Southwest Magazine-December 2021

A Division of the USPTA

December 2021

Ryan Johnson, National Elevate Award Winner!

INSIDE:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE - 2 TESTING - 2 BNP OPEN ARTICLE - 3 LOVEALL10S’ - 4 AREA NEWS - 5-10 TIU WELCOME BACK - 10-11 2022 AWARD FORMS - 12-13 WORLD CONFERENCE - 16

Save The Date!

2022 Southwest Conference May 20-21 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, Arizona

President’s Message Dave Moyer - USPTA Southwest President

Hello USPTA Southwest professionals!

I hope everyone is enjoying our great fall weather which makes life on the courts that much more fun. As I sat down to write this letter it hit me that this will be my last one as President of the Southwest division. It has been a pleasure to serve everyone on the board for the past five years including the last two as your president. Unfortunately, the pandemic kept me from accomplishing a lot of our goals, but it was still a great experience.

Probably the biggest disappointment was not being able to see everyone in person at our division conference the past two years but thankfully we will be back inperson in May of 2022 at Grand Canyon University!

as he is a rising star in the industry.

I have had a wonderful time with our great board and want to thank Laurie, Amy, Suk and Greg for everything. Keep up the good work! And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the best and the glue that holds everything together, Jack Michalko. Jack has been our ED for many years and continues to amaze me with his energy and passion for the USPTA Southwest. We are truly blessed to have someone in our division who cares as much as he does. Thank you, Jack!

Have a great season everyone and I am looking forward to seeing you all May 20-21 at Grand Canyon University.

Head Tester Report: For anyone who had the USPTA Tennis Instructor certification please see the following flyer for information for upgrading to the Professional certification level. We hope to schedule a 3-day Tennis Essentials 3 workshop in the Phoenix Area in 2022, which is required for the Professional upgrade. Stay tuned for more information! If you have any questions you can email me at pruperformance@gmail.com <mailto:pruperformance@gmail.com> or call at 602-301-1394.

For those of you that went to the World Conference in September in Las Vegas, I hope you enjoyed the great speakers, networking, and atmosphere as much as I did. It was a blast to see so many professionals together again after such a long time apart. Vegas doesn’t usually disappoint, and it definitely did not this time around either. I am already counting the months until we get to go to New Orleans in 2022! I would love to see an even bigger Southwest presence in 2022.

Finally, with the pandemic coming to an end you are in great hands with the new board of directors.

Laurie Martin will take over as president and I am excited to see what she will accomplish in her tenure. The addition of Ryan Johnson will be tremendous as well page 2

December 2021

“BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Bringing Professional Tennis Back to Life”

T

he middle weekend of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California normally has a zoo of spectators and sold-out ticket sales, unfortunately that hasn’t been the case in it’s first fall debut this October 4th to 17th.

These dates only came together in June, which gave this event a short runway of time to get the word out, making the promotion much tougher for the 87% of people who come from far and wide in what many call a “destination tournament.”

This was the first time this event has taken place since COVID interrupted the tennis world, forcing the cancelation of this event in March of 2020 and 2021.

Most professional tennis the past two years has been cancelled, or tournaments held without spectators and players quarantined for safety reasons.

Just like the rest of us, they’ve been trying to figure out the right way to bring spectators back to the pro tennis tournaments without taking big health risks for all.

Purchasing tickets also means adding an app or two to your phone, showing proof of full vaccination - that is called a digital health pass (you’ll have scanned) and signing a waiver and release of the risk you are taking by coming on the site.

December 2021

Between a shorter time, frame to plan this tennis get-a-way, being out of the loop of traveling much, getting the vaccinations needed, missing many “Big Name” players like Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Ash Barty, Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Thiem...and it’s just going to take some time getting tennis fans back in seats anywhere after a 2 year hiatus.

This was a known factor and owner Larry Ellison and tournament director Tommy Haas still decided to kick this event back in gear, which shows their enthusiasm to return to as close to normal as possible.

As the old guard of tennis slowly exits the game and new players make their way to the top it’s not only a learning curve for them, but for us to learn their names, their games, and find out who they are personality-wise, what they’re made of and their overall appeal.

I’m not too crazy about virtual interviews. I didn’t and don’t like that the media has been slowly but surely separated from the players where we used to be able to hang out and develop relationships that are wanted and needed as we write interesting pieces on them year in and out.

