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Tóm tắt nội dung (trích từ tài liệu gốc): February 2020 USPTA Elite Professionals Scott & Cathy Simpson (Midwest) USPTA From the CEO Ramping Up 2020 John R. Embree, USPTA CEO This is such an exciting time at published by our Communications Gary Trost for his leadership as the USPTA; 2020 is going to be team; our members have some President these last two years, and a great year. It's our second year of incredible stories. to Chuck Gill and Cari Buck for their full accreditation from the USTA, service on the previous Board. Like so the time has arrived when we The 2019 World Conference those who served our Association can truly state t
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Nội Dung Gốc (Tiếng Anh)¶
February 2020
USPTA Elite Professionals
Scott & Cathy Simpson (Midwest)
USPTA From the CEO
Ramping Up 2020
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
This is such an exciting time at published by our Communications Gary Trost for his leadership as
the USPTA; 2020 is going to be team; our members have some President these last two years, and
a great year. It's our second year of incredible stories. to Chuck Gill and Cari Buck for their
full accreditation from the USTA, service on the previous Board. Like
so the time has arrived when we The 2019 World Conference those who served our Association
can truly state that we are elevating in Las Vegas was a huge success before them, we are stronger now
the standards of tennis-teaching with over 1,000 attendees. Eight- because of their vision, commitment
professionals and coaches. time Grand Slam champion Andre and leadership.
Agassi headlined a slate of over 40
But to truly appreciate the educational sessions, including We are thrilled to unveil a new
magnitude of what is to come, let's a full day dedicated to female certified membership category �
take a moment to appreciate all we speakers. We presented 18 national USPTA Instructor � that has replaced
did in 2019 to get to this point. awards, introduced five new Master the Recreational Coach category.
Professionals and inducted two The new USPTA Instructor category
Membership grew by 10 percent in legends, Stanford coaches Dick Gould is designed to offer a pathway into a
2019, thanks in part to an increase in and Frank Brennan, Jr., into the career in coaching for high school and
both the quantity and quality of our USPTA Hall of Fame. college players, part-time coaches
testing. Returning members have and other tennis enthusiasts. Check
also increased to the point where we We've gotten great feedback on the out my article on page 56 of this issue
have surpassed membership totals continuing education opportunities of ADDvantage Magazine for more
from 2017. But our growth extends far offered in 2019, both at the World information.
beyond membership. Conference and at our two Leadership
Academies in Lake Nona. More I'm really looking forward to
In 2019, Association revenues than 40 members attended those this year's World Conference in
outpaced expenses, yielding an workshops, which emphasize off-court September. We'll be at the Hilton
operating surplus for the seventh skills to help teaching professionals New Orleans Riverside where we had
year in a row! A strong stock market become better industry leaders. We a fantastic conference in 2015. After
also helped the USPTA investment will communicate details on this year's last year's success in Las Vegas, this is
account grow by 10 percent, workshop in the coming weeks. an event you do not want to miss.
strengthening our reserves.
I'm very proud of the Association's Lastly, I want to reiterate that I
We also partnered with the IPTPA success in 2019, but now it's time to am always available to speak with
to offer certification in pickleball, look ahead. you. I welcome our members' input,
which is growing rapidly at clubs and and I'm grateful for your positive
facilities throughout the country. We Feisal Hassan began his term as contributions to our Association.
certified more than 350 professionals USPTA President last month and
and we anticipate surpassing that Jason Gilbert and Lane Evans joined We have a lot to be proud of, but
number next year. the National Board of Directors. We there is so much left to do. As we
had a very productive meeting with continue through 2020, make sure
Have you seen us on social media? the new Board here in January and you're earning your continuing
Look out for the Tuesday Quick Tip our committees and task forces are education credits. Improve as a
presented by National Head Tester ready to hit the ground running. professional every day. We will all be
Sid Newcomb. I've also enjoyed better for it!*
reading the weekly member profiles I want to take a moment to thank
42 - ADDvantage Magazine -- February 2020
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First Vice President's Message USPTA
Help Wanted! involvement at the division level. This
is where you can make an immediate
Rich Slivocka, USPTA First Vice President impact on the professionals in your
area and learn what it really means to
take on the responsibility of serving on
a board of directors.
After serving on a division board,
the next step in USPTA involvement is
serving on a national committee. The
USPTA has four national committees.
