USPTA Intermountain Newsletter - Winter 2022

Winter 2022 The mission of the USPTA Board of Directors is to grow tennis and to facilitate the success of all USPTA Pros. This newsletter is one tool we employ to fulfill our mission. Therefore, our newsletter provides information, tips, and resources to help you succeed and grow the game of tennis.

Letter from the President — Andy Zodin Dear Intermountain ProsHappy 2022! I hope your holidays were joyous and your teams won their bowl games! As we move into the new year, we are moving briskly toward our Annual Conference, which will again be (mostly) virtual this year.

Please save the dates of February 22-25. Zoom presentations will be scheduled Tuesday (6-8pm), Wednesday (12-2pm & 6-8pm), and Thursday (12-2pm). Each presentation will be one hour, for a total of 8 seminars. On Friday night, we will be LIVE in person at Randy Ross Tennis Center in Centennial, CO (6-8pm) for an evening of drills and a panel discussion. 10 hours of credits at stake, in total.

Presentation details are still being firmed up, but I can assure you the field will be stacked and the topics will be in sync with today's crazy world of tennis industry curve balls! Darren Cahill will be the tip of the spear, our headliner. You'll of course also be treated to a USTA update, National Board update, and a number of other coaches, industry leaders, and as always, a few tennis celebs making cameos. You won't want to miss out on this wildly affordable and very convenient way to get your educational credits, so save the date! Your registration site will be open for business real soon!

Stay healthy, everybody!!Happy Holidays!!

Andy Zodin Director of Tennis Columbine Country Club President, USPTA Intermountain Division Host, KickServeRadio.com

Winter 2022

From the Executive Director — Tom Van de Hey

Local Tennis Leader Loses Everything in Fire On December 30th, 111 mile per hour winds fueled a fast-moving grassfire that destroyed over 1000 homes in Boulder County, Colorado. Rob and Abby Scott escaped with their dog Tica, two cars and their cell phones, that’s it. The Scotts’ home of 30 years and all of their possessions were gone in what seemed like an instant.

Rob, for those of you who don’t know, is currently the Executive Director of the Intermountain Section of the USTA. He has been a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association for 45 years. Rob also served as the Director of Tennis at the Ranch Country Club in Broomfield for seventeen years. Abby retired as a school teacher from Centaurus High School and now provides child care for their grandchildren. The Scotts are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding, as well as coping with the emotional loss of memories, cherished items and the promise of financial security that comes with an investment of 30 years.

While slogging through the last couple of weeks trying to figure out the basics such as where do we go, how do we navigate the next period of our lives, the Scotts were shockingly unprepared for the reality of their situation.

Rob discovered that he and hundreds of others who lost their homes were significantly under insured, likely preventing him to be able rebuild in the current market. He only has agreed to share these insights into his personal situation because he wanted to use himself as a teaching moment for other pros in the industry.

No one ever believes this could ever happen to them. Still, there are some necessary steps to take to influence the outcome positively. Rob suggests that all teaching pros who own homes (or have parents and relatives who own homes) schedule an appointment with their insurance agent and make sure their homes are insured adequately to fully rebuild them in today’s market, not just “replacement value”. While the premiums will be a little higher, the consequences of not doing this are catastrophic in the face of inflation and current building industry challenges (supply chain, labor shortages, etc.). The last couple of years have been challenging in our industry and we have tried as an organization to reach out to those unusually affected.

Rob and Abby’s kids created a Go Fund Me account. Many of you have already contributed. Thank you so much! Please see the following link if you are able to help one of your own at this time. Even the smallest of donations will help Rob and Abby rebuild. Additionally, please share this link with anyone you feel might be willing to help out and post it on your social media account if you feel inclined to do so.

https://gofund.me/d22c1f11 Thank you for supporting Rob Scott, one of our own.

USPTA Intermountain Awards 2021 Congratulations to all award winners. Everyone on the USPTA Intermountain Board appreciates you for your excellence in teaching and promoting tennis!

Coach of the Year, College: Owen Hambrook Coach of the Year, High School: John Armstrong Coach of the Year, Touring: Tim Blenkiron Diversity & Inclusion: Laurie Lambert George Basco: Alan Cutler

Industry Excellence: Loretta Conway Lessons for Life: Scott Potter Manager, Small Facility: Stacy Swiggert Pro of the Year: Josh Cossitt Star: Gonzo Garcia

Winter 2022

Event Calendar To showcase the activities of Intermountain Pros, we recently added an event calendar to the newsletter and to our website.

