the USTA. I have a strong background in tennis, and coached basketball for 10 years, so it was a great fit for me when it came to my background and passion.

Why TGA rather than try to do it on your own?

KR: I have seen what TGA’s model did with golf programs and adding the USTA to their infrastructure sold me.

The TGA HQ team is passionate about what they do and that is very important when it comes to establishing a program in an industry that is pretty well established. The infrastructure and support from other franchisees, as well as the HQ Team certainly helps when there is a question that needs to be answered. If I did it on my own, I would not have that support and costs would be much higher.

BK: My previous jobs were in the business world, working for big companies. I had zero entrepreneurial experience, and I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a creative person, but I am someone who can take an infrastructure such as what TGA has and run with it. What makes the TGA model unique, in my mind, is the curriculum and the supporting structure. The USTA has some great training around how to teach 10 and Under Tennis, but there isn’t a structure around how to make a business out of running tennis programs, especially programs at school. On the curriculum side, we add in academic lessons, rules and etiquette, and character development themes, so we can make the class an extension of the classroom beyond just teaching tennis.

USPTA members who are looking to build equity in a business, grow their clientele and facility participation, and generate more money are encouraged to look into this opportunity.

What success have you had and how long have you been doing it?

KR: We offer tennis in 40-plus schools in my third year running the business. We average 10 to 15 kids per class; teaching 2,000-plus kids since 2012. We have two main locations for camps: a university and a high school. Last year we averaged more than 20 kids each week and had a total

In partnership with the USTA, TGA (Teach Grow Achieve) pioneered a school-based activation model that makes tennis accessible to youth through a five-level, instruction-based enrichment program in elementary schools, and a play-based program in middle schools.

of 13 weekly sessions. From 2012 to 2013, tennis revenue grew almost 60 ­percent.

BK: In 2013, we had 14 local schools running tennis programs. We will go through almost 1,200 students in 2014.

This summer, we will have 16 tennis camps at three locations. My business did $80,000 in revenue in 2013 and I anticipate growing by 50 percent in 2014.

How big do you think you can make your business?

KR: I think the potential is endless in my area with the support of the USTA, TGA, and all of the partnerships TGA HQ is developing. My goal is to offer tennis in 100-plus schools in three years. And my camps will continue to grow as there are underutilized courts all over. My goal is to partner with five to 10 facilities (both tennis courts and non-tennis courts). Between the camps and the after-school program, I anticipate registering 5,000 people per year with revenue upward of $500,000.

BK: I really believe that the sky is the limit in the Seattle area. I have 50 elementary schools in my area, and my goal is to be in 30 of them by the end of 2014. At that point, I will be looking to expand my territory and purchase additional franchises. I can easily see TGA being in 100 schools in the greater Seattle area. Our average class size for tennis is around 15, so I am anticipating having 5,000 participants in 2014. I run camps at locations close to TGA school programs and camp numbers continue to increase as our participation and number of schools does.

What is the ultimate goal with your business?

KR: To provide kids in local communities as many opportunities as possible to get introduced to the game of tennis as well as advance their skills.

BK: My ultimate goal is that when people think of youth tennis in the greater Seattle area, they think of Brad Kirkpatrick and TGA. h

To read more of the Q&A, visit www.

ADDvantageUSPTA.com.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 43

Tennis Teachers Conference

2014 Tennis Teachers Conference Register Now!

T

he premier event in the tennis industry heads to the Big Apple this year to bring together the leading tennis-teaching professionals and coaches in the industry for a weekend of education capped by visiting the most exciting Grand Slam event in the world.

USPTA will be joining the USTA in hosting the Tennis Teachers Conference in New York, Aug. 22-25, instead of holding the usual World Conference. This promises to be an extraordinary event – the industry’s best gathered in one place, the glamour of New York City, and the excitement of the US Open!

This can’t-miss event aims to provide the best learning experience for tennis teachers and coaches by offering educational resources, facilitating innovative teaching techniques, and creating networking opportunities among the members of the various associations.

All registered attendees (full registration only) will receive a free grounds

Important deadlines:

Purchase US Open tickets (via TTC ticket block): June 13 Hotel reservation: July 24

Website:

Visit usta.com/ttc > Conference Info for a complete schedule

More information:

Turn to Page 54 to meet some of the scheduled speakers.

More to come in the July issue.