They and their chairs are as follows:
Iwant to first take the time to thank that encouraged me to get involved Education & Certification
all the division officers and national with the USPTA. I remember asking
Rich Slivocka & Trish Faulkner
committee members for their service myself and those professionals, "How
Membership
and their dedication over the past do I get involved?"
Mark Faber & Lane Evans
two years. All those men and women I had been part of the USPTA for
Marketing
dedicated their time and energy several years at that point, but my
Bill Mountford & Jason Gilbert
in trying to shape our Association, involvement didn't extend far beyond
Finance
which has given us all so much in our the continuing education opportunities.
Rich Slivocka
professional careers. But make no mistake, the division
In addition, each committee has
The new two-year term has just and national education offered by several subcommittees dealing with
different issues. Serving on these is
begun, and the various Board and the USPTA are great. They're where a commitment, but volunteers with
passion and subject matter expertise
committee members have grabbed the you network and build relationships are tremendous assets. When everyone
works together, the conference calls,
Gustavo Reyes / USPTA with other projects and task forces are worth it.
Everyone involved would like to leave
professionals. the Association in better shape than
they found it.
When I asked
Just as seasoned tennis professionals
that question offered me a road map when I was young,
I hope this article provides you with
all those years the same map. Getting involved in the
USPTA can change your career � really,
ago, I was your life � in ways you never imagined.
lucky because When the USPTA says it values
its members, it's because everyone
many of those has something, some way they can
contribute. As coaches, we all know
mentors were the importance of continual learning.
Getting involved in the USPTA is its
serving on own sort of education, and over time,
volunteers become agents of change
division boards and progress.
or national If you have any questions about
getting involved, please reach out to me
committees, or or your division boards and we would be
happy to assist you however we can. *
Slivocka ( left) and new National Board Member Lane Evans they had done
(right) at the 2019 World Conference in Las Vegas. so previously.
Their strong
reins. As they take their positions, they'll example provided me with a road map
be looking for volunteers. And if you've on getting involved with the USPTA. By
ever been interested in getting involved getting your foot in the door through
with the USPTA, volunteering is a great volunteering, you not only contribute
way to start. to our Association, but you prepare
Nineteen years ago, I made the yourself for the bigger responsibility
decision to give back to the Association of serving on the division boards and
that had given me so much. I was a national committees.
young tennis professional trying to find Division boards are so important in
my place in the industry and I had been governing our Association. Nearly all
mentored by numerous professionals national board members started their
February 2020 -- ADDvantage Magazine - 47
USPTA
A LIFETIME ON THE COURT:
Scott & Cathy Simpson
Lucas Cas�s, USPTA Communications
Cathy Simpson didn't pick up a his assistant for about seven
tennis racquet until she was 25 years. The rest is history.
Courtesy of Cathy Simpson
Courtesy of Cathy Simpsonyears old."Scott could tell that I
She was a life-long athlete � she worked well with kids so he
played basketball, volleyball and other asked if I would be interested in
sports � but not tennis. Not until helping. As I was moving up the
her cousin took her to the courts in ranks with my player level, he
Danville, Ill. said I should go get tested and
Her life changed that day. try to get certified and I did. I
She found a new sport. She found a think this is my 26th year with
sport that would soon be her livelihood. the USPTA. I just totally fell in
And she also found a husband. love with the game and wanted
Well, not at first. When Cathy to continue to work with kids.
met Scott Simpson, a USPTA Elite It's just been great."
Professional, he was the director of Scott stayed at Danville
tennis at Danville Tennis Club. until 2002, when he moved to
"I went from a 2.5 player to a 5.0 Champaign Country Club. A
player in about 10 years," Cathy said. few years after that, Cathy took
"Just started helping him work. I was Scott's old job as director of
tennis at Danville, which she
made hers over 10 years. Then
two years ago, Cathy, also an
Elite Professional, moved
over to Champaign CC.
That way, they could keep In March, the couple will celebrate
20 years of marriage.
coaching lessons together.
