A Division of the USPTA
March 2022
Southwest Conference Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ May 20-21, 2022 Featured Speakers
Alan Cutler
Michele Krause
Todd Ellenbecker
INSIDE: President’s Message - 2 Southwest Hall of Fame - 3 Southwest Conference Schedule & Registration - 4-5 Southwest Awards 6-7 Area News - 8-14 Senior Moments 16-17
President’s Message Laurie Martin - USPTA Southwest President
As I enter the next two years as President of the SWUSPTA, I ‘m humbled and honored to lead such an incredible organization. Thank you to Dave Moyer for your past two years of leadership during a difficult tenure dealing with Covid. Dave took on the task of starting a Hall of Fame for the Southwest Division and this May we will induct our first class. Your new Executive Board of Directors are as follows: Amy Badger will serve as your Regional VicePresident, Suk Ong (Vice-President), Greg Prudhomme (Secretary), Ryan Johnson (Treasurer), and Dave Moyer (Immediate Past President). The District Coordinators are Andrea Meyer (Northern Arizona), John Perry (Tucson), Dick Johnson (New Mexico), and Leslie Banks (Phoenix). Jack Michalko is in his 32nd year serving as our Executive Director and Jack is so passionate about his work that he makes all our jobs easier. I look forward to working with these devoted tennis pro’s as we continue to grow the game. We are here to serve you and I encourage each of you to get to know your District Coordinator and get involved. My life has been enriched by the people I have met while serving on boards and volunteering my time.
think of who could benefit from playing on shorter courts and with the low-pressure balls. With the specialization of youth sports, many kids fall by the wayside and stay on the sidelines. PE is an elective in many junior high schools and most junior highs cut kids from traditional sports like soccer, volleyball, baseball etc. When do they have time to learn? Did you know that by the age of 15, 75% of youth no longer play organized sports. That is a tragedy in my mind and as tennis professionals we can draw them to tennis and keep them playing with level-based play. Between UTR and the new World Tennis Number we should be able to accomplish this. Ryan Johnson has completed the Pickleball training with the IFP Academy and held the first two testings on February 26th, 2022, at Desert Mountain and on March 5th at Arizona Country Club. Keep your eye out for more information on this. The plan is to have a tester in each district which should give pros plenty of opportunities to test if you are interested. Our 2022 division conference will be held on May 2122, 2022, at Grand Canyon University. Amy Badger and Amanda Fink have been working hard to plan incredible speakers as we are finally able to be back in person again. I encourage you to attend and if the cost is prohibitive, the Southwest USTA has some grant opportunities that may be able to help you with this. As I begin my term, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or ideas you may have.
What will 2022 bring to the table? 2021 was the largest year end racquet unit total since 2010 with 3.4 million units being sold. With all the new players entering or returning to the game, it’s on us to keep them playing. In my travels across the country, I can’t tell you how many instances where I have witnessed beginning players trying to rally with the yellow ball only to watch it bounce over their head repeatedly. We need to embrace the low-pressure balls and introduce our clients to them and offer them for sales in your pro shop. Tennis becomes fun when you can rally, not when you spend your time picking up balls. I challenge each of you to look at your client base and
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March 2021
SOUTHWEST HALL OF FAME
I
t is with great pleasure to announce the addition of the USPTA Southwest Hall of Fame. We have had many dedicated tennis professionals through the years that have done tremendous things for the USPTA and for tennis in general and now is the time to recognize those that have achieved special things in the Southwest. The Hall of Fame committee is currently taking nominations for induction into the first class. The first year, we will induct up to three qualified professionals and then one inductee every year after with the option of adding a second person posthumously. Nominations are to be emailed to Dave Moyer at dmoyer@ccdcranch.com and the first class will be announced at the USPTA Southwest Conference in May at Grand Canyon University.
