A Division of the USPTA
December 2018
Inside:
President’s Message 2 SW Testing Update 3 2018 SW Award Nominations 4-5 Prescott Annual Tennis Park/Walk of Fame 6-7 Area News 8-14 USTA Southwest News 16-20 USPTA Foundation 22
President’s Message Jonathan Davis - USPTA Southwest President
Dear Southwest Pros, It’s hard to believe that 2018 is already over. It has been an exciting and eventful year for the USPTA, both nationally and in the Southwest. Two of our members took home National Awards for their contributions to the tennis industry. Brett Hall won the USPTA Lessons for Life Award for his tournament to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Greg Prudhomme won the Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year Award for his excellent job coaching the Grand Canyon University’s men’s and women’s teams. Congratulations to Brett and Greg for their outstanding work! The biggest news of the year however, must be the accreditation we received from the USTA. This accreditation makes the USPTA the only association able to certify teaching pros under the new certification standards set to take place in 2020. This makes 2019 a very important year for the Southwest. Not only is it the end of our three-year continuing education cycle, it is the last year pros will be able to join our association under our current certification standards. We expect to see a large influx of teaching pros wanting to become certified before the 2020 changes take place. Luckily, we are already prepared to certify a lot of pros in 2019.
us because we needed a minimum number of applicants at each certification to cover the cost of the event. It was not uncommon for certification dates to be postponed or cancelled due to not having enough applicants registered. This meant our new applicants would be forced to travel to another city that was having a certification or wait until there were enough applicants in their region to be able to hold an on-court certification there. This was frustrating for us and the applicants who were trying to complete their certification and become full members. If we continued in this same manner for 2019 we would not be able to get everyone certified by the end of the year. To solve this problem, we will now have testers available in each major region of the Southwest to be able to easily hold certifications in their designated areas. We are in the final stages of getting four regional testers on staff: in Northern New Mexico we have Dick Johnson, in Northern Arizona we have Larry Lineberry, in Southern Arizona we have Bryan Dirk, and in Phoenix we have our head tester Greg Prudhomme. By having testers available regionally, we will be able to have more testing dates in 2019. We also won’t have to cancel certifications since we will no longer have the high costs of travel to send our testers to each location. I want to thank them for volunteering to become a tester and to help give the best first impression possible to all our new members. I am looking forward to everything that is coming in 2019. It is going to be a busy year for everyone and I am excited to see where the new certification standards take us. I want to wish everyone a happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you in 2019!
Earlier this year we examined our certification process to make sure we can better accommodate our new applicants. We found an area that has been a bottle neck for applicants trying to become full members was the on-court portion of the certification. Traditionally, we only had one or two testers based out of Phoenix and they would travel to every part of the Southwest to do the on-court certification. This was very difficult for
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December 2018
USPTA Southwest Tester Update by Head Tester Gregory Prudhomme
Testing News This new section of the newsletter is to inform the Southwest USPTA Pros of noteworthy news and announcements regarding USPTA testing and certification. The first important information is to remind you of, or introduce to you, the great changes that are coming. Accompanying the official accreditation and endorsement granted to the USPTA by the USTA will be changes to the certification process for becoming a USPTA professional. The complete details of the changes are not yet finalized, but they will significantly increase the credibility and value of being a certified USPTA professional around the world. The exact start date has not been announced but it is expected that the changes might take place in 2020. Member professionals that are already certified before the changes take place will be grandfathered in and will not have to retest. For those of you that would like to upgrade, 2019 would be a good time to do so. Further, now is a good time to encourage other prospective USPTA pros to become certified.
The USPTA Southwest is adopting a new approach for certifying USPTA pros in our division in that there will be testers located in multiple cities. This will allow for USPTA certification to be more accessible and it will reduce costs for future applicants and the division. USPTA exams will be offered in more cities throughout the year and will be conducted by the area testers. Beginning in 2019 I will be the Southwest Head Tester and will administer exams in the Phoenix area as well as assist in other areas when needed. Larry Lineberry will be the northern Arizona tester, Bryan Dirk will be the Tucson area tester, and Dick Johnson will be the Albuquerque area tester. Our Executive Director, Jack Michalko, did a great job masterminding this new concept and assembling a great team of professionals for our division. USPTA testers will now be utilizing tablets during the testing experience which will assist in organizing, conducting, and communicating results throughout the testing process. Applicant increases! Nationwide, the USPTA has tested 738 new applicants in 2018 compared to 600 applicants at this time in 2017. The Southwest has tested 16 new applicants in 2018 compared to 5 applicants in 2017. In September, Bryan Dirks hosted a very successful testing date in Tucson along with USPTA National Tester, Sid Newcomb, and Southwest testers-intraining, Larry Lineberry and Dick Johnson. Eleven new applicants were tested. Welcome to the USPTA Southwest!
