Let’s Be Leaders at
Brian Dillman | RSPA CEO
Being Human
This is a lofty title, but it’s incredibly meaningful to me. In 1996, I moved to Munich, Germany, to become the marketing director for Wilson Racquet Sports. It was an amazing opportunity, but I was as green as a tennis court and had so much to learn. My boss at the time—an American who spoke four languages and had a hard-charging leadership style—taught me one critical skill early on: shut up and listen.
On one of our first trips to Zurich, Switzerland, we met with a new product distributor. After a productive meeting, we went to lunch—four of them and four of us. My strategy was simple: watch what everyone else did and copy them. When the coffee came, my German and French colleagues smirked and whispered that the chocolate on the saucer was meant as sweetener. So, I plunked it into my coffee and stirred.
They burst out laughing—it was a playful welcome to Europe prank. I laughed too and drank my overly sweet coffee, realizing that cultural awareness and a willingness to try—even if you stumble—can go a long way.
What did that experience teach me?
Cultural awareness is the secret to success and willingness to try, fail, learn and try some more. Since that first encounter, I have traveled to 56 different countries and attempted to become very culturally aware. Never thinking I must be heard, I intentionally make the conversation about others to absorb as much as possible and help validate their self-esteem. Remember, “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want,” said American motivational speaker Zig Ziglar.
Why Does This Matter?
In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, love and belonging is number three on the list. We are all searching for friends, colleagues and clients with shared needs and experiences. As racquet sports professionals, we are in the unique position to be leaders at being human. This issue of ADDvantage magazine focuses on inclusion. My personal definition of inclusion is being human, being open to diverse thoughts and that each human has their own perspective on the world. Being human, as racquet sports professionals, allows us to have a positive impact on our students, our peers and the teams around us. I believe that a high percentage of humans are on this planet to do good things, and as teachers, we can help them get there.
A Story of Impact
The number of examples in our industry of humans being human are too numerous to count, but one touched me in particular.
Before I started in this role at the RSPA, I was doing some part-time teaching in Wheaton, Ill, at the Wheaton Sports Center. I met a great guy in our group lessons named Tony. Tony was a 76-year-old African American who had a tough serve and a solid forehand, but no power behind his one-handed backhand. He came to me for a private lesson and after the hour, I asked him how he got into tennis. Tony shared with me that while he was in the army stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, he was in a bad state—drinking, smoking and generally
lacking direction.
One hot summer day, he walked by a tennis court and there was a gentleman on the court hitting serves. Tony said he was fascinated by the way the guy just kept hitting serves under the melting Texas sun. Tony stopped to ask him why he was doing that and instead of answering the question, the man offered Tony a racquet and gave him a few pointers on how to play. They worked together for over two hours and then parted ways. Tony never found out the name of the man teaching him, but from that day forward, Tony stopped drinking and smoking and found purpose in his life with tennis as the cornerstone. Tony’s coach was human.
“Cultural awareness is the secret to success and willingness to try, fail, learn and try some more.”
During my travels around the world, I have found being human always wins. When we think about the true impact that we, as coaches, have on people’s lives, remember Tony’s
coach.
Let’s all be human.
Brian
Dillman
RSPA CEO
The Importance of
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Racquet Sports Industry
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are not buzzwords—they are vital principles that drive organizational success and foster positive change within communities. The racquet sports industry is no exception. The RSPA has made significant strides to embrace these principles, not only for the growth of the sport but also to reflect the diversity of the society that we serve.
While often discussed together, diversity, equity and inclusion are distinct yet interconnected components. Diversity refers to the presence of a variety of different groups within a community, including distinctions based on race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and many other characteristics. Equity addresses fairness and justice to provide equal access and opportunity, regardless of background or identity. Inclusion is the active and intentional engagement of these diverse groups, ensuring they feel valued and have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Lastly, belonging—though not always listed with DE&I —speaks to the feeling of being able to be one’s authentic self, knowing that differences are celebrated rather than marginalized.
The RSPA has recognized that a diverse and inclusive membership is
essential to growing the racquet sports community. As part of its commitment to DE&I, the RSPA has established seven task forces to address different facets of diversity: African American, Women’s Group, Adaptive, Asian American, LGBTQ+, Hispanic American and Native American. Each task force works to ensure the voices and experiences of underrepresented groups are heard and valued.
This approach is not only about representation but also about creating a culture of equity where all individuals have access to opportunities and feel respected within the community. These efforts help improve the industry’s inclusivity by offering role models, mentorship and leadership opportunities to people from diverse backgrounds, ultimately benefiting both the sports and the people involved in it.
