USPTA Midwest Division Newsletter Summer 2020 by RSPA

MIDWESTconnection Summer 2020

United States Professional Tennis Association

BUILT BY CHAMPIONS

Midwest Division Newsletter

In This Issue 2 From the Midwest President 3 USPTA Midwest Division Award Winners and Hall of Fame Inductees

4 2020 Midwest Test Dates Host a Pickleball Workshop

5 USPTA and USTA 2021 Dues Subsidy

7 Health Insurance Options USTA/MW Section Awards

8 Serving Tips 9 Preparing for the Future

Daniil Medvedev 2019 Men’s Champion

Madison Keys 2019 Women’s Champion

Midland Flood Tony Daharsh

10 Covid-19 Time Well Spent 12 Job Openings 14-15 2021 Junior Competition Structure

AUGUST 19 - 28, 2020 MORE INFO AT WSOPEN.COM

USPTA Midwest Division activities at the Western & Southern Open have been canceled for 2020 due to tournament relocating to New York. See you next year!

From the Midwest Division President Greetings Midwest Pros, I hope you are all settling in, and back to sharing the game we love. If your clubs are anything like mine, you may be pleasantly surprised by the appetite for activity that the past few months have created in your members. We are seeing parents bringing children out to the courts, that in past seasons may have been engaged in other sports or day camps and adults with increased availability due to the current lack of business travel, able to take up the game, or play additional times per week, without the need to find a babysitter outside of the family. With tennis falling in the “safer” group of recreational activities we may be experiencing an opportunity to grow the game like we haven’t seen in most of our careers. Let’s get out there and grow this game by keeping all of these newly available players engaged, having fun, and feeling safe at the courts. Although we will not be able to honor this year’s award winners and new Hall of Fame inductees in Cincinnati, we are excited to announce their names in this month’s issue. Watch for more details on all of the inductees and award winners and their amazing accomplishments in future issues. Our hearts go out to those of you who may have lost friends or family during this difficult time. Please, take a few moments on your ride home each day to reach out to your extended USPTA family, check in, say hello, offer what you can, ask for help if you need it, and make each day a bit better for those you know. Wishing you a safe and healthy summer. Regards,

Mike Graff, USPTA Midwest President

2 Spring 2020 Midwest Connection

USPTA Midwest Division Announces Congratulations 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees Mark Faber, Toledo, Ohio Dan Hopkins, Terre Haute, Ind. Denny Schackter, Palatine, Ill. Alan Schwartz, Chicago, Ill.

2019 Midwest Division Awards MIDWEST PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Katie Orlando, Kent, Ohio HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR Ken Berlin, Dublin, Ohio INDIVIDUAL COACH OF THE YEAR John Cook, Mason Ohio LARGE FACILITY MANAGER OF THE YEAR Timon Corwin, Elm Grove, Wis. SMALL FACILITY MANAGER OF THE YEAR Manolito Kehoss, Pewaukee, Wis. UNDER 30 AWARD Michael Janz, Big Rapids, Mich. COLLEGE COACH OF THE YEAR Todd Wojtkowski, Shaker Heights, Ohio INDIANA PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Kendal Hammel, Columbus, Ind. MICHIGAN PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Vanda Shadigian, Ann Arbor, Mich. OHIO PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Marc Wurtzman, Gahanna, Ohio WISCONSIN PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR and NANCY MICKLER AWARD Jean Luetschwager, Stevens Point, Wis.