2019 USPTA Southwest Certification Dates
April 6; Cottonwood, AZ @ Mingus Union High School May 16-17; Phoenix, AZ @ Southwest Conference June 7-8; Albuquerque, NM @ Tanoan Country Club June 21-22; Tucson, AZ @ Tucson Country Club August 24; Cottonwood, AZ @ Mingus Union High School September 19-10; Tucson, AZ @ Tucson Country Club October 18-19; Albuquerque, NM @ Tanoan Country Club November 30-December 1; Glendale, AZ @ Paseo Racquet Center December 2018
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Division Awards Nominating Form
United States Professional Tennis Association 2019 Awards Program
SOUTHWEST DIVISION GENERAL RULES: · Award period is from January 1 – December 31, 2018 unless otherwise noted in award category. ·
Only USPTA certified members, (Master Professional, Elite Professional and Professional) in good standing are eligible for USPTA member awards.
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Only Facility Manager of the Year Award is open to non-members.
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Only USPTA members in good standing may submit nominations in all categories.
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Self-nominations are acceptable.
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All award categories may not necessarily be awarded on an annual basis.
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Awards Committee will determine if there are qualified candidates in any category.
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Awards will be presented at the USPTA Southwest Division Conference May 17-19, 2019
MAKE YOUR AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW! APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MARCH 1st, 2019 ****************************************************************************** NOMINATION FORM AWARD CATEGORY:_____________________________________________________________ NOMINEE NAME : ______________________________ USPTA# _______________ NOMINEE CONTACT DETAILS: phone: ____________________ email: ________________ INFORMATION ON NOMINEE:
Additional detailed information on nominee as to why this member deserves this recognition is encouraged. Please submit a bio and in-depth information if possible. NOMINATOR NAME: ____________________________________________ USPTA# ________________ NOMINATOR CONTACT DETAILS: phone: ___________________ email: __________________ ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SENT VIA EMAIL TO: Amy Badger badgertennis505@gmail.com QUESTIONS: Contact: AMY BADGER 505.379.6728/ badgertennis505@gmail.com page 4
December 2018
USPTA SOUTHWEST AWARDS CATEGORIES 2019 STEVE WILKINSON COLLEGE COACH OF THE YEAR – Award recipient is selected based on his/her results as a college team coach. Nominee may be nominated for success during the 2018 college year or for long term commitment and continued success as a college team coach. Include both spring and fall schedules and data.
DIVERSITY AWARD – This award recognizes the USPTA member who has demonstrated an outstanding ability to unite diverse populations within his/her community through tennis
DIVISION TESTER OF THE YEAR – The Divisional Head Tester will recommend a nominee to the Awards Committee. No other nominations will be considered.
FACILITY MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Large Facility 9 or more courts, Small Facility 8 or less courts. This nominee may be a non-member or a USPTA SouthwestT Member. Nominee need not be a General Manager by name but must function in the position of Manager of a USTA Member facility. The facility itself is not eligible for the award.
GEORGE BACSO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – National Award Only! This award recognizes a member who has demonstrated exemplary achievement in seven areas throughout their career – contributions to the USPTA and USTA, achievements in teaching and playing both on and off the court, contributions of time and expertise to other organizations and/or charities and commitment to growing the game through published articles, presentations, education and communications. Applicant must have been a member 30 consecutive years or more.
USPTA SOUTHWEST PROUD DIVISIONAL AWARD – This award recognizes a southwest member who exemplifies integrity, respect and passion for tennis on and off the court. This is NOT A NATIONAL AWARD. This award may or may not be given out each year. This award is at the discretion of the USPTA Southwest Awards Committee. HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR – Award recipient is selected based on his/her results as a high school team coach. Nominee may be nominated for success during the 2018 High School season or for long term commitment and continued success as a high school coach.
INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD - This award is given to USPTA teaching professionals who demonstrate an entrepreneurial and altruistic attitude toward their job. This award nominee should exhibit resourcefulness and show growth in their business and programs while bringing tennis to more people in their area.
ALEX GORDON PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR – This award recognizes a member who has demonstrated exemplary achievement in these areas during 2018 only – contributions to the USPTA and USTA, achievements in teaching and playing both on and off the court, contributions of time and expertise to other organizations and/or charities and commitment to growing the game through published articles, presentations, education and communications.
USPTA LESSONS FOR LIFE AWARD – This award recognizes a member who has done the most to raise money for charities in his/her district through tennis events or tennis related fundraisers. While raising large amounts is wonderful the committee also considers creative and unique way to raise funds through tennis.
December 2018
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“Prescott (PATA) Tennis Induct Austin Family”
T
by Chris Howard
he Prescott Area Tennis Association recently ran its 4th Annual Tennis Park/Walk of Fame Clinic and Inductions at the prestigious Yavapai Col lege tennis facility.
This once a year event really brings together many tennis links with Prescott, Northern Arizona, the Southwest and even national players and organizations that are represented and recognized. The idea behind this special day is to honor those who are currently or have in the past gone over and beyond in helping make the game of tennis what it’s been and what it will become on all levels, expertise and sites. l-r John and Pam Austin, Chris Howard, Brian Cheney, Larry Lineberry, Sterling Fetty.
Players, organizers, coaches, manufacturers, volunteers, writers-authors-publishers, educators, facility owners, special personalities, promoters, innovators, umpire’s - every aspect that encompasses the game are looked upon as potential recipients with a lifetime achievement 12X12 brick that is embedded in our “Walk of Tennis Fame.”