One of the most significant benefits of DE&I initiatives is their ability to foster a sense of community. When individuals feel they belong, they are more likely to remain engaged and contribute to the growth of the sports. This sense
of belonging extends to all members, regardless of race, gender or background. Teams composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds often bring a variety of perspectives and skills, which can lead to more innovative solutions to problems. In an industry where adaptability is key, having diverse thoughts can drive creativity and success.
By promoting and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, organizations in the racquet sports industry are aligning themselves with broader social causes to help elevate social justice, creating a ripple effect that benefits society.
DE&I also contributes to the development of leaders who understand the value of inclusion. These leaders are better equipped to manage diverse teams and navigate complex social and professional dynamics, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.
The racquet sports industry stands to benefit greatly from embracing DE&I on all levels. From improving decision-making and fostering innovation to enhancing employee morale and retention, the benefits of DE&I are
Jason Gilbert | RSPA Vice President with Editorial Assistance from Greg “Moose” DeMoustes | RSPA FL Regional President
clear. Furthermore, organizations that prioritize DE&I are likely to have a better understanding of their customers’ needs and can build stronger, more empathetic relationships with them.
As the world continues to evolve, so must the organizations and industries that make it thrive. Embracing DE&I isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for the growth and success of the racquet sports community. By prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion, the sports will become more vibrant, more
innovative and more representative of the world we live in.
The RSPA’s commitment to DE&I is a step in the right direction, but it’s only the beginning. By continuing to champion diversity, equity and inclusion within the racquet sports community, we will create a more welcoming, fair and dynamic environment for everyone involved. Whether you’re players, coaches or industry professionals, we all have roles to play in making the sports stronger and more inclusive for the generations to come. `
Get Involved
If you wish to support any of the RSPA DE&I task forces or become an ally, please reach out to RSPA DE&I task force chair, Jason Gilbert at gilbert@ ustaflorida.com.
Unveils Innovative Tennis Ball Packaging for a Greener Tomorrow
As the world shifts toward sustainability, Dunlop is proud to announce a simple yet innovative solution for tennis ball packaging: the introduction of cardboard lids and paper labels replacing traditional plastic lids and plastic sleeves. This bold step forward is a game-changer for both tennis players and the environment, reflecting our commitment to creating eco-friendly solutions that don’t compromise on performance.
For years, tennis balls have been stored in plastic cans—an essential item for the sport, but a significant contributor to global plastic waste. Dunlop is changing that narrative with packaging that now uses 100% recyclable cardboard lids and paper labels, making it easier for players to reduce their environmental impact while enjoying their favorite sport.
Why It Matters
The shift to cardboard lids and paper labels offers numerous benefits over plastic packaging. First and foremost, the cardboard lids and paper labels are fully recyclable, unlike their plastic counterparts, which often end up in landfills or oceans. This small but powerful change helps reduce plastic waste and contributes to a cleaner, healthier planet. Furthermore, the cans themselves now contain 30% recycled PET, reducing the amount of virgin plastic used. Our packaging may have changed but the balls themselves have not. You can still expect the same high-quality performance, consistency and durability that is synonymous with all Dunlop tennis balls.
Join Us in Making a Difference
With the launch of this more eco-friendly packaging, Dunlop is offering tennis enthusiasts the chance to make a direct impact on sustainability, one can at a time. As a leader in tennis equipment innovation, we’re proud to be part of a movement that aligns the sport with the global push for environmental responsibility. There are further improvements that still need to be made when considering products and packaging as a whole, but this is a meaningful step in the right direction.
We Do More Than Just Tennis
With the RSPA evolving into a multi-racquet sport organization, we thought this was a good opportunity to talk about our other sports besides tennis. Dunlop, already renowned for premium tennis gear, is also the industry leader in equipment for squash at all levels of the game as well as being an early adopter in the growth of padel in the 1990s. And pickleball enthusiasts, we’ve got you! Stay tuned for developments in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey in these other racquet sports, we’re here to support your game with innovative designs, cutting-edge technology and trusted craftsmanship.
Squash
Equipment: A World Leader
Dunlop has been designing and manufacturing squash products since the 1950s and has built a reputation for innovation, performance and quality. Dunlop is the global market leader when it comes to squash balls being the official ball of the WSF, PSA Tour, US Squash and now RSPA. Countless legends of the game including reigning world No.1 Ali Farag use Dunlop racquets and equipment at the highest level of the game.
