ADDvantage November/December 2019

November- December 2019

Alex Gordon Professional of the Year Ajay Pant at the 2019 World Conference in Las Vegas.

USPTA CEO’S MESSAGE

YEAR END WRAP-UP John Embree USPTA CEO

A

s I write this last message for 2019, I want to opine on two items: what just transpired at our World Conference in Las Vegas in late September and the urgency for compliance on the continuing education requirements for the current cycle, which ends on Dec. 31.

Most of you know that our stated

mission is “to elevate the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches” in the USA and around the world. In order to truly raise our professional knowledge and provide our clients a better experience on the court, each professional needs to make a commitment to learn by seeking educational opportunities that will improve their performance and enhance their clients’ experience when coming to our facilities. It would be impossible to do so without making a concerted effort to take online courses, to attend division and national conferences or participate in many local regional education offerings.

After 20 years with no educational requirements needed to maintain your membership in good standing, the national Board of Directors and Executive Committee implemented a modest requirement of 12 hours/6 credits over a three-year cycle that began in 2014. Failure to comply with

International Tennis Center Hall of Famer Andre Agassi spoke on coaching influences during the 2019 World Conference.

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this mandate by the end of December 2016 resulted in the suspension of over 660 members. There were many amongst you who did not believe we would stick to our guns and jettison members for not fulfilling this obligation. But, we did.

Here we are, coming up on the end of the second three-year education window. The following numbers are startling and should be taken very seriously: there were approximately 5,300 pros whose education cycle ends in a few weeks. The good news is that 58% of that total have crossed the finish line. Thank you to those who lived up to that responsibility.

But the reality is that almost 2,200 members have yet to comply with the education requirements, and 1,200 pros have no credits whatsoever during this three-year period. Just as we did in early 2017, we will suspend those who are delinquent beginning Jan. 1, 2020.

They will not be allowed back into our Association until they have complied.

I don’t want to come off as a taskmaster, but the national Board of Directors and the Executive Committee have made it very clear as to the action that will be taken. If you are one of those professionals who have not made this a priority or who may have forgotten about this requirement, please take the time to get it done before Dec. 31. And if you know of colleagues that are lagging, please reach out to them. We don’t want to lose them and hopefully, they do not want to be without their USPTA certification.

On a more pleasant note, I could not have been more pleased with how

USPTA

2019 USPTA Hall of Fame inductee Frank Brennan, Jr.

our World Conference went in Las Vegas. We had our largest attendance since the last time we were in Las Vegas in 2006. Close to 1,000 people were registered, 65 unique vendors came to display their products and services at our Merchandise & Trade Show, and there were over 40 distinct educational sessions, plus two specialty courses.

Candidly, I think this was the strongest lineup of speakers in my eight World Conferences since being in this role!

We sold out of the two IPTPA (pickleball) certifications that were held on the beginning weekend and our colleagues from RacquetFit held their level 1 certification on the final weekend with over 30 participants. Seven people took their certification exam along with one member who wanted to upgrade.

Naturally, we began the week by hosting our usual Board and Executive Committee meetings, dedicated to addressing the business of our Association. Two days later, we hosted our General Membership Meeting, which gave the rank-and-file member the chance to be updated on most important issues that we face and how we are performing.

But the real highlights of the week were the full day of female speakers on Tuesday and Andre Agassi’s appearance

that preceded our Awards Lunch on Wednesday. To have the brightest women coaches presenting their 2019 USPTA Hall of Fame inductee Dick Gould learnings to professionals of all genders was Stanford and both long-time members impactful. We are committed to of the USPTA who started their careers reaching out to diverse coaches who as tennis-teaching professionals in the have a message to tell so that all our USPTA, they took their rightful place professionals can benefit from their with other icons in the coaching and perspective. Expect to see more of that tennis-teaching world. in the future.

I would be remiss if I did not Andre’s take on coaching, his personal acknowledge the untiring efforts of impressions of his mentors and the our entire staff who made the week lessons that he has learned from those the success that it was. We began the individuals was enlightening. Thanks planning process of this extravaganza to Mark Knowles, Tennis Channel nine months ago; it takes that long to commentator and tour veteran, for moderating this enjoyable session. make sure that every detail is thought And thanks to Todd Martin of the through and executed, much of which International Hall of Fame for making is done behind the scenes and with this special event happen. little fanfare. We had 16 people on-site Finally, our awards ceremony working morning until night while put a spotlight on the best that seven members stayed back to mind the our Association has to offer. We fort in Lake Nona. I am sure the staff recognized those individuals who have would appreciate a word of thanks and contributed so mightily to tennis and congratulations on a job well done if their communities, not only for this you are so inclined. I am so proud to be past year but over their entire careers. a small part of this incredible team!

Congratulations to all the winners, Enjoy your holidays, everyone. including our latest inductees into our Thanks for your support of the USPTA. USPTA Hall of Fame, Frank Brennan 2020 is going to be one heck of a ride – and Dick Gould. As legendary coaches at buckle your seat belts! *

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USPTA VICE PRESIDENT MESSAGE

FOCUS ON I WHAT IS IMPORTANT

hope that those of you that were able to join us at the World Conference in Las Vegas enjoyed it.

This event is always amazing and the Mark Faber, USPTA National Staff USPTA Vice President puts in countless hours to provide a top notch event for us all. If you could take a brief moment to send the staff a quick e-mail thanking them, that would be awesome.

Also, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the award winners. It is an amazing accomplishment to be recognized and I encourage each of you to treasure this moment.

As I sit and write this article, I have gone back and forth on what subject matter would be of interest. My fellow board members have hit on some great topics over the past two years and hopefully they have made as big an impact on you as they have on me.

Several weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to attend the USTA Semi-Annual meeting during the US Open. I attended many committee meetings and had some outstanding conversations with passionate volunteers that truly love the game of tennis.

There is no denying the importance of both the USPTA and the USTA in growing the game of tennis.

