USPTA Eastern - Summer Newsletter 2024 by RSPA

PRESIDENTSMESSAGE

FEELINGTHEOLYMPICSPIRIT FROMPARIS2024TOWRC24

Bienvenue and greetings from the Paris Olympics!

My longtime dream of experiencing the Olympics finally came true in a city that I once had the pleasure of living in! Although my actual dream was to compete in one - and happily many of my players, especially my juniors thought I was competing - this time around I came as a spectator. Who knows what my role may be for Los Angeles in 2028?!

Some of the highlights for me during the opening ceremony was the tribute to heroines of French history; watching Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Amelie Mauresmo carrying the Olympics torch; and the triumph of Celine Dion over her medical condition in her live breathtaking performance of L'Hymne à l'Amour in tribute to the incredible French songstress Edith Piaf! It is interesting to note this is the first Olympics with the same number of male and female athletes competing

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Among the different events I attended, included beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower; field hockey at the historic Yves Manoir Stadium; football (American soccer) at the historic Parc des Princes Stadium; and of course tennis at Roland Garros!

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Some special highlights connected with tennis included watching les trois coups (starting of the event) led by Billie Jean King at one evening tennis program, Justine Henin at a different tennis day program and Andy Murray, who opened the Great Britain v Argentina women’s field hockey match!

The most inspiring tennis I watched came from two women’s doubles teams who deservedly took the gold and silver medals respectively: Italians Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, along with Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, both Russian tennis players who competed as individual neutral athletes. These four female players exhibited grit, spirit and youthful enthusiasm in their matches

Another beautiful takeaway I enjoyed is observing how the spectators from different countries embraced the Olympic spirit by showing their culture in their costume, signage, singing, and waving of their flags it created a beautiful and colorful visual and audio display of unity and peace

PRESIDENT'SMESSAGE

I also want to say bravo/brava to all the volunteers who helped make each event easy to reach and easy to navigate!

And… speaking of Olympics and Olympic spirit… we will be having our own USPTA Divisional Olympics at our upcoming World Racquets Conference 24 (WRC24)! Should be great fun and just another reason to attend this year! We hope you will join us and show off your skills and join in the Olympic competitive spirit of representing our Division! Competition won’t just be in tennis and pickleball but also golf, karaoke, pickleball, stringing, and shark tank innovation presentation!

So become part of the USPTA Eastern Division Olympic team and help us represent at USPTA Eastern with enthusiasm and talent! Register today for WRC24 at the beautiful Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage, CA, from September 15 - 19

And, at our Divisional level, I am proud of all the events and educational offerings our team has been and continues to produce. As you will learn in this issue, we have had quite a number of local coaches workshops in tennis and pickleball throughout our Districts.

Plus you will read about another reason to attend WRC 24 in our Member Spotlight on our Head Pickleball Coach Developer Geoff LoConte, who will proudly be representing USPTA Eastern as a presenter at WRC24!

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We also have some excellent educational articles written by our Elevate Committee Chair Suraj Beniwal and our Metro District President and Tennis Coach Developer Somadi Druker

Hope you will register to attend WRC24, represent our Division during Division Olympics and show your support to Geoff LoConte! This is not only a great opportunity to represent USPTA Eastern but to network and learn from many innovative speakers.

And thank you to our USPTA Eastern Leadership Team for their outstanding efforts to offer educational and networking opportunities to our division members and potential ones. We are moving forward to growing our Division Membership so let’s stay on this positive path. And to our members thank you for attending our programming and we welcome your further involvement or any feedback that can help us grow and sustain our division Please feel free to reach out to me any time!

With deep gratitude

Millie Didio

USPTA Eastern

MEMBERSCORNER

HEATHHOOVER

IT'S BEEN QUITE A SPRING/SUMMER SEASON FOR THE USPTA! WE HAD AN AMAZING DIVISION CONFERENCE BACK IN MAY AT THE ATLANTIC CLUB IN NEW JERSEY! IT WAS A SHARED CONFERENCE WITH THE MIDDLE STATES DIVISION. THE FACILITY WAS FANTASTIC WITH ALL THE SPACE WE NEEDED FOR THE EVENT. WE HAD EXCELLENT SPEAKERS WITH KIM CLIJSTERS, LISA RAYMOND, TIM WILKINSON, MIKE BURRELL, JOAO PINHO, & ESU MA’AT. WE HAD A PICKLEBALL SOCIAL AT THE NEW DEDICATED PICKLEBALL COMPLEX. THE ATTENDANCE WAS VERY GOOD FROM BOTH DIVISIONS.