Padel Gear: Style Meets Performance
For padel players, we’ve curated a collection of equipment that blend durability and performance with style. Featuring advanced materials and optimized specifications, our padel equipment is perfect for players of all levels. We’ve applied our expertise in tennis ball design and manufacturing to create a range of high performing and durable padel balls which have been tested and approved by the International Padel Federation.
Why Choose Us?
With a legacy of excellence in racquet sports, we bring the same dedication to quality and innovation across all our product lines. Whether it’s squash, padel or tennis, our gear is designed to elevate your performance and maximize your enjoyment of the game.
Join the community of athletes who trust our brand to fuel their passion. Explore Dunlop products and take your game to the next level!
NO.1 BALL ON TOUR*
CERTIFICATION CALENDAR
FEBRUARY 2025
MARCH 2025
Steve Flink | International Tennis Hall of Fame
The world of professional tennis is a commendable place for a multitude of reasons. It is an international sport featuring players from a wide range of backgrounds, celebrating men and women alike for their diversity and showcasing playing styles which fit the personalities of durable competitors who walk on court determined to succeed, however they can. They are individuals trying to define themselves by virtue of their methodologies and imaginations, and inspire us with their spirit, fortitude and creativity.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about pro tennis is its inclusivity. These men and women emerge from all corners of the globe and varied economic circumstances, hoping to make their mark, knowing the difficulties they face in making a living when surrounded by so many capable athletes with the same aspirations, realistic about the task at hand.
As I sit behind my laptop, thinking about the inclusivity in tennis, two Black men from France are in the forefront of my mind. One is the sprightly, charismatic,
well-rounded Arthur Fils. This 20-yearold dynamo finished 2024 stationed at No. 20 in the world after winning one Challenger tournament in May and two ATP 500 level titles later in the year. He was victorious in Hamburg on clay in the summer, toppling Sascha Zverev in the final by coming through in a third set tiebreak. That was a big win for Fils against a player who finished 2024 at No. 2 in the world. In October, Fils won the title on
hard courts in Tokyo. Altogether in 2024, he won 37 of 63 matches in a productive campaign and in December, he was deservedly the top seed at the year end Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah.
Fils naturally connects with crowds everywhere he competes with his congeniality, generosity of spirit and scintillating range of shot making. Had he performed better at the four Grand Slam tournaments and some of the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, Fils would have been able to make a move toward securing a top ten ranking in 2024; However, this year, he will inevitably close in on that territory. If he does not finish 2025 ranked somewhere between No. 8 and No. 12 in the world, I will be very surprised. The second Black Frenchman making substantial inroads across 2024 was an extraordinary 21-year-old who is a magnificent server and a big hitter, capable of comprehensively blasting adversaries off the court. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is an imposing competitor who is 6’8 and hit a career high of No. 30 in the world, late in the 2024 season, after achieving
prodigiously all year long. He won 16 of 28 matches and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon as a lucky loser, emerging from the qualifying event. In the main draw, he ousted No. 21 seed Sebastian Korda among others, releasing 51 aces over five sets in a first-round clash. That stellar showing was on grass, but Perricard won tournaments on clay and hard courts. He took the ATP 250 title in Lyon on the dirt and was the victor at the ATP 500 event in Basel on hard courts, upending the formidable Danish player Holger Rune and the American Ben Shelton, back-to-back in the last two rounds. Perricard needs to improve his backhand, but otherwise there are few holes in his game. He moves astonishingly well for a man of his size. Perricard was deservedly awarded the ATP Most
Improved Player of the Year award in 2024. During 2025, he will surely rise considerably in the rankings to a place inside the top twenty.
The way I look at it, the Frenchmen were two of the standout figures in men’s tennis this past year. They conducted themselves exceedingly well, giving the galleries an awful lot to shout about everywhere they went, bringing new life into tennis with the way they played and the ferocity they displayed on the tennis battlefield. They called to mind another Black Frenchman from the recent past who had a big serve, looked like Muhammad Ali and performed with an unmistakable flamboyance: 2008 Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
In any event, Fils and Perricard were shining symbols of the inclusiveness that
exists in the world of tennis. They are a pair of tremendous athletes and sportsmen of the highest order and will be contending for Grand Slam titles in the near future. They are exemplary young men and immensely appealing players who stand for the best this great game has to offer.
WORLD-CLASS WINDSCREENS
TUFFY® windscreens deliver top-tier performance with 50% more microfibers than standard VCP, offering exceptional strength, tear resistance, and UV protection. With 23 color options and a 5-year limited prorated warranty, TUFFY® is highly recommended for printing, making it the perfect choice for tennis and pickleball courts in schools, resorts, and residential communities.