It could be through a USTA program, a club-created program or a personally created program. But that doesn’t mean the USPTA can’t lead the charge.

It does not matter where it comes from!

What stood out to me while attending the committee meetings and in my conversations is that people simply want to see the game grow. The USPTA does not need to wait and see what is next,

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we just need to lace up the work boots, pack our lunches and put on our hard hats.

We can never ignore the negatives, but the USPTA should focus more on the positives.

The USPTA needs to continue sitting down with people that do not always agree with us, for this challenges us to be better and allows us to learn. The more we learn and the more we execute, the better the Association we will become.

Great leaders understand that they do not know everything and it is the team that accomplishes things, not the leader themself. I truly believe that the USPTA and our professionals are great leaders in the industry. That means each of you reading this article is a leader in your community. That, in turn, means your ability to influence others to help grow the game is beyond measure.

It would be great next year to sit in these meetings and hear about USPTA professionals that have run or created a program that helped change the current trend of tennis. Each and every one of you has that power.

It is time that we stop worrying about items such as scoring formats in junior tennis, ratings and rankings, short courts and beyond. It is time to start worrying about getting more people into the sport of tennis so we can develop not only the next American Grand Slam champion, but the next high school JV, Tennis on Campus, Junior Team Tennis and Adult League players, not to mention the next you or I as industry leaders. We, the USPTA, need to step up, lead by example and impact the conversation!*

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USPTA TIM HECKLER HALL OF FAME AWARD

2019 USPTA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE FRANK BRENNAN, JR. One Generation to the Next

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he name Frank Brennan carries weight in Palo Alto, Calif. Indeed, the name is known throughout the tennis world. It began with Frank Brennan, Sr., who coached the legendary Billie Jean King in her youth. It continues today with Frank Brennan III, or “Frankie,” as he’s known, who’s been the Stanford women’s tennis associate head coach for nine years.

But for 21 years before that, Frank Brennan, Jr. led the Cardinal women on the court. He orchestrated an unprecedented series of championships – his 10 NCAA team national titles set a record – and solidified Stanford’s program as the best in the nation.

His record of success and personable nature brought class after class of future stars to Stanford. He presided over four undefeated seasons and coached nine NCAA singles champions. Forty-one of his players became All-Americas.

Brennan, Jr. led the Cardinal to six consecutive team national championships in six years from 1986

Lucas Casás, USPTA Communications

to 1991, an NCAA record, and posted a 76-match winning streak in the process. He made 18 NCAA Final Fours in 19 years. Only two senior classes graduated without at least one national championship ring.

After compiling a 510-50 win-loss record and becoming the secondwinningest women’s collegiate tennis coach of all time, Brennan, Jr. retired from coaching after the 2000 season.

But his work at Stanford’s Taube Tennis Center didn’t stop there.

In 2008, eight years after Brennan, Jr. retired from coaching, his son picked up the phone and asked him to come back.

And so he did, as a volunteer assistant.

“I will do all the matches and travel, but I’m not much of a morning person, so I’m not doing the 8:30 a.m. hits on Monday and Wednesday,” Brennan, Jr. told his son in What Makes Tennis Tick.

With Brennan Jr. as a volunteer assistant, Brennan III as associate head coach and Lele Forood as Director of Women’s Tennis, the Cardinal reached

Brennan, Jr. poses with his family

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Brennan, Jr. won 10 team national championships at Stanford.

two NCAA finals and won the 2010 national championship – Forood’s sixth of 10 titles.

“How to relate to people, how to treat people,” Forood responded when asked how Brennan, Jr. impacted her. She first met him when she was 10 years old and through the years of tennis camps and lessons, they’ve become “like family.”

She was an assistant on his staff for over a decade. “He’s just an unbelievable person and I learned a lot about – again, he was like another parent for me, so I learned a lot of values that are important to take not only into the workplace but in personal relationships.”

Over his illustrious career, Brennan, Jr. was named USPTA Northern California Coach of the Year six times, USPTA Coach of the Year twice, ITA/ Wilson Intercollegiate Coach of the Year four times and Intercollegiate Coach of the Decade for the 1980s and 1990s. He was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001 and the ITA Women’s Hall of Fame in 2006. He has been a USPTA member for 54 years.*

TIM HECKLER HALL OF FAME AWARD

USPTA

2019 USPTA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE DICK GOULD Origin of Excellence

Lucas Casás, USPTA Communications

I

1953, yet today sets the standard for excellence in collegiate athletics.

“When I started, it seemed impossible to even think of winning one national championship. I was influenced by football coach John Ralston, who led Stanford to its first Rose Bowl victories in more than 30 years,” Gould wrote. “He taught me a lot. I like to think that maybe we were the two guys who helped change the way of thinking in Stanford Athletics and turned things around.”

Gould poses with Roscoe Tanner (left) and Sandy Mayer But Gould’s legacy (right) after winning the 1972 NCAA doubles title. at Stanford extends championship. It was then, after 38 far beyond the trophy years, that Gould decided it was time to case. Gould led the charge to raise $20 hang it up. He then became Director of million for the Taube Tennis Center, Tennis at Stanford until his retirement which went from three courts to 17, in January 2019. bleachers to over 2,300 individual Gould became a legend in Palo stadium seats, a clubhouse, players’ Alto. He produced 50 All-Americas. lounge, video center, conference room Thirteen went on to win Grand and more.

Slam championships. Eight became “Not one penny was Olympians. Nine players reached the from the department top 15 in ATP world singles rankings; 14 or the university,” he reached the top ten in doubles. He also wrote. “I’m really proud authored the book Tennis, Anyone? that nearly all of the in 1969. endowment that covers Gould has been a USPTA member our men’s program was for 38 years and was awarded the money we also directly USPTA Northern California Lifetime raised from donors.”

