A Division of the USPTA
March 2020
USPTA/USTA Southwest Conference May 15-17, 2020 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ
Inside: President’s Message -2 Testing Updtae -3 Southwest Conference Agenda -4 Southwest Conference Registration -5 Southwest Awards 6-7 Area News 8-14
President’s Message Dave Moyer - USPTA Southwest President
Dear USPTA Southwest Tennis Professionals, I am excited to be wri ng to you as your new president of the Southwest Division. I will do my best over the next two years to represent each and every one of you to the best of my abili es. We have a tremendous board and area coordinators and we will work hard to earn your trust. I am looking forward to a great 2020 in the Southwest Division. We will get things started in May with our annual USPTA/USTA conference at Grand Canyon University. We are thankful that GCU and Greg Prudhomme are once again going to be our gracious hosts. This year’s conference coordinators, Laurie Mar n and Amy Badger are working hard to put together another top notch agenda full of educa on, networking and socializing. Make sure to get registered right away to take advantage of early bird discounts. The Southwest Division has always been one of the leading divisions in the country to have the majority of their members complete their credits on me and this conference is one of the best ways for you to accomplish that. If for some reason you can’t make it to the Southwest Conference in May, make sure to save the date for the World Conference in New Orleans, September 21-25. The last me it was in the bayou was one of the best conferences I have ever a ended so you won’t want to miss out.
have. Dates and agendas will be put together soon so once we have that set up I will make sure it gets out to everyone. Finally, we would love the chance to recognize those that have had outstanding years in 2019 at our Southwest Division Conference. We are encouraging everyone to nominate someone this year for at least one award but would like as many nomina ons that you can put together. It is important that we recognize those that show a willingness to go above and beyond but the only way to do that is if you all let us know who those professionals are. Many of you are humble and do not want the recogni on, but it is a vital part of the USPTA both on a division level and na onal level. Please nominate others or yourself so that we can recognize you at conference. Our awards commi ee is headed up by Suk Ong and co-chaired by Greg Prudhomme and they would love nothing more than to have mul ple nomina ons for all of the awards. Thank you all for being some of the best and the brightest in the country! Please know that I am here for you and can be reached at dmoyer@ccdcranch.com if you need anything or have any ques ons. See you in May!
We will be working on many objec ves and goals over the next two years including more educa on opportuni es within each local area. I will be working with the area coordinators (Dick Johnson – Albuquerque, Ryan Johnson – Phoenix, John Perry – Tucson and Andrea Meyer – Northern Arizona) to set up educa onal opportuni es that will allow you to earn credits close to home while also giving me a chance to personally get to know you all and answer any ques ons you might
page 2
March 2020
USPTA Southwest Tester Update By Southwest Head Tester, Dr. Gregory Prudhomme
I
hope everyone’s 2020 is off to a great start! I’m sure you have heard the news multiple times by now, but remember that 2020 is the final year of the current USPTA certification process. There will be substantial changes in the way that new members become USPTA certified. This will significantly increase the credibility and value of our professional certification around the world. If anyone is interested in upgrading his or her current level of certification under the current process, it must be completed this year. Any applicant that starts their certification must complete the entire process by the end of 2020 to avoid starting the process new at a future date. Let prospective USPTA applicants know that now is a great time to become certified. I look forward to working with our other great divisional testers for another year: Larry Lineberry (Northern Arizona), Bryan Dirks (Tucson), Dick Johnson (Albuquerque), and Jonathan Davis (Phoenix). Let us know if you have any questions. You can reach me at 602-301-1394 or at gmprudhomme@yahoo.com. Below are the Southwest certification dates for 2020. Pass them along.
