PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
AWARD WINNERS
PHOTOS FROM CONVENTION
2024 WORLD CONFERENCE INFORMATION
HOW TO TAKE YOUR PROGRAMMING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
REGION MEETINGS & EVENTS
PICKLEBALL CERTIFICATION
COMMUNITY COACH WORKSHOPS
NICK BOLLETTERI DISPLAY CASE UNVEILING
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
UPGRADE OPPORTUNITES
04-08 14 15 16 19 09 24-25 18 01 02 10 12
REGION AND DISTRICT PRESIDENTS CONTACT INFORMATION
Dear USPTA Florida Members,
I am thrilled to share the highlights of our recent USPTA Florida Convention held from May 30th to June 1st. It was a dynamic and engaging event, full of learning, networking, and celebration. This year’s conference had over 240 registrants and we sold out the hotel! This was one of our largest conventions by attendance in recent years, and on behalf of the Florida Board who worked tirelessly to bring this experience to everyone I’d like to say thank you all for making it a smashing success. Here's a recap of the remarkable activities and sessions that took place.
May 30th: We kicked off with a spirited Golf Scramble, setting a fun tone for the convention Paula Scheb led a Specialty Course, sharing invaluable tips from the best Directors of Racquets Our HR panel discussion, "How to Stay Out of Trouble in a Changing World," featured insights from three top HR professionals in the club world The first of two GM panel discussions focused on "The Art of Interviewing - How to Land Your Dream Job," with perspectives from the GMs of Grey Oaks, Mediterra, and Ocean Reef We concluded the day with a warm and welcoming reception
May 31st: The day began energetically with a Pro Cardio Tennis Triples session, expertly conducted by Michele Krause Our "Breakfast & Brainstorming" session was a huge success, fostering stimulating and informative discussions over breakfast sandwiches A highlight was the session with the Bryan Brothers, who put on an incredible show of drills, playing advice, and a lively Q&A The second GM session on "The Future of Clubs and Racquet Sports" provided valuable insights into the future of our industry CEO Brian Dillman delivered a national update, and we ended the evening with the most lively and well-attended Vendor Show in years
June 1st: Saturday was dedicated to Pickleball, beginning with a panel discussion on programming and growth, featuring top Directors of Racquets. Pickleball pros Kyle Yates and Ryan Sherry then demonstrated drills and engaged with our members. Their Q&A session after lunch offered a visionary perspective on the future of Pickleball. The highlight of the conference was the Awards Cocktail & Dinner, where we celebrated the achievements of our standout members in Florida for 2023 We proudly recognized Vernon Gettone as the 2023 USPTA Florida Pro of the Year, and Dave Kozlowski as our newest Hall of Fame recipient
June 2nd: We reserved this day for testing in both tennis and pickleball, providing our members with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and earn certifications
The success of our convention is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our members, speakers, and of course the USPTA Florida Board along with our ED Mike Baugh. Thank you all for your participation and contribution. Together, we are shaping the future of racquet sports in Florida.
Don’t forget to register for our World Conference in Rancho Mirage, California on Sept 15th-19th
Best regards,
Mike Curran President, USPTA Florida Division
Writtenby:MikeBaugh
The 2024 USPTA Florida Division Convention held at the Coconut Point Hyatt Regency in Bonita Springs, FL, celebrated excellence in the tennis industry by honoring three remarkable individuals for their contributions.
Hall of Fame: Dave Kozlowski :Dave Kozlowski, affectionately known as "The Koz," was inducted into the Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the world of tennis over several decades. A trailblazer in the sport, Kozlowski was among the first seventeen professionals worldwide to be conferred as a Master USPTA Professional in 1985. His impressive career includes roles as an executive producer and host of "Inside Tennis with the Koz," a pioneering tennis program that aired on major networks like The Tennis Channel and Fox Sports Sunshine Network. Beyond broadcasting, Kozlowski has coached over 150 Division 1 NCAA players and has been a significant influence in the careers of many top tennis professionals, including Carling Bassett-Seguso and Shaun Stafford. His impact on tennis is far-reaching, extending to his numerous published works in major tennis publications and his role as a mentor, coach, and media figure.