Unmatched Durability. Unbeatable Performance. Endless Possibilities.
Enhanced Privacy & Focus: Reduce distractions and create a sleek, professional backdrop.
Customizable Style: Elevate your space with bold, vibrant designs using CHROMA-BOND® world-class printing.
Durable & Lightweight: Built with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio for lasting reliability.
Racquet Sports
Adaptive Adaptive Making Making
Wendy Tatum | RSPA Member
The Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center in Florida recognizes the importance of inclusivity and awareness in our community. We have always prided ourselves in being part of a team and working together with outstanding groups of people that embody and bring the community a sense of belonging, support and interaction. There are individuals who struggle with limited resources and disabilities that are overlooked. Our primary focus has always been to bring people together by reaching out to communities and promoting awareness through racquet sports. We have partnered with different foundations to bring these programs to life. Our programs provide opportunities and benefits beyond the court. We offer some workshops that include training opportunities for adaptive and wheelchair classes. By working with local charities, we have been able to partner with foundations such as the unLIMBited Foundation in September 2023 to provide fundraising opportunities through racquet sports. These financial resources provide housing to families while their children, who suffer from bone disease, limb deficiencies
and skeletal abnormalities, are being treated at the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute. The Jack and Jill of America is an African American led nonprofit organization committed to addressing issues affecting African American children and their families, with the mission to invest in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term. Their programs are aimed to provide constructive education, physical education, mental health and civic enhancement. The goal is to provide private group lessons for eight to ten children, and promote recreational growth and social development within our community. By working with the Love Serving Autism organization, we have had the opportunity to offer over 90 youth sessions and 60 adult sessions throughout the last year. The Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center collaborated with Love Serving Autism to coordinate a first of its kind innovative HEART camp (Health, Education, Adaptive Recreation and Therapies), focused on adaptive tennis
and pickleball sessions on-court. It also incorporates therapeutic practices which include speech, occupational, physical and behavioral therapies that are provided to children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental challenges. We have offered three weeklong sessions throughout the summers of 2023 and 2024. Moving forward, the USTA LSA inclusive all girl’s camp on May 5, 2024, was held for all abilities and ages, ranging from five to 18 years and older, with a special outreach to girls with ASD and unique abilities. The purpose of this camp was to empower girls of various ages and abilities to show that they have a place in all aspects of tennis and sports learning from female coaches and leaders. Additionally, Jamie’s Angels serves our tennis community members with special needs. Tennis is adapted to adults and children with various abilities. This class meets eight times per year with an average of twenty-five participants in attendance for every session. Wheelchair tennis is available for twenty-four sessions a year along with tournaments and training.
Through dedication, a growing number of programs, teamwork and volunteers who have supported our professionals and participants, we have made great strides to provide an innovative and inclusive environment to all members of our community. Looking forward to the future, we will continue to collaborate and form partnerships to pave the way for new opportunities that will reach not only our community, but other neighboring areas. We are committed to promoting physical, mental and social well-being through our programs for all children and adults in racquet sports.
TheP OWE R
POWER
Racquet sports, including tennis, squash, platform tennis, padel and pickleball, are renowned for their universal appeal, drawing players from all walks of life. Despite this global reach, the world of racquet sports coaching and teaching has historically lagged in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). By prioritizing these principles, the RSPA strives to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to thrive, both on and off the court.
Breaking Down Barriers
Historically, racquet sports have been associated with exclusivity. For decades, access to facilities, professional coaching and competitive opportunities have been disproportionately available to wealthier communities, limiting the participation of underrepresented groups. Recognizing these systemic barriers is the first step toward dismantling them.
Coaches and teaching professionals play a pivotal role in this effort. By actively seeking to include players from diverse backgrounds and offering equitable opportunities, they can foster greater participation. For instance, partnering with community organizations to provide free or low-cost lessons in underserved areas can make racquet sports more accessible. The RSPA DE&I committee
of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
in Racquet Sports Coaching
Jim Stockwell | RSPA Chief Service Officer
with Editorial Assistance from Aislinn Leonard | RSPA Public Relations Coordinator
strives to support and amplify grassroots efforts through the organization and individual coaches.