2020 USPTA Southwest Certification Dates: April 4; Cottonwood, AZ @ Mingus Union High School May 14-15; Phoenix, AZ @ Grand Canyon University June 5-6; Albuquerque, NM @ Tanoan Country Club June 19-20; Tucson, AZ @ Tucson Country Club August 22; Cottonwood, AZ @ Mingus Union High School September 18-19; Tucson, AZ @ Tucson Country Club October 16-17; Albuquerque, NM @ Tanoan Country Club November 20-21; Glendale, AZ @ Paseo Racquet Center December 4-5; Glendale, AZ @ Paseo Racquet Center
March 2020
page 3
2020 USPTA/USTA SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE & BUYING SHOW GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Thursday, May 14 9:00 am - Noon 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Loca on USPTA Tes ng/PTCA 1 course review USPTA Tes ng on court
Classroom Tennis Courts
USPTA SW Registra on Specialty Course - “Court Warrior” - Mike Barrell USPTA Tes ng on court USPTA SW Awards Luncheon The Art of Building A Winning Team - Doug Browne/Mark Frampton Round Table break out sessions for Racquet Clubs, Public Facili es, Schools, and Country Clubs Net Genera on App - Tracy Lawson USPTA General Membership Mee ng Master Professional Mee ng USPTA/ USTA Southwest Dinner Party
Business Building Lobby Tennis Courts Tennis Courts Business Building Classroom
Friday, May 15 7:00 am - 4:00 pm 8:00 am -Noon 9:00 am - Finish 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm 4:30 pm - 5:20 pm 5:30 pm -6:30 pm 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Classroom Classroom Classroom Canyon Grill 49 Canyon Grill 49
Saturday, May 16 7:00 am - 4:00 pm 7:00 am - 7:50 am 8:00 am - 8:50 am
USPTA SW Registra on USPTA Under 30 and Diversity Commi ee Mee ng Tac cs and Strategy: Pa erns, Shot Selec on and Decision Making in Singles - Chuck Provencio 9:00 am - 9:50 am Sip N’ Serve: The art of capturing and retaining the 21-39 year old crowd - Amanda Fink 10:00 am - 10:50 am Running Junior Team Events - Kelsey Lawson 11:00 am - 11:50 am USTA’S New Junior Pathway - Nicole Fintell 12:00 pm - 1:20 pm Trade Show Luncheon 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm Evolving Your Program - Mike Barrell 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm Managing an Age Diverse Workforce - Chuck Provencio 3:30 pm - 4:20 pm USPTA Na onal Update - Trish Faulkner 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm U lizing the USTA Adult Leagues Program - Lori Therrien 5:20 pm - 6:20 pm Wilson Staff Mee ng 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Women’s Mee ng - No host Happy Hour
Business Building Lobby Classroom Tennis Courts Tennis Courts Tennis Courts Classroom Business Building Lobby Classroom Classroom Classroom Classroom Classroom Canyon Grill 49
Sunday, May 17 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
page 4
Specialty Course - Doubles Connec on: How To Be A Be er Doubles Partner - Dr. Greg Prudhomme
Classroom Classroom
March 2020
Mail - In Registra on Form 2020 USPTA Southwest Division Annual Conference Registra on Form Name _______________________________________________________ USPTA # __________ E-Mail ______________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________ State _____ ZIP _______ Cell Phone # _______________________ PLEASE READ ALL CHOICES CAREFULLY! Early Registration (must be post marked by, Monday, April 13, 2020) Rate $149 Advanced Registration (After April 13, 2020 but before May 15, 2020) Rate $169 Walk-in Registration Rate $199 Non USPTA Pro Rate $210 Significant Other (Non USPTA) Rate $100 Specialty Courses Only Rate $100 NEW USPTA Member (Certified in 2019) - FREE Yes, I’m attending the Friday morning Specialty Course - Included Yes, I’m attending the Friday Award’s Luncheon – Included Yes, I’m attending the Friday Night Dinner Party - Included Yes, I’m attending the Saturday Trade Show Luncheon – Included Yes, I’m attending the Sunday morning Specialty Course - Included
On-line registra on
You may register for the conference on-line through Ticket Tailor at the link below. It’s easy to use so please give it a try. Just click HERE to register for the conference!