$1.97 for life
"One of our philosophies that
Tennis wasn't always part of Scott's
we've really been emphasizing is life, either.
fun," Scott said. "The people just He was about 13 years old, and a few
friends were playing tennis. As soon as
like being together. We could've he joined them, he fell in love. So he got
a racquet of his own.
used all four courts but they
"I bought a $1.97 racquet and broke
preferred the camaraderie of being it the first time I played," he said. "Not
temper, it was just a cheap racquet."
together on a couple courts. We
He stuck with tennis, though,
work great together. She's so easy to evidently long enough to make history.
get along with. We don't ever have "In 1982 my brother and I broke
the world record for continuous play
any problems at all." by a doubles team," Scott said. "We
"That was the hard part when
I was running Danville, was not
getting to work together as much,"
Scott and Tom Simpson set a world record she said. "Now we're both getting to
for continuous doubles play by a team and an work together all summer long. We
individual in 1982. both love that."
48 - ADDvantage Magazine -- February 2020
USPTA
Courtesy of Cathy Simpson
Scott and Cathy Simpson (middle) with their family during Thanksgiving 2019. (not pictured: Kayla and her husband Brad)
played 108 hours and two minutes. "Somehow he was able to do both, Today, the family is spread across
We raised over $5,000 for the be a dad and still be my coach," the country. They were mostly able
American Cancer Society." Chad Simpson said. "I think just his to get together over Thanksgiving,
emphasis on sportsmanship, honoring though. And even though it can be
The rules allowed for five minutes the game. It wasn't to be No. 1 in all difficult to get everyone together,
of rest for every hour played. They these rankings or you have to win what they taught their kids and
took their first respite after 42 every match or beat your arch rival. grandkids will be with them for the
consecutive hours. It was just, go out and give your best rest of their lives.
effort, have good sportsmanship. And
Scott's brother, Tom, is the head he always said he'd be proud of me." "The way he always evaluated me
tennis coach at Coker University. His was, I'd come off the court from a
sister, Kerry, played tennis at Ball Chad is in his fifth season as head match and he'd go through it," Chad
State. Tom's son, Billy, is the head pro coach at Point University in Georgia. said. "How was your preparation,
at a club in Columbia, S.C. He and his wife, Emily, have three short-term and long-term? How is
small children. your effort, mental and physical?
Scott and Cathy have five kids from And how is your sportsmanship?
previous marriages. Tara and Amy, the And for each of their first birthdays,
oldest, are Scott's. Then come Tony just like the rest of their grandkids', "I think that was building to me
and Kayla, Cathy's kids. Chad, Scott's Scott and Cathy got them a tennis and to my heart and to my character
son, is six months younger than Kayla. racquet. more than just being able to win a
match," Chad said. "The integrity
They were blessed, they said, at how "They're getting exposed to it," Scott and the character that he, not just
seamlessly their families came together. said. "That's the key, is not to push. said was important but took me
Expose them, but don't push them." through a process as a developing
"My kids love Cathy and her kids youngster. That impacted me. Now
love me," Scott said. "We have 13 Their philosophy appears to be as a coach, that's what I'm here to do,
grandkids between the two of us." paying off. Their oldest grandson, one to impact young men and women to
of five adopted boys of Tara, qualified be their best and prepare them to
Expose, but don't push for the Illinois state high school tennis go lead in homes and the workplace
tournament two years ago. and their communities."*
It can be difficult for coaches not to get
caught up coaching their own kids. But "Four generations of playing
Scott and Cathy found a way to balance tennis," Scott said. "Kinda neat."
the two.
February 2020 -- ADDvantage Magazine - 49
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For the past decade, I've used a * The Compete-Learn-Honor � Take notes and then study the notes
� Improving is a better goal
slogan with the boys and girls high Habits for Strengthening Mental
than winning
school junior varsity tennis teams I and Emotional Skills for Tennis: � Mistakes are necessary to improve
� Play the ball, not the opponent
coach in suburban St. Louis to help � Always change a losing game--
organize our season, especially around Compete: never change a winning game
teaching mental and emotional � Think during practice--feel Honor:
skills. The slogan is just three words: during the match � Respect all: teammates,
opponents, coaches, officials
"Compete, Learn, Honor." � Physical fitness leads to
� Love the game more than
Compete: We will give our best mental toughness how you perform
� Proper breathing leads to a relaxed
� Do not strive for victory--strive
effort 100 percent of the time. body and a clear mind for grace, balance, patience,
and clarity
Learn: We will be open, curious, � Love the battle and solve the puzzle
� Have a game plan and routines � Use positive self-talk and show
positive body language
humble learners. � Have a purpose and a target
� Never give up
for every stroke � Make no excuses
� Give your all--it makes you
Honor: We will bring credit � Expect the ball to come back and
tougher for your next match
to ourselves, our families, our expect it to be a tough shot
Love the game more
teammates, our school, and the game � What matters is right now, this than how you perform
of tennis, on and off the court. shot, this point Half of competitors lose in every
match. If you're only enjoying tennis
� All points are big points when you win, then you're guaranteed
to not have much fun! After winning
I teach these in reverse order, � Use time effectively (give to you, his 19th Slam at the 2019 US Open,
Rafa Nadal said he wasn't playing to
Honor--Learn--Compete, because take away from your opponent) end up with more Slams than others.