44 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

pass to the US Open and access to the that includes a link to the Grand Hyatt Hospitality Pavilion on the grounds New York for the TTC preferred room rate and a link to purchase US Open tickof the USTA Billie Jean King National ets for Monday, Aug. 25 through ThursTennis Center on Monday, Aug. 25, day, Aug. 28. Hotel resand a bus pass to the All registered attendees will ervations must be made tennis center (good receive a free grounds pass through this link only. The for M ­ onday, Aug. 25-Thursday, Aug. 28). to the US Open and access to TTC rate will not be honthe Hospitality Pavilion on the ored for reservations made In addition, the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean via telephone.

TTC will be a great

There will not be a opportunity for you to King National Tennis Center. spouse/guest registraearn education credits. tion option this year because of the USPTA members who register and atcondensed format and higher cost of tend will earn eight education credits.

In addition, every seminar and general New York, however, there is a Monday session is worth an additional half-cred- US Open guest package available. This it and the specialty course and 10 and includes a grounds pass, bus pass and Under Tennis workshop are two credits access to the Hospitality Pavilion (the each (be sure to bring your membership same package the registered attendee card so you can scan the QR code for receives.) This option must be selected credit.) A full schedule is online at usta. during the registration process. It cannot be purchased at the door. com/ttc > Conference Info.

If you are interested in sharing the All education sessions will fall under cost of a hotel room, contact Janice one of five tracks: 10 and Under Tennis, Stollenwerck at janice.stollenwerck@ Club and Team Coaching, High Performance, Business and Professional Devel- uspta.org to be put on a room-share list. opment, and Competition and Play.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity Go to usta.com/TTC for more inforto connect with some of the brightest mation and to register. After you register, minds in the tennis industry and attend you will receive a confirmation email the US Open. See you in New York! h

GAME, SET,

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Official Court Equipment Supplier of the

Tennis Teachers Conference

Meet some of the 2014 featured speakers Bill Kurtain

Bill Kurtain is the owner and president of Winning Touch Tennis, a fullservice, tennis management company.

tennis facility. At 36, I achieved that goal and incorporated Winning Touch Tennis Inc. The desire to start a management company, and now a consulting company, was motivated simply by growth – my business, the game of tennis, and the careers of young tennis professionals.

l

Hard work.

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Help. History and hard work will get

Greg Lappin

Please give us a brief synopsis of what you’ll be speaking about at the TTC. I will be speaking about the need to raise awareness of developing a career plan for tennis-teaching professionals after their “active teaching career” is over. Specifically, to begin to transition to the business side of the tennis industry in a variety of venues. My presentation is meant to educate, motivate and inspire tennis professionals to become business owners and the enormous value that will serve.

What advice do you have for tennis pros?

The best tip I can offer is that owning your own business in the tennis industry offers so much: personal career and financial stability and security, the ability to grow and mentor other tennis professionals, unlimited creative freedom, and most importantly, the ability to create something that will continue long after you cannot; defining your legacy!

How did you start Winning Touch Tennis /where did the desire to own a tennis management company come from?

I am a visionary person by nature and pursue my dreams with a passion.

One of my favorite quotes is: “It cannot be done until somebody does it.”

At 22 years of age, about six months into my full-time teaching career, I knew I wanted to own my own indoor

46 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Greg Lappin is the national tennis director for Life Time Fitness.

Please give us a brief synopsis of what you’ll be speaking about at the TTC. The title of my presentation is “How to Advance Your Career.”

I will give very tangible action plans and clearly explain laws that are necessary to follow to advance your career.

Tennis pros should have an understanding of the difference between leadership and management, what an employer is looking for, understand if it is possible to motivate an employee or student, what skills are necessary to permit advancement, and have a clear understanding of what success means for a lesson and a tennis program.

Please provide a short tip on your area of expertise.

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People get hired due to the 3 H’s:

History. We are hired for the prob-

lems we can solve for that business.

That is why it is important to increase the number of skills we possess, in other words, have a history – an ability to solve more problems.

Years ago I took over coaching a ladies team that played in a daytime league. They were last in the league. I worked extra hard carrying out the ball machine for each drill, always having handouts for the drills, and trying to give meaningful critiques for the matches. After two years, they were at the top of the league. At that time, a great job at a local country club became open.

One of the ladies on my team had everyone on the tennis committee over to her house at different times for dinner to sell them on me. I got the job out of 30 applicants. This was all a surprise to me. Back then, I did not understand that hard work could lead to something better. Now I do. you through the door, but we all must first get our foot in the door. Talk to friends, introduce yourself to the key influencers in your area, attend your USPTA activities. Do not underestimate the power and necessity of networking. It can be a huge help.

How did you become involved with Life Time Fitness?