Southwest Featured Speakers Friday, May 15 8 am - Noon Specialty Course “Court Warrior”
Saturday, May 16 9 am - 9:50 am Sip N’ Serve: The art of capturing and retaining the 21-39 year old crowd
Mike Barrell
Amanda Fink
March 2020
Sunday, May 17 8 am - Noon Specialty Course Doubles Connec on: How To Be A Be er Doubles Partner
Dr. Greg Prudhomme
page 5
Division Awards Nomina ng Form United States Professional Tennis Associa on 2020 Awards Program GENERAL RULES: * Award period is from January 1 – December 31, 2019 unless otherwise noted in award category. * Only USPTA cer fied members, (Master Professional, Elite Professional and Professional) in good standing are eligible for USPTA member awards. * Only USPTA members in good standing may submit nomina ons in all categories. * Self-nomina ons are acceptable. * All award categories may not necessarily be awarded on an annual basis. * Awards Commi ee will determine if there are qualified candidates in any category. * Awards will be presented at the USPTA SOUTHWEST Division Conference MAY 15-17, 2020
APPLICATIONS AND AWARD NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN APRIL 1, 2020 ******************************************************************************
NOMINATION FORM AWARD CATEGORY:_________________________________________________ NAME TO BE NOMINATED: ______________________________
USPTA# _______
NOMINEE CONTACT DETAILS: phone: ____________________ email: ________________ INFORMATION ON NOMINEE: __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Addi onal detailed informa on on nominee as to why this member deserves this recogni on is encouraged. Please submit a bio if possible and as much in-depth informa on as you can. NOMINATING MEMBER NAME: _____________________________________
USPTA#________________
NOMINATOR CONTACT DETAILS: phone: ____________________ Email: ____________________________
ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SENT VIA EMAIL TO: sukong.uspta@gmail.com QUESTIONS: Contact: Suk Ong at 602-881-0467 or sukong.uspta@gmail.com
page 6
March 2020
USPTA SOUTHWEST AWARDS CATEGORIES STEVE WILKINSON COLLEGE COACH OF THE YEAR and HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD - award recipients are usually selected based on their results as team coaches, however, individual coaches may be considered.
DIVERSITY AWARD – This award recognizes the USPTA member who has demonstrated an outstanding ability to unite diverse popula ons within his/her community through tennis
GEORGE BACSO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – NATIONAL AWARD ONLY -The George Bacso Lifeme Achievement Award recognizes a member who, over a career, has demonstrated exemplary achievement in seven areas, including: contribu ons to USPTA and USTA; as a teaching professional, player and coach; in educa on, research and publica ons; and with other organiza ons, achievements and contribuons.
USPTA SOUTHWEST PROUD AWARD – DIVISION AWARD ONLY - This award recognizes a member who exemplifies integrity, respect and passion for tennis on and off the court. This award may or may not be given out each year. This award is at the discre on of the USPTA Southwest Awards Commi ee.
INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD - is given to teaching professionals who take both an altruis c and entrepreneurial a tude toward their jobs. They use their own resources and those offered by the industry to build programs that bring tennis to more people. At the same me, they are successful in growing a tennis business.
ALEX GORDON PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD – recognizes a member who, over a calendar year, has demonstrated exemplary achievement in seven areas, including: USPTA, allied organiza ons, club achievements, career development, volunteerism, coaching achievements and playing achievements.
USPTA LESSONS FOR LIFE AWARD – recognizes those USPTA members who have done the most to raise money for chari es through tennis events. While the award spotlights individuals who have raised large amounts of money, it also honors those hos ng the most crea ve, original or unique tennis event to raise money for chari es. An individual hos ng an event raising the most money will not necessarily receive this award.
USPTA STARS AWARD – are members who have dedicated many years to volunteering in grassroots tennis and through ini a ves incorpora ng mul cultural and other aspects; bringing the sport and sportsmanship to the players they touch. Their giving spirits have made them stars in their own communi es. We may not recognize the names who receive this award, but their stories are inspiring, and almost all of us know at least one person who deserves a nomina on.
30 AND UNDER AWARD – recognizes a USPTA member under the age of 30 who, through their tennisteaching and volunteer spirit, has increased opportuni es for others to par cipate in tennis. This member exemplifies and emphasizes individual achievement and sportsmanship along with teaching the physical a ributes of the sport. This member has served the USPTA in one capacity or another, and has made a commitment to grassroots tennis and an indelible impression on his/her community.