Professional of the Year: Vernon Gettone: Vernon Gettone was honored as the 2024 USPTA Florida Professional of the Year, reflecting his dedication and leadership in the tennis community. As the District President of Boca Raton and Director of Racquets at Mizner
Country Club, Gettone has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the sport through continuous education and community service. His influence extends beyond the court, where he has mentored countless professionals and supported underprivileged children in Boca Raton Gettone’s dual certification with USPTA and PTR, along with his membership in the Directors Club, underscores his position as a respected leader in the tennis industry
Facility Manager of the Year: Carmen Mauceri: Carmen Mauceri, the General Manager and COO of The Club at Mediterra, was recognized as the USPTA Facility Manager of the Year Since 2014, Mauceri has led The Club at Mediterra with vision and dedication, turning it into one of the top clubs in Southwest Florida Under his leadership, the club has expanded its tennis and pickleball facilities, earning a reputation for excellence Mauceri’s management style, characterized by empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to his team, has been instrumental in fostering a thriving racquets program and maintaining the club’s status as a premier destination for its 1,500 members
These awards highlight the extraordinary achievements of individuals who have significantly impacted the tennis community, each leaving a lasting legacy through their dedication, leadership, and passion for the sport
Pro of the Year Vernon Gettone
Facility Manager of the Year Carmen Mauceri
Touring Coach of the Year Eric Hetchman
Hall of Fame Dave Kozlowski
USPTA Star Award Kara Borromeo
USPTA Industry Excellence Award Jason Cordova
USPTA Elevate Award Alex Sweet
High School Coach of the Year Christopher Hagman
College Coach of the Year Chad Berryhill
Diversity Award Greg DeMoustes
USTA/USPTA Award Rita Dotson
Professional of the Year - Region 1 Chris McCullar
Professional of the Year - Region 2 Ken Veney
Professional of the Year - Region 3 Shane Johnson
Professional of the Year - Region 5 Dominique Lemperle
Professional of the Year - Region 6 Gigi Casapu
Professional of the Year - Region 7 Manuel Encalada
Professional of the Year - Region 8 Justin Romero
O N T H E C O U R T O N T H E C O U R T O N T H E C O U R T
Join us at the USPTA World Racquets Conference in Rancho Mirage, CA, from September 15-19, 2024. Nestled in the scenic Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage offers a serene desert landscape with a backdrop of majestic mountains, making it the perfect location to celebrate our shared passion for racquet sports.
This year’s conference will be hosted at the stunning Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, where palmlined pathways, lush golf courses, and luxurious amenities set the stage for an unforgettable experience
The Westin’s state-of-the-art meeting spaces and tennis facilities combine functionality with the breathtaking beauty of Southern California. Attendees can unwind at one of the resort’s many dining options, including the signature Pinzimini restaurant, or indulge in a round of golf at the renowned Pete Dye-designed golf course
The USPTA has planned an exciting lineup of events to complement the conference On Sunday evening, we’ll kick things off with an exhilarating night with the opening party. This event promises a lively atmosphere, perfect for connecting with fellow racquet sports professionals in a relaxed setting.
Throughout the week, we’ll host our buzzing Merchandise and Trade Show on Monday, a networking breakfast on Tuesday, Division parties Tuesday evening, and our prestigious Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, where we’ll honor the outstanding contributions of our peers Because we know the importance of balancing work with leisure, we’ve planned a Poolside Party on Wednesday evening, where attendees can unwind and network as the sun sets over the desert landscape. Most of our events will be conveniently located on-site, with easy access to the resort’s many amenities. We’re thrilled to offer this opportunity for attendees to connect, learn, and relax in one of California’s most beautiful locations We can’t wait to see you in Rancho Mirage this September for an event filled with inspiration, networking, and plenty of fun! Head to the USPTA website to REGISTER now!
Written by: Jim Morton
It is always a challenge to create programs especially on the shoulder and off seasons of a Club, particularly in Florida where oftentimes our membership can ebb and flow. One way to take your programming to the next level is to have a plan to engage your members with enticing experiences during these slower periods. At Ocean Reef, we are tasked with creating new and different ways to make memories for our membership
A few years ago, I started to take members on destination trips where we could enjoy playing tennis in different areas of the world while also being able to watch some of the best tennis tournaments on the planet. I have taken my members to the French Open, Wimbledon and the Italian Open all of which occur during our slower time periods. This past summer, I had a smaller group of members who wanted to attend Wimbledon, so I joined forces with Jose Pastrello of Quail Creek CC and Manny Encalada from The Club at Strand who each brought members from their Clubs in Naples By combining the groups our members were able to meet and enjoy playing and watching tennis while spending time together in a new shared experience!