2020 Officers

President Mike Graff • 248-866-0508 mike@baselinetennis.net Regional Vice President Matt Davis • 224-247-2483 tenace4@gmail.com Second Vice President John Frausto • 920-860-0751 johnfrausto@gmail.com Third Vice President Cathy Thomas • 513-218-0782 cthomas6@cinci.rr.com Secretary-Treasurer Matt Boughton • 715-559-3168 mboughton@ymca-cv.org Past President Scott Ansay • 262-241-4250 scottansay@hotmail.com Executive Director Carol L. Anderson - 503.941.5137 carol.anderson@uspta.org

State Presidents

Ohio Nick Bennett • 740-399-5057 nick@matchpoint10s.us Wisconsin Dan Oliver • 920-227-7005 danonhgb@aol.com Illinois Lindsay L. Geiger • 773-960-4117 lindsaygeiger@sbcglobal.net Michigan Chip Fazio • 313-670-3277 chipfazio@gmail.com Indiana Umang Chadda • 309-255-3224 umangrk@hotmail.com

Head Tester Mike Lange • 630-978-6746 mike.lange@rushcopley.com

USPTA World Headquarters 800-USPTA-4U uspta@uspta.org

Spring 2020 Midwest Connection 3

2020 Certification Tests & Upgrades July 12 &13 Indianapolis, Ind. Indianapolis Racquet Club Dean Aug. 9 Chicago, Ill. Midtown Aug.19 & 20 Cincinnati, Ohio The Club at Harpers Point Aug. 22 Eau Claire, Wis Eau Claire YMCA Tennis Center Sept. 12 & 13 Aurora, Ill. Rush-Copley Healthplex Sept. 27 West Bloomfield, Mich. The Sports Club of West Bloomfield Nov. 14 Aurora, Ill. Rush-Copley Healthplex Nov. 7 Mequon, Wis. Elite Sports Club Mequon Nov. 14 Big Rapids, Mich. Ferris State University Dec. 13 West Bloomfield, Mich. The Sports Club of West Bloomfield *schedule subject to change

Host a Pickleball Workshop The USPTA Midwest Division is looking for clubs interested in hosting a pickleball workshop. Two-tofour tennis courts are needed and a classroom. Contact the Midwest Division office: carol.anderson@uspta. org or 503.941.5137. The Midwest Division will bring in the trainer. 4 Spring 2020 Midwest Connection

USPTA and USTA 2021 Dues Subsidy As part of its overall COVID-19 industry relief program, the USTA is offering a Dues Relief Subsidy to certified teaching professionals. The USTA subsidy will cover the majority of membership dues, with the USPTA making up the remaining portion, meaning your 2021 USPTA membership dues will be completely FREE, provided you meet the following requirements by October 1, 2020: 1 Reside and teach in the United States 2 Be a USPTA certified teaching professional in good standing 3 Complete USPTA Continuing Education requirements (details below) 4 Pass USTA Safe Play training, including a background screening 5 Show “good faith” and introduce 50 new people to tennis While the Dues Relief Subsidy is available to all USPTA certified teaching professionals, requirements vary slightly based on your continuing education cycle. Those requirements are shown in the table below. In all cases, current USTA Safe Play certification, including policy terms and background screening is required. To get started, visit USPTA.com and log in to your account. Check your education status to determine your education cycle and the number of CEUs that you have earned towards that cycle. With that information you can then determine which requirements below apply to you. USPTA/USTA 2021 Dues Relief Subsidy Requirements 65+

2020 2021 2022

Members Education Cycle

Education Cycle

No CEU Requirements

6 CEU

4 CEU

2 CEU

USTA Safe Play

Due Oct. 1, 2020

There is more than enough time to meet your requirements, so don’t wait until the last minute. The USPTA conducts live weekly webinars and offers a library of recorded webinars that both offer CEUs. Additionally, the upcoming 2020 World Conference Virtual Event is another opportunity to earn CEUs. For information on the USTA’s Safe Play certification process or to check your status, visit the USTA. com. Should you have any questions or require any additional information on the 2021 Dues Relief Subsidy, please contact the USPTA Membership Department by email at membership@uspta. org or by calling (800) 877-8248.

(Taken from uspta.com)

Spring 2020 Midwest Connection 5

A NEW BALL IS BORN: ONE THAT’S GENTLER ON THE EARTH THROUGH LONGER LASTING, FRESH-BALL FEEL & 100% SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING. THAT BALL IS TRINITI.

