A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Welcome fall!! And I do say that sitting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with my windows open for our first true cold front of the year. I hope all of the Louisiana RSPA members, as well as the rest of the south, are well into their fall programs and impacting lives. Our Louisiana board is excited to announce a small sponsorship for the Tennis Haus symposium to allow free entry for the first 15 of our certified pros to sign up. Looking at some of the speakers, it will be a great education day on tennis. Your networking ability will be intensive with other pros in attendance as well as the speakers. There will be a party at the end of the day to give everyone an opportunity to connect with people in our industry. Saturday, November 2. To sign up email Davor at Davor.dekaris@gmail.com
If you have not heard, the USPTA is changing its name to the RSPA. In my humble opinion, this was a smart move because obviously there are other racket sports in many of our businesses. What a gift it is to get somebody out to play a different sport when they have an extremely hard time playing tennis. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Just remember, as a sports professional, you are adding to the quality of life of a tremendous amount of people in your community. Keep it up.
-John Wahlborg
NAME CHANGE
Formerly known as the USPTA, the RSPA has a few updates to share with you.
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John Wahlborg RSPA Louisiana President
STA NJTL LEADERSHIP CAMP
NEW ORLEANS, LA
RSPA Pros Help Lead STA NJTL Leadership Camp in New Orleans
In June, USPTA professionals Alvin Varnado and Anna Monhartova played pivotal roles in planning and hosting the annual Southern Tennis Association (STA) National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) Leadership Camp in New Orleans. The camp brought together 38 NJTL participants from across the Southern section for an immersive experience that combined tennis training with academic and life skills development. The participants engaged in various tennis sessions, honing their techniques and fostering a sense of teamwork and leadership. Beyond tennis, the camp provided enriching activities aimed at holistic personal development.
Among the 38 participants, eight players were from A’s & Aces NJTL directed by Varnado and Monhartova. Two of A’s & Aces players also took their involvement further by participating in the STA’s Apprentice Program under the mentorship of CoachVarnado. This initiative helped them advance their coaching skills, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Highlights included:
- A tour of Xavier University
- A design-thinking workshop led by Tulane University faculty
-Canoeing at Joe Brown Park
-A ride on the Natchez Steamboat
-A tour of the historic French Quarter
JUNIOR UPDATE
LOUISIANA TENNIS ASSOCIATION
RSPA Certified teaching pros don’t just teach, but provide our players in Louisiana with many great competition and training opportunities. USTA Louisiana has partnered with our RSPA Teaching Pros in Louisiana to provide Team Louisiana trainings for our top ranked players in the state. Trainings are held quarterly, and players are invited based on their current USTA ranking in the state.
Earlier this fall, RSPA-certified pros Emily Ory of Lafayette, Marius Frosa of New Orleans, Cotter Wilson of Shreveport, and Victoria Krutzer of Monroe lead Team Louisiana at the Ozaki Cup in Rome, GA. Team Louisiana, which consisted of our top 3 kids in each age division dominated Team Mississippi for a spot in the Silver Division and finished in 3rd place! Geaux, LA!
Courtney Dugas
USTA Louisiana
RSPA Certified Teaching Professional Director of Programming and Junior Development