Achievement Award in 2004 and Until his retirement the USTA Northern California from coaching in 2004, Diversity Icon Award in 2008. Gould, every senior class at In addition to his Hall of Fame induction, Gould served as a speaker during the 2019 USPTA now 81, lives in Palo Alto with his Stanford won at least World Conference wife Anne.* one team national

n the summer of 1966, when Dick Gould was hired as men’s tennis coach at Stanford, the university “tolerated athletic mediocrity,” he wrote in Dick Gould: My 57-Year Stanford Story. Stanford, with its elite academic tradition, could not excel the same way in sports, he was told.

He didn’t buy it. His alma mater could compete with – and beat – the behemoths of USC and UCLA, which had won 16 of the previous 21 national championships.

It took seven seasons, but in 1973, Stanford defeated USC 33-28 to win its first team national championship.

Stanford repeated as team national champions in 1974, and also captured singles and doubles national championships in both years.

In the 24 seasons from 1977 to 2000, Stanford captured 15 more team national titles. They were propelled by some of the game’s all-time greats – John McEnroe, Roscoe Tanner, Sandy Mayer and Bob and Mike Bryan, to name a few. The tennis program’s success mirrored that of Stanford’s entire athletic department, which had only won two team national titles since

Nov.-Dec. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 43

USPTA 2019 AWARDS

ALEX GORDON PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: AJAY PANT Recognition Comes With Responsibility

Lucas Casás, USPTA Communications

I

that potential. In 2009, Pant became a USPTA Master Professional. In September 2019, he was named USPTA Alex Gordon Professional of the Year.

“He’s a jack of all trades,” fellow Master Pro Feisal Hassan said. “He’s what I call the complete professional.

He’s an expert in the industry.”

For the last three years, Pant has served as national tennis director at Life Time Fitness in Minneapolis, where he oversees all of Life Time’s tennis programs and directors across the country, committed to “studentcentered learning.” Pant also supervises the business aspects of Life Time tennis, at the club and national level.

“I spend a lot of my time, besides everything else, tending to the curriculum, modules, progression, certificates, updating learning methodologies for the whole company,” Pant said. “Someone has to get the vision right.”

He’s also very involved with the USPTA Leadership Academy, which trains tennis professionals to move off the court into tennis management. Pant began his career coaching on-court before becoming a tennis director.

“He helps with the Leadership Academy that we host,” Hassan said. “He’s instrumental in several aspects of the Leadership Academy. His strength is obviously budgeting because he deals with so many clubs. He has a strong financial acuity.”

Pant has been recognized several times in his career – he was named Person of the Year in 2018 by the Tennis Industry Pant lectures at the USPTA Leadership Academy.

Magazine – but for Pant, being

f everything had gone according to plan, Ajay Pant never would’ve become a tennis professional.

But life rarely cares about the plans we make. Pant was preparing for medical school when his life took a detour.

“I was doing some work with Welby Van Horn. I was still in college,” Pant remembers. “I can’t tell you why, I was doing a very good job, I was working hard, but I didn’t have any technical expertise. He pulled me aside and said, ‘I just want to talk to you.’ I’m like, it’s Welby Van Horn. Oh geeze.”

The late Van Horn, an accomplished player who became one of the greatest coaches ever, assured Pant that he’d make a great doctor before asking if he’d ever considered coaching tennis. He hadn’t. Van Horn told him he should.

“He saw something,” Pant said. “He said some pretty neat things. In his opinion, I would be good at this. In fact, he said some nice things about the potential.”

By all accounts, Pant has realized

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Pant received the USPTA Alex Gordon Professional of the Year award at the 2019 USPTA World Conference.

named Alex Gordon Professional of the Year is an added responsibility.

“When you look at folks who have received this award in the past, I went as far back as I could go, people who got this award are mentors and legends, big-time names,” Pant said. “What you do post award is very important. Quite frankly, there’s a big responsibility after that. You have to step it up.”

For Pant, stepping it up means furthering his efforts to grow the game.

He wants to get more beginner-level youth and adults involved, and he develops programming to fit their needs.

He also works to ensure his teaching professionals adhere to the highest standards of tennis teaching, because that’s what will keep students coming back.

“If the coaching is not conducted correctly, you can be pretty dysfunctional playing tennis,” he said.

“But if the coaching is delivered and the learning is happening, it’s really different than just a forehand or a backhand. You could change someone’s life.”*

2019 AWARDS

USPTA

GEORGE BACSO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: SEAN SLOANE Teaching Life Lessons on the Court

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any years ago at the Fairfield Beach Club in Connecticut, John Conroy taught a lesson.

But not a typical tennis lesson. It was at a tournament, and a player, 16 years old, threw his racquet. It was the second time, and he’d already been warned.

So Conroy, then the tennis coach at Princeton, defaulted him.

The player’s father, who was on the club’s board of directors, fumed as he confronted Conroy.

“Conroy simply said, ‘Look, I warned him. He can’t do that. He’s not going to do that as long as I’m the pro here,’” remembered Sean Sloane, who was Conroy’s assistant pro at the time. “Wow.” That was one of many lessons Sloane learned from Conroy. It resonated with him, and he instilled that in all his players over his next five decades as a coach.

It’s just one aspect of Sloane’s legacy. As is his most recent recognition, the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Tennis is a sport where you call your own lines. You have sole control over how honest you’re going to be,” said Jeff Monhait, who played for Sloane at Haverford College from 2005-09. “One

Sloane coached college tennis for 38 years at Williams College and Haverford College.

Lucas Casás, USPTA Communications

of my most lasting memories of Sean was that he was always explicitly clear that if you were not 100% certain that a ball was out, it was in. That’s a very important life lesson because you can’t cut corners and you need to do things honestly or it doesn’t really Sloane is a champion of sportsmanship and respect.