Criteria for nomination includes the following: * Must be a member of the USPTA Southwest in good standing for a minimum of 10 years * Involvement in USPTA at the local, state, sectional and/or national level * Teaching and/or coaching accomplishments * Playing accomplishments *
Publications/innovations
* Involvement in allied organizations; and other contributions to the teaching profession and the promotion of tennis Please include a write-up of the nominees accomplishments. Nominations can be either selfnominating or by someone else. Thank you for taking the time to nominate someone and we look forward to seeing everyone at the USPTA Southwest Conference on May 20-21, 2022. Sincerely, The HOF Committee
March 2021
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2022 USPTA/USTA SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE & BUYING SHOW GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Thursday, May 19 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location USPTA Southwest Board of Directors Meeting
Canyon Grill Private Room
Friday, May 20 7:00 am - 4:00 pm 9:00 - 9:50 am 10:00 - 10:50 pm 11:00 - 11:50 am 12:00 - 1:45 pm 2:00 - 2:50 pm 3:00 - 3:50 pm 4:00 - 4:50 pm 5:00 - 8:00 pm
USPTA SW Registration College of Business Lobby Coaching Players in a System: Setting Your Adult Program Apart From The Competition-Matt Previdi Tennis Courts Teaching Technique: Thinking Outside the Box-Tracy Lawson/Alex Mouquin Tennis Courts The Rise of Pickleball - Ryan Johnson Classroom Lunch (Also, Elevate & Diversity will meet over lunch) Courtyard USPTA National Update-Jason Gilbert Classroom Navigating the Junior Developement Path-Tracy Lawson/Alex Mouquin Classroom Where Do You Want to Be in Five Years-Alan Cutler Classroom USPTA/ USTA Southwest Dinner Party Canyon Grill 49
Saturday, May 21 7:00 am - 4:00 pm 7:00 - 8:15 am 8:30 - 9:30 am 9:40 - 10:30 am 10:40 - 11:30 am 11:45 am - 1:00 pm 1:10 - 2:50 pm 3:00 - 3:50 pm
USPTA SW Registration USPTA/USTA Board Breakfast Cardio tennis:Re-Energize & Re-Engage ‘Triples Experience: How to Deliver Cardio Tennis events-Michele Krause Injury Prevention Tips for Players of All Abilities & Ages-Todd Ellenbecker The Commandments of Being a Tennis Equipment Expert-Matt Previdi Trade Show/Lunch Southwest Awards Program & Hall of Fame Inductees Catalyst to Generating Revenue at Your Club-Ashley Owens
College of Business Lobby Canyon Grill Private Room Tennis Courts Tennis Courts Classroom Business Building Lobby Classroom Classroom
Sunday, May 22 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Cardio Tennis Certification Tennis Courts To register for the Cardio Tennis Certification please click on the link below. Conference attendees use code CTTCAZUSPTA for $25 off.
https://www.cardiotennisinstructor.com/offers/2Z98VWxd?coupon_code=CTTCAZUSPTA
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Pickleball Certification
Tennis Courts
To register for Pickleball certification you must sign in and go through the USPTA Website. Space is extremely limited. Thank you and stay tuned for additional pickleball certification opportunities.
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March 2021
Mail - In Registration Form
2022 USPTA Southwest Division Annual Conference Please make check payable to: USPTA Southwest Mail to: Jack Michalko, 77 E. Missouri Ave., Suite 62, Phoenix, AZ 85012 Name _______________________________________________________ USPTA # __________ E-Mail ______________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________ State _____ ZIP _______ Cell Phone # _______________________ Pre-RegistrationPLEASE READ ALL CHOICES CAREFULLY! Early Registration (must be post marked by, April 24, 2022) Advanced Registration (After April 24, 2022 but before May 19, 2022 Walk-in Registration Non USPTA Pro Significant Other (Non USPTA) NEW USPTA Member (Certified since May 2021) - FREE
Rate $149 Rate $169 Rate $199 Rate $210 Rate $100
Very Important-Please indicate what events you will be attending Yes, I’m attending the Friday morning Diversity Meeting – Included Yes, I’m attending the Friday morning Elevate Meeting – Included Yes, I’m attending the Friday Lunch Award’s Luncheon – Included Yes, I’m attending the Friday Night USPTA/USTA Dinner Party - Included Yes, I’m attending the Saturday Trade Show Luncheon – Included
On-line Registration You may register for the conference at:
https://www.uspta.com/Southwest2022 2022 USPTA Southwest Conference Hotel Information: Hotel: Grand Canyon University Hotel – Phoenix, AZ 5115 N. 27th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona, 85017-3203 To reserve rooms at the Grand Canyon University Hotel for the Southwest Conference please call 844-683-5428 and the group name is USPTA. The room rate for the Southwest Conference is $109.00 a night. Rooms are limited, so be sure to make your reservations early.
March 2021
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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 6
March 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 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.