WILSON.COM 6 Spring 2020 Midwest Connection

2020 USTA Midwest Health Section Insurance Awards Options Cap Leighton Award - Alexa VanOsdol, UPSTA Elite Professional, Fort Wayne, Ind. Wheelchair Performance Award - Andy Rodriguez, USPTA Professional, Toledo, Ohio CTA of the Year Award - Excellence Tennis Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio Foundation coaches, USPTA certified - Matt Dektas, USPTA Elite Professional and USPTA Professionals Shawn Barone, Devon Ros and Brian Schubert Member Organization of the Year Award - YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Mich. - USPTA Professionals on staff: Erik Anderson and Zachary Fink-Craig USTA League Volunteer Award - Heidi Rozman, Waukesha, Wis. USTA/NJTL Award - The ACE Project, Westmont, Ill. Frank Dowling Award - Doug Rice Sandusky, Ohio Helen Shockley Award - Karina Miller, Ann Arbor, Mich. Wallace R. Holzman, Sr. Award - Luke Baylis, Clarkston, Mich.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has made us all a little more aware of the importance of having quality health insurance coverage. Whether an unexpected illness or injury, the fact is that health care can be very expensive and potentially financially devasting in some cases. The health insurance Open Enrollment for 2021 is approaching and runs from November 1, 2020 until December 18, 2020. Once enrolled coverage is typically effective January 1, 2021. Now is the time to start researching your health insurance coverage options while you have time to make an informed and unrushed decision. The United States Professional Tennis Association Health Insurance Program powered by Lighthouse Insurance Group LLC is designed to offer concierge service to members in need of Individual, Family, and Small Group health insurance coverage options. These plans include coverage options from the leading insurance carriers and are tailored to fit your individual financial and health needs. Call to speak directly to a team of licensed advisors to get your no-obligation health insurance assessment for major medical, short term policies, vision, dental, critical care, accident medical plans, disability income protection, supplemental Insurance coverage, and more! Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, LIG Solutions, a division of Lighthouse Insurance Group, specializes in offering comprehensive, turn-key insurance solutions for associations, societies, NGB, membership organizations and other affinity groups. With more than 30 years of combined experience in the health, life, and Medicare insurance industry, LIG has successfully distributed more than 60,000 insurance policies nationwide and delivers member benefit programs centered on health and wellness initiatives to drive retention and engagement with the communities/marketplaces they serve. For a free quote call 888-831-7561 or https://ligmembers.com/uspta/page/2/

Spring 2020 Midwest Connection 7

Serving Tips Matt Boughton, USPTA Elite Professional Your serve dictates the rest of your game. Coaches are amused when picking up balls after a good lesson on the forehand groundstroke and we say, “let’s pick up the balls and look at you serve”. Our student says “Oh no, my serve is really weak. Can we work on something else?” You’ll never have a chance to hit your good strokes because you’ll be on the defense from the beginning of the point. The serve is an athletic movement with many moving parts. If you overthink all the parts, you’ll get serve freeze and become discouraged fast. Let’s focus on a few key parts of the serve that control the other parts. We’ll begin with something you have control over that takes little skill.

STANCE : Stand sideways to the net, pointyour toes towards the right net post, assuming you’re right-handed, and spread your feet a little more than shoulder width. Put your tossing arm and hitting arm together up about chest height. Your weight distribution can be anywhere you feel comfortable, front foot, back foot or evenly distributed. Eye your opponent’s position, visualize your target, take a deep breath and “relax” your hitting hand fingers. None of these movements require any skill, just discipline. You are on your way to a better serve before you even begin the motion.

TOSS : You’ve heard over and over again your toss controls the success of your swing. But what controls your toss? Coaches tell you to toss out in front of you, slightly higher than your arm and racquet reach. Here is where most club players get off on the wrong foot. With the momentum of the swing backwards we have a tendency to move back onto our back foot and release the ball. Your toss is going to follow the momentum of your body backwards, causing a poor toss location behind you. From here, you’ll have to compensate poorly with your swing, causing erratic serves, double faults and possible injury to your shoulder and arm. Solution: When releasing the ball, allow the hitting arm to swing backwards but move your weight onto your front foot, thus allowing a more consistent body flow forward for a toss out in front of you. Many of your swing deficiencies will smooth out with this correction.