March 2020
page 7
Northern Arizona by Andrea Meyer
Sedona, AZ Thirty-five-year USPTA member Karin Sobo a recently re red from her work in Bullhead City as a physical therapist and is now devo ng herself to both the tennis and pickleball courts. The tennis- playing popula on near Arizona’s western border is sparse, but Karin is hoping to add adult clinics where she teaches at Rotary Park. Karin is well on her way to comple ng her pickleball cer fica on and has taken home a number of pickleball trophies recently: January 7, Karin won women’s 60s Southwest Regionals and a silver medal in women’s doubles. She will compete at na onals in November, 2020. Other victories include a bronze in women’s doubles and fi h place in mixed in February’s Grand Canyon State Games. Next on Karin’s pickelball travel schedule is Utah’s Tournament of Champions in May. The Verde Valley’s Andrea Meyer is gearing up for another season coaching the girls’ tennis team at Mingus Union HS in Co onwood. “This year is especially exci ng because kids who’ve been my students in the local middle schools are now freshmen at Mingus and coming out for the team. “ The boys’ and girls’ teams have done some of their preseason work on a used Playmate ball machine that USPTA Pro, Chris Cummings of Winfield Tennis Club in Sco sdale thoughtfully donated to the Mingus program. Andrea had a fine turnout of 17 youth players for her first USTA Team Challenge in January and expects an even larger group for her second Team Challenge Feb. 15. A er just comple ng her second Annual Super Bowl Mixed Doubles Round Robin on Saturday, Feb. 1st, USPTA Elite Professional, Claude e Laliberte is working on more themed round robin events in Sedona. These events draw in the local Sedona tennis community,
page 8
and the surrounding Verde Valley/Northern Arizona areas. They are a fun way to get players together who, normally would not be on the same court together. High School Tennis in Northern Arizona is underway. Claude e will volunteer her me at Sedona Red Rock High School with the girl’s and boys’ team. Many local USPTA Professionals are coaching high school tennis in Northern Arizona. Larry Lineberry is the Head Boy’s Coach at Mingus Union High School, and Andrea Meyer is the Head Girl’s Coach at Mingus Union High School. It’s great to have such great coaching for our smaller community of junior players. Although the winter season is upon us as I write, the tennis courts in Sedona are staying busy. Players enjoy their weekly (some daily) matches with their peers. It’s a part of their rou nes and it’s a major part of their lives. Tennis is truly a “sport for a life me!” Master Professional Larry Lineberry will coach the boys Mingus Union High School tennis team for the fi h consecu ve year star ng in February. He is opmis c about the team’s chances to qualify for the State tournament for the first me in 10 years. Larry was sorry to see hear about the passing of his old tennis friend, Mike Eikenberry. “Mike was an inspira on and teacher to me in my early days as a teaching professional in Virginia. I learned a great deal from Mike as he operated his 4 Star Tennis Academy in Charlo esville and as he worked his way up to becoming our USPTA President. He made a difference in our organiza on especially as it moved into the computer era and in how he treated the people on his staff and commi ees. Mike was one of the great pros in the history of our organiza on” said Lineberry.
March 2020
Larry will conduct a USPTA on court tes ng at Mingus Union High School on Saturday, April 4th for anyone interested in upgrading their current status. Larry was just recently no fied that he will be an inaugural inductee into the newly formed Roanoke Region Tennis Hall of Fame. He spent his first 17 years out of college as a tennis teaching professional in Roanoke, VA where he was a 4 me USPTA Virginia Pro of the Year, Mid Atlan c Pro of the Year, Mid Atlan c Division President and earned his Master Professional ra ng in 1990. Larry conducted 9 USTA Satellite and/or Challenger professional tournaments at his club while raising thousands of dollars for various chari es in the process. He has also been asked to be the featured speaker at the Hall of Fame awards banquet scheduled for March 28th at his previous club in Roanoke, VA.