Normally it’s held the first Sunday in October and the day begins with a large volunteer group of tennis professionals (most USPTA certified) on six courts that teach fast moving fun drills pertaining to helping one’s game improve. Every 25 minutes time is called and it’s off to the next court for more - until you’ve rotated to all. Over the years we’ve been lucky to have some well-known instructors like Brian Cheney, Peter and Sheri Bronson, Master Professional Larry Lineberry, the one and only Jason Jamison, John Byron, Sterling Fetty, Fay Matsumoto, Jan Hasse, Chris Howard, Dave Hibbs, Tim McClintock, Zack Hackerott, Cathy Low, Rick Bothell, Nick Cristea, Don Jones, John and Pam Austin - and each did a fabulous job that all participants loved - followed by lunch just prior to the induction ceremony. From 8:50 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the clinic is run with 6 to 8 players per court, having the time of their lives learning from grand slam and former professional players, Master and Elite Professionals, national gold and silver balls winners and others for a mear $40.00, that includes lunch as well. It’s a bonding moment of tennis professionals, learning from one another and volunteering their time for a great cause. This year the local honorees were all former high school state champions in singles and doubles from the Prescott area dating from 1942 to present. Trisha Kempton PHS 4A singles champion 1996/97/99, Tobias Campbell/Oliver Clark BMHS 4A doubles champions
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December 2018
2006, Sterling Fetty/Corey Bennett PHS 4A doubles champions 1999, Michelle/Shannon Howell PHS 5A doubles champions 1983, Jack Kapp/Joe Love PHS 3A doubles champions 1942. Their inductions were followed by our National Induction of the “Austin Family”, Pam Jeff, Doug, John, Tracy and their parents George and Jeanne. Four siblings played D-1 college tennis (Tracy did not), 4 went on to play on the ATP and WTA tour and qualified for grand slam events, 2 were grand slam winners (Tracy & John) and Tracy became the #1 ranked women in the world. They were represented by Pam and John (Austin) who flew and drove from their homes in California. Brian Cheney spoke in their behalf (also a former “Cheney Family” inductee) telling of what it’s like to be in a family of tennis players going through the ranks, followed by the Austins who parlayed many interesting stories of their journey. Hearing about the beginnings with their parents, Vic Braden, the Jack Kramer Club, Robert Lansdorp, family travel, the route to college, the pro tour and then careers thereafter was fascinating and the crowd enjoyed hearing it in their own words. Add in our local voices in what it takes to become a state high school champion, the Austin’s journey, and you begin to get an idea what excellence is all about - hard work, sacrifice, goals, money and time , failure and success, help from others. You learn to laugh and learn to cry, gain-lose and then gain more focus. How to set short and long term goals, and you dream big with the knowledge it is possible….one inch and one moment at a time. No matter if you’re inducted into the International Hall of Fame, the Southwest’s Hall, or the Prescott Walk/Park of Tennis Fame, the things you’ve done on the court or behind the scene on a local, state, Southwest or national stage have made the game what it is today and to me one is as great as the other in it’s own way and its own merit. Thanks to each of you for helping make the rich history of the game we’ve all gotten so much from, what it is today. Each has been a building block of love and devotion. Chris Howard is a local USPTA Tennis Professional with over 45 years in the racquet and fitness industry. He can be reached at 928-642-6775 or choward4541@gmail.com
December 2018
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Phoenix, Arizona by Greg Prudhomme
Hello Southwest USPTA Pros! I hope you all had a great fall and are looking forward to the incoming winter season. I believe I can speak for myself as well as for many other Phoenix tennis pros and players when I say we are always very grateful for the fall and winter temperatures. It’s great to see the tennis courts filling up around town. In addition to the great weather the holiday season is approaching. Now is a great time for us to be thankful for our tennis facilities, customers, friends, and families. It is also a time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for 2019. Enjoy the season!
USPTA Pro Captain Class
Tracy Lawson is a USPTA Professional that we all should aspire to emulate. Tracy is the most recent winner of the USPTA Southwest Star Award for her tireless commitment to the sport of tennis. She has contributed to tennis in many capacities such as serving as the president of USTA-Central Arizona, as the Chairperson for numerous tennis committees, as a tennis coach, and as a tennis parent. In particular, Tracy devotes much of her time to providing the best possible experience to youth tennis players. To mention a few items on her youth tennis resume, she is a consultant to the USTA Player Development department, she is a Net Generation Ambassador, and she is a Lead Faculty for USTA Early Development Camps. Tracy Lawson is definitely in the Captain’s Class. Thanks for all that you do for the tennis community.
Upcoming Events
Wayne Bryan who is the father of the legendary doubles team, Bob and Mike Bryan, stated that much of the inspiration and motivation that fueled his boys’ passion for tennis was fostered by bringing them to watch college tennis matches. I’m sure you all know that the Phoenix area houses two NCAA Division I Tennis programs with men’s and women’s teams, but what might be unknown or untapped are the many benefits to our students, to our coaching, and to the tennis community that can be created through attending these matches. I vividly remember when my father took me to watch the ASU Sun Devils play. It was entertaining, educational, and inspirational. Watching those matches instilled the goal in me to play at that level, but it was still an amazing and surreal moment a few years later when I was able to put on an ASU uniform and play Division I tennis against UCLA, Stanford, and USC. If you haven’t already then perhaps in the new year you can plan a tennis day at Arizona State University or Grand Canyon University with your members, students, or family. You might be inspiring a future college tennis player while you’re having fun and supporting the sport!