TOSSING ARM : Remember to keep the hingein your arm housed in your front shoulder. If your fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder are all moving separately, your toss will be very erratic. Keep your tossing fingers on the side of the ball instead of underneath, as if you’re holding a glass of water. 8 Spring 2020 Midwest Connection

Gently and slowly toss the ball up. This should be the slowest moment of your service rhythm. Keep your tossing shoulder “quiet” during the toss. Not moving left or right or in circles. Simply a lift.

THE SWING : You’ve heard to swing as if you’re throwing a baseball or a smooth, tight, spiraling football. Correct. Your racquet loops behind your head, not scratching your back, continues up to the ball with a relaxed motion then extending up and out towards your target. Keep your eyes and head up, then ending down past your opposite side with your palm pointed towards the side fence, right side if you’re a righty, left for lefties. Your thumb points down as if you’re looking at your watch. These motions will fall into place easily for you if you remember to “relax” your fingers from the beginning.

Rhythm : Look at any good server and they seem effortless and smooth. Your rhythm should be slow to fast with and explosion at the top of your swing. Many club players reverse their timing, going fast at the beginning and imploding at the end. Remember you’re only tossing the ball at the beginning. That requires no strength or speed. Relax! You can line up four professionals and have them serve and they might seem to look different from each other. Look closely and you’ll see they all do certain universals the same. Consistent starting position, rituals, weight moving onto the front foot when releasing the toss. Their relaxed swing moves up and out towards their target, allowing for proper pronation of wrist, elbow and shoulder with a full finish across their body. Try copying somebody you think has a good serve. Kids learn this way easily. So will you.

Finally : Make sure you practice your serve. For every groundstroke you hit in practice, you should match half that number with service practice. How many of us do that? Grab a buddy and put on your headphones with some good music. Spice up your practice with targets. Serve from different areas on the baseline. Serve into the wind and against and practice serving into the sun. Give yourself a chance to get to your great ground strokes with a high percentage good serve. It’ll make a huge difference in your favor. See you on the courts.

Preparing for the Future Denny Schackter, USPTA Professional If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the future can never be predicted. Like you, I was completely caught off guard with all the dynamics that have occurred, much less, seeing what has happened to our tennis employment. I wrote an article a while back about retirement and tennis teaching professionals, indicating that all of us have to prepare for the day when we cannot feed tennis balls anymore. Needless to say, when I wrote it, I did not think about the reduction of facilities and staff, and the way they are forced to operate. As you look to your future, you must have a plan for the “whatever is next.” In the article I wrote, I suggested that tennis pros, are in essence, “one trick ponies.” We do not prepare well and our talents are pretty limited. As you look toward your future, I would recommend you consider the following:

Learn a second language. The content of America is very diverse. Meet that diversity head on by learning another language so you are marketable. Consider working on a degree in accounting, either a 2-year degree, or an MBA so that you have value to your facility, or another profession, if and when you cannot feed balls. With so many advanced degree programs online now, one can do a post grad degree pretty efficiently. Network with members and friends so that you have a readily available resource of people to rely on if and when things turn sour. Most important, please be sure your resume is up to date and has the right content for the “what’s next.” Listing where you worked is not nearly as important as what you accomplished in the jobs you have held. Go online and learn the do’s and don’ts for resume building in today’s world.

Helping Midland Flood Area Diane Selke (center) decided to help the Midland, Mich. people after the flood. She and sister Sue, both USPTA Elite Professionals, asked around their Lansing area for donations, along with a call to Home Depot for a donated box truck. People were happy to donate. Diane drove to Midland with the truck full and its content covering more than a tennis court. Greaater Midland Tennis Center Director of Tennis, Mike Andrews, past Midwest Division president, (left) was thankful. “Our members and communnity can use everything.” Unloading the truck were Mike and fellow Midland staff pros Ieuan Lister (right) and Jordan Andrews. Also flexing their muscles were Cassie Nealis and Julie Zdybel.