If you are interested in creating this type of event for your membership, you should look for a company that organizes this type of trip. It is important that you educate yourself about what is offered so that you will be seen as the leader of the trip. Upon researching tennis trips, I chose Tennis Ventures, run by Chadwick Byrd, which offers a wellorganized all-inclusive trip that includes first class accommodations for you and your members that not only provide great seats at the events, but also arranges tennis playing opportunities at local tennis clubs which allows you to play and interact with all the attendees on the trip. For me as a somewhat timid traveler, this is the perfect way to see an amazing place, watch and play tennis all the while enjoying the company of my members and other likeminded individuals.
So, when you are putting your programming schedule together for the next year, consider adding a tennis trip to add excitement to spice up your slower times of the year
Remember slow times of the year are opportunities to engage your membership and add value to their Club!
REFER A NEW APPLICANT, EARN A $50 TENNIS WAREHOUSE GIFT CARD!
The process is easy! If you are an existing USPTA member, active and in good standing, refer a new applicant! Once the new applicant completes the USPTA application online to become a Certified Instructor or Certified Professional (which includes payment of the one-time application fee and prorated portion of membership dues for the current calendar year), then you will earn a $50 Tennis Warehouse gift card!
Each existing member can refer up to six applicants and earn a maximum of $300 in Tennis Warehouse gift cards per calendar year! To qualify, the new applicant must list the referring members’ name in the “Refer & Earn Referring Member” field on the online application.
Scan here to learn more.
Time:4:00pmto7:00pm
EventSponsor:JCourts
FacilitySponsor/Director:JupiterCountryClub/John“J.T.”Thatcher
RSVPviaEmailto:MarioCobomcobo@marinersands.comorKristineMendivil kmendivil@mirasolcc.com
Comeoutandenjoyfoodandbeverageswhilelearningabouttenniscourtmaintenanceand tenniscourtbudgetingbyJCourts.Weencourageyourmaintenancestafftojoinaswell. Followingthisinformativesession,joininonaroundtablediscussionandsocialpickleball.
28
Time:11:30amto2:30pm
USPTACredits:3credithours
Cost:USPTAMembers$25Non-Members$100
[CheckJohnRamseyorVenmo@John-Ramsey-26]
Lunchincluded
Tosign-up,eitherpayviaVenmo,oremailjohn@kellygreenscom
SponsoredByMor-SportsGroup
RSVPviaEmailto:JohnRamseyjramseyilc@gmailcom
Wewillcoverbasicmaintenancetoafullyresurfacedcourtduringtheoncourtportion Court structureandhowitworks Othermaintenancecovered,replacementofnetanchor, replacementofnet,explanationofthedifferenttypesofclaycourtsandwateringsystems, troubleshootingproblemsincludingsolenoid,valves,RainBirdsetup,linereplacement,rolling, levelinglines,treatingalgae,useoftools,whentousethesportrakevsthestainlesssteelbrush, useoftheAussiematandthedifferencebetweeneachsideofthemat.QandAtofollow. Presentationwillbeavailabletoallparticipants.SeminarwillbetaughtbyJohnRamseyand JimmyMartineau.BothareDirectorsattheirrespectiveclubs.
Thisclassis30-40minutesindoors,andover2hourshands-onmaintenanceprocedures, includingreplacingaline,preppingforafullyearlyresurface,replacinganetanchor,and generalmaintenanceprocedures.Handoutswillbeprovidedandeveryonewillgetthepower pointspresentation.Limitfortheclassis35.
Time: 6:00pmto8:00pm
MeetingInvitees:IndianRiver/St.Lucie/MartinCountyUSPTAProfessionals&thoseinterested QuailValleyRiverClub-"TheBoathouse"meetingroom
RSVPviaEmailto:TimBrueggemantim@blvdtennisclub.com
$20.00/person-Horsd’oeurveswillbeservedwithacashbar Topic: Howtobestusesocialmediaforumsforgreatestimpactandeffectiveness.