Tell us what’s happening in your tennis world. Feel free to submit your events to Glen at tma@massageadvantagelv.com.

Be sure to include the date, name, url, location, and contact info for your event.

Winter 2022

District Updates Marshall Carpenter, Colorado Marketing Tips As tennis coaches, we often think about marketing along the same lines as a match. There is a winner and a loser in a match and either we’ve succeeded in attracting that person to our programs or we haven’t. I hear from fellow professionals say, “I sent an email out last week about my drills, why aren’t people coming?” It’s not always that simple and we can’t always expect immediate success. Just like tennis where it takes time to become a champion, marketing needs time to become successful too.

It took me a long time to realize that marketing isn’t about ‘winning’ or ‘losing’. What you’re really looking to accomplish is getting your messages in front of your membership as consistently as possible because you know that, ultimately, it’s up to each individual member to decide when the time is right for them to sign-up for one of your events or programs.

It’s not about winning and losing the commitment from a member on any given day, but it’s about being available for them, it’s about becoming familiar, and about being consistent. It’s about building trust and relationships. When you think about marketing this way, you realize that you don’t have just one chance to win the match, but you have lots and lots of chances. Someone who wasn’t ready to sign-up today, might be ready to sign-up tomorrow, or the next day, but only if you stay consistent with your messaging.

Here is a great example. One of your members was planning to sign-up for drills, but then her refrigerator broke down which caused her an unexpected expense, or her son had to be quarantined, or something came up at work, or her daughter’s basketball practice is at the same time as drills. If any of these things happen, tennis will probably have to wait. It’s completely understandable and it has nothing to do with the quality of your program. But here’s the thing, if throughout this period the mom in our example keeps seeing marketing messages about you and what you do, well then there’s a high likelihood that once things settle down again she’ll go through with her initial plan of signing up to play tennis.

But if during this time tennis never ‘shows up’ in her life, then the chances that this mom will even remember to sign up for drills is remote.

it’s a lot of fun. So, if now is a good time for you, come join us.” You must remember to say it consistently because that is the only way of guaranteeing that when people are ready, you’ll catch them.

What does consistent marketing look like? I’m not an expert by any means but this is a marketing schedule that should work for you. Pick a day or days to send out your communications and keep it consistent. Set it up to go out at the same time each week so your membership knows when to expect it. Try to send one communication with the upcoming schedule for the week. You may have been running the same drills at the same time for the last two years, but your members still can use that weekly reminder.

Your second communication should contain more information about previous events, upcoming events, and anything else that you feel is important to the club.

Maybe this is your newsletter or a special e-blast, but it should have pictures and more details. I do weekly emails and newsletters to keep our membership informed of the events and programs that we are offering.

Knowing your clientele can help with your marketing efforts too. I use emails because my club does not allow for social media marketing, but it’s something that you should most certainly use if your club does allow it.

Know who you are marketing to and target them the best way possible. Knowing the generational differences of your members and how to market to them becomes important. Texts are often read within minutes of being sent, where emails may sit for hours or days before they are opened. Using the correct tools to reach your members with the right messaging will pay huge dividends down the road for you.

Remember, marketing isn’t about winning and losing because ultimately you don’t control your members schedules. You can control how consistently you market to them, so when they are ready, you will be too.

Marshall Carpenter USPTA Intermountain Vice President Cherry Hills Country Club

Marketing is not about being pushy and trying to get people to do things they don’t want to do. It’s about saying “Hey, we’re here”. This is what we do, and this is why we do it, and we’d love to have you join us because Winter 2022

District Updates Matt Helm, 2nd Vice-President, Colorado Racquet Sports Champions Dinner Denver Country Club The DCC Racquets Department, under the leadership of Director Matt Helm, held the 1st Annual Racquet Sports Champions Dinner on January 12th. This dinner celebrated the club champions from 2021 in the following events: Men’s Tennis Women’s Tennis The Mitchell Cup Mixed Tennis Championship Men’s Platform Tennis Women’s Platform Tennis Mixed Platform Tennis Pickleball The evening included cocktails, dinner, trophy presentation, and a slideshow highlighting a great year of racquet sports.