Sloane also always prioritized matter.” academics. If there was a guest speaker Sloane coached tennis and squash somewhere during practice, or if they at Williams College for 17 years before were behind on schoolwork, “You go coaching both sports at Haverford for 21 do that, it’s alright,” Sloane would say years. His teams were always known for their sportsmanship. And, well, their size. calmly. His teams were consistently among the nation’s leaders, across It wasn’t uncommon for Sloane Divisions I, II and III, in academic to carry 24 players on his roster. His achievement. promise was that if his players showed Sloane’s contributions to the sport up every day and worked hard, he extend beyond his teams. He was wouldn’t cut them. Haverford had instrumental in publishing the USPTA’s 12 courts to split between men’s and Tennis: A Professional Guide in women’s practices, so he’d put four 1983, and in 2005, the College Squash players on a court and run drills with Association renamed its men’s team two balls at a time. That way, everyone sportsmanship award after him. got court time and everyone played But his proudest achievement, he says, together. “rests with the players that I coached It was also important to Sloane that all his players got to experience a varsity because I think they learned from me match. He “was prepared to take a loss,” the right way to play the game. They’ll he said, to give everyone an opportunity continue to carry that forward.”

Just as the lessons he learned from to play, but always put his team in a Conroy all those years ago stick with position to win. him, so will those he imparted into his “What college coach would say, ‘it’s important for me that the guy who’s 15th players.

He was about honesty. He was about on our ladder gets a chance to play in integrity. Above all, he was about a varsity match,’” Monhait said. “Who respect. does that?”

“I just felt, well, this is the way,” “The kids all believed it because Sloane said “Respect the game. Respect at practice every day, everybody was your opponents. Respect yourself.”* there,” Sloane said.

Nov.-Dec. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 45

USPTA 2019 AWARD WINNERS

2019 USPTA AWARD WINNERS

2019 Star Award Betty Sue Welch has been coaching tennis, from middle school to college and from clubs to international tournaments, for almost 50 years. She was involved with the Special Olympics for many years, and the “Betty Sue Welch Angel Award” is given annually to a Special Olympics tennis athlete who embodies values including friendship, bravery, determination and sportsmanship.

Through her community involvement with tennis, Betty has touched countless lives across generations.

2019 Star Award Alex Marcial founded Friends of Philippine Tennis in 2012. Since then, he’s worked to collect used tennis equipment, including racquets, shoes, balls and nets, to donate to his native Philippines, where tennis equipment is expensive and many families cannot afford it. Alex was inspired to establish FOPT by his own childhood, when he had the opportunity to play tennis because of donated equipment.

In 2018, FOPT delivered over 750 racquets, 1,200 pairs of shoes, 5,000 tennis balls and 50 nets.

2019 Diversity Award Chris Champion serves as tennis coach, program administrator, operations manager and director of tennis at First Serve Miami, an NJTL program that offers tennis lessons and educational support to disadvantaged youth in Miami. Under Chris’ leadership, First Serve Miami implemented the Community Partners and Adopt-APlayer programs, which helped over 650 participants. He established programs at eight area elementary schools and even set up a special visit from 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens. He volunteered his time at different camps and programs for kids and encourages others to as well.

play collegiate tennis from DIII to DI. Paul has been a USPTA member for over 30 years.

2019 High School Coach of the Year Paul Lauterbach has coached tennis at Lake Geneva Badger High School for more than 30 years.

Throughout his tenure, both the boys’ and girls’ teams have contended for the conference title and in 2018, both teams were dominant. Each team won the conference tournament – the girls became the first team ever to win every tournament match – and both qualified for states. Seven of his players from 2018 have gone on to

2019 Tom Gullikson Touring Coach of the Year David Marshall coaches doubles pairs Bob & Mike Bryan, Jack Sock & Mike Bryan, and John Isner in singles, in conjunction with coach David MacPherson. Marshall prepares his players for ATP 1000 events and majors. Under Marshall’s leadership, the Bryan brothers have a 3-1 record against Nicolas Mahut & Pierre-Hugues Hebert, whom they had never beaten in six tries prior

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2019 Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year Evan Isaacs has been coaching men’s and women’s tennis at Columbus State University for 18 years. The Lady Cougars have made the NCAA Tournament every year under Isaacs, and in 2018 they reached the national semifinals for the first time. The men, meanwhile, captured the program’s first national championship. Isaacs has coached 45 All-Americans, 96 AllConference players, four Peach Belt Conference Players of the Year, and has won PBC Coach of the Year five times.

USPTA

to Marshall’s coaching. Marshall is a USPTA Elite Professional and was presented the 2018 Nitto Doubles Finals Winning Coach Award by the ATP after Mike Bryan & Jack Sock won the season-ending championship.

2019 U30 Award Amanda Fink has shown tireless commitment to growing tennis through grassroots initiatives. In 2018, she recruited a volunteer crew of almost 50 pros to run Tennis Fest for roughly 700 participants at Balboa Tennis Club in San Diego. She also organized several other programs to foster tennis community involvement and provide information on college recruitment. Amanda chairs the San Diego Division U30 Committee, which ran six education events in 2018. At one seminar, her spirit shined as she gave instructions on running a drill, all while singing at the top of her lungs.

2019 U30 Award Greg Heartt grew the USPTA Florida U30 program to over 250 professionals through his volunteer work as the Membership Project Team Lead. He is also the president of the USPTA Florida Orlando Division and was recognized

for his community involvement and work in connecting tennis pros in the Orlando area. He also teamed up with USTA Florida to grow tennis involvement in local schools. His passion for the game is evident through his commitment to the U30 program.

2019 Lessons for Life Award Jose Pastrello organized 21 pro/ ams, exhibitions and fundraisers in 2018 that raised over $45,000 for various university tennis teams and scholarships. He spoke at the USPTA Leadership Academy and was awarded the Most Innovative Course

by Tennis Industry magazine. Jose is involved with the USPTA National Education and Testing Committee and is a USPTA Florida Board Member.

2019 Industry Excellence Award Sally Frame is president and director of Ace Tennis Services, which she founded in 2017 and dramatically increased tennis participation in Plano, Texas.