NOVEMBER 15
Time: 12:00pm
Topics:SportsPerformanceforRacquetProfessionals,bestpracticesforstayinghealthyon andoffthecourt MentalHealthDiscussions,w/providers
Lunchwillbeprovidedalongwiththediscussionsandspeakers,followedbyPadelatthe campuswithMarcosdePilar
As
August: 8/21/2024: LoveServingAutism:VeroBeach/RiversideRacquetComplex: 4pm–6pmbyLisaPugliese-LaCroix
October:
10/12/2024:WomeninTennisWheelchair:WomenWine&Wheelies:Racquet ClubofCocoaBeach:Saturday,11am–1pmbyShelbyBaronandLoriBurdell
10/19/2024:HighSchoolCoachesOn-CourtUncutTrainingDrills:Altamonte Springs/SanlandoPark:Saturday2pm–5pmbyGreg“Moose”DeMoustes 10/19/2024:HighSchoolCoachesOn-CourtUncutTrainingDrills:TheClubat BocaPointe:Saturday,1pm-4pmbyTerrySchwartz
10/19/2024:HighSchoolCoachesOn-CourtUncutTrainingDrills:TreasureBay Golf&Tennis:Saturday,1:30pm–3:30pmbyRisaYamaguchi
10/26/2024:WomeninTennisWheelchair:WomenWine&Wheelies:Winter ParkTennisCenter:Saturday,12:00pm–3:00pmbyShelbyBaronandLori Burdell
November: 11/02/2024:HighSchoolCoachesOn-CourtUncutTrainingDrills:PortSt. Lucie/WhisperingPinesPark:Saturday,10am–1pmbyCamiloHernandez.
December:
12/06/2024:USTANationalWheelchairWorkshop:USTANationalCampus: Friday,9:00am–5pm,Saturday,9:00am–1:00pmbyEvanEnquistand JasonHarnett
12/14/2024:Wheelchair/AdaptiveTraining:PortSt.Lucie/WhisperingPinesPark: Saturday,10am–1pmbyJimTierney
Written by: Doug Fernandes
Published in: Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Nick Bollettieri would have loved it
Pun intended.
The legendary tennis instructor and founder of the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, the forerunner to the IMG Academy, died in 2022 at 91, but his memory and life accomplishments will endure through a display case unveiled Wednesday at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
Approximately 40 of Bollettieri’s friends and associates attended the unveiling on the airport’s first floor, including an ex-pupil, former professional Tommy Haas, who left Germany at 13 to live and train at the NBTA, all free of charge, through an invitation from Bollettieri
“He was a pioneer,” said the 46-year-old Haas, who retired in 2018 after a 23-year career on the ATP Tour “He was so open-hearted in trying to give everyone a chance to pursue their dream. He opened up his arms to me and said, ‘Come to the Academy and I’ll help you as much as I can. We’ll give you the best opportunity to pursue your dreams,’ which I knew, at age 7, that I wanted to become a tennis professional ”
The display case, measuring 18 feet by 8 1/2 feet, was the brainchild of 74-year-old Bill Rompf, who proudly stated he had known him longer than anyone else at the unveiling. Married eight times, Bollettieri’s second wife, Nancy Chaney, hailed from Des Moines, Iowa, Rompf’s birthplace.
“He came in the summer and taught my brother and I when we were 7 and 8,” Rompf said He played collegiately at Stanford, opening his own tennis academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, before being appointed in 1989 the executive director of sports psychology at the IMG/NBTA. In 1992, Rompf was named executive director and vice president of the entire facility.
for the display. After considering the Riverwalk in Bradenton and the Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center, the trio got in contact with SRQ CEO Rick Piccolo
“They approached one of my board members they knew and we started talking,” Piccolo said. “ ‘We’d really like to see something that commemorates Nick.” With the growth in the area of sports tourism, bringing in more visitors, and with SRQ serving as the official airport of IMG Academy, “I thought it was a great idea,” Piccolo said “The hard part was, all right, where do we come up with a location ”
original location could be salvaged by moving an existing wall back two feet, the project neared completion.
“This is the best place, by far,” said Rompf, who estimated he contributed about 20 percent of the items inside the display case Others came from Bollettieri’s second wife and from IMG Academy “That’s the best location in the airport because all the new terminal people and all the old terminal people have to go by it.”
According to Piccolo, six to seven million people pass through the SRQ terminal each year. “When you look at from this community,” he said, “he’s probably the biggest sports personality who’s ever lived in this area And because we have this tie-in with IMG, it grew into that He really planted the seed that grew So, it became kind of a no-brainer ”
Bollettieri’s 69-year-old son, Jimmy, flew up from Miami for the unveiling. He said if his dad were alive, he would give the exhibit an ace.