Flagstaff
Presco , AZ A couple months ago, USPTA Elite Professional, Chris Howard, approached the Presco Area Tennis Associaon (PATA) with a proposal for a new event. Based on the popular and successful Punt, Pass, and Kick football compe ons throughout the country, PATA is pleased to announce its first Just for Kids- Serve, Groundstroke, and Volley event. Young people ages 5-18 can compete for FREE across 5 age divisions, with prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each division. Equipment will be provided to par cipants who need it. With the help of local pros and PATA volunteers, we hope to provide a fun and engaging experience for all the a endees. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020 from 1 to 3 pm at the Yavapai College Tennis Courts. More details and a link to register can be found at presco tennis.com/event/svg/. Hope to see you there!
Nicole Chambers, USPTA Elite Professional As Flagstaff comes out of the snow, the tennis community starts to enjoy outdoor play. A World Team Tennis Event is taking place the weekend of April 17-19th at Forest Highlands tennis courts. The event will be co-ed and will allow USTA players between 3.0-4.5 to compete on teams. The High School season begins on February 8th and runs un l mid-April. Flagstaff now has teams from Flagstaff High School, Coconino High School, NPA and Basis. Pre-season clinics are being offered at NAU and at Forest Highlands which include pre-season match play. A pre-summer Memorial Day Social and Demo Day will take place at Forest Highlands on Saturday, May 23. The season’s latest racquets will be presented by ACES Racquet Sports located in Flagstaff. A Family Day Fun-a-ment will be taking place at Forest Highlands on Saturday, June 6th. This will be followed by a PRO/ AM featuring Flagstaff, Sedona, Presco and Phoenix Professionals. Flagstaff USPTA teaching professionals include Elite Professional Nicole Chambers as Director of Racquet Sports at Forest Highlands and Professional Trent Haywood, Director of Tennis at Pine Canyon.
March 2020
page 9
Southeastern Arizona by John Perry
Gree ngs from Tucson and Re in Tennis Center! This me of year we have wonderful weather for tennis and we have many great events going on in Southern Arizona. At Re in Tennis Center, we rang in 2020 hos ng the USTA Na onal Winter 12s and 14s Championships. A total of 512 players from throughout the country ba ling for the gold balls presented to na onal champions. This weeklong event was held at 10 different facili es all over Tucson. In February, USPTA professionals Ronnie Smith and Jay Hitchcock ran the 50th Annual High School Invita onal. This event was founded by former USPTA Na onal President Jim Re in as a kickoff to the high school season and is held at the tennis center that bears his name. Featuring a unique double elimina on format, this event has an incredible tradi on tracing the history of the best players in Southern Arizona. The 2020 boys’ final featured USPTA pro John Perry’s sons Brendan and Jared. Boys’ champion Brendan along with girls’ tlist Emily Flowers will be added to the event t-shirt given to each tournament player lis ng each of the tournament winners over the past 50 years. In March at Re in, we will see some of the top professional wheelchair players in the world as Tucson hosts the EZMED Arizona Open ITF Wheelchair Championships. This is an amazing and inspiring event featuring former world #1 and mul grand slam champion Maikel Scheffers, USA #1 Casey Ratzlaff, and Tucson’s own Jason Keatseangsilp, the 2019 doubles champion, as they ba le to try to qualify for the Paralympics 2020 in Tokyo. Bryan Dirk from Tucson Country Club In January, Tucson Country Club hosted the first 10
page 10
& Under Junior Slam Series of the year, the Aussie Championships! Boone Dirk took 1st place in Orange Ball, while Tyler Fischer took 2nd place. In Green Ball, Diamond England took 1st place. The compe on came from around Tucson and even as far as Nogales and Phoenix. A big thank you to John Perry, USTA Tennis Service Representave Renee Lopez, and Bri Feldhausen for all the work they do to run and promote these great events. Another great event at TCC is our Junior Match Play and Pizza Night. On the last Friday of each month, averaging 15 kids, we have planned our Match Play and Pizza Nights through December 2020! This is a great opportunity for local intermediate players to come out and JUST play. Format is simple, we go through a quick warm up and introduc on, then we send the kids out to play 4 games against an opponent, and once they are done, we send them right back out for another match. Scores are recorded but not counted. The idea is SIMPLY to play, learn something, and have fun! The Tennis Pro Shop at TCC sponsors this event, so there is no cost! Bri Feldhausen Winter is proceeding with perfect condi ons for Sabino Vista Hills kids’ tennis classes. Thanks to John Perry and Ronnie Smith for hos ng a very informa ve workshop from USPTA pro Tracy Larson with informa on on teaching red, orange and green ball tennis. Tucson Community Tennis Program con nues finishing their inschool tennis classes. They will be gradua ng hundreds of grade school tennis players. We’ll be having the TCTP Adult/Child Tournament in April at Re in Tennis Center. This event features adults and children of all levels playing together and is a great chance for a youngster to experience a tennis match in a fun se ng.