OVERALL, THE JOINT CONFERENCE WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! OUR DIVISION HAS ALSO HAD A GREAT NUMBER OF LOCAL WORKSHOPS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICTS. IN JUNE, WE HAD A GREAT COACHES WORKSHOP IN THE SOURHERN DISTRICT AT CHESTNUT RIDGE RACQUET CLUB, PUT TOGETHER BY MARC FARELL AND HOSTED BY BRAD BREAKSTONE. WE HAD A GREAT PRESENTATION BY ED KRASS, AND AN ATTENDANCE OF JUST UNDER 30 PEOPLE. WE ALSO HAD A COUPLE OF COACHES WORKSHOPS IN JULY IN THE NORTHERN & WESTERN DISTRICTS RUN BY STEVE PEKICH & JASON JOSEPH. WE HAD ANOTHER COACHES WORKSHOP IN THE NEW JERSEY DISTRICT ON AUGUST 3RD AT THE WEST ORANGE TENNIS CLUB, RUN BY BOB BYNUM AND MARVIN DENT. YOU CAN BET THAT WE WILL HAVE MANY MORE COACHES WORKSHOPS BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR! SO, KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE USPTA EMAILS! AS THE FIRST VICE PRESIDENT, IT IS MY JOB TO REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE EASTERN MEMBERSHIP. WELL, I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT OUR MEMBERSHIP IS HEALTHY AND GROWING! AS OF AUGUST 9TH, WE CURRENTLY HAVE 533 MEMBERS, WHICH IS UP 40% SINCE FEBRUARY 2024 AND WE HAVE SURPASSED THE 528 MEMBERS THAT WE HAD YEARS END OF 2023. WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO THE WORLD RACQUETS CONFERENCE NEXT MONTH AT THE WESTIN RANCHO MIRAGE GOLF RESORT AND SPA IN RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA, SEP 15TH-19TH.

MY OTHER DUTY AS THE 1ST VICE PRESIDENT IS TO SPOTLIGHT ONE OF OUR EXCELLENT MEMBERS! IT IS MY HONOR & PRIVILEGE TO SPOTLIGHT GEOFF LOCONTE.

HEATH HOOVER

1ST VICE PRESIDENT USPTA EASTERN

GEOFF

I AM HUMBLED AND HONORED TO HAVE BEEN CHOSEN TO SPEAK AT THE USPTA WORLD RACQUETS CONFERENCE IN SEPTEMBER IN CALIFORNIA. THE IDEA TO BE A PRESENTER AT THE WORLD RACQUETS CONFERENCE OCCURRED AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE NEW CEO OF THE USPTA, BRIAN DILLMAN, WHILE ATTENDING THE USPTA EASTERN AND MIDDLE STATES DIVISIONAL CONFERENCE. TALKING WITH HIM MOTIVATED ME TO HAVE MORE RACQUETS REPRESENTATION AT DIVISIONAL AND NATIONAL CONFERENCES. I LOVE GROWING THE GAME AND WANT TO SHARE MY KNOWLEDGE OF HOW PURPOSEFUL PRACTICES WHICH EMPLOY A “GAME-BASED” APPROACH CAN BE SUCCESSFUL AND FUN FOR PLAYER AND COACH OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS OF BEING ON COURT I HAVE CURATED A PORTFOLIO OF WORTHWHILE GAMES THAT ARE TRULY BENEFICIAL. I SENT IN A SUBMISSION OF WHAT MY PRESENTATION WOULD ENTAIL AND THE USPTA NATIONAL COMMITTEE APPROVED IT. I WAS NOT ANTICIPATING THEM SAYING YES TO MY PRESENTATION IDEA BECAUSE I MISSED THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND KNEW THE CALIBER OF PRESENTERS WHO WERE BEING ACCEPTED. IT’S TRULY A DREAM COME TRUE, AFTER SAYING TO MY GODPARENTS FOR YEARS THAT I WAS NEVER GOING TO COACH OR PLAY PICKLEBALL, AND HERE L AM!! “NEVER SAY NEVER”. PICKLEBALL HAS ENRICHED AND CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER IN SO MANY POSITIVE WAYS AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITY OF SPEAKING AND NETWORKING WITH SO MANY INDUSTRY EXPERTS AND REPRESENTING THE USPTA EASTERN DIVISION AT THE WORLD RACQUETS CONFERENCE THIS COMING SEPTEMBER.