"I play tennis because I love playing
Honor is the foundation. � Combat stress (by being humble, tennis," he said.
We hang up laminated posters with smiling, moving, drinking water,
a couple of these habits on them every and having a plan)
day at practice and discuss them.
It doesn't take long. But repeated Learn:
every day over the course of a season, � Lose your "self"--humility allows
it really makes an impact on how you to learn
players think and act, on and off the � Mental toughness isn't given,
court. it's developed
Here's what I put on the posters � Adjust-Adapt-Survive
and some examples of how we talk � Learn one new thing every time
about them: on the court
February 2020 -- ADDvantage Magazine - 51
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USPTA
Rena Schild / Shutterstock.com mental-emotional. The 80% of the
time between points, thinking the
right way is crucial, yes. But for the
20% of a match when you're actually
playing points, we want to help
players let go of thoughts, allow the
senses, instincts and feel to take over
as they get more and more trusting of
their mind-body system. Players will
make more thoughtful decisions in
matches, without thinking, because
they were full of thoughts in practice!
Coco Gauff ( left) and Maegan Manasse (right) shake hands after Gauff 's qualifying What matters is right now
win at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., on July 27, 2019.
USPTA Master Professional Mark
Never give up and 2019 US Open, Billie Jean King said Rearden tells the story of a time that
make no excuses her parents never asked her if she an old coach asked him what the most
won or lost. Instead, they asked, important shot in tennis was. Mark
The only reason you lost a match was "How did it go today?" Win or lose, guessed the serve. Nope. The old guy
that your opponent was better than you they asked, "Did you give your best? said, "The most important shot is the
that day. That's it. It wasn't the sun or If you did, that is enough." Players next one, because that's the only one
wind, the lights if you're indoors, that can control whether they improve you can do anything about." I have
your opponent was too quiet or too and whether they give their best, not players focus on literally saying, "What
talkative, or that, if you lost in doubles, whether they win. Focus on that. matters is right now," to help drive
you're "really a singles player." And, if Our job is also to create a mistake- out other distracting thoughts. I also
you wish for your opponent to tank, or friendly zone so they can make have them smell the tennis ball. That
double fault, etc., that's not honorable. mistakes because they're stretching sensation can remind them of why
Try to beat them when they're playing themselves. Then we help them get they love playing, calm them down and
their best. That's the contest! faster at understanding the mistakes get them back to present tense.
and calmly dealing with them.
Lose your "self" These things are not magical.
Think during practice, But for most players, applying the
Real experts are humble � no expert feel during the match Compete-Learn-Honor approach to
ever feels like they have "mastered" mental and emotional training will
their craft. There is always more to Practice is for tearing everything help them enjoy tennis more, give
learn, as the constant tinkering of the apart to the smallest movements it their best consistently every day
top players reminds us. If the focus is and decisions, for deliberate focus and stay in the game longer because
on learning itself, then winning and and rehearsal, both physical and they're playing better and having
losing and all the issues that go along more fun.*
with worrying about those outcomes
aren't even in the picture. * Adapted from Peter C. Scales. (2019).
Mental and Emotional Training for
Tennis: Compete-Learn-Honor.
Monterey, CA: Coaches Choice.
Improving is a better goal Peter C. Scales, Ph.D., is a developmental psychologist and a USPTA Professional.
than winning & mistakes are Scales coaches the JV boys and girls tennis teams at Parkway South High,
necessary to improve Manchester, Mo., and is the Mental Strength Consultant for the Washington
University in St. Louis women's tennis team. Scales has been a USPTA member
At the Women's Tennis Coaching for 11 years.