March 2020
Phoenix, Arizona by Ryan Johnson
Gree ngs Southwest USPTA Pros! I hope everyone was able to enjoy the Holidays. With spring me quickly approaching, tennis is in full swing around the valley. On March 16, through March 22, 2020, the Arizona Tennis Classic will return to the Phoenix Country Club. Last year’s event featured six of the top 50 world ranked players, and 18 of the top 100 rising stars showcased their skills in exci ng day and evening matches. Defending champion, Italian star Ma eo Berre ni, rose from number 52 in the world to number 11 a er reaching the semifinals of this year’s U.S. Open in New York. Placed on the calendar between two of the World’s biggest ATP Tournaments (BNP Paribas Indian Wells and The Miami Open) expect another strong field. For ckets and addi onal informa on please visit: h p://arizonatennisclassic.com/index.html The Sun City West 2020 Swing into Spring Senior Tennis Tournament will be held at the newly renovated Memo’s Bistro Tennis Complex, one of the largest privately owned tennis facili es in the Southwest. The 35th annual senior tennis tournament will run March 25 through March 29. More informa on is available here: h p://swingintospringaz.com/
Lopes, led by Dr. Greg Prudhomme, won the 20182019 regular season WAC Conference Title. In addion, the men’s program, won the 2018-2019 regular season WAC tle as well as the WAC conference tournament, earning an automa c bid into the Division 1 NCAA Tournament. The men will host Boise State on March 23 at 1pm.
The Arizona State men’s program, led by Ma Hill, will host the Arizona Wildcats on March 29 at 1pm. The women will host California on March 27 at 1:30pm and Stanford on March 28 at noon. The Camelback Village Racquet and Health Club will host the annual Relay for Life Charity Tennis Event on March 22 from 3-6pm. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Also, the club will host the Emerald Charity Tennis Event on April 26 from 10am – 1pm. For more informa on, please contact the Director of Tennis, Ryan Johnson, at rjohnson@dmbclubs. com.
www.facebook.com/USPTASouthwest
On March 1 at 11am, the GCU women’s tennis team will host Cal Poly at the GCU Tennis Complex. The
March 2020
page 11
Northern New Mexico by Dick Johnson
Hello Everybody! Our Northern New Mexico Tennis pros have had some really cold weather to deal with over the past 2 months. Brrrrr! Many of us who work with high school teams have had some pre y frigid prac ces. My spring junior La Cueva Tennis Camps starts this Saturday. We normally have 35-50 kiddos ages 4-16 from 1-3:30pm. This is my 20th year and we have had over 2500 kids go through our program. I recently worked with Amy Badger and Colleen Ramnath with Northern New Mexico USTA TSR who hosted the New Mexico High School coach workshop which was held on February 1st at Jerry Cline Tennis Center. It was an all-day event that feature David Smith, HS Coach, USPTA Pro and author of three books on tennis. Coach Smith is a highly successful coach in St. George, Utah. His 1 ½ hour PowerPoint presenta on on court drill and technical presenta on was fabulous. We had over 90 coaches throughout the state attend and we were really pleased that 52 coaches have been registered with Net Genera on. We had a tremendous number of compliments and I hope some of our
page 12
new coaches learned proper grips and techniques that they can take to their players before the season starts. “Teach that con nental grip on the serve”! was stressed. I hope everybody has a fabulous spring. All the best everyone! Dick Johnson Amy Badger Reports: Had a great turnout for The New Mexico high school tennis doubles showcase. Eleven schools represented 30 teams as they prepare for high school tryouts. Had the great privilege of presen ng on the Net Genera on high school team manual at the Arizona Tennis Coaches Associa on coaches’ workshop. Approximately 40 couches spent the morning learning from a variety of speakers. It was also a lot of fun si ng on a Q&A panel with other coaches. Just a wonderful turnout and event. Gearing up for 35-40 girls headed to spring