HERE IS MORE ABOUT GEOFF:

GEOFF IS CURRENTLY THE DIRECTOR OF PICKLEBALL AND PLATFORM TENNIS AT BEACH POINT CLUB AND HEAD PICKLEBALL COACH DEVELOPER FOR THE EASTERN SECTION. PRIOR TO BEACH POINT CLUB HE HAD BEEN THE HEAD PROFESSIONAL AT SEVERAL LOCAL CLUBS IN THE WESTCHESTER AREA, TO NAME A FEW: PLEASANTVILLE TENNIS CLUB, ORIENTA BEACH CLUB, AND BONNIE BRIAR COUNTRY CLUB.

HE STARTED HIS COACHING CAREER IN 2006 AND IS A USPTA ELITE TENNIS PROFESSIONAL, USPTA PLATFORM PROFESSIONAL, A USPTA PICKLEBALL PROFESSIONAL. IN ADDITION HE IS A CERTIFIED PTR AND PPR PROFESSIONAL, AN RPPK CERTIFIED PICKLEBALL PROFESSIONAL AND AN IPTPA PICKLEBALL PROFESSIONAL FOR ADULTS AND JUNIORS. HE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN TENNIS MAGAZINE AND IS WORKING ON A PICKLEBALL BOOK, WHICH WILL BE RELEASED IN DECEMBER. IN ADDITION, HE IS THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR JUNIOR FORCE PICKLEBALL.

GEOFF LOVES GROWING THE GAME OF ALL THREE RACQUET SPORTS WITH PLAYERS OF ALL LEVELS AND AGES. IT’S VERY GRATIFYING WHEN A PLAYER CAN FEEL THEIR IMPROVEMENT AND ENJOY THE PROCESS OF LEARNING. HE BELIEVES THAT MINDSET MATTERS AND CURIOSITY IS ONE OF THE KEYS TO HELPING PLAYERS PLAY TO THEIR STRENGTHS

GEOFF CONTINUES TO COMPETE IN ALL THREE RACQUET SPORTS WHEN HE HAS TIME OFF THE COURT.

USPTA Coaches Workshop

June 14th, 2024

USPTACOACHDEVELOPMENT

CERTIFICATIONANDEDUCATIONAL

WORKSHOP

SOUTHAMPTONBATHANDTENNISCLUB

Southhampton

June5th-7th

InarecenteventinSouthampton,NY,theUSPTACoachDevelopmentprogramhostedahighlyanticipated Level2certificationcourseledbySomadiDruker.Overthecourseofthreedays,thecertificationprogram providedanintensivelearningexperiencefortenniscoacheseagertoadvancetheirskillsandknowledge.The programwasfollowedbyanengagingcoachesworkshopwithUSPTATennisProfessionalJackieClark, USPTAEliteTennisProfessionalLeeSutorandUSPTAEliteProfessionalandPresidentofUSPTAEastern MillieDidio,thatofferedparticipantsanopportunitytodelvedeeperintocoachingtechniquesandstrategies Theeventwasmetwithgreatenthusiasmfromtheattendees,whowereexcitedtolearnfromsomeofthebest expertsinthefieldTheworkshopwasparticularlywell-received,withparticipantspraisingthepracticaldrills andinnovativeapproachessharedbythepresenters.

SomadiDruker,USPTAEliteProfessional,CoachDeveloperandHeadMen’sTennisCoachatQueens College,ledthecertificationandworkshopandexpressedherexcitementabouttheevent:“Itwasvery excitingtobeabletotrainsomeofthenewandupcomingcoachesinthearea.Ican’twaittoseewhatthey willbringtotheUSPTAandtennisasawhole.”Shefurtherhighlightedthesuccessoftheworkshop,noting, “Theworkshopwasalsoagreatsuccessaswegottolearn,meet,andsharesomegooddrillstohelpusgrow ascoaches.”

TheSouthamptoneventnotonlyprovidedvaluablecertificationbutalsofosteredavibrantcommunityof coachesdedicatedtoenhancingtheirskillsandcontributingtothegrowthoftennis Wearegratefulto DirectorofTennisatSouthamptonBathandTennisClub,LeeSutorforhostingthecertification/workshop.