March 2021
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Northern New Mexico
receive RSI’s Champions of Tennis High School Coach of the Year recognition. I learn from so many experts every day and our USPTA SW pros are among the best! Can’t wait for our May conference to see everyone?
by Dick Johnson
It has been an honor and a privilege over the past six years to be your District Coordinator for our area. I know I “bug the heck out of you” for information and I do appreciate your involvement. I’m starting my 32nd year as the Boy’s Coach at La Cueva High School. As last year’s State Champions, our boys this year have set a goal for winning the 5-A title for the 7th time in the last 9 years (2020 a no-go thanks to covid!). This year I am Past-President of the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame and was selected to another term on the USTA Northern New Mexico Regional Council. I recently presented an on-court clinic for the New Mexico High School Coaches Conference. It was tremendous to be a part of some of the most talented coaches in New Mexico. I hope everyone has a terrific spring season, and it will be great to see everyone in May at our annual USPTA Southwest Conference in Phoenix, AZ at Grand Canyon University.
Amy Badger I’m closing in on my first year as the Tennis Director at Highpoint Sports and Wellness. We had great results in 2021, bettering the last 5 five years in many categories. Plenty more opportunities for growth and looking forward to the challenge with a great group of pros working for us. Entering my 22nd year coaching Albuquerque Academy girls’ varsity high school team. February 7th started the season and as last year’s state champions, our Albuquerque Academy girls remain hungry and motivated to work hard and have fun. Very honored to be selected to another term on the USTA Northern New Mexico Regional Council. We recently held our annual high school coaches conference where I had the privilege of presenting on court for our state’s high school coach attendees. Completely humbled to page 8
Dave Shambach Fresh off attending the USPTA’s Southwest Coaches Conference in Albuquerque, which included USPTA’s Dick Johnson and Amy Badger. Dave returns as a volunteer coach at Rio Rancho High School and coordinates and teaches the City of Rio Rancho’s Parks and Rec spring tennis program.
Randy Sakamoto DJ asked me to submit some “blah blah” about myself and I sheepishly agreed. As most would tell you, I tend to play stuff about me all the way down to invisible. But nevertheless, I’ll take a shot. If I must talk about myself, then I need to acknowledge some important people. First, I wouldn’t have anything to do with the teaching of tennis if it weren’t for Erin Bradshaw once saying to me, “I want you to teach me tennis!” That was 6 years ago. Second, I wouldn’t be in this newsletter without the caring, encouragement, and mentorship of Amy Badger. Third, I want to thank Diana LaCour head coach at V. Sue Cleveland high school in Rio Rancho for pushing me to coach with her. Many of my friends and teammates have known me as a volleyball coach/ player for over 35 years and couldn’t understand my affliction with tennis. Tennis has been this cool technical/athletic puzzle for me to help players figure out and is extremely gratifying as a teacher, (of sort) to watch my first player, Erin, blossom and become extremely competitive with her abilities with 4.0/4.5 level players. On a much larger scale, I have NEVER been so welcomed by an organization, fellow coaches, or player community. Lastly, working with the support and service of USTA NNMTA personnel like Ashley Portwood and Colleen Ramnath has been such a pleasure! These special women have been instrumental in the steps I have taken and continue to take in the world of tennis. Ok, here’s the “blah blah” on me. I’ve just started back into the 2022 season as assistant coach at Cleveland high school in Rio Rancho for NMAA Varsity tennis and USTA JV tennis. I am also doing private lessons and group/team clinics on the west side of Albuquerque both before and after high school practices. I have March 2021
coached high level competitive adult and pre-collegiate volleyball since 1988. My prior kinetic-based coaching experience allows me to not only coach more effectively, but to also do video analysis of shot/attacking techniques for both tennis and volleyball players to help them achieve more efficient and safe athletic execution. I have been a competitive level volleyball player since 1983 and am gearing up our men’s and women’s teams to go to 2022 USA Volleyball Open National Championships in Orlando Fl, at the end of this May.
tance of keeping ourselves and our student bodies fit enough to continue playing this great game. It not only keeps us playing it also gives us a physical and mental advantage over our opponents. Conditioning and fitness are a huge part of the development in young players, but I think that it is stressed to a lesser level with aging players. Stay fit, enjoy and good luck getting and keeping your players on the same path.