Tony Daharsh

USPTA Member Tony Daharsh, age 42 of Neenah, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly April 12, 2020. He was born in Sheboygan Falls, graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and worked at Fox Cities Racquet Club in Appleton for 19 years. Most recently he taught at Valley Fitness and Racquet in Neenah. Known as “Coach Tony,” his biggest fans were his two children who love the game as much as he did. He touched so many lives both on and off the court. Spring 2020 Midwest Connection 9

COVID-19 Time Well Spent Nicholas Bennett, USPTA Elite Professional

Like many people worldwide, my family has been affected by the COVID-19 virus in ways that none of us predicted. Although many of us have experienced, up and down events during this period, for me, it has been a rewarding experienced. When the Governor of Michigan closed our schools, I was sent home like thousands of other teachers, to work and take care of my two children and my wife. At time of writing, I have been home for 73 days and am very thankful for the time that I have had with them. I have gained something that I would normally have missed, I got hundreds of hours back with my family. Time they would have been in school and daycare are now filled with family time. I know that when I go back, I will truly miss this time with them. During the stay-at-home order that was issued, I have had plenty of time to reflect upon my tennis profession, most importantly, what I could I do to improve myself as a professional and to enrich my lesson for all my players. I went into this with a positive mindset, and focused on one main question, “What can I do to get better?” After spending several weeks thinking about this question, this is what I came up with. Like many professionals, I took advantage of the USPTA, USTA and other free educational opportunities spanning across several platforms. These opportunities included free access to www. tennisresources.com, webinars, live video sessions on Instagram and more. At first, I was participating in several sessions a day, but I have not been able to keep up that pace with such a busy home family life. I had to learn to balance my tennis profession with family life. Overall, I have been able to earn six times as many credits as I had the previous year. The ease of access, the time of the lessons allowed me to pick and choose lessons that could help me answer the question I had asked myself at the beginning of the “lock down.” One idea that I thought could help me attain my goal was to create a more significant online presence on social media. I chose several platforms to reach my goal, Facebook, Instagram, Zoom and YouTube. I have had extensive interaction with these platforms because of my teaching profession, so I thought I could be the most successful. As owner of Match Point Tennis LLC, I thought that increasing my brand would help me push myself to be a better professional. By using these platforms, 10 Spring 2020 Midwest Connection

I am also able to pick up much needed revenue that I could use to buy new equipment, pay for conferences and trainings throughout the country. On YouTube, I created a new channel called Match Point Tennis. I organized the channel with several different playlists. Playlists allow users to narrow their content searches and zero in on specific topics. The playlists deal with things such as Motivational Mondays, Tennis Tip Tuesdays, Racquet/Stringing tips and Quick Fixes. To date I have created 23 videos. On Instagram I took an online course to improve the number of followers I have and engagements I receive. I use Instagram to engage my followers in topics that I feel will benefit them through the Story feature. I post my tennis videos from YouTube here as well, where more people can access them. I looked at using Zoom, a video conferencing platform that came to life during this pandemic. I created and hosted my first webinar called Tennis String 101 because tennis string is something I have always thought of as being underserved in the education of tennis professionals and with customers. The webinar went live on May 29 and now available on my YouTube Channel. Finally, I thought of how I could adapt my teaching to bring lessons to my customers and make some money during this time. Everything to this point has been free with exception of a few private video lessons. So, I started having driveway tennis lessons and offered stringing services that I do out of my home or onsite. I created a Facebook post offering one-hour driveway lessons for $35 per hour. Many children and parents are getting stir crazy. Many parents fear about going to public places with other players and parents watching their children. By having the lessons in the driveway or in front of their home, parents are much more likely to send their children out while getting a much-needed break. Each person has experienced a different pandemic. I hope you have been able to accomplish the goals that you have set out, and if you have not set any goals, it is never too late to start. Remember, you do not have to reinvent the wheel or create goals that are overwhelming or unrealistic and cause stress. Start small to be successful. Start with something familiar and work your up.