Pictured are 2021 DCC Champions, spouses, and Racquets Committee Chairpersons

Matt Helm Denver Country Club Director of Racquet Sports USPTA Intermountain 2nd Vice President

Bill Gray, District President Idaho The beginning of 2022 is starting off quiet and chilly here in Idaho with a couple nice-sized snow storms coming through the state, which has not slowed the tennis scene whatsoever. Tennis players are finding indoor court availability at an all-time low due to an increase in tennis players moving into almost every community. Along with the increase in tennis memberships, we are seeing increased participation in tournaments, lessons, and social activities at many area clubs which is making these winter months quite energizing and festive.

While this time of year is usually pretty quiet news -wise, we here in this great state are looking forward to a very vibrant tennis season beginning in the Spring. With the influx of players, we are also seeing increased levels of players and an aptitude that is exciting for all those planning to compete in leagues and tournaments.

Lastly, I would like to send out a big congratulations to John Armstrong, a longtime USPTA tennis professional at the Boise Racquet & Swim Club and the Boys & Girls High School Tennis Coach at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise. John just recently found out he was named the USPTA Intermountain High School Coach of the Year for the second time. He is one of the winningest coaches in the history of high school tennis in Idaho and has made a huge impact on many young tennis players’ lives throughout his tenure. Cheers, John!

As I end this quick update, I would like to invite any and everyone that has any news they’d like to share with the USPTA community to please email me at wrgstrings@yahoo.com.

Wishing you all a great start to Spring-time tennis in this great state of Idaho.

Bill Gray USPTA Elite Professional USPTA District President of Idaho Boise Racquet & Swim Club

Winter 2022

District Updates Michelle Rawstorne, District President Utah

Mark Chomko, Pickleball Certification

10 and Under Tournaments 2022 Sunpro Tennis & Pickleball Club is pleased to announce our 2022 USTA Junior Circuit Sunpro Terrific Ten’s Series!

Orange and Green 10 and Under Players come join us for 4 tournaments offered this year at Sunpro Tennis and Pickleball Club. Your participation and results will be tracked and the top players will be invited to an invitational and luncheon in December!

This series will be offered January 29th, June 11th, September 16th, and November 12th. In addition to earning your play tracker points for USTA/Net Generation, you will be on an exclusive track to play in our invitational in December! Round Robin, Timed Match Format *IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF PASSING OF YOUR ORANGE BALL REQUIREMENTS, MICHELLE RAWSTORNE IS CERTIFIED TO ASSESS AND MOVE YOUR PLAYER ON FROM ORANGE BALL TO GREEN. YOU MAY CONTACT HER AT 801.404.3400

Starting in 2022, USPTA will be offering pickleball certification testing to all USPTA members.

The head Pickleball tester in the Intermountain district is Mark Chomko. Mark has been a USPTA certified tennis professional for over 25 years. Mark has been trained by the IFP pickleball academy to administer the USPTA Pickleball exam.

Mark is the pickleball professional at Columbine Country Club and at Ken Caryl Ranch Metro District. He has played national tournaments at the 4.5 and 5.0 level and has been teaching Pickleball for the last 10 years.

Watch for scheduled testing dates and locations in the coming months.

Mark Chomko Columbine Country Club Ken Caryl Ranch Metro District markchomko@yahoo.com

January 29th https://playtennis.usta.com/Competitions/ sunprotennisandpickleballclub/Tournaments/ Overview/8c2505be-fe46-417e-bf0b-d6f994e50989

June 10-11 https://playtennis.usta.com/Competitions/ sunprotennisandpickleballclub/Tournaments/ Overview/778cf754-8b92-4d53-a797-f3f13a6007a1 September 16-17 https://playtennis.usta.com/Competitions/ sunprotennisandpickleballclub/Tournaments/Overview/ fcddfc1f-d4d4-46fc-abc5-79d2a06fa270 December 9-10 https://playtennis.usta.com/Competitions/ sunprotennisandpickleballclub/Tournaments/ Overview/1223d275-fe7c-479f-9d37-da130ced0f60 Michelle Rawstorne 10 and Under Director Sunproclub.com Advantagetennisutah.com

Winter 2022

District Updates Hassan Humayan, Head Tester, Nevada

Karl Jones, Elevate, Nevada

Pathway to Certification

Physical Tips for Tennis Coaches

Here is an update on the new pathway in certification for Level 2/Professional Applicants Certification Pathway.

As we welcome in a new year, it’s a common time for people to think of new goal setting and resolutions.