2019 Area Pros Meetings
We will schedule one or two Phoenix Area Pro meetings that will include an educational element along with networking and socializing with other area pros. Dates, Times, and Locations to be announced. If anyone has ideas and recommendations for these meetings please email me at gmprudhomme@yahoo.com. Perhaps we’ll schedule one in conjunction with a college tennis match!
Other News
Kwong Young, who has been teaching at the Kiwanis Park Recreation Center in Tempe since 1987, is now the Head Pro at Iron Oaks in Sun Lakes and is teaching at Dobson Ranch in Mesa. Great job with that 30-year run at Kiwanis and good luck with your new ventures!
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December 2018
The Arizona Tennis Coaches Association along with the help of Southwest USTA and USTA Phoenix staff hosted an all-freshman green dot ball doubles tournament at the Mesa Tennis Center on October 27th. Laurie Martin, Kelsey Lawson, and Jacki Marx were key contributors in creating, organizing, and running the event. The event was well attended and the players were able to practice their doubles in a non-elimination format playing 4 sets. Great job Laurie, Kelsey, Jacki, and all others involved. On November 3, The Xavier High School Tennis Team participated in the Guerrant Foundations Battle of the Sexes tennis event at the Phoenician for the 5th year in a row. Xavier is coached by Laurie Martin, who acted as a coach for the event, while her players set up for the event, participated as ball girls, and played in the event. Anne Guerrant and her husband, Terry, match all event donations up to $100,000 and contribute the money towards helping impoverished women in third world countries. Way to go, coach! Remember, please feel free to contact me any time with questions, suggestions, and information for the quarterly newsletters at gmprudhomme@yahoo.com or 602-301-1394.
2019 home matches for the ASU and GCU tennis teams January 18th @ 3pm; GCU W vs Drake January 19th @ 10am; GCU M vs UC Riverside January 19th @ 10am; ASU W vs UC Davis January 19th @ 2pm; ASU W vs Drake January 21st @ 11am; ASU W vs NAU January 25th @ 11am; GCU M vs Florida Gulf Coast January 25th @ 3pm; GCU W vs Southern Utah January 27th @ 10am; GCU W vs Nevada @ Paseo Racquet Center January 27th @ 11am; GCU M vs Sacramento State February 1st @ 1:30pm; ASU W vs Fullerton February 2nd @ 10am; GCU W vs Fullerton February 2nd @ 1pm; ASU M vs Pepperdine February 3rd @ 10am; ASU W vs Memphis February 3rd @ 2pm; ASU W vs New Mexico State February 10th @ 11am; GCU W vs Colorado State February 22nd @ 1:30pm; ASU W vs TCU February 24th @ 10am; ASU W vs Ohio State February 24th @ 10am; GCU W vs Sacramento State March 4th @ 11am; GCU W vs University of Portland March 8th @ 1:30pm; ASU W vs UCLA March 19th @ 10am; GCU W vs Idaho State March 22nd @ 1:30pm; ASU W vs Utah March 22nd @ 4pm; GCU W vs Seattle March 23rd @ 12pm; GCU W vs Missouri-Kansas City March 24th @ 12pm; GCU W vs New Mexico State April 2nd @ 12pm; GCU M vs Delaware April 5th @ 5pm; ASU M vs Oregon April 7th @ 11am; ASU W vs Denver April 7th @ 3pm; ASU M vs Washington April 13th @ 1pm; ASU M vs Utah
December 2018
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Northern Arizona by Claudette Laliberte
Andrea Meyer, Clarkdale, Cottonwood Since mid-September, USPTA Pro Andrea Meyer has been working with PE teacher Rudy Sandoval at Clarkdale-Jerome Elementary School to bring tennis to the grade 6-8 PE classes. She began with help from SWUSTA Tennis in the Schools liaison Jason Jamison who demonstrated a mini tennis lesson for the teacher. Students at C-J School only take one quarter of PE each year, so Andrea is now working with her second group of middle schoolers. Almost none of her students have had previous tennis experience, so sharing their excitement over catching a ball in a can or hitting their first foamy over the tape is a thrill for her as well. At Mingus Union HS where Andrea is the coach of the girls’ tennis team, she and Jason initiated lunchtime mini tennis on the patios around the school. Their first set-up in September outside the cafeteria doors on the patio produced a line of kids waiting to play bestof-5-point games. Freshmen and sophomores must stay on campus for their hour-long lunch, so they have a convenient captive audience. Gradually, Andrea has been able to introduce more information about scoring, service rotations, and stroke production, especially as she has repeat players. The kids like the prizes donated by Heidi Gottschalk of Head Penn, but they really come to the patios because they have a buddy they want to play with and they see how fun and easy the game is with the red felt balls. Andrea is beginning discussions with Mingus PE staff to bring mini tennis into freshman PE classes, and hope to engender even more interest in coming out for our boys’ and girls’ varsity and junior varsity programs. page 10