USPTAEDUCATIONALCLINIC

ROCHESTER,NYJULY15-21

BYSTEVEPEKICH

The Tennis Club of Rochester was the setting for a USPTA Educational Clinic while it hosted a Mens Futures during the week of July 15-21. Host and TCR General Manager Deanna Kiernan showcased the Clinic on Thursday, July 18 on a central club court. TCR pro and former USPTA College Coach of the Year Jason Stephens was the TCR pro and Steve Pekich, Western USPTA Vice President each presented an hour of instruction for the JV high school player

Besides all the Future group of USPTA profes fro

EDUCATION& CERTIFICATION Pickleball Workshop

By Geoff LoConte

This past July, Pickleball Head Coach Developer Geoff LoConte held a pickleball certification workshop in Mamaroneck for 8 outstanding coaches who were eager to take their pickleball knowledge to the next level. For some, it was their first time being certified in a racquet sport, one coach even traveled all the way from Washington D.C., and some of the coaches already had their USPTA tennis certification. It was a fun afternoon of camaraderie, learning and applying the “how’s” and the “what’s” to coach when on the pickleball court. The coaches had put a lot of effort and time into preparing for this workshop before the oncourt portion of the certification process and it paid off. Each coach demonstrated their capability of confidently grasping the knowledge of the pickleball game to coach during a group lesson.

The next pickleball workshop will be August 28th, from 3-6pm at The Pickleball Club at Monroe, NJ. The cost is $15/pp. You can register @ (this needs to be filled in - where can the coaches register?) It’s a Games Workshop held by Head Pickleball Coach Developer Geoff LoConte and Director of Pickleball at The Pickleball Club at Monroe - Igor Silva Coaches will share real games for real fun that deliver real results. This is a must attend for coaches to learn more games to use from different areas of the court. After the workshop some light refreshments will be served so coaches can network.

If you would like to host a pickleball workshop or certification course at your club please reach out to Coach Geoff by email - gjloconte@gmail.com.

EDUCATIONCORNER BY SURAJ BENIWAL

Running a successful tennis program, especially for young kids, involves balancing professionalism, engagement, and creating a supportive environment. Maintaining a professional and safe environment for all stakeholders is crucial. A professional demeanor not only builds trust but also ensures the focus remains on the players' growth and well-being.

Encouraging continuous movement during training sessions is important. Increased physical activity boosts dopamine levels, resulting in happier and more engaged players Effort alone doesn’t change outcomes; we need a different perspective For younger children, it’s beneficial to avoid individual competition and instead focus on team games This approach helps build camaraderie and reduces the pressure associated with solo performance To prevent overwhelming players, it’s essential to limit tasks and goals to no more than two at a time. This focused approach enhances learning and skill development.

Catching players doing something right and offering praise is more effective than constantly correcting errors. Positive reinforcement and words of affirmation foster confidence and encourage continued effort and improvement. Building training plans around four key elements consistency, depth, direction, and speed/spin is crucial Tailoring these elements based on the player’s level ensures appropriate challenges and development

Creating a positive court culture is vital. Encouraging players to give high fives after drills, little games, and ball pickups, and making simple things like water breaks fun, builds a sense of belonging. This simple gesture promotes teamwork and a supportive environment. It’s also important to know each player by name, even in large groups. I manage around 110 kids in the U10 category and 50 in the high-performance group, and I’m proud to say I know every player’s name. This personal touch makes players feel valued and fosters a sense of belonging.

The club won the USTA Sportsmanship Award for distributing the most sportsmanship awards in the eastern region This recognition highlights the importance of instilling good sportsmanship in players A positive environment significantly reduces conflicts and enhances enjoyment. Over the past three years of running tournaments and tennis programs, we have observed fewer conflicts and more enjoyment among participants due to the emphasis on sportsmanship and positive reinforcement.

Through these methods, one can foster a thriving and enjoyable tennis community.

Education Corner

by Somadi Drucker

JOIN TODAY AND REAP THE BENEFITS

Now is an exciting time to be a part of the association! In addition to educational changes, I’ve outlined our goals for 2023 below:

1. Education

a. Continue to provide regular monthly webinars

b. Return to in-person workshops & conferences

2. Improve Communication

a. Create a schedule of regular marketing content

b. Conduct Semi-Yearly Virtual Town Halls

c. Survey our Membership more often

3.Help Facilitate New National Education Track

a. Continue to Liaison between National and Eastern Division

b. Provide Communication regarding Educational Changes

4. Create New Partnerships

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a. PTM Programs

b. Early Education College Programs

c. Local Clubs in our Districts

d. Attract a More Diverse & Inclusive Full Board of Directors

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WHO WE ARE

WE ARE TENNIS! THE USTA (UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION) IS THE NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY FOR THE SPORT OF TENNIS AND THE LEADER IN PROMOTING AND DEVELOPING THE SPORT’S GROWTH ON EVERY LEVEL IN THE UNITED STATES, FROM LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO THE CROWN JEWEL OF THE PROFESSIONAL GAME, THE US OPEN.