Cultural Competency in Coaching
Cultural awareness is essential in connecting with athletes and students. Players often bring their unique experiences, values and perspectives to the court. Coaches who embrace cultural differences and adapt their teaching methods accordingly are more likely to build trust and foster strong relationships. Language barriers can be addressed by learning key phrases in an athlete’s native tongue or by using visual teaching aids. These gestures demonstrate respect and a willingness to meet players where they are at culturally and linguistically.
open dialogue about biases and implementing inclusive policies can transform racquet sports into a model of equality.
Creating Inclusive Spaces A Path
Forward
The benefits of embracing DE&I in racquet sports coaching are far reaching. Beyond the ethical imperative, it enhances the vibrancy and sustainability of the sports. A diverse and inclusive racquet sports community is more innovative, dynamic and reflective of the world we live in. Coaches and teaching professionals hold the power to make this vision a reality, one lesson at a time. The RSPA is committed to DE&I and we ensure racquet sports are not just games, but platforms for unity, growth and opportunity for all.
Representation Within the RSPA
Equity in racquet sports extends beyond the court. Facilities, tournaments and recreational programs must ensure that all players feel welcomed. This involves addressing issues like gender inclusivity, accommodating players with disabilities and fostering environments free of discrimination. Coaches and teaching professionals can lead by example, setting a tone of respect and inclusivity. Hosting workshops on DE&I, encouraging
The RSPA is home to seven committees, better known as our task forces. We recognize diversity and inclusion through these task forces: LGBTQ+, African American, Native American, Adaptive, Asian American, Hispanic American and Women. They serve as a lifeline between the RSPA and members by allowing members to share their expertise, get involved with their communities and help make the RSPA stronger. Every day, these task forces enrich the racquet sports community and add a deeper, more fulfilling experience for everyone.
The LGBTQ+ task force serves to promote tolerance, acceptance, awareness, inclusiveness and education. They provide a safe, non-judgmental space as a support network for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and straight youth who share a common vision of social equality.
As part of their vision, they aim to promote and sustain visibility and a sense of community throughout the RSPA which includes the national office and all the divisions within the RSPA. They recognize and value differences and take an intersectional approach to the association and believe that fighting one form of oppression means fighting all forms. The LGBTQ+ task force is committed to promoting equality and respect for all people.
African American
The initiatives for the African American task force group are to grow the community of African American racquet sports professionals. The task force is involved in outreach to players, coaches, professionals and more to ensure individuals know that having a career as a racquet sports instructor is possible, as well as the opportunity to be more involved in the industry. In addition, they want members to know the different opportunities and areas available to them to grow their career, such as becoming a director of racquet sports or a club manager.
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President. Trish Faulkner
First Vice President Mark Faber
Vice Presidents Jason Gilbert, Jenny Gray, Kevin Theos, Milos Vasovic
Immediate Past President Rich Slivocka
CEO & Contributing Editor Brian Dillman
Legal Counsel George Parnell
Starting early in 2021, the Native American task force group was created to be more inclusive with their environment through versatile communication methods, sharing with other communities and working with the other task force groups. The task force wants to bring more opportunity and awareness to the Native American communities they are serving within and outside the RSPA.
Asian American
The Asian task force group’s mission is to ensure Asian racquet sports professionals views are represented in the industry. Their initiatives involve helping Asian professionals with their racquet sports teaching career, increasing the membership base and assisting Asian pros with gaining a higher level of coaching and career path.
Hispanic American
The Hispanic American task force aims to raise awareness for Hispanic American coaches and professionals in the industry. They want Hispanic American coaches to get more involved with teaching racquet sports, learn from each other and gain opportunities to show their passion to people.
In August of 2024, in collaboration with the USTA, they held the first edition of the USTA Hispanic Coaches Workshop in Manhattan. The purpose was to celebrate tennis and the Latino culture, show their passion, share ideas, generate programs and so much more. The passion and energy shown from this event and the WRC24 panel session with Allan Jensen, Hispanic American task force
member, are just stepping stones to the greatness they will achieve in the future.
Women
The women’s task force strives for representation of women in the racquet sports community because they believe it is imperative for the growth, inclusivity and success of the community. By representing women, the community can acquire unique perspectives, skills and approaches to coaching that can inspire and motivate athletes differently. This is especially crucial for female athletes who often lack visible role models in leadership positions within their sport.
Adaptive
The mission of the adaptive task force is to promote inclusion and accessibility in racquet sports by supporting adaptive programs for individuals with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through education, resources and collaboration, the task force empowers racquet sports professionals to create inclusive opportunities that foster growth, community and a lifelong love for the sport. Their work ensures that everyone can participate in racquet sports, regardless of ability.