President’s Message

Amy Badger - USPTA Southwest President

Dear USPTA Southwest Tennis Professionals,

Hope this writing finds you well. It was as busy a summer as ever for our teaching professionals and everyone is undoubtedly looking forward to fall temperatures and some outstanding programming.

As most of you are aware we lost our dear friend and division president, Laurie Martin, this past June. While many hearts are still heavy with the unexpected loss of this instrumental and passionate leader of our division, your board members have stepped up in a tremendous way and are ready to tackle the duties expected of their new positions - to not only honor Laurie but to serve the division as we should. Our bylaws directed the repositioning of the board, starting with the move of the regional vice president to the president position, and ultimately leaving open the Treasurer’s position. Tucson District Coordinator, John Perry has graciously agreed to fill this position. Amanda Fink has also kindly accepted to serve as our Southeastern Arizona District Coordinator. This is an amazing team and I look forward to serving out the next year and a half with this outstanding group of people, and you, our fellow pros. We are here to serve you, help grow the game, and assist in your journey to becoming the best teaching pros and coaches you can be.

Education is just one tool towards that end…so as a friendly reminder, this is the end of a 3-year cycle for meeting your educational requirements. If you need any assistance in completing your credits, please reach out to any of your fellow board members. We want to help you cross that finish line sooner rather than later.

We hope you are considering attending the World Conference in New Orleans September 18-22, 2022. It is chock full of world-renowned speakers and a great opportunity to connect with your peers from all over the country. USTA grants are available to assist if needed. Head to uspta.com to register.

My very best to you all and hope to see many of you next month in New Orleans and on the courts! Keep up the great and important work that you do!

Best Kept Self

by Greg Prudhomme- PhD

Self-Talk is a significant factor in who we are and who we continue to become. Experts say that we have thousands of thoughts in an hour and tens of thousands in a day. Throughout these countless thoughts, what do you repetitively say to yourself and how do you say it? People dislike when others insult them or hurt their feelings, but ironically, they often do it to themselves without anyone else’s help. Do you degrade and criticize yourself when you’ve made a mistake or struggle with a challenge. Or do you encourage yourself to keep going and try again? Work on becoming your own best cheerleader. Be honest but be forgiving with your selftalk. Above all, be positive. When you encourage and motivate yourself you will feel better, be more productive, and become the best version of yourself.