Larry Lineberry Sedona Master Professional, Larry Lineberry travels to Huntington Beach, CA in early December to work with another Master Professional, Mike Van Zutphen as Larry becomes certified to be a USPTA tester. He should be ready by January 2019. Larry promoted and directed a major USTA tennis event on behalf of the Northern Arizona Tennis Association (NAZ) October 11-13, 2019. The event was conducted at high schools in Cottonwood and Sedona and feature a USTA sanctioned adult and junior tournament along with an NTRP tournament. This was the first time in northern Arizona history all three type of tournaments were conducted at the same time. Proceeds benefited NAZ as it continues to create a pathway for northern Arizona children ages 6 through high school to participate in and learn tennis. He will coach the Mingus Union High School boy’s tennis team for the 4th consecutive year with early practice beginning in January 2019. Chris Howard USPTA, Elite Professional Prescott Tennis in Prescott slows down a little after our “Yavapai County Tennis Tournament”, which is a NTRP and Open with singles, doubles and mixed events with around 100 plus entries. We use our 3 main tournaments and the “Tennis Park of Fame Clinic and Inductions” as our catalyst to raise money for our Prescott Area Tennis Association as well as sponsors. This year at the “Park of Fame” we inducted all of Prescott’s area former high school tennis champions who won state titles in singles or doubles, followed by a national induction of the “Austin Family”, Pam, Jeff, Doug, John and Tracy, not to exclude their parents George and Jeanne for without their starting the process it would not have happened. (See article in newsletter) It’s great hearing the inspirational stories that come from the mouths of the players, families, and friends who were a part of their journey.
December 2018
There are still many USTA teams from the Prescott area who are playing throughout the year doing well, advancing to sectionals. I personally was lucky enough to go play the 60’s Clay Court Nationals in New Orleans (the oldest club started in America) followed by the USTA 9.0 Men’s 55 and Over Nationals in Orlando. Both are very impressive and you get a chance to see what the top players in the country are all about. We end up with a few one-day tennis holiday socials and are in the planning stages of 2019. Thanks to all of you who attended any of our events we really appreciate it. Nicole Chambers, USPTA Elite Professional, Flagstaff Flagstaff is entering that time of year when USTA outdoor league play, clinics, events and more will start moving indoors. Director of Tennis at Forest Highlands, Nicole Chambers will be hosting an Inaugural Turkey Trot Doubles Mixer on Saturday, November 24th at Forest Highlands. Most outdoor facilities will be closing down after Thanksgiving, but thankfully, NAU has a beautiful 6 court indoor facility that will be available during the winter months for open play and clinics. The recent 40 and over USTA league season has come to an end with Flagstaff having two 3.0 teams competing. This is a first for Flagstaff and we hope that we can continue to grow 3.0 USTA tennis throughout NAZ by having additional teams from NAZ join the fray. Cindy Weick’s 3.5 USTA team won their division and will be going to sectionals in 2019. Flagstaff tennis continues to expand with now having High School tennis in Basis, Coconino HS, NPA and Flag High. Sinauga Middle School has a 6 grade PE program led by Kaitlyn Verfeurth and the USTA, and coming in 2019, the Flagstaff Tennis Association will start a NJTL spring program to help introduce the game in the most affordable way possible.
SOUTHWEST OFFICERS President Jonathan Davis 520-360-0182 jonpricedavis@hotmail.com Regional VP Dave Moyer 480-342-7240 dmoyer@ccdranch.com Vice President Laurie Martin 480-213-2083 lmartin@ppiarizona.com Secretary Amy Badger 505-379-6728 badger3@me.com Treasurer Suk Ong 602-881-0467 suk_ong@tempe.gov Past President Britt Feldhausen 520-886-1885 brittfeldhausen@mac.comesident Pro Emeritus Mark Frampton 602-952-7234 mframpton22@gmail.com Executive Director Jack Michalko 602-740-0126 usptasw@cox.com
SOUTHWEST COORDINATORS Northern New Mexico Dick Johnson 505-507-6795 richarddjtennis@aol.com Phoenix Greg Prudhomme 602-301-1394 gmprudhomme@yahoo.com Southeastern Arizona Bryan Dirk 310-663-1185 bdirk@tucsoncountryclub.com Northern Arizona Claudette Laliberte 928-300-8702 claiberte1@aol.com Southern New Mexico & El Paso TBD Head Tester Greg Prudhomme 602-301-1394 gmprudhomme@yahoo.com
December 2018
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Southeastern Arizona by Bryan Dirk
We have some great things going on here is Southern Arizona! From special programs, outreach, and great club events, we have a great tennis community!
Southeastern Arizona
We also just completed a very successful USPTA certification in Tucson. Tucson Country Club hosted 11 applicants over 3 days. Sid Newcomb, our National Head tester ran the 3 day event. Congratulations to the Southwest who have now tested 16 new applicants year to date as compared to 5 in all of 2017.