In May 2012, my involvement ended as a minority owner and general manger of one of the five largest multipurpose and tennis clubs in North America. At the same time, Life Time Fitness Corporation was rapidly expanding their tennis program to more clubs. They were in need of someone to write curriculum, develop a training program for their tennis directors, and install business systems and processes for the tennis department. They hired me as a consultant. They liked my work enough to ask me to stay on as their national tennis director. I oversee the tennis operations in what will be 23 clubs by the end of this year. h More from these interviews is available at www.addvantageuspta.com

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Career Development Exams, Upgrades & PTCA I

Conventions (Division conventions, 5 credits; World Conference 8 credits; dates subject to change)

(4 credits for PTCA I segment) May 31-June 1 Atlanta Richmond, Va. June 1 Carlsbad, Calif.

June 2 San Francisco June 2-3 Kirkland, Wash.

June 5-6 Aurora, Ill. June 7-8 Hilton Head Island, S.C. June 8 Binghamton, N.Y. June 11 Chatham, N.J. June 12-13 June 14-15 Boston Austin, Texas June 15 June 17 Minneapolis Quogue, N.Y. June 20 Winter Springs, Fla. June 22 June 28-29 Jackson, Miss.

Jacksonville, Fla. June 28-29 Frederick, Md. July 7 Fort Wayne, Ind. July 12 Boca Raton, Fla. July 12-13 July 18-19 Houston* Clayton, Mo. July 19 July 19 Des Moines, Iowa Coronado, Calif.

July 20 * This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

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.

May 27-June 1

June 6-7

Aug. 14-16

Florida Division Port St. Lucie, Fla. Pacific Northwest Division Kirkland, Wash.

Texas Summer Retreat Grapevine, Texas

Specialty Courses May 29

From tennis professional to business manager Port St. Lucie, Fla.; T. Daglis

Cardio Tennis June 14 CT Oct. 9 CT Nov. 8 CT Nov. 9 TRX CT

New York Fayetteville, N.C. New York New York

Please visit www.cardiotennis.com to register online.

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

50 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

June 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 June 4 June 4 June 7 June 7 June 7 June 7 June 7 June 7 June 7 June 7 June 8 June 8 June 14 June 14 June 14 June 14 June 14 June 14 June 19 June 21 June 21 June 21 June 21 June 21 June 21 June 22 June 25

Antelope, Calif.

Holland, Mich.

Albuquerque, N.M. Mill Valley, Calif.

Glenview, Ill. Marshfield, Wis. Granbury, Texas Chattanooga, Tenn.

Munster, Ind. Fayetteville, N.C. Midland, Mich.

Fort Myers, Fla. Pensacola, Fla. Homewood, Ill. San Andreas, Calif.

Amesbury, Mass.

Los Gatos, Calif.

Lexington Park, Md. Trenton, N.J. Middleton, Wis. Duluth, Minn.

Redwood City, Calif.

Trenton, N.J. Middleton, Wis. Fitzwilliam, N.H. Philadelphia Bedford, N.H. Philadelphia Schunectady, N.Y. Savannah, Ga. Reston, Va. Irvine, Calif.

Maywood, N.J.

Go to www.coachyouthtennis.com for more workshops or to register.

Accredited Professional Coach Register your Accredited Professional Coach (APC) and specialty course credits earned with the USPTA SmartCode Education System. This uses your smartphone

TAUT Workshops

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.

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Member News

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 email – magazine@uspta.org

52 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

• USPTA Professional Vincent Lopez has written two books. The first, “Street Edge,” is a sports-related fiction story based in an inner city. His latest book, “Blood Storm Rising,” is a doppelgänger techno-thriller. To purchase or read a chapter, visit Amazon.com or Tate Publishing at bit.ly/bloodstormrising.

The year is 2017. Newly elected American president, Max Jayden, is sworn into office after his landslide victory running on a platform of a tough policy dealing with America’s adversaries. With Americans fed up with the non-stop domestic terrorist bombings at the hands of radical Islamists, America is moving dangerously close to a new civil war.

As America is tearing from within, an emerging coalition of Islamic nations led

by Iran is posing a greater threat. Now the most powerful nation in the history of mankind is on the verge of a war in the Middle East that threatens to engulf the entire globe.

Meanwhile, new technology is providing a small-town reverend, who prophesizes the “Second Coming” of Jesus Christ, the ability to virtually project himself to a frantic, growing worldwide audience desperate for a modern-day savior.

Enter Jack Bautista, idolized tough-kid rocker and son of a U.S. Navy Seals captain.