Sally created “Wilson Nights,” a non-elimination singles and doubles event for juniors between 10 and 14 years old, and other special doubles events. She has worked diligently to

create a program full of opportunities for juniors and even organized trips for adults and juniors to professional tournaments in California and Chicago.

She also began coaching varsity tennis at John Paul II High School.

2019 Small Facility Manager of the Year Len Simard is the general manager at New Canaan Racquet Club in Connecticut, where he increased the club’s programming by 300% by adding pro/ams, junior tournaments and other socials, as well as a full pickleball program. His additions led to a revenue increase of $150,000. He maintains a staff of seven USPTA professionals, and three other staff members will join the USPTA in 2019. He also instituted benefits and performance bonuses for his employees.

2019 Large Facility Manager of the Year Wendy Tatum manages the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center and put together an exciting slate of programming in 2018. She organized a women’s weekday team, men’s and women’s senior teams, as well as senior mixed doubles, adult and junior

Nov.-Dec. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 47

USPTA 2019 AWARD WINNERS leagues and more. Wendy manages a staff of over 10 USPTA professionals and the center’s robust slate of programming led to a 25% increase in revenue from 2017. Her success prompted the City of Palm Beach Gardens to build a new, 10,000 sq. ft. structure, to be completed in 2019.

2019 Tester of the Year Allan Jensen is the tennis service representative at USTA Southern and also works with Hispanic outreach and Net Generation.

In 2018, Jensen conducted nine tests for a total of 43 applicants. He was

one of the first to be trained in and implement the USPTA on-court testing app. Jensen went above and beyond when he flew out of his region to assist with a test that had an overflow of applicants.

Top Education Earner Mike Friedman earned the most continuing education credits of any USPTA member in 2018, with 179.5 credits. Friedman is a tennis pro at Winnetka Park District in Winnetka, Illinois, and coaches through the USTA’s Net Generation program. He was recognized as USPTA Midwest Illinois Professional of the Year in 2014.

He has taught tennis for 30 years and has been a USPTA Professional for 29.

USTA/USPTA Community Service Award Neal Hagberg has worked at Gustavus Adolphus College, his alma mater, since 1981, and has been the Tennis & Life Camp Director since 2011. In his role, he teaches tennis, leads music and entertainment, directs counseling and leads the “life” portion of TLC. Neal uses tennis and music – he and his wife Leandra are an accomplished singer/ songwriter duo – to inspire, motivate and develop leadership skills in his students.*

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USPTA 2019 MASTER PROFESSIONALS

2019 USPTA MASTER PROFESSIONALS

by Mark Centrella, Master Professional Committee Chair

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ecoming a USPTA Master Professional is among the top achievements a tennis professional can accomplish. To even qualify to apply takes 10 years of holding an Elite Professional rating, but it takes more than just years. Each applicant must also complete the required continuing education hours and fulfill a broad spectrum of industry service in preparation for placement into positions including, but not nearly limited to, general manager and director of tennis.

Each of the following tennis professionals has met and exceeded the requirements for Master Professional status. They are excellent instructors that have committed themselves to the future of the sport. As chairman of the Master Professional Committee, it is my honor to introduce them to you here.

Jason Hazley has worked at the New Orleans Lawn Tennis Club since 2012, and for the last year has served as Director of Tennis. In his time at the club, Hazley has helped run the Louisiana State Clay Court Junior Open Championships and the National USTA Iberia Bank Men’s 60-65 Clay Court Championships. Hazley joins

general manager Brett Schwartz as the two USPTA Master Professionals at the club. Hazley is the president of USPTA Louisiana and served on the New Orleans Metro Area Tennis Association board from 2014 to 2018.

Hazley played collegiately at Louisiana State University and was a two-time Second-Team All SEC selection and a First-Team All SEC selection in 2003. After a brief career on the ATP tour, Hazley worked as an assistant professional at clubs in Baton Rouge, La., and as an assistant men’s tennis coach at LSU.

Dan Hopkins has been coaching tennis for over 40 years, including 31 years at RoseHulman Institute of Technology, where he founded the women’s team in 1996.

Hopkins also coached the Terre Haute South High School (Indiana) boys’ tennis team for 17 years and the girls’ team for nine. Under Hopkins, the Terre Haute South boys’ team made state Final Four appearances in 1980 and 1983, and the girls’ team finished second in the state in 1980. He was named Indiana Coach of the Year in 1992. Hopkins was tested for his USPTA Professional certification by the late George Bacso.

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Since retiring in May 2019, Hopkins has traveled the country playing tennis and pickleball. He also coaches seniors at Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort in Casa Grande, Ariz. He also remains involved at Rose-Hulman as a volunteer assistant, helping with fundraising and working towards building an indoor tennis facility.

Levander Kelley currently serves as the boys’ varsity tennis coach at Powhatan High School in Powhatan, Va., where he led the team to its first-ever playoff appearance in his first season as coach.

Kelley has been very involved in the community, volunteering his time and tennis expertise with several area high schools over the past 25 years.

Additionally, Kelley works weekend junior clinics for inner-city children and for Tennis Across America.

Kelley overcame racial discrimination and taught himself how to play tennis as a child and while he served in the U.S. Army.

He retired in 1995 as a Sergeant First Class Medic after 20 years of service. He has been recognized as USPTA Mid-Atlantic Professional of the Year, USPTA and USTA Mid-Atlantic High School Coach of the Year, and USPTA Top Education Credit Earner twice.

USPTA Dave Moyer is the regional vice president of the USPTA Southwest Division Board of Directors and, since February 2011, has served as Director of Tennis at The Country Club at DC Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz. In his nearly nine years, Moyer has overseen a tennis operation that has more than doubled in adult participation, increased in junior participation by 600% and grown to have three full-time USPTA professionals on staff.

Moyer previously worked as the Director of Tennis at Homestead Country Club in Kansas and at Woods Tennis Center in Lincoln, Neb. He served on the Missouri Valley Division Board of Directors for three years and has earned numerous USTA and USPTA awards.