Doug MacCurdy I have also just recently embarked on a script writing position with the brothers Dayday Kay and Daytri Campbell of Racquetflex on YouTube. https:// www.youtube.com/results?search_query=racquetflex The brothers are USPTA certified Pros from Long beach Ca.
International travel is still challenging. It’s always a good time to reflect on your coaching and evaluate where improvements can be made.
Thank you, DJ, and USPTA for including me in this issue. It is a real BLAST to have this great privilege and opportunity to keep working with athletes from so many different walks of life and abilities. Cheers all!
1. List 15-20 things that you might typically work on in a private lesson with one of your junior tournament players. A few examples could be some things like: ? Point of contact on topspin backhand. ? Adding power to the first serve. ? Return of serve aim points. ? Efficient recovery after hitting a wide forehand.
David Pitts I am now considered one of the older tennis pros, being over 60. Gone are the days of playing tennis to stay in shape. In order to prolong my career as a tennis professional, and to keep myself feeling good on the court I have discovered that I have to get in shape to continue playing and teaching tennis (the finest sport in the history of the world by the way). An unfortunate realization for me, just lucky that I figured this out when I was in my 40’s. I see the results of not taking the get in shape to play approach frequently. Injured pros and lots of club players always getting over something. Even simple things like dynamic stretching and stretching after an activity are not incorporated by most players. I see this clearly on a consistent basis, when people see me stretching, which I do twice a day, I will always be asked “are you hurt?” “No, I am not hurt” and I want to keep it that way, by not only stretching everyday but also working out so that my body can hang in there for a bit longer. Hopefully a lot longer. The fact that people always ask if I am hurt when I stretch makes me believe that to many people think that stretching is only something that you do when you are injured. I mindset that I am trying to change. I cannot possibly stress enough the impor-
March 2021
Here is a little exercise that can be helpful to those of you that work with junior tournament players.
2. List 15-20 things that you might typically tell your tournament player before a match. A few examples could be something like this: ? Move your opponent as much as possible. ? Present a variety of looks to the server by varying your position on the return of serve. ? Do a physical warm-up of at least 10 minutes prior to going on court to be ready to go and avoid injuries. ? Focus on the things that you can control during the match. Now, try to visualize how you can make your lessons as relevant to match play as possible, particularly during pre-competition or competition phases of training. Many players have what they consider important matches to play nearly year-round, so much of your coaching should relate to what the player is trying to accomplish in matches. If you feel that your player has to re-engineer a stroke (make major fundamental changes), and the player is committed to making the change, this should be done in the preparation phase of training.
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Southeastern Arizona by John Perry
Hello from Southern Arizona! Winter is a great time to be on the courts in Tucson, with great weather and lots of tennis events during this time. Ronnie Smith oversaw one of the biggest events of the year in the United States, The USTA Winter National Championships Boys and Girls 12s and 14s. Ronnie and Reffkin Tennis Center hosted the tournament as it returned to Tucson in December after being cancelled in 2020. The event is a massive undertaking with over 500 players from around the country and nearly 20 tournament and practice sites required. Rare rain caused some delays, but with help of staff, volunteers, and parents (including a very helpful Michael Chang), the tournament was successfully completed. Ronnie and I also held the 52nd Annual Southern Arizona High School Invitational. Founded by former USPTA president Jim Reffkin, this event is the traditional kickoff to the high school season, with players receiving shirts with the names of the past winners, including former page 10
doubles world #1 and grand slam champion Jim Grabb. The 2022 event was won by defending Arizona State High School Champions Jared Perry and Emily Flowers.
Other Reffkin events included the Tucson Senior Olympics and the Cupid Classic Junior tournament.