High School tennis tryouts. Official prac ce starts Feb 10th. Working diligently on our annual Southwest conference. Excited about our lineup! Hope we’ll see even more of our members there. I am at mee ngs, as I write this at The USTA Na onal Campus for the annual EDC Symposium as well as a youth development/ADM task force regarding advancements in the 12U Net Genera on circuit. David Pi s – Director of Tennis, Tanoan Country Club wants to share one of his favorite warm up drills! One of my favorite warm up drills is great for developing rhythm on your groundstrokes as well as reinforcing solid volley technique. One player starts at the service line with the other player at the net. The net player feeds a very so ball that bounces up into the other player’s hi ng zone. This player takes a full swing, but not necessarily full power, and aims at the net player’s racket. The net player plays another so ball right back into their hi ng zone. The goal is to have very long controlled rallies with one player working into hi ng full speed and the net player working on se ng the racket and controlling a volley right back at them. Do a
March 2020
full rota on with each player hi ng crosscourt forehand and backhand groundstrokes and volleys. This drill is best for an intermediate player and a pro or two advance players, it does require a bit of control. The key to making this drill work is to pick a speed in which everyone can control their shots. If the rallies are under 10 shots each, they are being too aggressive, if the rallies are over 20 shots each, step it up. Remember the person hi ng groundstrokes is being aggressive and should focus on ge ng into good posi on and work on developing a consistent contact point. The net player is not only trying to master their split step but is simply working on se ng their racket in a strong posi on and blocking back a nice so ball. Not only do you hit a ton of balls in a very short period of me but this drill will improve the rhythm of your groundstrokes, improve your footwork and help you develop solid volley technique as well as touch and control. A win win for everyone involved. Jimmy Parker of Santa Fe reports: As president of the Na onal Senior Men’s Tennis Associa on, I’ve been staying pre y busy. (check out our website – nsmta.net to see what we’re doing) In January, I won my 150th gold ball at the USTA Na onal 70’s Mixed – obviously a personal milestone. Jim you are an inspira on to all of us! Congratula ons sir! Ralph Bolton, Director of Tennis at Santa Fe Tennis and Swim Club reports: They are hos ng a strength and movement clinic, designed for tennis with legendary coach Pat Etchberry on March 20-21. Pat has worked with Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Mar na Hingis and countless others. He has trained 15 Olympic medalists as well as pro athletes from the NFL, NBA and PGA. Please contact Santa Fe Tennis and Swim Club at (505) 998-4100 if you are interested in a ending. Dave Shambach is star ng his third-year teaching for the City of Rio Rancho Parks and Recrea on Department Tennis Program. He is teaching adults 2 ½ days a week and youths aged 5-10 one day a week. He is a volunteer tennis coordinator with the City. Chris ne Paulsen Has Some Great Ideas! Remember to make tennis Fun! Lobo Tennis Club is in full swing with their kids NetGen Progression tennis program! March 2020
My team of coache’s first priority is making every child feel important and leave wan ng to come back! If there is a theme of the season, we bring it into the lesson. For example, for my Orange Ball academy we put a heart s cker on their racquet grip to point out the con nental grip. Every child received a valenne card and hit for prizes! One of my coaches, Ma Neeld in the Red Ball academy has such contagious enthusiasm that the kids are just naturally drawn to him. My volunteer coach, Ronnie Emme is also such an asset to our team. He is always a en ve to the kid’s names and gives high fives to all for good effort. Encouragement goes a long way! It’s amazing how powerful posi ve words can be! We are surrounded so