Charlie Cutler reports on BYTE. Border Youth Tennis Exchange empowers youth through tennis, educational programming and cross-cultural exchange to build leadership, strong communities and a positive appreciation of the US/Mexican border region. On Nov. 5th BYTE began a 6-week project with three youth groups spanning both sides of the US/Mexico border. Over the coming weeks each group will construct a free-standing 10x10 ft tennis backboard and paint it with a group mural representing their experience being International BYTE Ambassadors. On Dec 9th the backboards will be erected on East Calle International, as part of the BYTE Rally for Border Youth International Festival. We’ll play pop-up tennis in
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the street on both sides of the border wall in downtown Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Mexico. Project Details * * * *
Dates: Nov 5th - Dec 9th 60 student-athletes 10-lesson mural painting curriculum 3 custom-built, free-standing tennis walls
Dec 9th: International tennis festival in Ambos Nogales!
Britt Feldhausen just returned from Israel and The Israel Tennis Centers where they offer uniquely designed programs to meet the specific needs of its children. Although not specific to Southern Arizona, I always love an opportunity to share experiences our pros have and how this type of outreach could impact how we run our own programs. Thank you Britt! Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics routinely assesses the numbers and demographics regarding children and youth at-risk under the age of 17 in Israel and the findings are startling. Israeli society is a diverse and complicated mix of Jews, Muslim Arabs, Christian Arabs, Bedouins and Druze as well as refugees from many countries around the world. The Girls at Risk Empowerment Program is the only program in Israel that employs tennis for at-risk girls, ages 12 -16 to provide knowledge, skills, and opportunities, to develop. Virtually every Israeli professional tennis player began their development at the
December 2018
Israel Tennis Centers. The ITC’s High Performance Program unites talented athletes from various socioeconomic circumstances, as Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze children develop and train together, reflecting Israel’s multi-cultural society. Importantly, it draws many of its athletes from the ITC’s social impact programs. The ITC has had a long and rich history of providing opportunities and support to immigrant children from all over the world, including the former Soviet Union, South Lebanon, Nigeria, Sudan and Ethiopia, as well as to the children of foreign workers from Africa, Asia, and more. The Kindergarten Program represents the ITC’s core educational effort for young children from Israel’s periphery. Physical activity has been shown to enhance the quality of life for all children and adults. It is widely believed that those with disabilities may derive an even greater benefit than the non-disabled. To learn more about The Israel Tennis Centers, please visit…http:// www.israeltenniscenters.org/what-we-do/programs/ coexistence/ Rita Bermudez reports from Tucson Racquet Club....We have kicked off our “Queen of the Court”, a 7 week session where our ladies play a set of doubles with everyone on their court. Once all three sets are played, the ladies total their number of games to see who has the highest and lowest number on each court. The following week, players move up and down the ladder depending on the previous week’s score. The highlight of my Tuesdays and Thursdays is seeing our ladies enjoy the competition as they climb the ladder to capture the crown at the end of the session…as well as a crazy TRC gift card! Carlos Bermudez reports from the El Conquistador Resort… Winter Tennis League sign-ups begin December 3rd, followed by a Junior Satellite Tournament on the 8th. Our ladies Holiday Round Robin, Luncheon and Gift Exchange will be held on the 12, this is always a well-attended event and a great way to enjoy tennis over the Holidays! The Resort will also be a host site for the USTA Junior Winter Nationals, Dec. 27th-31st. Happy Holidays!
Northern New Mexico by Dick Johnson
As we enter the winter season of 2018, I am so thankful for our SWPTA division and the Future in 2019. I feel a new optimism in our organization. The SWPTA testing program has started with over 15 new applicants, the accreditation with the USTA is huge and our board is solid with great vision. On a local level, a big shout-out to the Pros in Northern New Mexico who consistently provide me information. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. Happy holidays! Be safe, and lets rock it in 2019. Jim Falvo is busy these days pushing himself to get better at tennis specific shape while taking a “deepdive” into the brain and emotional intelligence. He cites Novak Djokovic resurgence to the top and how he has been able to bounce back from adversity. Jim’s study of neuroscience is what’s keeping him engaged on court because he knows it takes time to re-write the brain to handle the complex task associated with hitting a tennis ball. As he says, divisive spin, depth, placement and power onto various court features using a racket of distinctive dimensions and weight that is strung with associated string attribute. Whew! My brain hurts just thinking about it! Jim really feels strongly that coaching the mental aspects of the game is going to be a big difference-maker for the future of tennis. Dave Shambach this summer has worked hard to strengthen the tennis program in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, a major suburb of Albuquerque. Dave, who has 4 decades of teaching recreational tennis in Western New York, is one of three instructors in the tennis program. He also partnered with NMDSTA/ USTA to set up and help with the mid-school league from 4 schools to supreme match play and recruitment of coaches. He anticipates increasing his involvement with the Rio Rancho entries in the NJTL next December. Dave coaches the boy’s tennis at Rio Rancho High School and also participates in a 40 and over USTA Mens Doubles League. continued on page 14