We as a sport need to collectively come together, players, media, fans and all related entities in creating an interesting atmosphere where the game can be nurtured and continue to grow and prosper.

The tour players need to do more

to help promote the game - just like the old days when their living depended on ticket sales.

It’s one developed relationship at a time, one new player, a smile, a positive word, an hour of talking to a group here and there, stopping by a high school workout for kids, dropping by a club and visiting a clinic, playing group and just maybe hitting a few balls without expecting some type of pay.

Hopefully some of the barriers that COVID has caused can be removed and a simpler method be put back in place as it subsides, the airlines settle down, needed supplies get to their destinations in a timely manner and inflation flattens out or better yet declines.

Life can get so hectic, and we need good, healthy, distractions to watch and attend - especially great tennis events like at Indian Wells with the best tennis players in the world showcasing their special skills.

This tournament just finished up yet and I want you all to think about the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells March 7th - 20th of 2022. By then God-willing we’ll be comfortably “Back to Normal!”

Chris Howard is a USPTA Tennis Professional with over 50 years in the racquet and fitness industry.

He can be reached at 928642-6775 or choward4541@gmail.com.

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Spreading the Love: Phoenix Tennis Pro Launches Nonprofit ‘LoveAll10s’ to Support Local Youth It was summer 2020, and the coronavirus pandemic had shut down most of the country. Not a lot was known yet about the virus, or how to appropriately prevent illness, but it was determined early on that tennis was one of the safest activities–due in part to playing the sport outside and the natural physical distancing between players.

During this summer, Phoenix tennis pro Leslie Banks administered a small tennis summer camp for students in the Phoenix Union High School District. This district is one of the nationally recognized school districts that serve a 95 percent minority population and have federally mandated desegregation funding. Diversity is a hallmark in Phoenix Union High School District, with 81 percent of students identifying as Latino and a large refugee population that represents over 71 languages. More than half of the students come from homes where English is not the primary language spoken.

Language and economic barriers can make a sport like tennis challenging to access, and many of the schools within the Phoenix Union High School District do not offer strong tennis programs for their students. Working with these students over the summer, Banks became inspired to want to do more to support these students through the game of tennis.

“Throughout the duration of the

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summer camp, I grew increasingly passionate about creating a more encompassing program to help and elevate these hardworking, inspiring teenagers,” said Banks.

“Tennis can be the perfect sport to positively impact these students.”

Banks spent the Fall researching what it would take to launch a nonprofit organization and had a central mission and structure established rapidly.

Within a few months, LoveAll10s (pronounced Love All Tennis) was launched. “The pandemic created a well-documented academic and social gulf among school districts.

LoveAll10s’s core mission is to positively impact the underserved youth’s self-confidence, perseverance, responsibility, and healthy lifestyle through the game of tennis,” said Banks.

Banks is relatively new to Phoenix and Arizona generally. She transplanted with her husband in the summer of 2019 from Houston, TX, where she was the Director of Junior Tennis at Lakeside Country Club. The move opened new opportunities to broaden her work beyond the tennis court, and she has embraced the challenge.

Currently, Banks, a certified USPTA coach, teaches a broad spectrum of the population by dividing her time between the Phoenix Country Club and the beautiful Phoenix Tennis Center (where LoveAll10s is

being held), and she also serves as a Board Member of the nonprofit Friendly House. Being present in these diverse locations helps to spread the message of LoveAll10s, and hopefully lifelong supporters of the cause.

LoveAll10s offers a year-long tennis academy to participating students that is complemented by transformative and engaging programing to offer the students support and assistance off court. Students have learned about subjects like nutrition and personal finance alongside their tennis coaching.

“The most important aspect of the LoveAll10s program is the life advice and support I received from Coach Leslie. She is a contagious beacon of joy and enthusiasm that has opened my eyes to the benefits of health and wealth management,” said Steven Le, a LoveAll10s participant. “By listening to her advice, sharing my own opinions, and incorporating our ideas together, I have formed a whole new mindset.” >>

December 2021

>> Le says that he struggled finding the motivation for studying and education in middle school but was set on a more productive course when he reached high school with support from his parents. During his senior year, isolated by the pandemic, the LoveAll10s program was a highlight of the week and then a support system. Le was accepted to Stanford University because of his academic achievements and for his essay in the Questbridge program, which matches low-income high-achieving high school students to its partner colleges. He also received the Gates Scholarship award, which will make him 1 of 300 awarded this honor out of the 34,900 who applied.