David Fink of Skyline Country Club says, “Fink Tennis Academy ran a USTA Junior Circuit and USTA L7 junior events at Skyline Country Club, with a 10-and-under and 12-and-under USTA Junior Circuit Green Dot event on March 12, 2022, and a 12-and-under, 14and-under, and 18-andunder USTA L7 event on March 13, 2022, both on the red clay at Skyline Country Club.” Bryan Dirk from the Tucson Country Club says, “Not a ton of tennis to report, but USPTA Professional Nancy Hosford is running our undefeated League Pickleball team. Pickleball anyone?! I would like to congratulate her and our FIRST Women’s 3.0 APPL (Arizona pickleball league) team. APPL is fairly new and a great March 2021
way to compete against other clubs and facilities in a team format.” Doug Miller checks in to update us on his health. “The hip replacement surgery I had back in September became infected. The total hip was removed January 12, and as of now I am recuperating at home with a temporary hip. I am undergoing a 6week home IV antibiotic treatment to rid the infection. Once complete, hip surgery will once again be scheduled but probably not until April. Seven more weeks of PT and rehab will follow that. I am optimistic to be on the court again by mid-May, early June. It’s been an adventure to say the least!” We wish Doug a speedy and healthy recovery. Britt Feldhausen reports, “Britt’s Tennis Academy has added The Tennis Carnival as a regular weekend event. The Tennis Carnival is an event for the 8 and under player in the pre-rally stage. Games are based on rolling/tapping up balls in small areas with activities changing quickly as the kids compete as teams. Thank you to the SWUSPTA Convention for the seminar on this topic. Also, Tucson Community Tennis Program attended the University of Arizona Tennis Play Day. The team was a terrific host, smiles for everybody.” Plans for our USPTA/USTA collaboration continue as we plan on further in-person lunch meetings in 2022. Have a great spring on the courts!
Best Kept Self by Greg Prudhomme- PhD
We Have a Choice
W
e have a choice regarding the emotions we experience or the degree to which we experience them when facing challenging circumstances. It is easy to forget this when triggers have been formed. That is, when we repeatedly react in highly emotional or negative ways to particular situations then triggers are created that instantly produce the emotions that have been reinforced. Holocaust survivor, Dr. Viktor Frankl, said that “between stimulus and response there is a space; this space is where we have the power to choose our response.” Begin to recognize the space immediately following your challenging circumstances so you can observe what you are thinking and feeling. Next, choose what thoughts and emotions would best serve you in this situation. The more you do this, the more you will be able to stop the old patterns and choose thoughts that elicit more productive emotions and behaviors. With practice, you will find that you can change and choose your immediate reactions to more challenges than you realized. Use the ‘space’ and Happy Choosing!
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Phoenix, Arizona by Leslie Banks
Hi! My name is Leslie Banks and I’m new to the Valley and Arizona! I’m excited to be a part of the 2022 SWPTA Board as the Phoenix District Coordinator. I’ve met many players and tennis professionals all over the Valley, and it’s an exciting time to play tennis! Phoenix area tennis is exploding in growth.
matches at public area facilities because of limited court availability at ACC. They also have two USTA Mixed doubles teams playing 6.0 combined and 7.0 combined levels. Their junior program is growing for both tennis and pickleball. Pickleball league participation is up to 200 players, up from 100 six months ago. The Phoenix Country Club is once again hosting the Arizona Tennis Classic from March 13-20th. The tournament is on the ATP Challenger Tour so they are sure to get some great players and we can see some amazing tennis!
Three of the Valley Country Clubs: DC Ranch, Arizona and Phoenix are overwhelmed by enthusiasm for both tennis and pickleball. The Country Club at DC Ranch has added three new full-time professionals over the past four months and current Head Professional Ryan Shomo has been promoted to Assistant Director of Tennis. The club hired USPTA professional Rob Korich in September and holds the title of Head Professional. USPTA professional Mackenzie Trost came on board as an Assistant Tennis Professional and will oversee the red ball program as well as her other duties teaching junior tennis lessons and clinics. Fidan Ibrahimova joined the team as Assistant Head Professional and will oversee the orange ball program and work closely with the lady’s tennis program. This past fall, Director of Racquet Sports and Master Professional Dave Moyer, developed a mentorship and professional development-based format to the way they structured the staff at The Country Club at DC Ranch. The idea is for USPTA professionals to have a pathway for growth so that they can achieve their goals not only at the club but with other opportunities that may arise by learning through added responsibilities and mentorship. The Arizona Country Club is bursting to capacity with new tennis and pickleball players. They have nine ladies WITL teams, three at each level A, B, & C; 4 ATA ladies league teams, who currently play their home page 12