On the verge of becoming a superstar, Jack is critically shot during a supposedly ill-fated robbery cutting his career short. Nearly broken, Jack meets the beautiful Hailey Lane, top counter-terrorist agent for the FBI. Now the two find themselves racing against time, history, and technology in order to prevent the apocalypse foretold in the Book of Revelation.

A former musician, Vincent Lopez now teaches American history. As a student at the university, Vincent studied political and social trends. Vincent’s second book, Blood Storm Rising, is an all-too-real and thrilling look at the world in the not-so-distant future.

blood STORM R I S I N G

• The Bass River Tennis Club in Beverly, Mass., held an Ed-Xtravaganza Night

• Jeff Greenwald, USPTA, two-time ITF Senior World Champion and author of “The Best Tennis of Your Life” and “Fearless Tennis,” has just released his new audio program, “Play Out of Your Mind: The Mental Game Changer for Adults and Juniors.”

This program helps players make critical adjustments in competition with Greenwald’s “performance dials.”

This program has two versions – one for adult players and one for junior players specifically. To learn more visit www.jeffhgreenwald.com.

VINCENT LOPEZ

• A new Community Tennis Association is forming in Palm Beach County Florida. Erik Feldman, USPTA Professional and President of the new Western CTA, hopes to promote growth, development and accessibility of the sport of tennis to the residents of the Western Communities of Palm Beach County. The first event, Free Family Tennis Day, took place on March 30 at the Wellington Tennis Center and was a great success, with participants ranging in age from 3 years old to adults. The WCTA hopes to run tournaments in the fall to raise money for more Free Family Tennis Events in the future. Additionally, the WCTA is partnering with Project Green Ball, an organization working to produce equestrian arena turf based on ground tennis balls.

They have set up a collection bin at the Wellington Tennis Center for used tennis balls. For information about the WCTA, go to their Facebook page at facebook.com/WesternCommunitiesTennisAssociation.

celebrating USPTA New England Professional Ed Leduc’s 40 years as a teaching professional at the club. More than 125 members and friends gathered for a wonderful evening. Leduc has been a member of the USPTA for many years and a few years ago he received the USPTA New England Ed Serues Award for long-term dedication to the growth and game of tennis. Pictured (left to right): Howie Burnett, Wendy Burnett, Ed Leduc, Avis Murray and Henry Tiberio.

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• USPTA CEO John Embree was invited to serve on the International Tennis Hall of Fame Board of Directors as a Tennis Association Director. He will begin serving on the Board of Directors in April. Tennis Association Directors are invited to serve on the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s board to ensure that the many facets of the tennis industry are represented and have an opportunity to participate in the Hall of Fame’s work to preserve the rich history of the sport. In addition to working closely with CEO Mark Stenning and the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors, Embree will also be working with Todd Martin, who started his new role as CEO-designate at the Hall of Fame on April 1, and will succeed Stenning in September.

• Frank Sberno, a USPTA Professional with more than 25 years of experience, developed portable singles sticks, a breakthrough concept Managing editor Circulation

Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan

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for making it easy to play according to the rules.

Made from anodized aluminum tubing, the product is convenient and it folds to fit easily into your tennis bag. Keep your game regulationfriendly with these unique, portable tennis sticks. Easy to set up and easy to take down, these Quik-Stiks are great for tennis clubs, coaches, professionals, directors and anyone serious about tennis. For more information, visit www.quik-stiks.com.

• USPTA Professional Andrew Horen was featured in Los Angeles magazine’s January 2014 issue. Horen, who has more than 20 years teaching experience, was a top-ranked junior, played college tennis at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., and before moving to Los Angeles, taught on Martha’s Vineyard at the Farm Neck Country Club and Mattakesset Tennis Club. For the past seven years, he has been the head JV tennis coach at the Brentwood School in Los Angeles. Passionate about tennis, Horen believes it is truly a sport for a lifetime that plays a vital role in maintaining a person’s balance, health and happiness. To read his interview, visit www.marinatennis.com.

PASSINGS • USPTA Professional Daniel John Murray, passed away April 13. Murray attended Endicott College in Beverly, Mass., where he graduated with a degree in business management.

He played baseball, soccer and basketball in recreational leagues, but his passion was tennis. Murray played on the varsity tennis at Endicott College and was named to all-conference teams in singles and doubles all four years. He made tennis his career. He taught summers at various locations in Rhode Island, and he was a professional at Rally Point Racquet Club in Greenville, R.I., for four years.

Murray continued to compete in the Rhode Island Tennis leagues and several USTA teams.

Murray loved teaching tennis and was influential with students of all ages and abilities.

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. 2014. All rights reserved.

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