LoveAll10s has ambitious plans to grow its reach and help more students, reaching more communities throughout the Phoenix Union High School District by utilizing other city tennis facilities, and thus being more accessible. LoveAll10s is also exploring partnerships with like-minded nonprofit organizations across the Phoenix Metro area.

“There is so much opportunity to help students in need through the sport of tennis. Our work has only just begun,” added Banks.

To learn more about LoveAll10s or to make a financial contribution to support its mission, visit loveall10s.com.

Leslie Banks LoveAll10’s

December 2021

Northern Arizona

by Andrea Meyer

Where will $6,000 get you? For Andrew Bogdanov, 26, it will buy a lightweight, highly maneuverable tennis wheelchair that could help him reach his goal of becoming a Paraolympian. The Prescott Area Tennis Association staged its annual Park of Tennis Fame event on Oct. 17, in part to raise money for Bogdanov’s specialized chair.

Nearly $6,000. went in the coffers for the chair as recreational players ponied up $40. each for clinics taught by USPTA pros Chris Howard, Sterling Fetty, David Hibbs, and Zach Hackerott. Participants rotated through teaching stations for two hours before the induction ceremony to the Walk of Tennis Fame at the Yavapai College courts.

Chris Howard has admired Bogdanov’s game: “In my mind, Andrew has the potential to become a professional wheelchair tennis player.”

Also in October, Chris traveled to Indian Wells to cover the delayed Paribas Open in his “My Point” column for the Prescott Daily Courier.

On the other side of Mingus Mountain, pro Andrea Meyer and Sterling Fetty hosted a December 4 JTT Team Challenge at Mingus Union High School. Under Sterling’s direction, each monthly JTT event has been well-attended with more than 20 juniors coning from towns as far away as Kingman.

Forest Highlands is undergoing plans to build a 6 court pickleball facility in 2022. This facility will be located adjacent to the entry to Forest Highlands and will be a state-of-the-art facility for Forest Highlands. The Tennis Department looks forward to the expansion to their Pro Shop facility in 2022 by renowned architect, Don Ziebell from OZARK Architects.

Ana Ricci, a senior at Basis High School, student of Nicole Chambers and recipient of the Daily Sun athlete of the year for tennis is a finalist with the Questbridge scholarship program. She has applied to Stanford, Brown and Vanderbilt Universities and expects to hear results this month.

The 3.5 Flagstaff/Forest Highlands team won the League Championship for Northern Arizona sending them to Sectionals in June 2022. Flagstaff now has two 3.0 USTA ladies’ teams and will soon have an independent coordinator who will be structuring League tennis through the Flagstaff Tennis Association.

Northern Arizona was again the site for more altruism as Mingus Union HS hosted the Oxendale Auto Group Championships September 24-26, benefitting NAZ junior programs. Master Professional Larry Lineberry, who founded the tournament in 2019, brought on Elite Pro Jake Worseldine, Sedona, and Andrea to direct this year’s Oxendale while he was on a Covid bicycle trip to Croatia with his wife, Elizabeth. The bike trip had been rescheduled from last year because of the pandemic. Matt Oxendale had been a stand-out tennis player at Mingus Union High School and played college tennis in California before heading the family’s auto dealership. “Matt’s support is special. He understands the social and competitive skills a young player can gain from the tennis court,” Andrea said.

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Northern New Mexico

by Dick Johnson

Dick Johnson, Your district coordinator here.

Hi everybody! I hope everyone had a successful fall season.

We just finished running the Corley Cup that raised over $20,000 for our Northern New Mexico juniors.

Hats off to Amy Badger who was the tournament director.

Great Job! Amy and I both are sponsors and on the board of directors.

My DJ La Cueva Jr. Tennis Camps finished last month. We had over 35 kids that participated and my Varsity Boys Team did a terrific job and were great mentors for these kids, ages 5-16. I really believe our attendance number will be large this summer.

The USPTA World Conferpage 6

ence was extremely informative and well attended in Las Vegas at the Westgate Hotel. Our Southwest attendance was excellent, and it was great to see everyone after a difficult 2020!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. Be safe and Happy New Year everyone!