“Of course,” he said “He loved anything that would get him exposure He would always say, ‘Good exposure or bad exposure, it’s exposure They’re talking about you ’’’
Now, visitors coming through SRQ will get to see Nick Bolletteiri as well.
Writtenby:MikeBaugh
On August 8th, the Grandstand Tennis area at the Miami Dolphins stadium transformed into a bustling hub of career opportunities as the USPTA teamed up with TeamWork Online for a job fair This exciting event brought together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, including the Dolphins, Marlins, and Orange Bowl.
USPTA Florida Executive Director Mike Baugh and USPTA Membership Director Jim Stockwell were present to represent the association Mike and Jim engaged with attendees, offering insights into the multifaceted world of the USPTA.
They shared information about the association’s history and mission, highlighting the diverse career paths available within the tennis industry From teaching tennis and coaching to roles in administration and event management, the USPTA offers a wide range of opportunities for those passionate about sports
Overall, the job fair showcased the USPTA’s dedication to fostering talent and offering valuable career guidance. As the sports and entertainment industries continue to grow, events like these are crucial in shaping the future of the field
We look forward to seeing the many new faces that will emerge from these opportunities, contributing their skills and enthusiasm to the world of sports.
Keep an eye out for future opportunities to connect with the USPTA and explore the exciting careers that await in the sports industry!
REGION 1
REGION 5
District 1 Panhandle District 2Tallahassee District 8 Sarasota
Valentim Goncalves (209) 298-3389 valgoncalvesjr@gmail.com
REGION 2
District 3 Jacksonville District 17 Gainesville
Thomas Gonzalzez (610) 554-1871 Gonztomas@gmail.com
REGION 3
District 7A Tampa
District 7B St. Pete
Brandon Feldman (813) 419-3752 brandon.b.feldman@gmail.com
REGION 4
District 4 Central FL
District 5 Lakeland District 6 Daytona Beach District 15 Melbourne
Greg "Moose" DeMoustes (202) 669-3808 moose@mgtennis com
Jackie Bohannon (941) 544-7547
jackiebohannon@aol.com
REGION 6
District 9 Vero Beach
District 10 West Palm District 11 Boca Raton
Tim Brueggeman (772) 494-3095 tim@blvdtennisclub.com
REGION 7
District 12 Naples
District 14 Lee County District 18 Bonita Area
John Ramsey (239) 229-7556 jramsey.ilc@gmail.com
REGION 8
District 13A S. Miami
District 13B N. Miami/Aventura District 16 N. Dade/S. Broward District 19 Keys
Paulo Barros (407) 259-8944 pbarros@fisherislandclub.com
Revised Dec 10, 2023
Valentim Goncalves valgoncalvesjr@gmail.com
Bertoldo Garybertoldo111@gmail.com
Thomas Gonzalzez Gonztomas@gmail.com
Boca Raton
Greg "Moose" DeMoustes moose@mgtennis.com
Gaby Garces Gabriela.garces@isleworth.com
Cy Smith cyspro3@gmail.com
Michael Sanders mike@occ1907.com
Gene Paul Lascano gplascano@hammockbeach.com
Bohannon Jackiebohannon@aol.com
Tim Brueggeman tim@blvdtennisclub.com
Joe Biedenharn joe@seaoaksbt.com
Mario Cobo mcobo@marinersands.com
Kristine Mendivil KMendivil@mirasolcc.com
Vernon Gettone vernongjr@gmail.com
Chris Lee chrisandrosita@comcast.net
John Ramsey jramsey.ilc@gmail.com
Isabella Graf igraf0493@gmail.com
Melanie Allen melanieallenusa@gmail.com
Christian Karlovits ckarlovits@gmail.com
Ted Heiser theiser11@comcast.net
Matt Kuk mattkuk10s@gmail.com
Alex Sweet sportcourts@greyhawkhoa.com
Paulo Barros pbarros@fisherislandclub.com
Brad Mixson Bnm06h@gmail.com
Beach/ Aventura Vinnie Barros vbarros@williamsislandclub.com
Pukys spukys1@hotmail.com
Randy Kenyon synq123@yahoo.com