THE ROLE

AS THE NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER HEAD PRO OF JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT, YOU WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE IN FACILITATING GROUP PROGRAMMING AND LESSON DELIVERY, LEADING AND TRAINING STAFF TENNIS PROFESSIONALS, AND ASSISTING IN EVENT MANAGEMENT. YOU WILL SERVE AS A LIAISON BETWEEN THE NTC, OUR CUSTOMERS, AND EXTERNAL ORGANIZATIONS WHILE COORDINATING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TENNIS PROFESSIONALS.

WHAT WE OFFER

AT THE USTA, WE KNOW PEOPLE ARE OUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET. FOR THIS REASON, WE OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF A DIVERSE WORKFORCE! COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS DESIGNED TO MEET YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS: MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, ACCESS TO DOCTORS VIRTUALLY, A FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT TO MANAGE YOUR HEALTH AND DEPENDENT CARE EXPENSES, AND LIFE AND DISABILITY INSURANCE ARE A SMALL PART OF OUR OFFERINGS.

TIME TO RECHARGE AND ENERGIZE: GENEROUS PAID TIME OFF POLICY - INCLUDING VACATION, SICK, PERSONAL, AND PAID HOLIDAYS, PARENTAL LEAVE, AND A PAID WINTER RECESS.

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE FINANCIALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY: 401(K) WITH EMPLOYER MATCHING (UP TO 3%), PROMOTIONAL AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS TO LEARN ON THE JOB, AND UP TO $5,000 FOR TUITION REIMBURSEMENT, PER ACADEMIC YEAR. MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS: RESOURCES FOR OVERALL WELL-BEING INCLUDING MENTAL HEALTH AND MEDITATION BENEFITS.

OTHER COOL PERKS: A PERSONALIZED HEALTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, PET INSURANCE, COMMUTER BENEFITS, IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION, DISCOUNTS WITH OUR NETWORK OF PARTNERS, AND FUN EVENTS ARE JUST A FEW OF THE OPTIONAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE.

THE EXPECTED RANGE FOR THE BASE SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS $110,000 - $125,000.

2024“LittleMo”Internationals

Opentoallplayersworldwide(GirlsandBoysages8-16)

“LittleMo”Divisions:ages8-12(GreenDot:ages8,9,10) (YellowBall:ages8-12)

“BigMo”Divisions:ages13-16(YellowBallOnly Drawslimitedto32ineachagedivision(entriesonafirst come,first-servedbasis)

Singles/Doubles/MixedDoubles

Playersplaytheirownbirthyear

OpeningCeremonywithPlayerParadeofNations

PlayerClinicandPlayerParty

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Beach Gardens Tennis Center Palm Beach Gardens, Florida December 6-11, 2024

DUNLOP IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH THE USPTA AND OFFER ITS MEMBERS MORE CHOICE FROM

EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR'S REPORT

BYPAULFONTANA

Hello USPTA Eastern membership, I hope everyone is having a great summer! I want to thank everyone for continuing to support the USPTA, our division membership has been expanding since January and our goal is 600 members by December 31! If you know of any potential members, please encourage them to go to uspta com and begin the application process If they need any guidance, have them call me directly on (914) 656-0614. We appreciate your efforts in advance. We continue to have workshops throughout the Eastern Division, and we all are invited to the World Racquets Conference in September To register, go to: Display event - USPTA World Racquets Conference 2024 If you have any questions, please reach out to me.

The USPTA continues to expand our pickleball and padel certifications Please check uspta com for more information and dates of certifications Geoff Loconte is our new Pickleball Coach Developer If you would like to organize a Pickleball certification or event, please reach out to him at: giloconte@gmail.com. Also, Geoff will be presenting at the World Racquets Conference, congratulations Geoff, I am looking forward to his presentation and I hope to see a full house of Eastern members there!

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In closing, I want to thank you for your continued support! As tennis, pickleball, platform and padel continue to grow, our membership becomes more important in each of those communities Please stay current with your education credits and if you need any assistance, please reach out to me directly.

Have a great summer!

Paul Fontana, Executive Director

Paul Fontana

Executive Director

USPTA Eastern Division