Senior Moment

by Bre Hall - USPTA Elite Pro

Kurt Edelbrock USPTA Elite Professional Owner and Tennis Director Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge, Taos New Mexico

How did you get started in tennis as a career?

A er a tennis season at Menlo College in California I was asked to teach a beginner tennis class for La Canada, California Parks & Recrea on. The next spring, I transferred to the University Of Arizona in Tucson where I became the assistant to Bill Murphy, Arizona Men’s Tennis Coach. Bill recommended me to Mark Hardy, Head Tennis Professional at El Dorado Country Club in Tucson. Mark inspired me for a wonderful life me career I have enjoyed in teaching tennis!

Describe your diff erent posi ons in the tennis industry?

Assistant Coach University of Arizona Assistant Tennis Professional at four facili es in Tucson, Arizona +Umpire for USTA Southwest (1975-85): Futures Tournament in Tucson, Arizona, NCAA D-1 Tennis Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico Head Tennis Professional Catalina Racquet and Swim Club, Tucson, Arizona Director Of Tennis Northside Health and Fitness, Taos, New Mexico (1993-2003) Director and owner Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge Taos, New Mexico (1980-1993, 2007-present) Taos Adult Open Tournament Director (1980-present) Taos High School Tennis Coach: Started the program (1994-present) NMAA Sport Specifi c Commi ee Member (1995-2022)

What are some major contributors to your success as a tennis professional?

I felt fortunate to have several strong mentors, college coaches, and USPTA professionals in the tennis industry. One of my original mentors Bill Monty from California allowed me to help in a college seminar with legendary Stanford Men’s Tennis Coach Dick Gould, and coaches Chet Murphy and Paul Zanthess. I was also able to work closely with experienced Southwest USPTA professionals Mark Hardy, Craig Hardy, and Melissa Porzak. Jim Re in from Tucson, recently inducted to the Southwest USPTA Hall Of Fame, was a great mentor in the administra on an en re tennis facility. I have a ended many Southwest and Na onal USPTA conven ons gaining invaluable knowledge, networking with fellow professionals, along with fostering life me friendships.

Describe how you have given back as a volunteer or administrator of charity events?

I have been fortunate over the years to give back to the local Taos community and northern New Mexico in several ways from parks & recrea on, youth programs, high school tennis, neighborhood associa ons, tennis tournaments, etc. I have listed below these organiza ons I have volunteered for or been a board member over the years:  Ci zens Advisory Board for Taos Parks & Recrea on.  Child Rite Special Needs Adop on Agency raising $500,000 in ten years.  High Al tude Athle cs (youth gymnas cs) board member for 12 years.  Northern New Mexico USTA board.  Upper Los Colonias Neighborhood Assoc. board member and president.  Taos Mountain Balloon Rally ten-year sponsor.  Michael Hearne Barn Dance 20-year sponsor.  Field Ins tute of Taos (Youth Outdoor Adventure Organiza on) volunteer.  Taos High School Tennis fundraiser sponsor and administrator raising $40,000 over 20 years.  New Mexico Texas Shootout Tournament fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma in Angel Fire, New Mexico (2013-2017) Society major sponsor $5,000. The tournament raised $70,000.

Who are your mentors in and out of the tennis industry?

Charlie Stewart, Chuck Gibson,USPTA professionals in Southern California (1960’s and 1970’s). Jean Mayer (Hotel Owner and ski instructor) Taos Ski Valley. Bill Murphy (Arizona Men’s Tennis Coach) Mark Hardy, Craig Hardy, Jim Re in, Doug McCurdy, Southwest USPTA professionals.

What advice would you give younger pros coming up in the tennis industry?

Leave your ego at the door! Find the best mentors you can. Listen and learn from them in their teaching and club administra on experience. Adapt your program to what works for your own situa on with your staff and facility. Listen to your customers (students and members), understand their wants and needs. Over deliver and under promise. Adjust your teaching and drills to the level of your student. I have a great passion for the game and can see myself always involved in tennis in some capacity. My idea of re rement is to remove myself from management. I will con nue to be involved in tournament organiza on and maybe get involved in offi cia ng!

How have you benefi ed from your involvement with the USPTA on a personal and professional level?

I have had three major benefi ts: Incredible fellowship and interac on with like-minded women and men. Informa ve instruc onal materials and seminars. Valuable resources in the areas of pro shop inventory and USPTA services with insurance and job placement.

Tennis Thanks the Troops recently joined with military non-profi t No Greater Sacrifi ce (Click here to view the Webpage) (NGS) to support the families of our na on’s fallen and wounded service members. NGS delivers scholarships and resources to improve the quality of life for military children through higher educa on.

Tennis or pickleball clubs & players can support this mission by adding No Greater Sacrifi ce as a benefi ciary to an exis ng event or new fundraiser.

Schedule your event today — whether it’s a pro-am, tournament or clinic, we are here to help make it a success. Through your favorite sport, you can truly make a diff erence for a family who has made immense sacrifi ces for our country. Contact us <mailto: @nogreatersacrifi ce.org> .

No Greater Sacrifi ce