Dave Shambatch is reflecting on a busy Fall tennis season.

Dave thoroughly enjoyed attending his first in-person World Conference along with several fellow pros from the Albuquerque area. Along with the seminars, Dave was able to chat with Katrina Adams and reconnect with close friend Jason Joseph of the USPTA Eastern Division, a division he severed on from 1981-2016 As unofficial tennis co-coordinator for the City of Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation tennis program, he and two others were able to provide two opportunities for each age and ability from ages 5 to adult during the Fall season.

Dave was also excited by the

restoration of the Middle School League by NNMTA. He served as the unofficial co-coordinator of the Rio Rancho portion of it. He coached 18 players from the combined Mountain View and Rio Middle School Teams. The team made it to the consolation finals at the end of season tournament. The other team, a combined Lincoln and Eagle Ridge Middle team, was coached by 4.0 player Jeremy Dudar, and attracted 13 players. He is grateful to the NNMTA leadership.

Along with private lesson and some off-season volunteer coaching, Dave has managed to play a little tennis. He looks forward to a respite once this nice weather turns wintry!

Dave Pitts Director of Tennis at Tanoan Country Club had an exciting summer.

While he was in France, he received a call from legendary Aussie great, Roy Emerson. Roy told Dave he needed another coach at his World Famous Gstaad, Switzerland Adult Tennis Camps.

David had a great time and really enjoyed the HUH and tennis stories that Roy told.

Super fun summer big guy! >>

December 2021

>> Joe Felice’s Sierra Vista Grand Prix Doubles Tournament has received the USTA Southwest Section Tournament Enrichment Award for 2021. Joe has been running this Tournament for over 25 years and it has become one of the most popular tournaments in Northern New Mexico. With 17 sponsors, Joe is able to do lunch and snack on Saturday and Sunday as well as a large number of Door Prizes. This has been a good way to promote and support local businesses. It is on of the only tournaments that gives Winner and Finalist pottery trophies for Consolation. So, everyone plays in the Consolation.

Joe’s 7.0 Men’s 65+ Team will be participating in the Southwest Sectional Championships in Tucson, December 3-5.

Joe was Captain of 5 USTA League Teams for the fall season

continuing this great relationship with the Corleys. Amy also hosted the Rally in the Alley benefiting cancer awareness and this year making a direct contribution to a local survivor. The event this year raised over $6,000. This is the longtime passion of our staff professional Wendy Thomas, and all hands of our staff was on deck providing a fantastic event. Dick Johnson and his high school boys team continued their long tradition of providing great on court drills and support. Amy continued as head coach of the Albuquerque Academy middle school tennis program, a no cut program. Three teams and a noncomplete team spent a fun season learning the game including an end of season tournament. High School season will begin shortly.

Amy Badger had a few busy

Nip & Tuck 7.0 Mixed Doubles in NNM. Battles in both flights for second place in the 7.0 Mixed Double League took place.

Four teams finished with a 6-3 record. Damgaard STC Team, which finished out of running; did defeat the #1 Tanoan Youngberg Team twice each with a match score of 2-1.

months here at Highpoint. In October, she hosted the Corley Cup which is an annual junior tennis tournament for high school players benefitting 6 charities this year. The event raised over $40,000. She was honored to server as tournament director again and look forward to

December 2021

John Damgaard is heavily involved with his adult teams:

Youngberg and Tanoan won the #1 Flight and Hagemann TCA edged out Fotieo TAN and Damgarrd STC for second place.

Schloss with a 9-0 record won the #2 Flight and Hohsfield (7-2) SV edged out James (7-2) HP for second place.

He knew from the get-go what needed to be done; but still tried to support other captain’s wishes and players on the team. John will captain better next time. He has been there before and will be there again in the future.

John is not playing currently as he had prostate surgery and took a fall the day after the catheter was removed. If you ever have the procedure done, don’t try to do anything for several days and do what the doctors and nurses say.

Six to eight weeks now for me with just a calm routine.

Fall tennis ended with the Varsity Tennis Program at SFHS. He is looking forward to the spring season starting the second week in February. His girls’ team is very strong, and the boys team are all returning after making the semifinals in State last season.