December 2018
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Joe Felice is starting his 13th year at Sierra Vista Tennis Center. His 7.0 Men’s 65+ team are going to Southwest Sectional in Surprise, AZ in December. Joe’s Sierra Vista Grand Prix Tournament continues to be one of the best and most popular tournaments in Northern New Mexico, (even winners and finalists in the consolation get pottery)! Door prizes galore spice the tournament even more. In the Winter Corporate League, Joe’s team is entering the season as the defending champions. John Damgaard in Santa Fe is excited that 5 40+ teams in NNM are headed to playoffs. John has been taking tennis to the PE classes at Desert Academy and PE coach Tony Dragonuth are hope for more participation in the spring. Santa Fe community tennis still meets on Sundays and Mondays at the train park at 10 AM. John you always have a hand in Santa Fe tennis! Amy Badger is always involved “up to the eyeballs”! She just finished with 80 middle school kids, 3 teams and making it to the semi-finals of all 3 divisions! Amy was recently appointed to the Junior Recreational Committee which will focus on red, orange, and green player pathways. She is heading to Phoenix soon as a sectional coach in the annual Border battle between Texas and the Southwest section. She is looking forward to her 20th year coaching the Albuquerque Academy varsity girl’s tennis program in the spring. David Pitts at Tanoan Country Club was recently honored by the Northern New Mexico Tennis Association and was awarded the Tournament Enchantment Award for the New Mexico Adult Open. A fabulous tournament with Prize Money! Also one of his families the Kreuters were awarded the Southwest Family of the Year. Doug MacCurdy who has spent a great deal of his time in China this year is headed to Kep City, Cambodia for the first Trans-Asia Pacific Tennis Summit on December 6-9. There are outstanding speakers from thought the world attending. Pakistan, Cuba, Thailand, Australia, France, China will be represented. Doug who in former ITF Director of Development and former Director of USTA Player Development is currently an international tennis consultant with project worldwide. USPTA News from Highpoint Tennis: Happy fall to everyone. I know all of us are enjoying cooler temps and out working on our mission to grow the great game of tennis. Great things are happening here in Albuquerque, and it Highpoint Tennis. I am happy to report tennis is growing here at Sports & Wellness through grass-roots efforts on both the Adult and Junior Programming side, plus an expansion of Adult USTA Team Drills, and a weekly schedule of drop-in drills that are structured time-wise to always take place, even if only 1 person shows. This guarantees tennis for those whose schedule allows them to drop-in that day, which builds consistency and security in programming for our club and staff, and more importantly for our members and clients. Craig Bobo held a special one day event to benefit Team Han and cancer research on Sunday, October 28th which is near and dear to his heart as a cancer survivor thus far. The event, Rally in the Alley, which is an annual event experienced some great growth as they had 54 competitors and around 90 at the event including Dick Johnson, also a cancer survivor and Amy Hemeirl’s La Cueva High School Boys’ and Girls’ Teams. Hats off to Wendy Thomas, one of the pro’s here and her crew who started this great event 11 years ago. And thank you to Wilson for providing some goodies for a prize court shown in the picture to the right. Keep making a difference on and off the court!
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USTA Southwest News USTA SOUTHWEST HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING IN PHOENIX USTA Southwest held its annual Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony on Saturday, November 2018 at the Paradise Valley Embassy Suites in Phoenix, Arizona.
Award winners for the 2018 year were announced: Community Tennis Volunteer of the Year: Jamie Borsodi (Las Cruces, NM) Outstanding Tournament Enrichment: Mei Hand (Tucson, AZ) Junior Female Player of the Year: Gianna Pielet (El Paso, TX) Junior Male Player of the Year: Harsh Parikh (Tucson, AZ) Junior Sportsmanship: Josie Frazier (Scottsdale, AZ) Adult Player of the Year: Thiago Barbosa (Glendale, AZ) Ginger Renouard Volunteer Spirit Award: Charlotte Johnson (El Paso, TX) Event of the Year: USTA Southern Arizona Run Roll Wheelchair Event (Tucson, AZ) High School Coach of the Year: Raymond Jaramillo – Albuquerque Academy (Albuquerque, NM) NJTL Chapter of the Year: First Serve New Mexico (Santa Fe, NM) League Tennis Captain of the Year: Cindy Klingberg (Tucson, AZ) Member Organization of the Year: Canutillo Independent School District (El Paso, TX) Family of the Year: Kreuter Family (Albuquerque, NM) Dianne Miller Courage in Tennis Award: Sydney Schnell (Phoenix, AZ) President’s Award: Tim Garcia (Santa Fe, NM), Charlotte Johnson (El Paso, TX), Karen Weir (Scottsdale, AZ) Longtime USTA volunteer Paul Burns (Tempe, AZ) was also inducted into the USTA Southwest Hall of Fame at the banquet. Burns has given nearly three decades of time to the USTA at a local, section and national level. A past USTA Southwest president and USPTA teaching pro, Burns has always been a bridge between both USTA Southwest and USPTA Southwest, and an advocate for working together on projects to benefit the sport. The Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet was held Saturday, Nov. 17, and was part of a larger weekend of tennis activities and trainings for USTA volunteers and staff.