Association conference during the
February 2020 -- ADDvantage Magazine - 53
USPTA
Making the Basics Interesting:
The challenge for all tennis coaches
Jo�o Pinho, USPTA Elite Professional
In simple The program's objectives will hopefully help you think about
terms, what and audience. creating a "Fun-to-Learning" ratio
differentiates that suits your classes and programs.
a highly � Is your program focused on 10U?
competitive Recreational junior development? Develop the lesson;
player High-performance? Adults? Clear- Content is king!
from a less ly, each of these groups requires a
accomplished unique balance between fun and Regardless of the level and age group,
one? In most cases it comes down to content. However, the process of be sure that your "meat and potatoes"
their basics. While technique alone thinking through your lessons can are there, meaning there's a clear and
does not guarantee success, someone be similar; more to come on that. meaningful message.
who has better split steps, smoother � Your staff and players, should be
swing paths and better movement is The characteristics of the
likely to be more successful. That said, professional staff. very clear on what the focus is for
one of the biggest challenges I see in that given day or drill.
our industry is how a professional � Does your staff have experience
navigates the fine line between making working with that particular Err on the side of simplicity.
their sessions rich in fun but poor in segment? Or do you need another
content, or the other way around. coach on staff to fill a gap on your Tennis is a simple game. The people
team? It's also possible that your make it complicated!
It's fair to say that we have all seen current personnel could be devel- � Focus on basic and specific skills,
lessons in which the professional(s) oped to fill the roles you seek.
did a tremendous job of getting such as split steps or simple unit
players excited, but underachieved In my experience, having a turns. Focus the drill on one or two
in providing material that will help system to create your lesson plans such skills.
the player develop in the medium to and progressions can significantly � As players develop, go deeper into
long term. On the other hand, we also simplify executing the lesson for those aspects and add variations to
see lessons that are full of lectures the coach and enhance the learning the concepts.
and good content, but that do not curve for the player. The list below
connect with the player and motivate
them. While I have been guilty of
both scenarios, and each has value, it
is crucial to fine-tune your plans in
order to find a balance that best fits
the player or group that you have in
front of you. This skill is more art than
science. A professional should consider
several factors when deciding where to
draw the line.
54 - ADDvantage Magazine -- February 2020
USPTA
Create realistic drills and games. Gustavo Reyes / USPTA
� While researching new drills can Pinho gave a presentation on teaching methodology at the 2019 World Conference
be helpful, ask yourself: What are in Las Vegas.
the scenarios or skills that are
important and relatable to this Turn your drills into individual and other communication cues
particular player or group? Your and team competitions when that affect how your message is
players are your best source of appropriate. received. The first person that
drill ideas! They tell you every day needs to get excited about the next
what they need to work on. It's our � Knowing that most players prefer drill/activity is you!
job to interpret and deliver in the playing points over drills, look to
best way possible. create the same excitement and As we know, our industry's growth
accountability that we naturally rate is concerning. As USPTA-
� Once you have an area of focus, get when competing. You shouldn't certified teaching professionals, we
work backwards to create drills always use this technique; it's have a huge influence on the future
that will isolate that skill and build important for players to learn to of our sport; our connections with
from there. For example, start focus on the process. But turning players can be the difference between
with dead-ball drills and progress dead- or live-ball drills into a tennis trier and a tennis player.
to live-ball controls and points. competitions can significantly Balancing fun and learning is essential
increase player engagement. to keep players interested.
� Be sure to avoid the common
mistake of the "standard class," Present your activities If you found this article helpful,
where the coach gives virtually the with enthusiasm! share it with your colleagues.
same lesson regardless of who the Sometimes the simplest ideas are
student is. This can make a coach's � Your students' energy is often the most powerful. If you have any
life easier in the short term, but a result of your own! Be aware questions or comments, please
there will inevitably be a decline in of your tone, facial expressions don't hesitate to contact me at
quality and student retention. joao.pinho@usta.com.*
Be a master of tweaking Jo�o Pinho is the Head Professional of 10U and High-Performance at the USTA BJK
simple drills. National Tennis Center in New York. A former NCAA Division I coach and player, he
has specialized in developing competitive junior players and is currently the private
In a sport where repetition is key, it's coach of three national champions and a WTA touring pro. Since 2014, he has
nearly impossible to avoid repetitive presented at many different conferences and workshops across the country, including
activities. However, making small the 2015 and 2019 USPTA World Conferences.
adjustments to drills can significantly
change the player's experience and
make the lesson more productive.
� For example, how many ways can
you do a simple cross-court rally
drill? You can have your students:
1. Play their inverted strokes
2. Count consecutive shots
3. Count shots into a particular zone
4. Start the rally with a serve, and
so many more.