Physical health and energy for a tennis coach is paramount. Long hours, aches, pains, energy drinks, and sugary pick me ups. Sound familiar?

I. Complete all Level 1/ Tennis Instructor Requirements

II. Complete 12 Online Courses 1. Lesson Plans 2. Facilities 3. Exercises to Strengthen Serve 4. Player Standards Level 2 5. Sales, Marketing & Public Relations/Social Media 6. Tactical Level 2 7. Sports Science Level 2 8. Tennis Movements & Footwork 9. USPTA Certification Pathway 10. Management 11. Personal Development 12. Planning & Programming Teaching Privates i) Teaching Essentials 2 ii) Teaching Groups-Teaching Essentials 3 iii)Teaching Privates: Webinars 3-day Face to Face Workshop. This will be six one-hour webinars presented live with interactive questions, chatbox, polls, etc. Applicants can either sign up to take this webinar live or take it recorded for their completion credit.

A) Five one-hour presentations from USPTA experts on private lessons; topics could include structuring lessons, diagnosing, stroke parameters, grips and contact points, feeding, planning for different types of lessons, etc.

B) The sixth presentation will be on how to submit your private lesson video.

C) For completion of TE2 - Teaching Privates, each applicant will submit their private lesson video along with the graded score sheet that their Certification Advisor grades.

D) Upon submission, approved Course Directors will grade the video.

Teaching Groups: On court and classroom, interactive learning focused primarily on group lessons. Presentation of group lessons. (Day 3) Respectfully, Hassan Humayun USPTA Intermountain Head Tester USPTA Intermountain Past President

For many tennis teaching professionals, our bodies are our most valuable tool. To perform as a peak tennis coach, for hours on end, we need to be extremely energetic and physically fit. If not, life can be very uncomfortable. Here are my top 10 tips to help keep energized and generally healthy while working as a tennis coach.

1. Think of yourself as an athlete. People do what they see, not what they are told. If you are dragging, you won’t inspire your students to be their best self.

Have a mindset of an athlete - your food is fuel, nothing else.

2. Rise early and do not hit the snooze button.

3. Stick to a morning routine. Having structure helps give you a strong foundation to attack your day.

4. Workout, preferably before work. This may not be for everyone but works for me. Having a feeling of accomplishment before your first lesson gives you a great mental edge and boost to kick start your morning.

5. Hydrate. One gallon of water per day at an absolute minimum. However, for coaches working outside, especially in the summer, two gallons are preferred.

6. Eat small meals every 3 hours thought out the day.

Small meals of around 300-400 calories will help regulate the blood glucose levels which will help maximize energy and avoid cravings.

7. Include protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats in each meal to provide a balanced diet.

8. Enjoy a cheat meal. Respecting a good cheat meal is a mental reward for living a disciplined lifestyle.

I recommend indulging the night before a day off!

9. Sleep, the cheapest form of recovery on the planet.

The amount varies per person, but 7-9 hours is optimal.

10. Acceptance. Having the ability to accept anything will lead to a stress free, physically relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Karl Jones USPTA Intermountain Regional Vice President USPTA Elevate National Committee Winter 2022

Do Tell Please share your tennis knowledge and tips with Intermountain Pros. Simply write an article and send it in a Word doc or text in an email along with pics to Tom Van De Hey: tomuspta1@gmail.com.

Like and Follow us on Facebook! We share up-to-date information for your success. https://www.facebook.com/Official-USPTA-Intermountain-Division-261338808330/

Intermountain Board of Directors and District Presidents Andy Zodin, President arzodin@aol.com

Tom Van De Hey, Executive Director tomuspta1@gmail.com

Karl Jones, Regional Vice President karlos.jones@hotmail.com

Karen Schott, District President Colorado kschott@broadmoor.com

Marshall Carpenter, Vice President mc10s@yahoo.com

Bill Gray, District President Idaho wgstrings@yahoo.com

Matt Helm, Vice Pr esident mhelm@denvercc.net

Scott Potter, District President Montana scott@peakmissoula.com

Laurie Lambert, Treasurer llambert@utahtennis.com

Dan Maccanello, District President Nevada dmaccanello@gmail.com

Glen Alex, Secretary tma@messageadvantagelv.com

Michelle Rawstorne, District President Utah michelle0215@yahoo.com

Hassan Humayun, Past President tennishassan@live.com

Josh Cossitt, District President Wyoming farnorthtennis@gmail.com

Winter 2022