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Phoenix, Arizona

by Ryan Johnson

Greetings Southwest Pros and tennis enthusiasts! I hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost completely in the rear view, with 2022 quickly approaching. Like most of you, I remain optimistic that 2022 will bring more normalcy and continued growth for the sport of tennis. As always, below are a few updates from recent and upcoming events around the Valley.

The Tennis Industry United Tour (TIU) recently made a stop in Scottsdale on November 5 and 6.

The event included a reception at the Saguaro Scottdale Hotel and a Professional Development Day hosted by the Phoenician Tennis Center. The Development Day featured Cardio Tennis Activities from Michele Krause, Drills for Welcoming New Players from Dave Moyer, and Building a

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Pickleball Program from Michelle Cornish. I hope you were able to take advantage of this fantastic networking and development opportunity in our own backyard.

On November 19, Camelback Village hosted the University of Arizona Men’s and Women’s tennis programs for a fun-filled exhibition, charity, and interactive tennis experience from 6-9pm.

The action took place on Center Court and included music and drinks provided by the V-Lounge.

Admission was free for members.

Following the exciting evening at the Village, on November 20, Desert Mountain hosted the University of Arizona Coaches and Players for an interactive clinic and doubles experience from 10 am – Noon for members. Then, from Noon – 2pm, the Arizona players battled against each other on the world-famous Desert Mountain Stadium Grass Court. They played a World Team Tennis Format, which showcased a Men’s and Ladies’ Singles Match, Doubles Match, and a Mixed Doubles Match. Guests were permitted to attend the Exhibition but had to register ahead of time by contacting Ryan Johnson.

The Arizona Country Club recently held its Annual Solo Cup Tournament the weekend of October 2224. The 3-day event featured 78 members across Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Doubles. It was a full weekend of tennis and fun.

Xavier College Preparatory will host the 5th Annual ATCA High School Coach Conference on January 29 from

9am – 5pm.

This is a great opportunity for coaches to learn from a blockbuster lineup of speakers including the keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Scales, two former touring pros, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and more. Attendees can expect in-classroom sessions, on -court sessions and drills, with a full day of learning and lunch.

An update from USPTA Elite Professional Brett Hall: I am excited to come down from Oregon to return for my third season as teaching professional at Venture Out 55+ in Mesa and Freestone Park in Gilbert from January through April 2022. We will be back to our full program at Venture Out with our Canadian friends returning. We have 15 parks participating in our East Valley Tennis League with teams from the 1.5 to the 4.5 level. The league uses the Ten Cap Handicap system for the competitive league, and we will offer a recreational non-competi >> December 2021

>> tive division also this year. I will be coaching several of the teams. I also teach private and group lessons. We have volunteer coaches who teach at our Practice and Play sessions for our tennis members. I will hold four volunteer coaches’ clinics to help them with drills and working with large groups. I also volunteer my time once a week for a Mixed Doubles Drop-In Play Day for all levels incorporating drills and doubles progressive/regressive format set to music. At Freestone Park I will offer once again classes for kids ages 6-14 years: future star beginner, future star advanced beginner, and all-star intermediate. We hold a spring break camp the week March 7-11. Last year we had over 60 kids participate in our program.

we can enjoy the beautiful Fall weather. The courts in Tucson have been busy with instruction and competition, and I think we’ve done a good job retaining many of the new players who have taken up the game over the past year.

While 2021 has been a fantastic year for tennis, I’m excited to see the continued growth of the sport and our association. I want to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday! I look forward to seeing you on the courts in 2022.

Keeping with the theme, I helped run the US Open orange and green ball entry level tournament.

Great sportsmanship and fun matches were had at Reffkin Tennis Center as this was the final USTA Slam series event of 2021.

Southeastern Arizona

by John Perry

Hello from Tucson! It’s always nice to make it through another summer on the courts so

December 2021

I had the pleasure of attending two prestigious tennis events recently, as I traveled to Kalamazoo for the Boys 16s and 18s National Championships and to New York for the US Open. It was exciting to watch such amazing tennis from the juniors and the pros.

Ronnie Smith has been busy at the Reffkin Tennis Center with filled up adult and junior classes. Ronnie hosted the Tucson City Championships and multiple Halloween themed events including the USTA Level 4

Monster Madness Junior Tournament.