MERCEDES HOLIDAY TENNIS TOURNAMENT IN 2018 TOPS 600 ENTRIES The ever-growing popularity of the Mercedes Benz of Scottsdale Holiday Tennis Tournament is something to behold. The event passed up 600 total entries this year for the tournament which was held at Camelback Village & Racquet Club in Phoenix, November 14-18. With $32,500 in prize money, and payouts in all levels, the tournament has seen a gradual uptick from 219 competitors in the first year to well over 600 this year, the 11th of the event! Good job by the team there keeping the tournament player experience paramount! continued on page 18
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SOUTHWEST TENNIS FOUNDATION NEEDS YOUR HELP! The Southwest Tennis Foundation, the charitable arm of USTA Southwest, is always on the lookout for interesting items of value to receive as donations that we can then auction off to raise money for tennis programs! The Foundation aims to touch the lives of many programs and tennis-loving individuals and organizations, and has given to many incredible programs like the Border Youth Tennis Exchange in Nogales, Special Olympics Arizona, ACEing Autism, wheelchair tennis, veteran’s programs for tennis, schools programs, travel assistance for juniors, and many other awesome causes. Tennis pros who can speak for their facilities – we are looking for cool package or items to donate (lesson packages, golf foursomes at your clubs, any other things you can think of!). For more information, contact Brooke Damore at bdamore@southwest.usta.com or 480-289-2351 x. 108.
USTA SOUTHWEST COACHING OPPORTUNITIES USTA Southwest holds special Early Development and Team USA camps (11 scheduled in 2019). These are unique coaching opportunities to work with rising young talent from our area, or even to shadow and learn from experienced coaches. There is a selection process, and it’s pretty extensive, so please note that coaches must be certified, #NetGeneration approved and background checked before even being considered. To learn more about how you might be able to participate or lend a hand at these camps held across the Southwest, contact USTA Southwest Junior Competition Manager Nicole Fintell at nfintell@southwest.usta.com
ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MORE USTA OFFICIALS Challenge Yourself, Become an Official Today The USTA is always on the lookout for more officials to join our ranks. Give back and help grow the game of tennis by becoming a USTA official. Traditionally, officials start at district and section community events, which include USTA- sanctioned wheelchair, junior and adult tournaments. After gaining knowledge and experience, officials may show interest in officiating at professional level events, including the USTA Pro Circuit, ATP World Tour, WTA Tour, Davis and Fed Cup tie and Grand Slam tournaments. To learn more, visit us online: https://www.usta.com/en/home/about-usta/who-we-are/national/Become-An-Official.html
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Or contact Southwest Officials’ Chair Mei Hand at meihand.az@gmail.com for additional information and the steps required to get you out there on the lines.
PROS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR USTA SW COMMUNITY PROGRAM GRANT Each year, the USTA Southwest Community Tennis Department awards grants to deserving programs and organizations that participate in USTA programs. The following program grants are available, however, grants are not limited just to these programs. USTA Southwest encourages pros to learn more about the process and the monies and opportunities that are available. We welcome all grant applications (must be a USTA Organization Member) for any community-based tennis initiatives including: *School Tennis *After School Tennis *Jr. Team Tennis *10 and Under Tennis Programs *NJTL (National Jr. Tennis and Learning) *CTA- Start Up (Community Tennis Association) *Tennis on Campus *Wheelchair Tennis *Adaptive Tennis *Corporate Tennis Programs *Adult/Senior Recreational Programs * Diversity Outreach *Innovative Programs Click the link below for the grant application or copy/paste this link into your browser: https://form.jotform.com/USTASouthwest/GrantApp
GET TO THE NET AND STAY SOCIAL USTA Southwest has the ‘net covered. The internet, that is! Follow us on all of our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, you name it! Just search ‘USTA Southwest’ on each platform and you will find us socializing and updating the tennis community here in the Southwest with all the happenings!
SOUTHWEST TENNIS FOUNDATION NEEDS YOUR HELP! The Southwest Tennis Foundation, the charitable arm of USTA Southwest, is always on the lookout for interesting items of value to receive as donations that we can then auction off to raise money for tennis programs! The Foundation aims to touch the lives of many programs and tennis-loving individuals and organizations, and has given to many incredible programs like the Border Youth Tennis Exchange in Nogales, Special Olympics Arizona, ACEing Autism, wheelchair tennis, veteran’s programs for tennis, schools programs, travel assistance for juniors, and many other awesome causes. Tennis pros who can speak for their facilities – we are looking for cool package or items to donate (lesson packages, golf foursomes at your clubs, any other things you can think of!). For more information, contact Brooke Damore at bdamore@southwest.usta.com or 480-289-2351 x. 108.
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The USPTA Foundation assists programs that bring tennis to economically disadvantaged groups - including underserved kids, veterans of war, and wheelchair. The Foundation also has worked to raise funds for our teaching professionals adversely affected by the numerous natural disasters that have occurred. 1. Log onto smile.amazon.com 2. Select The United States Professional Tennis Association Foundation, Inc. as your charitable organization 3. Enjoy knowing you are helping your fellow tennis professional
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A Publication of the USPTA Southwest Division Jack Michalko / editor 77 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 62, Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-740-0126 / e-mail: usptasw@cox.net The Southwest Magazine is published quarterly by the Southwest Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association. The opinions expressed in the Southwest Magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Southwest Magazine or the USPTA Southwest Division. CopyrightŠ Southwest Division/United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this newsletter is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA Southwest Division. Advertising information: All ads must be camera ready and in color if possible. Prices are per issue. Full Page.............$150 Half Page............$100 1/4 Page..............$70
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