The point is we don't always need a
totally new drill to keep it interesting.
Possibilities are endless!
February 2020 -- ADDvantage Magazine - 55
USPTA
So, what's the deal with this new
USPTA Instructor category?
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
Last month (in the CEO message), will also offer liability insurance. The training, and a background screen,
we introduced you to a new beauty of this program is that we are CPR/AED training, plus 3-4 hours of
membership category that we are making it available on an annual basis other online education that supports
rolling out in early 2020 called for only $199. But, to become a certified the face-to-face workshop and will be
USPTA Instructor. Comparable to USPTA Instructor, there will be a available shortly. Thus, the USPTA
our current Recreational Coach significant requirement for additional Instructor will have a total of 30 hours
category, this new membership education, which is a good thing. of targeted and refined education,
is intended to attract part-time making them much more prepared to
professionals, high school or college First and foremost, anyone new to deliver tennis than ever before.
players, seasonal professionals, the USPTA who wishes to become a
or those who are thinking about USPTA Instructor will be required Any current USPTA Rec Coaches
becoming full-time certified to complete a 14-hour, face-to-face who wish to convert to this category
professionals in the future. The workshop called Teaching Essentials must complete the Safe Play training,
USPTA Instructor will be the first 1. These workshops will be held over be background screened (USTA will
step for aspiring career tennis two days (7 hours per day) and taught cover the cost), and attend one of
teachers or for those who want to be by subject matter experts that are the upcoming Teaching Essentials
involved in our game by giving back USPTA members. workshops. The current Rec Coach
through part-time teaching. category will end at the end of 2020 as
A combination of 16 hours of the new certification pathway begins
The advantage that the USPTA online education, in addition to the in 2021. So, we strongly encourage
Instructor will have over our present on-court workshop, will be required Recreational Coaches to complete
Recreational Coach designation is that to attain the Instructor certification. this process before the year ends. Yes,
it will be a certified classification that The online content will include the Recreational Coach category that
coachyouthtennis.com, Safe Play exists today will go away.
Photo Courtesy of Steve Keller This new offering is a significant
addition to our existing
Sierra Junior Tennis Association - Reno, Nev. Teaching Essentials 1 workshop classification. The person who goes
conducted by USTA. through the process to become a new
USPTA Tennis Instructor will deliver
entry-level programs for adults
as well as juniors, which will help
grow our game. The goal is to have a
veritable army of professionals who
will bring newfound expertise to
clubs, parks and recreation facilities
and schools. They will certainly be
more educated than our existing
force of part-time teachers.
Our stated mission at the USPTA
is "to elevate the standards of tennis-
teaching professionals and coaches."
The new USPTA Tennis Instructor
will unquestionably support that
mission.*
56 - ADDvantage Magazine -- February 2020
USPTA
Rhonda Rabanal Uses Human
Connections to Grow Her Business
Lucas Cas�s, USPTA Communications
USPTA Elite Professional Rhonda manages her own business, Photo Courtesy of Rhonda Rabanal
Rabanal (Southern California)
graduated from UCLA in 2008, just as Rhonda Tennis, teaching
the economy ground to a halt.
tennis at various courts
With the job market scarce, her
parents suggested she enlist in the around LA.
military. After all, her father served
in the Navy and her two brothers She's on the court roughly
currently serve the Army and Air Force.
50 hours a week with
"They were just being realistic and
presenting my options to me," Rabanal students, offering both
said. "The route was either I join the
Marines or I get a corporate job. I was private and group lessons.
like, I don't want to join the Marines,
so I'm going to go get a corporate job." "Youngest was 4, eldest was
She soon found work in a host of 73," she said. "I'm genuinely
industries, including sales in Silicon
Valley, wealth management and a passionate about teaching
number of volunteer opportunities.
She was successful in the corporate anyone who wants to learn."
world, but her dream of playing
professional tennis kept nagging. Her passion and motivation
That is, until one day, when it for teaching is essential to her Rabanal ( left) with her mentor Amanda Fink (right) and
vanished. A car accident left Rabanal success as a freelancer, but USPTA Southern Division President Kevin Theos (middle).
temporarily paralyzed from the waist
up. She said it was like "a message from she insists there's more
the universe."
to it than that. environment," she said.