TENNIS MAGAZINE 2019 EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD FOR TENNIS MAGAZINE 2019 EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD FOR

BEST NEW INNOVATION BEST NEW INNOVATION

Jobs Green Bay Tennis Center, Wis.- full-time Tennis Pro, immediate availability. GBTC is climate controlled, with 6 indoor courts, built in 2009. Pro works weekdays, evenings, and weekends with one full day off a week. Pro is USPTA or PTR certified with 2 years’ experience working with juniors and adults. Green Bay is an extremely untapped market so the enthusiast, hardworking tennis professional has a wonderful opportunity to establish and build clientele.

The Racquet Club of Columbus (Ohio) High Performance Coach We are 90% “Back to Normal” in tennis play/lessons. In need of a High Performance/ high energy level coach to work in our area’s largest Junior/Adult Program. Seeking a teaching professional with experience in all levels junior and adult programs. Applicants must be a certified professional or start certification process. Abilities should include on-court knowledge of stroke production, match play coaching experience, customer service skills, and have the passion to teach and lead classes on the court, plus be comfortable working with all age levels. A highlight is learning from a Master Professional and 4 HP coaches in the oldest club in the area with large club/program setting. This is a very unique opportunity and educational experience. The position is available now. The chosen applicant will be an employee of the club. Columbus is a big/little city where cost of living is very reasonable. If interested, please email resume to: gwparks2@ racquetclub1.com Applicants must be US citizens or qualified to work in the US.

Off-court duties include assisting with tournaments and special events. Compensation package includes an hourly on-court rate with a private/group lesson bonus incentive. Additional income potential from racquet stringing and/or desk coverage is available. Based on experience, management opportunities might also be available. Please visit our website, gogbtc.com. Interested candidates should forward their resume and references to Kim Perna, kwedige@ gmail.com, 920-347- 3080.

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2021 NATIONWIDE JUNIOR COMPETITIVE STRUCTURE Starting January 2021, the USTA is adopting a simplified nationwide structure, which will create a standardized system and greater consistency for our players, parents, coaches, tournament directors and officials. Read the information below for the USTA Junior Tournaments (Ranking) Breakdown by Level for Players in USTA/Midwest Section.

CHANGES FOR 2021 » Selection for all quota events will take your national ranking first and then quota second. » The Section quota selection list for 14s, 16s and 18s will take your best six events, but only three of them may be from an event not sanctioned in your Section. » The Section quota list for 12s will take your best six events, but only two of them may be from an event not sanctioned in your Section.

LEVEL 2 (4+ DAYS)

NATIONAL

» Will stay the same as they currently are in 2020. » Sections may sanction one cross sectional team event.

LEVEL 3 (4+ DAYS) » National will continue to sanction level 3s, except they will no longer take place in January and July. » Each Section will sanction two Section Level 3 closed events: Summer Closed (June) | Winter Closed (January)

2021 LEVEL 4 (UP TO 4 DAYS) = 2020 SECTION LEVEL 2

SECTION

» Each Section will sanction 4 Closed Level 4s and 4 Open Level 4s. You can play in any Section’s Open Level 4 event. » Each Section will sanction one Closed Level 4 team event (Team Cup).

2021 LEVEL 5 (UP TO 3 DAYS) = 2020 MIDWEST LEVEL 3 » Each Section will get an allotment of Open Level 5 tournaments to sanction. » The Midwest will also have up to two Closed District Level 5s to sanction as needed.

2021 LEVEL 6 (UP TO 2 DAYS) = 2020 DISTRICT LEVEL 4

DISTRICT

» Each District will sanction Level 6s as necessary with no limit. » Players will receive points per win with a maximum of four wins per tournament.

2021 LEVEL 7 (1 DAY) = 2020 LEVEL 5 SINGLE DAY SHOWDOWN » Each District will sanction level 7s as necessary with no limit. » Players will receive points per win with a maximum of four wins per tournament. » All players must be USTA Members to participate.

USTA.COM/JUNIORTOUR