Moyer started playing tennis at age 5 and played collegiately at the University of Nebraska. He coached college tennis for two years before going into tennis management.

He and his wife, Wendy, are avid tennis players, as is his youngest son, Jake.

Sidney Newcomb has served as USPTA National Head Tester since January 2016. In his role, he oversees the certification and testing process for all incoming teaching pros and coaches. Prior to joining the USPTA, Newcomb was the Director of Tennis at Peninsula Community Center in Redwood City, Calif. While in California, Newcomb helped found the Life Advantage Tennis and Tutoring program, which offers free tennis and English lessons to Hispanic immigrants at McKinley Middle School.

Newcomb began playing tennis at age 9 and played collegiately at John Brown University. He enjoyed a brief ATP tour career before beginning his coaching career in 1990. He and his wife, Linda, have five children and the whole family is involved in tennis.*

USPTA MASTER PROFESSIONALS Lee Adams Janet Adkisson Greg Alexander Bob Anderman Kirk Anderson Jorge Andrew Jim Annesi Mike Baldwin Rosie Bareis Van Barry Craig Bell Lorenzo Beltrame Marvin Benzing Jay Bewley Marc Blouin Nick Bollettieri Donnia Bondallian Chip Brooks Dave Brown Bunny Bruning Fred Burdick Peter Burwash Donato Campagnoli Jorge Capestany Mark Centrella Michael Chamberlain Howard Chodak Holly Chomyn Chris Chopra Will Cleveland Steve Contardi Alan Cutler Tom Daglis Jim Davis Robert Davis Ken DeHart Becky Desmond Kim Dillard Joseph Dinoffer Rod Dulany Larry Dupleich David Dvorak Fred Earle Todd Ellenbecker Doug Eng Trish Faulkner John Foley Dexter Fong Jack Foster Ty Fuller

Ed Garcia David Gary Barry Goldsmith Sylvia Gothard Tommy Gray Ian Griffin Jack Groppel Spike Gurney David Hagler Feisal Hassan Jeff Hawes Jason Hazley Don Henson Will Hoag Dan Hopkins Gary Horvath Glen Howe John Ingram R J Tessier Gordon Johnson Jack Justice Kurt Kamperman Leo Katz Levander Kelley Dick King Dave Kozlowski Jim Krimbill Chuck Kuhle Ron Lague Phil Lancaster Darryl Lewis Larry Lineberry Jim Loehr Angel Lopez Bob Love Rick Macci Doug MacCurdy Paul MacDonald Paul Marcum Patrick Mason Jay Massart Ken McAllister Tom McGraw Mark McMahon Ed McQuillin Luis Mediero Michael Mercier David Minihan Bal Moore Dave Moyer

Avis Murray Sidney Newcomb Jack Newman Dan O’Connell Mike O’Connell Stan Oley Desmond Oon Ajay Pant Jim Parker Guy Parks Jimmy Pitkanen Joseph Pizzat David Porter Warren Pretorius Adrian Rattenbury Mark Rearden Jim Reffkin Hans Romer Raul Saad Mark Savage Paula Scheb Brett Schwartz Diane Selke James Shaughnessy Len Simard Dave Sivertson Sean Sloane Dean Snyder Tom Sweitzer Keith Swindoll Joseph Thompson John Trinity Gary Trost Bill Tym Todd Upchurch Mike Van Zutphen Fernando Velasco John Verde Rick Vetter Betty Walsh Russ Warner Doug Welsh Pat Whitworth Glenn William Ted Withall Ron Woods Ron Woods David Zeutas-Broer

Nov.-Dec. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 51

USPTA 2019 WORLD CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY

Images from the 2019 USPTA

World Conference

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USPTA

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USPTA

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USPTA SPECIALIST DEGREE

USPTA

The New & Improved USPTA Specialist Degree in Tennis Fitness Lane Evans, USPTA Elite Professional

I

’ve never liked the term “think outside the box.” It’s a little broad for my liking. I need a little more structure and organization. In my 40 years of teaching tennis, 30 of them as a USPTA professional, I have seen much change.

With a little luck, I will become a Master Professional next year. Aside from my kids, my relationship with tennis is probably the longest one I’ve ever had.

However, like many relationships, it’s had twists and turns, good and bad, over the years. Relationships are like that and they always will be. Change is a good thing. No matter how hard we fight it, it will always be there.

Our game has changed, too. Tennis athletes, both men and women, are bigger, stronger, faster and more powerful than ever before. This trend isn’t going away any time soon. Sports instruction and training in general have become very complicated and now require different skillsets. Tennis-specific fitness is a relatively new concept that keeps growing by the day. The iTPA, TPI and RacquetFit have shown us unique ways to train athletes in many different sports, including tennis. It’s now up to tennis professionals to absorb this new information and use it to build their tennis athletes.

Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed with the vision and ability to reinvent myself as my work environment has changed. As the industry changed, I became a certified fitness trainer, a specialist in senior fitness and exercise therapy, strength and conditioning, as well as tennis and golf performance.

As chairman of the USPTA National Fitness & Wellness Committee, I’ve worked to emphasize to tennis professionals the importance of tennis

fitness, even pushing them to get certified is not for the weak. This degree is tough, in tennis fitness where applicable. I built but well worth the work. When you are my tennis program at Champion Hills finished, you will have valuable knowledge Club in North Carolina around fitness. I that will certainly give you a “leg up” in had seniors who hadn’t played tennis in this area of your coaching. The degree years. I needed them to get to a reasonable isn’t an “end all,” but rather an important level and without pain. It was a long and educational step towards your future as a arduous process, but we did it. tennis professional.

