As we enter the holiday season, we have much to be thankful for as an association Our entire RSPA Midwest Board and I would like to thank you for your support and promotion of tennis and racquet sports. We have one of the best of the 17 Divisions in the country. Below are just a few things to look forward to in the New Year!
2025 Winter Forum
As many of you know, we are one of the few divisions in the RSPA that has an active relationship with our state high school tennis coaches associations. This year we are proud to announce that we will be teaming with the Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association at Five Star Tennis Center (Plainfield, IL) on February 7th and a RSPA Specialty Course with Jorge Capestany at Rush Copley HealthPlex (Aurora, IL) on February 8th, 2025 (13.5 Credits available over this weekend). More information will follow in this newsletter. In 2026, we will be moving the Winter Forum back to Ohio. This is important because fostering these alliances strengthens tennis and racquet sports, allowing us to touch more lives and provide healthier communities.
RSPA Platinum Club Membership
It’s time to recognize those clubs in the Midwest who understand the importance of having RSPA Certified Racquet Sports Professionals on staff. It should be a goal of all of our club owners and directors to have a certified professional on every court at their facility. Doing this brings value to your members and they get a better product because of it In the New Year we will recognize clubs in the Midwest that have 100% of their staff
RSPA certified. They must be Safeplay Compliant, meet their 3 year CEU requirement and in good standing with their dues. You will see that the clubs who obtain this designation are some of the leaders in our industry. More information to come!
Continuing Education, Endless Opportunities
If you haven’t attended an RSPA Webinar you are missing out. The quality of the presenters and content is high level. In the New Year I’m going to make an effort to attend at least 2 of the webinars per month. An educated professional is a BETTER professional. RSPA CEO Brian Dillman and his team are making a concerted effort to bring high quality content to our membership every week. Take advantage of this benefit and take your career to the next level
Thank you for your continued support and everything you do for our RSPA Midwest Division. We are better and stronger when we work together. If you can’t attend our Winter Forum in February, make sure to support one of your state high school coaches conferences. See you on the court soon!
Regards,
John Frausto RSPA Elite Professional RSPA Midwest President
Unlock New Opportunities: Partner with High School Tennis Coaches and Players to Elevate Your Tennis Business - by Greg
Aten,
RSPA Tennis Elite Professional
In the dynamic world of tennis, connections often pave the way for growth and success. For tennis professionals, reaching out to high school tennis coaches, former college players, and high school players represent a golden opportunity to expand your influence, foster community relationships, and boost your business
Here’s why this collaboration is a game-changer and how you can make it work for you:
Why High School Tennis Coaches & Players could be a Treasured Opportunity
High school tennis players & coaches are perfect to partner with clubs to provide energy and assist with programs that our growing all over the Midwest. The RSPA APPRENTICE MEMBERSHIP is perfect for aspiring high school athletes eager to use their skills and achieve excellence. This is an opportunity to add depth to your teaching staff and also provide a high schooler that has grown up in your program a job opportunity Coaches often are looking for additional ways to make money and by harvesting relationships with them, there are numerous ways this will benefit you and your facility. The idea of acquiring team practices, additional year-round players, and the ability to help a coach build his technical knowledge, could be a win/ win.
For Coaches: Partnering with tennis professionals enhances their program reputation, providing their players with access to elite-level training. Also, it builds great community relations and builds community presence.
For Players: High school athletes are at a critical stage in their development. Your expertise could be the key to unlocking their full potential while building long-lasting relationships both for them as players & as possibly our future RSPA professionals
Why Former College Players Are Ideal Allies
Former college players bring a wealth of experience and established credibility. Their insights into player performance and the process of becoming an established player are invaluable By teaming up, you can combine their mentorship with your professional services to create a comprehensive tennis development program.
Mutual Benefits: Former college players often have networks you can tap into, while your business can give them a platform to stay actively involved in the sport and the tennis community
The Benefits to Your Business
Revenue Growth: More clients from these partnerships translate to a steady income stream Networking: Coaches and players often share their contacts, amplifying your reach and providing you with additional opportunities.