March 2021
SOUTHWEST OFFICERS
In other Valley tennis news, the Arizona Tennis Coaches Association held their annual conference for high school coaches in partnership with the SWUSTA. Around 50 coaches from around the state attended the event at Xavier College Prep. Our keynote speaker was Peter Scales PH.D., USPTA who spoke on his award-winning book, “Mental and Emotional Training for Tennis: Compete-Learn-Honor.” Other speakers included Dave Mullins (ITA, Amanda Fink (USPTA), and Anne Guerrant. Finally, a tribute to a new friend. I’m currently working at Phoenix Tennis Center and met an ambitious
President Laurie Martin 480-213-2083 lmartin@xcp.org Regional VP Amy Badger 505-379-6728 badgertennis505@gmail.com Vice President Suk Ong 602-881-0467 sukong.uspta@gmail.com Secretary Greg Prudhomme 602-301-1394 pruperformance@gmail.com Treasurer Ryan Johnson 480-267-0725 m.ryanjohnson@gmail.com Past President Dave Moyer 480-342-7240 davemoyertennis@gmail.com Executive Director Jack Michalko 602-740-0126 jack.michalko@uspta.org
SOUTHWEST COORDINATORS
new member to the USPTA community, Saul AriasMendoza. He just received his certification last spring and is already leading the pack at PTC. I asked him how he did it, and he said, “I saw an opportunity to create more value for people than just taking lessons. I began by adding principles outside the mechanics. I have expertise outside the tennis education world and wanted that to be reflected in my pricing. My life is built on journeys, so I create them every time I do a new venture to either win or learn. I created a vision and a plan.” My coaching and outlook have been positively impacted through my friendship with Saul.
March 2021
Northern New Mexico Dick Johnson 505-507-6795 lctenniscamps@gmail.com Phoenix Leslie Banks lesliealison16@gmail.com Southeastern Arizona John Perry 520-403-8290 jptennis25@gmail.com Northern Arizona Andrea Meyer 928-300-4352 andreameyertennis@gmail.com Southern New Mexico & l Paso TBD Head Tester Greg Prudhomme 602-301-1394 pruperformance@gmail.com The Southwest Magazine is the official Publication of the USPTA Southwest Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association.
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Northern Arizona by Andrea Meyer
Spring is bringing fresh programming and the welcome reconstruction of unsafe and outdated courts in Northern Arizona. Prescott High School’s coach and USPTA Pro Sterling Fetty has been involved in plans to refurbish the six badly cracked PHS courts with post tension slabs, the removal of lowhanging electrical wires that interfered with lobs, and the addition of court lighting. Sterling Is thrilled. After many years of coaching (on substandard courts), the strongest girls’ high school team in NAZ, he will be getting tennis facilities commensurate with his program. Sterling reports that construction will start by March 15. The PHS teams are in negotiations now to use the Yavapai College courts for practice and matches. Fellow Prescott pro Zach Hackerott is back traveling again down to Wickenburg Ranch where the number of tennis participants keeps rising, perhaps as much as 50 percent over last year. He fills two cardio classes, a beginner and an advanced and just finished shepherding two Flex League teams out of Prescott. In Sedona, business is booming for Elite Pro Jake Worseldine, well- loved by everyone from his dozen red ball “littles,” to his adult beginners and advanced juniors. Jake’s personal goal is to better his national men’s 40’s singles ranking. He finished 17th in the country and 2nd in the SW last year and has set his sights on a top-10 national ranking this year. Playing the Wilson World Classic in early April is his next challenge. Jake can be reached at remotetennis.com Also playing the Wilson World Classic is Clarkdale Pro Andrea Meyer. Her Mingus Union HS team began its season February 23 in 4A competition. With a slate of returners and great depth, she expects her Cottonwood Marauders to have the best win- loss record since she began coaching at MUHS in 1987. Andrea presented ideas on managing spectators and parents at the January 29th Az. Tennis Coaches Association meeting at Xavier College Preparatory in Phx. And was
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appointed to the AIA Tennis Advisory Committee this fall. Nicole Chambers, USPTA Elite/IPTPA Pickleball returns for her 11th season as Director of Racquet Sports at Forest Highlands Golf Club. An extension to their Pro Shop, 6 permanent pickleball courts and an additional 2 tennis courts have been approved by the Board and are scheduled for construction in the fall of this year. Forest Highlands will once again be hosting USTA matches for the 18 and over USTA League season as well as the upcoming 55 and over leagues.