To teach professionals about fitness, The USPTA National Education the USPTA offers a Specialist Degree in staff reviewed the content, made a few Sports Science. However, the degree was changes and is now formatting the revised terribly outdated. Its resources were out of print and no longer available. So with the USPTA National Fitness & Wellness Committee Dream Team of Dr. Nick DiNubile, Dr. Stephan Esser, Christy Bennett, Josh Jorgensen, Kevin Theos, Jason Kinder, Alex Shusis and myself, Proper fitness is key to enjoying tennis in later years. we set out to re-write curriculum for online use. We hope to the degree. have it out very soon.

First, we removed the term “Sports Until then, please continue including Science.” It just didn’t seem to fit. tennis fitness in your state and division We are not scientists. We are tennis newsletter articles and convention professionals. The new and updated presentations. It will become more degree covers a variety of tennis-specific important as we move our game forward fitness areas such as training, rest and and hand it down to the next generation of recovery, nutrition, tennis injuries and tennis professionals. If you have questions injury prevention, tennis-specific fitness terms, reading and video assignments and regarding the new Specialist Degree in Tennis Fitness, please direct them to: situational case studies and analysis.

Lane Evans, Levans290@gmail.com. * I’ll be the first to tell you, this degree

Lane Evans is an incoming USPTA National Board Member and is the chairman of the USPTA National Sports Science Committee. He also serves as director of tennis & wellness at Champion Hills Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C. He is a USPTA Elite Professional and has been a member for 30 years.

Nov.-Dec. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 55

USPTA PLATFORM TENNIS

Platform Tennis Season is Here Matt Davis, USPTA Platform Tennis Chair & USPTA Elite Professional

H

also like to do a Platform Tennis ello Platform Tennis Teachers webinar this season on teaching and Tennis Teachers! Welcome the game and skills needed to be to the 2019/2020 Platform Tennis successful.

Season. The USPTA Platform Tennis Under the calendar section Committee has accomplished quite a lot in the past year and in the offseason on the website, you will find the Platform Tennis testing dates to make this the best season yet. and locations for the next four The USPTA Platform Tennis months, and more will be added Committee is made up of members shortly. Our testers review the in player-populated Platform Tennis applications and recommend Divisions. They are Jason Love, testing sites to the testing Mike Rahaley, John Cassas, Gary committee and Horvath, Betsy Heidenberger, National Staff.

Andrew Sorontino, A USPTA Platform Geoff Jagdfeld and tester will be Todd Hiscox. Thanks PLATFORM TENNIS assigned to all to all of them this past our locations and will year for their hard work, provide a little training and, of course, John, Sid and review the study guide and Risa on the USPTA for the test. You will receive the National Staff.

Becoming certified in platform tennis makes study guide and the tester and Here are a few of the things from you a more well-rounded professional.

National Staff will prepare your which USPTA Platform Tennis Tennis benefit USPTA members? If paperwork ahead of the exam. members will benefit. First, you will Below is a list of the USPTA Platform you’re associated with a multisport start to see Platform Educational facility, especially in the Midwest or Tennis Testers. (All testers are USPTA Workshops this year. As of now, we Northeast, you’re probably going to have one planned for Washington, D.C. Platform Tennis Certified and are come across Platform tennis. People members in good standing.)

We are planning them in New York, are looking for ways to stay active • Johan Durant – Massachusetts Illinois, Connecticut and possibly in winter with fun, social activities • Brad Easterbrook – Connecticut Colorado. Our goal is to host education that are also great exercise. You’d be • Gustavo Goncalves – Maryland seminars in the most popular platform surprised at how many clubs and parks • Gary Horvath – Colorado areas with a little social event after. are building Platform tennis courts, • Jason Love – Illinois Whether you have taught for one and more courts means more job • Patricio Misitrano – Connecticut year or more than 10, it’s important opportunities. Becoming certified in • Vlatko Najdek – Pennsylvania to continue to improve as a Platform Platform Tennis will make you a more • Mike Rahaley – Illinois Tennis Professional. It’s also a good well-rounded USPTA Professional and We also have been working hard on time to share ideas and best practices give you the inside track on some of branding the USPTA Platform logo. that work on and off the court. the most prestigious club jobs in the To grow participation, the USPTA The USPTA Platform Tennis country. and APTA will begin promoting each Committee encourages members to If you’d like to learn more about other’s objectives, so you will see the visit TennisResources.com, which Platform Tennis and what the USPTA does have Platform videos but they are USPTA Platform Tennis banner at and our committee are doing, or have APTA Grand Prix events and at sites limited. So, we intend to improve the any ideas or recommendations for where exams are held.

Platform section on our website with the committee, please contact me at How will learning about and more robust information and a more tenace4@gmail.com.* becoming certified in Platform user-friendly interface. We would

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USPTA

New Faces on the National Staff T

he USPTA National Staff has undergone some changes in recent months. Four new faces have joined the World Headquarters since July, and several others have been promoted into new roles.

Dale Bauer joined the USPTA in August and serves as Motion Graphics and Video Production Specialist. Dale graduated from Valencia College in 2018 with a degree in video and motion graphics. Previously, Dale was an Army Specialist in the U.S. National Guard from 2005 to 2008. Dale is originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and likes hiking, biking and rock climbing.

Lucas Casás joined the USPTA in July and serves as Public Relations Coordinator. Lucas graduated from Florida State University in 2016 with a degree in marketing. He previously worked in communications at Orlando City Soccer Club. In his spare time, Lucas enjoys reading and playing sports.

Alegna Hollis joined the USPTA in September and serves as Continuing Education Coordinator.

She previously worked at Westgate Resorts as administrative project analyst. Alegna is currently studying elementary school education at the University of Phoenix. In her spare time, Alegna enjoys cycling and hiking.

Auburn Smith joined the USPTA in September and serves as Membership Services Coordinator.

She previously worked as an intern in the facilities department at the USTA National Campus. Auburn graduated in 2019 with a degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida, where she was also a two-time wheelchair tennis national champion.

Jacquelyn Dahre has been promoted to Membership Services Coordinator.

Jacquelyn will help with all general membership inquiries and will focus on certification and testing. She also processes new applications, grades written exams and updates test scores.