Enhanced Credibility: Aligning with respected figures in tennis positions you as a trusted expert.
How to Connect and Build Meaningful Partnerships
Attending High School Matches and Tournaments - Be present at local events to introduce yourself to coaches and players. Your genuine interest in their performance builds trust.
Offer Workshops or Free Clinics - Host training sessions where coaches and players can experience your coaching style firsthand Highlight how your services complement their needs
Create a Referral Program - Incentivize coaches to recommend their players to you by offering discounts or commissions.
Leverage social media and Local Advertising - Share success stories, highlight your expertise, and promote special offers tailored to high school athletes and their coaches.
A Shared Vision for Tennis Excellence
By partnering with high school tennis programs, former college players, and their players, you contribute to the growth of the tennis community while strengthening your business. Together, we can create a supportive ecosystem where everyone from aspiring athletes to seasoned professionals can thrive.
Ready to Serve? Let’s make the Connections!
If you’re a tennis professional looking to take your business to the next level, now is the time to act. Build relationships with high school coaches, players, and former college coaches to create a legacy of tennis excellence. I am both a high School coach and certified RSPA professional and have developed a great partnership to enhance both my career and facility.
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2025 IHSTCA WINTER WORKSHOP/
RSPA WINTER FORUM
Friday, February 7th, 2025 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM
FRIDAY SCHEDULE: Five Star Tennis Club- Plainfield, Illinois
7:30 am – REGISTRATION – Breakfast with the Vendors (use your $20 vendor voucher)
8:30 am – Ryan Sacchire, The Notre Dame Way
8:30 am – Chuck Bison, “Bully Tennis” The Guidebook to build any player to be aggressive
9:30 am – Amanda Fink, “I got you babe” A guide to building stronger doubles teams
9:30 am – Johnny Kent, Doing Basic Better, building effective practices that build consistency and confidence for all player (and coach) ability levels
10:30 am – Jorge Capestany, RSPA Master Professional, Best Drills for Teams
11:30 am – Lunch with Jenny Gray, RSPA Vice President/ box lunch (fill sheet out by 1/15/25)
12:30 pm – Jerry Morse- Karzen, NEW TIER WAY
1:30 pm – Tad Keely, Changeover, Coaching Today's Athletes.
HOTEL ROOM BLOCK HERE- ask for RSPA group if you call, $139 +tax Homewood Suites, 4320 Meridian Pkwy, Aurora, IL 630-329-8435
JUNIOR RACQUET SPORTS APPRENTICE MEMBERSHIP:
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
1 JOB-READY SKILLS:
Get trained in skills that will set you apart whether you're interested in coaching, sports management, or simply building a strong foundation for future success
2.EARN EARLY:
Unlock job opportunities that pay and help you gain hands-on experience immediately
Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills beyond the racquet and prepare you for any path you choose
4.JOIN A PROFESSIONAL NETWORK:
Connect with coaches, mentors, and industry professionals ready to guide you to your goals.
FOR PARENTS
3 BUILD LIFE SKILLS: START THEIR JOURNEY TODAY
This program gives your teen a safe, guided way to explore a career in racquet sports They'll gain practical skills, work experience, and confidence all in an environment focused on personal growth and excellence
DON’T WAIT
Are you 14-17 and passionate about tennis? Start building a future in racquet sports with the RSPA Junior Racquet Sports Apprentice Membership!
This program is designed to give you real skills, job opportunities, and valuable connections—all with no application fee, no testing required, and a prorated first-year fee of only $50!
Go to rspa.net today to get more information and set them up for an exciting, fulfilling future in racquet sports! NO APPLICATION FEE! NO TESTING
The Future of Padel in the USA
For padel to thrive in the USA, three key areas need attention:
1. Education & Promotion: Padel professionals must advocate for the sport, educating members, leadership, and local communities about its benefits and appeal.