much in this world by nega vity and cri cism that you never know how your posi ve words can build up a child’s confidence! They may not become a professional athlete but tennis is a “life sport”, and if they keep coming back and learn the skills of tennis through a pa ent, gentle, encouraging coach they may end up a tennis player for life! Carol Lang, another one of my posi ve coaches, new this year has a keen eye for stroke development and how to make it fun! One of these kids might even play on a high school or college team or coach someday like her! I read once somewhere the top three reasons kids drop out of youth sports are: 1. It’s not fun anymore. 2. Parental pressure to perform is too much. 3. Unmet coaching expecta ons can be defea ng. So, make it fun, keep communica ng with parents and find new ways, crea ve ways, to make it fun out there on the court and yes, you might even need to be silly some mes. Most importantly be crea ve in how you encourage!! Here are some phrases you can use the next me you are with a young player on court! “You make me smile when you hit a good shot.” page 13
“I like when you look at me when I talk to you.” “You’re a good problem solver on court.” “You’re brave; so, go ahead and try this today.” “None of us are perfect and that is okay.” “I like the way you come to the net or _____.” “Thanks for making my day by trying so hard.” “You can do it, just keep going.” “Not giving up is your best trait.” “Every day you get be er.” “Keep striving hard.” “I was proud of how you showed kindness to that new player.” “You know who your biggest fan is? Me!” “Keep it fun.” “You have come a long way on your _____.” We all want to build a program but it starts with building one child’s confidence at a me. Kids not only hear your words they watch body posture, voice inflec on and non-verbal cues, so SMILE! Get down to their level and remember what it’s like to be a child learning a new skill. John Damgaard Is Excited in Santa Fe! Tennis in Santa Fe/Los Alamos is booming this winter and spring. At least 16 USTA League Teams are ready to go in league play beginning Feb 29 and playing through May 27. I will be working with Bonnie Rogers and the Varsity Tennis Programs at the Santa Fe High School on the new 2.4-million-dollar court complex. A lot of indoor ac on this winter at Shellaberger Tennis Center with the Klaus Pro-AM, Sunday Socials, Any me Singles, Top Dog Doubles and Fast Four Singles. Also: SFHS Bonnie Roger’s Boys/Girls and St. Mike’s Girls with Jeremy Garcia and Vlad King have been working out inside to get ready for the up and coming HS season. St. Mike’s Girls were State Runner Up to Academy and are READY again this year.
SOUTHWEST OFFICERS President Dave Moyer 480-342-7240 dmoyer@ccdranch.com Regional VP Laurie Mar n 480-213-2083 lmar n@ppiarizona.com Vice President Amy Badger 505-379-6728 badger3@me.com Secretary Suk Ong 602-881-0467 suk_ong@tempe.gov Treasurer Greg Prudhomme 602-301-1394 gmprudhomme@yahoo.com Past President Jonathan Davis 520-360-0182 jdavisuspta@gmail.com Pro Emeritus Bri Feldhausen 520-886-1885 bri eldhausen@mac.comesident Execu ve Director Jack Michalko 602-740-0126 usptasw@cox.com
SOUTHWEST COORDINATORS Northern New Mexico Dick Johnson 505-507-6795 richarddjtennis@aol.com Phoenix Ryan Johnson 480-267-0725 rjohnson@dmbclubs.com Southeastern Arizona John Perry 520-403-8290 jptennis25@yahoo.com Northern Arizona Andrea Meyer 928-300-4352 andreajmeyer@yahoo.com Southern New Mexico & l Paso TBD Head Tester Greg Prudhomme 602-301-1394 gmprudhomme@yahoo.com
The Southwest Magazine is the official Publica on of the USPTA Southwest Division of the United States Professional Tennis Associa on.
page 14
March 2020
March 2020
page 15
page 16
March 2020
A Publication of the USPTA Southwest Division Jack Michalko / editor 77 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 62, Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-740-0126 / e-mail: jack.michalko@uspta.org 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. 2020. 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
March 2020
page 17