I always like to get in on the fun at Halloween at Reffkin, dressing as a famous tennis player from the past each year, and educating the kids on that player’s history. This year was 1990 Andre Agassi.

Ronnie Smith and Reffkin also have provided the facility to the University of Arizona Club Tennis Team.

Tennis on Campus has been very successful in keeping college age players in the sport. U of A Club team has over 60 players and has traveled to Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Phoenix for events this Fall.

Amanda Fink of La Paloma reports, “At La Paloma we are coming off our biggest tennis mixer to date.

Our Halloween Monster Mash had 33 players…most dressed in costume! We have just reopened courts 4 and 5 that are newly >>

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>> resurfaced hard courts ready to go. We have recently hired Emma Ryan as a teaching professional to keep up with the popularity of tennis at the club!”

Doug Miller says, “Things are picking up here in NW Tucson! It’s great to be back on the court once again with a brand-new hip! Teaching and playing again...looking forward to seeing everyone once again!”

David Fink of Skyline Country Club and The Fink Tennis Academy coaches’ players of all ages and levels, focusing on technique, fitness, and fun, with the goal of developing friendships and a lifelong passion for tennis. David hosts junior clinics six days a week at Skyline Country Club, in addition to adult clinics, lessons, singles and doubles tournaments, and USTA sanctioned junior events, all on the beautiful red clay at Skyline.

Britt Feldhausen gives thanks to the Tucson Racquet Club for hosting the Tucson Community Tennis Center’s Annual Fall Adult Fundraiser Tournament. TCTP’s mission is to provide neighbor-

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hood opportunities for Tucson’s underserved children to learn and play the game of tennis throughout their youth and into adulthood - thus exposing them to the fun and benefits of leading an active lifestyle.

tion and collaborated on the future of the sport and industry.

Scottsdale was one of four cities chosen to host this event in 2021.

The other three cities were Atlanta, Denver, and San Diego.

Finally, I am pleased to report that we had a meeting of local USPTA pros and USTA representatives that hopes to be the beginning of a nice collaboration people to share information and help to promote tennis in Southern Arizona. Thanks to Britt Feldhausen for providing lunch and his tennis garden as the setting for the meeting.

Have a great holiday season on the courts everyone!

Needless to say, a great time was had by all that attended. Our sincere thanks and appreciation go out to Glenn Arrington who organized and ran the event.

Glenn is Director, Sales & Partnerships for the USTA at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, FL.

A large crowd of around 60 invitees were treated to food and drinks to kick off the celebration at the Saguaro Scottsdale on Friday night November 5th, followed by an on court Professional Development Day on Saturday, November 6th at the Phoenician Tennis Center.

Tennis Industry United Welcome Back Event!

Tennis Industry United (TIU) held a welcome back event in Scottsdale, Ariz. on November 5-6. Invitees to this event had a chance to meet up with other certified professionals, tennis industry leaders, coaches, and industry representatives to enjoy great food, drinks, and on-court professional development as we celebrated the recent growth in tennis participa-

December 2021

SOUTHWEST OFFICERS President Dave Moyer 480-342-7240 dmoyer@ccdranch.com Regional VP Laurie Martin 480-213-2083 lmartin@ppiarizona.com Vice President Amy Badger 505-379-6728 badgers3@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 Britt Feldhausen 520-886-1885 brittfeldhausen@mac.comesident Executive Director Jack Michalko 602-740-0126 jack.michalko@uspta.org

SOUTHWEST COORDINATORS

Best Kept Self

by Dr. Greg Prudhomme

How do you perceive stress? Most people fear stress and see it as something to avoid completely. It is easy to shy away from anxiety, pressure, and stress to avoid being uncomfortable, however, when exercising our muscles and cardiovascular system we are in fact making them feel uncomfortable by intentionally applying stress. This is a requirement for strength and growth. Without the application of stress to these physical systems they will weaken and atrophy.

The same is true regarding the mind. Without exposure to stress the mind will weaken. With healthy doses of stress, we gain the opportunity to grow mentally and emotionally. Naturally, too much stress can be harmful, but if we learn to perceive stress as ‘helpful for growth’ rather than ‘debilitating’ then we will be taking a healthy and balanced approach. Stress happens…instead of avoiding it entirely, reframe it and then embrace the opportunities to strengthen mentally and emotionally.