They will also be hosting a local Pickleball league once the weather is conducive for play. Basis High School will be playing their matches from Feb 29th at Forest Highlands and will be receiving technical help from Nicole and her team. New to the programming this year will be the introduction of an Excellence Program to the Forest Highlands Junior Academy which will commence after spring break. All programming will commence on Monday, March 21st. JOB OPENING Full Time Seasonal Position in Montauk for a qualified Tennis Director and Pro Staff for 6 har tru tennis court facility at Montauk Downs State Park. Facility contract owned by USPTA pro who will work with you to design programs and protocols. Oversee a small staff giving group and private lessons, tennis camps, live ball games, clinics, and social events. We are looking to improve on an already excellent program started several years ago. Good work schedule and great income for the right partner. Courts have no lights, so gives you evenings off. Please contact me to schedule a call. Jamie Blatman 813.431.4672 March 2021
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Senior Moments by Brett Hall
An Interview with USPTA Southwest Professional Gerald Winder, Tucson, AZ
1. How did you get started in tennis as a career? My father being an Electrical Engineer, and tennis player, I had an early interest in radio. My HS Principal liked me and got me an announcer audition at a local radio station. I was told to read a copy they gave me aloud, then they would tell me to redo over a live microphone. However, they taped my practice round, and never gave me a chance to do as originally planned. So, I was never called back! Several weeks later, I was offered a chance to teach juniors for the city tennis program. Pretty green at the start, but I did that job for two full summers until they cut my “massive” salary, so I looked elsewhere around the US, and a career was off and running! 2. Describe your different positions in the tennis industry. I started my career in a city program, then worked for six seasons as Director of Tennis for Camp Lenox in MA, starting with one assistant and two courts and finishing with 5 assistants and nine courts. Wanting to learn a great teaching system, I went to work for the great Welby Van Horn at his camp at Choate School in Wallingford, CT, along with 40 other pros, including Davis Cup players from New Zealand, and Turkey. Following this, I was head pro for the Rot-Flue Resort in the Austrian Tirol in1989, when the Berlin Wall went down. Then on to Washington Tennis Services in MD, to learn programming. I did seasonal work for WTS in Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Jersey. After my years with WTS, I coached for Alpine Ski & Tennis Camp in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and Zell am See, Austria. I was then hired by a private company to teach all their employees in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Since I has teaching and coaching basketball in my hometown in LA during the school years, I resigned to do tennis there for two years until I moved to Arizona in 1992 for a Director of Tennis position. 3. What are some of the major contributors to your success as a tennis professional? Achieving certifications in the USPTA, PTR, USRSA, and the BTCA, the mental training from Dr. Jim Loehr, along with programming from WTS, and the teaching system of Welby Van Horn, all combined to give me a very complete opportunity to continue to learn our great sport. 4. Describe how you have given back as a volunteer or administrator of charity events. I believe I am the only SWPTA professional to have served on every committee and every board position in the Southwest, including president. Also, I ran three charity events for Andrea Jaeger’s Silver Cloud Camp for terminally ill children in CO years ago. >>
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5. Who are your mentors in and out of the tennis industry? First, my father, who gave me my interest in amateur radio and tennis. Learning the teaching systems of Dennis van Der Meer and Welby Van Horn were a great start for me, along with the personal mental training of Dr. Jim Loehr. This was invaluable for me in and out of tennis. Forever grateful! — 6. What advice would you give younger pros coming up in the tennis industry? 1. learn! 2. Learn! 3. Learn! Nobody knows it all. Get certified in the USPTA. Get involved in your division activities. Go to our World Conference! Look for opportunities to present at conferences. I did at three SWPTA conferences, and four USPTA World Conferences. Find your niche! 7. What is your definition of retirement? Spending more time in contact with friends, neighbors, and family. Keep physically and mentally active. Get a dog, which is proven to extend life by at least 28 percent. Find a great hobby! Do all the things you never had time for while working. If I knew being retired was this much fun, I might have done it 30 years ago! 8. How have you benefitted from your involvement with the USPTA on a personal and professional level? I made a lot of personal friends based on my activities with the USPTA in several divisions. I have a great sense of accomplishment as a USPTA member. On a professional level, early on, I wanted desperately to be on the USPTA Executive Committee, locked in a room twice a year with some of the best pros in the country, along with the National Board and USPTA CEO. What a great opportunity! This is a two-year term, possibly four. I was truly fortunate to have served for six and a half years. For my last thirty-six years...Thank You, USPTA!!
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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. Advertising information: All ads must be camera ready and in color if possible. Prices are per issue.
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