The Racquet Sports Industry Needs PTM/RSM Programs to Succeed
By: Adam Ford, RSPA Tennis Elite Professional, Director of Racquet Sports Management, Hope College
It is no secret the Racquet Sports Industry is in desperate need of quality teaching professionals. It is important that we come together and assist in the growth of the next generation of teaching professionals. For students enrolled in Professional Tennis Management (PTM) or Racquet Sports Management (RSM) programs, such as Hope College, Methodist University and Ferris State University, internships offer invaluable hands-on experience that bridge the
to grow, these internships will become increasingly essential in shaping the future leaders of the field Investing in these experiences not only enriches students’ educational journeys but also strengthens the overall landscape of racquet sports Please consider contacting these programs about any opportunities you and your organization may have to assist in the growth of the next generation of racquet sports professionals.
PLATFORM TENNIS in the MIDWEST
by Kati Gyulai, RSPA Tennis Elite Professional
The Detroit Invitational $35K Grand Prix took place on December 13-15 in the greater Detroit area. Orchard Lake CC was the host club supported by Oakland Hills CC, Birmingham Country Club, Birmingham Athletic Clun and Bloomfield Open Hunt. The best paddle players in the country competed for a $35K purse that was split between the men and the women.
Women’s Champion:
Macie Elliott and Lynn Burus (pictured with Kati Gyulai, RSPA, tournament director)- defending Champions and 3 time APTA National Champions
Women’s Runner up:
Beatriz Lopez & Tea Pejic
Men's Champion:
Graham McNerney (Chicago) & Adam Morgan (Lake Bluff, IL)
Men’s Runner Up:
Jose Salazar & Guillermo Nunez (pictured with Lincoln Wirgau, tournament director and host)
Men's 90's Champion:
Dave Robare (Grosse Pointe, MI) & Mike Parks (Birmingham, MI)
90’s Runner-Up:
Ryan Baxter & Edward Burns (Indianapolis, IN)
Platform Tennis Certification
March, 2025- in Bloomfield Hills, MI (at Oakland Hills Country Club)
Contact: kgyulai@oakland-hills.com if interested
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OCONOMOWOC LAKE CLUB RACQUET SPORTS DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
Racquet Sports Director
Location:
Oconomowoc Lake Club, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
ABOUT THE CLUB
Founded in 1890, the Oconomowoc Lake Club, located approximately 30 miles west of Milwaukee, offers its members dining, sailing, and racquet sports The club features four hard tennis courts, one clay tennis court, and three pickleball courts, dining and sailing Oconomowoclakeclub org
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
•Position Type:Seasonal Employee
•Employment Term:Memorial Day to Labor Day 2025, with the potential to begin with a Spring date and extend into the fall season based on mutual agreement
•Compensation:
Base Salary:$30,000
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
• Associate’s degree required.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience as a
• Head Tennis Professional or equivalent
Certifications:
• Racquet Sports Teaching Certification
• Pickleball Teaching Certification
• CPR and First Aid Certification
Playing Ability:
• Minimum NTRP rating of 4.5 or higher.
Lesson Fees:The Director retains 85% of all group and private lesson fees. Assistant Staffing:If an assistant is hired, the Director will be responsible
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Program Development and Management:
• Plan, develop, and oversee the racquet sports program, including private and group lessons, special events, and programs designed to attract and engage members
2.Operations and Supervision:
• Manage all aspects of racquet sports communications, scheduling, and fee collection
• Ensure compliance with all club rules and regulations governing the use of facilities, equipment, and property.
3.Event Planning:
• Create and distribute a monthly or seasonal calendar of events for racquet sports activities.
4.Facility and Equipment Oversight:
• Coordinate with the General Manager and maintenance staff to ensure facilities and equipment are properly maintained
5.Staff Management:
• Interview, hire, train, and evaluate any associate racquet sports staff combination of education and experience
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Denny Schackter, Tennis Priorities, Inc. – Recruiter for Oconomowoc Lake Club