December 2021

Northern New Mexico Dick Johnson 505-507-6795 richarddjtennis@aol.com Phoenix Ryan Johnson 480-267-0725 m.ryanjohnson@gmail.com Southeastern Arizona John Perry 520-403-8290 jptennis25@yahoo.com Northern Arizona Andrea Meyer 928-300-4352 andreajmeyer@yahoo.com Head Tester Greg Prudhomme 602-301-1394 gmprudhomme@yahoo.com The Southwest Magazine is the official Publication of the USPTA Southwest Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association.

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Division Awards Nominating Form United States Professional Tennis Association 2022 Awards Program GENERAL RULES: * Award period is from January 1 – December 31, 2021 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. * Only USPTA members in good standing may submit nominations in all categories. * Self-nominations are acceptable. * All award categories may not necessarily be awarded on an annual basis. * Awards Committee will determine if there are qualified candidates in any category. * Awards will be presented at the 2022 USPTA SOUTHWEST Division Conference

APPLICATIONS AND AWARD NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN April

1, 2022

******************************************************************************

NOMINATION FORM

AWARD CATEGORY:_________________________________________________ NAME TO BE NOMINATED: ______________________________ 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 if possible and as much in-depth information as you can.

NOMINATING MEMBER NAME: _____________________________________

USPTA#________________

NOMINATOR CONTACT DETAILS: phone: ____________________ Email: ____________________________

ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SENT VIA EMAIL TO: Greg Prudhomme, PhD QUESTIONS: Contact: Greg Prudhomme, PhD, 602-301-1394 or gmprudhomme@yahoo.com page 12

December 2021

USPTA SOUTHWEST AWARDS CATEGORIES 2022 STEVE WILKINSON COLLEGE COACH OF THE YEAR AND HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD - recipients are usually selected based on their results as team coaches, however, individual coaches may be considered.

DIVERSITY AWARD – recognizes the USPTA member who has demonstrated an outstanding ability to unite diverse populations within his/her community through tennis

GEORGE BACSO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – recognizes a member who, over a career, has demonstrated exemplary achievement in seven areas, including: contributions to USPTA and USTA, as a teaching professional, player, and coach; in education, research, and publications; and with other organizations, achievements and contributions.

USPTA SOUTHWEST PROUD DIVISIONAL AWARD – DIVISION AWARD ONLY - 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 discretion of the USPTA Southwest Awards Committee.)

INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD - is given to teaching professionals who take both an altruistic and entrepreneurial attitude 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 time, they are successful in growing a tennis business.

ALEX GORDON PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR – recognizes a member who, over a calendar year, has demonstrated exemplary achievement in seven areas, including: USPTA, allied organizations, 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 charities through tennis events. While the award spotlights individuals who have raised large amounts of money, it also honors those hosting the most creative, original, or unique tennis event to raise money for charities. An individual hosting an event raising the most money will not necessarily receive this award.

USPTA STARS – are members who have dedicated many years to volunteering in grassroots tennis and through initiatives incorporating multicultural and other aspects; bringing the sport and sportsmanship to the players they touch. Their giving spirits have made them stars in their own communities. We may not have heard of the people who receive this award, but their stories are inspiring, and almost all of us know at least one person who deserves a nomination.

USPTA Elevate Award - recognizes a new USPTA Pro, 5 or less years as a member that, through their tennisteaching and volunteer spirit, has increased opportunities for others to participate in tennis. This member exemplifies and emphasizes individual achievement and sportsmanship along with teaching the physical attributes 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.

December 2021

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2021 World Conference - Las Vegas ATTENDEES Amy Badger Sophia Bott Christopher Brewer Douglas Browne Shelley Chambers Ali Colak Marci Cooper Bryan Dirk Joe Felice Amanda Fink Karen Fleissner Mark Frampton Robert Gibson Randy Gootzeit Michael Harmon Dick Johnson Ryan Johnson Laurie Martin Scott McCulloch Jack Michalko Jim Moss David Moyer Suk Ong Mark Pachtner John Perry Tatum Prudhomme Mandy Prudhomme Edward Prudhomme Brian Prudhomme Greg Prudhomme Charles Reisig Randy Sakamoto George Schuldberg David Shambach Karen Weir page 16

December 2021

December 2021

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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: 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.

Copyright© Southwest Division/United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this newsletter is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA Southwest Division.

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December 2021