Sarah Fisher has been promoted to Senior Coordinator of Membership & Conference Services.

In new her role, Sarah still helps members with questions and other services, though she will be transitioning away from insurance at the beginning of the year. Sarah will also assume an enhanced role in World Conference planning, from site visits to menu decisions.

Trevor Trudelle has been promoted to the role of Database Manager, where he will work with outside vendors for upgrades to the USPTA database. He will also identify process improvements and optimize the database to maximize efficiency. Trevor will continue working with membership services, including billing and membership login issues and World Conference registration.

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Chief Executive Officer John Embree john.embree@uspta.org................................. x117 Chief Operating Officer Fred Viancos fred.viancos@uspta.org.................................. x128 National Head Tester Sid Newcomb sid.newcomb@uspta.org................................ x149 Director of Membership & Certification Amy Buchanan amy.buchanan@uspta.org............................. x145 Membership Services Coordinator Jacquelyn Dahre jacquelyn.dahre@uspta.org........................... x105 Front Desk Administrator & Events Coordinator Kelli Ferry kelli.ferry@uspta.org...................................... x100 Sr. Coordinator, Membership & Conference Services Sarah Fisher sarah.fisher@uspta.org.................................. x184 Membership Services Coordinator Auburn Smith auburn.smith@uspta.org............................... x160 Database Manager Trevor Trudelle trevor.trudelle@uspta.org ............................. x111 Continuing Education Coordinator Alegna Hollis alegna.hollis@uspta.org................................. x166 Education & Multimedia Manager Ramona Husaru ramona.husaru@uspta.org............................ x147 Director of Finance Michael Tomassini michael.tomassini@uspta.org........................ x102 Accounting Clerk Ashley Walker ashley.walker@uspta.org................................ x141 Controller Ellen Weatherford ellen.weatherford@uspta.org........................ x103 Human Resources Manager Dana Dasch dana.dasch@uspta.org.................................. x118 Video Production Manger John Gerard john.gerard@uspta.org.................................. x122 Motion Graphics & Video Production Specialist Dale Bauer dale.bauer@uspta.org.................................... x121 Video Production Specialist Rico Edwards rico.edwards@uspta.org................................ x143 Director of Communications John Cornell john.cornell@uspta.org.................................. x142 Public Relations Coordinator Lucas Casás lucas.casas@uspta.org................................... x114 Graphic Design Specialist Gustavo Reyes gustavo.reyes@uspta.org............................... x144

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Get Certified

USPTA

4 Credits for PTCA I Segment Exams, Upgrades & PTCA

Nov. 1-2.................................................. Azusa, CA Nov. 2-3............................ Mountlake Terrace, WA Nov. 8......................................... Prairie Village, KS Nov. 8............................................Wilmington, DE Nov. 8-9.....................................................Lehi, UT Nov. 8-9....................................... Westminster, CO Nov. 9.................................................Mequon, WI Nov. 9........................................................ Rye, NH Nov. 9-10...................................... Johns Creek, GA Nov. 11.............................................San Diego, CA Nov. 11-12.................................. San Francisco, CA Nov. 11-12........................................... Orlando, FL Nov. 15................................................. Vienna, VA Nov. 15-16.......................................... Houston, TX Nov. 16............................................ Big Rapids, MI Nov. 16-17........................................ Charlotte, NC Nov. 30-Dec. 1.....................Huntington Beach, CA Nov. 30-Dec. 1................................... Glendale, AZ Dec. 1.............................................Midlothian, VA Dec. 1................................................. Flushing, NY Visit www.uspta.com for a complete listing of certification and educational opportunities • Wheelchair • Padel • Platform • Pickleball

Visit TennisResources.com to find exclusive educational and instructional videos, audio material, articles and drill diagrams related to all levels and aspects of the game of tennis.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President...................................................................... Gary Trost First Vice President................................................. Feisal Hassan Vice Presidents..........................................Cari Buck, Mark Faber,

Trish Faulkner, Bill Mountford, Richard Slivocka

Immediate Past President.............................................Chuck Gill CEO...........................................................................John Embree Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell

Dec. 2.................................................Carlsbad, CA Dec. 7............................................. Boca Raton, FL Dec. 7-8........................................ Johns Creek, GA Dec. 8................................. Hilton Head Island, SC Dec. 8.............................................Brentwood, TN Dec. 9......................................... San Francisco, CA Dec. 13-14.............................................. Dallas, TX Dec. 13-14.............................................. Azusa, CA Dec. 13 ...................................... Minneapolis, MN Dec. 19...............................................Trumbull, CT Dec. 30............................................... Flushing, NY Dec. 30-31.......................................... Burbank, CA

Exam reservations must be made by calling the USPTA World Headquarters at 407-634-3050 ext. 2 at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade. PTCA I is included in the two-day exam.

Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly.

What you need to know about changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

T

he Department of Labor has recently finalized the changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) annual wage requirements. The new rule states that salaried exempt employees who make less than $35,568 would be now eligible for overtime pay under a final rule issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The new rate will take effect Jan. 1, 2020.

To be exempt from overtime under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, employees must be paid a salary of at least the threshold amount and meet certain duties tests. If they are paid less or do not meet the tests, they must be paid overtime for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek.

The new rule will raise the salary threshold to $684 a week ($35,568 annualized) from $455 a week ($23,660 annualized).

ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE Editor.................................................................................John Cornell Managing Editor.................................................................Lucas Casás Layout/Design............................................................... Gustavo Reyes Editorial Assistance..............................Jacquelyn Dahre, Sarah Fisher Alegna Hollis, Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, Auburn Smith, Ellen Weatherford, Fred Viancos, Circulation.................................................................... Trevor Trudelle USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 800-887-8248 - www.uspta.com

ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the United States Professional Tennis Association.

Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA.

Nov.-Dec. 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 59

The day you stop learning is the day you should stop coaching.

-Andre Agassi at the 2019 USPTA World Conference

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