"Even though at that moment I knew
going pro wasn't for me, I was like, no, "It looks like it's just me, but just like It was also a tremendous learning
there's something else here. My heart
still wants to be on the court," she said. a tennis player on the court, there is experience. Team tennis was new for
"What can I make for myself?"
a whole backbone of support. For me, her and working with other coaches
For about five months as she
recovered, Rabanal managed to make it that is my family and my boyfriend, and helped her see gaps in her own coaching.
out to local courts around Los Angeles,
offering corrections to players. When my friends, of course." Rabanal also finds support through
someone finally suggested she try
coaching, Rabanal was reluctant. She finds similar support in her the USPTA mentorship program. She
"Too many temperaments," she said. clients. The parents of her younger was paired with Elite Professional
"But then as I started coaching more
and more, I realized it was something I students are supportive of their children, Amanda Fink, a 2019 USPTA U30 Award
could do full-time."
driving them to and from tennis lessons recipient from San Diego. Rabanal said
Five years later, Rabanal successfully
and buying shoes and racquets. But, the first time she and Fink spoke over the
importantly, they trust Rabanal. phone was like she "had connected with
"It's me and the parent teaming up a friend I hadn't spoken to in years."
to say yes, I trust you to be my son or Her intrinsic motivation cannot be
daughter's teacher," she said. "They hire overstated, and she's always had the
me and I know that I am employed by support of her loved ones. But Rabanal
the public I serve. But there's absolutely has seized every opportunity to connect
a team component there because there's with others � to help them, to learn
no way I'd be able to do this on my own from them � and to grow the game.
without the support of parents." "My BA degree is in anthropology,"
Rabanal has added a new wrinkle Rabanal said. "I found that being able
to her coaching. Last year, she started to connect with people on a human
as an assistant coach at Marlborough level first, tennis second, is one of the
School, an all-girls school in LA. In both backbones of my success. I treat
her first two years, the varsity team won every person as a human and focus
the Mission League championship. on the connection. Everything else
"It's more proof that I enjoy the team is secondary."*
February 2020 -- ADDvantage Magazine - 57
USPTA
The Latest Revolution in Tennis is Here:
Wilson Triniti Ball
The United States Professional The tennis ball feel, and maintains
Tennis Association, in partnership hadn't changed its liveliness four
with Wilson Sporting Goods Co., much in 40 years. times longer than a
has awarded one case and 24 traditional Wilson
canisters of the new Wilson Triniti So Wilson Sporting tennis ball.
tennis ball. Goods Co. set out to
create a tennis ball The second
USPTA members who paid their that wouldn't need element is the
2020 membership dues by Dec. pressurized plastic felt. The Triniti
15 were entered in the drawing packaging to maintain ball is covered in
for one case and 24 canisters of liveliness. Wilson STR felt, which is
Wilson Triniti balls. LABS, the innovation 50% more flexible
hub at Wilson, used than conventional
Brian Walters (Northern) is the state-of-the-art tennis ball felt and
lucky winner of the case of Wilson materials to redesign allows for more
Triniti balls. the tennis ball core compression. The
and its felt cover. flexible felt also leads
The 24 winners of a canister of to longer dwell times,
Triniti balls are: The result is Triniti. meaning the player
Steve Bailey (Southern) "We see Triniti as has enhanced feel
Monty Basnyat (Northern California) a big win for players, and control because
Lynn Bender (Midwest) the industry, and the ball stays on the
Paige Burke (Intermountain) importantly, our racquet's strings
Charles Cutler (Southwest) environment," said longer.
Mary Fink (Florida) Hans-Martin Reh,
Robert Florian (Southern) General Manager, All of these
Michael Galli (Northern California) Racquet Sports. innovations have
Danielle Hall (Eastern) "While the tennis ball has not allowed Wilson to start the
Elizabeth Henderson (Southern) fundamentally changed over latest revolution in tennis ball
Gene Holtrey (Florida) 40 years, it has contributed to technology: a fully recyclable
Richard Lamb (Florida) landfill issues across the world. paper canister. The redesigned
Francisco Martinez Tovar (International) We decided to re-engineer the ball core and felt combine to keep
David Meeker (Florida) from the inside out to be gentler the air pressure inside the ball,
John Mercer (Mid-Atlantic) on our world while not giving an meaning Triniti balls don't need
Marco Meza (Texas) inch on performance, actually to be stored in pressurized plastic
Amy Nestle (Midwest) enhancing it." PET containers to maintain
Jade Nguyen (Northern California) Two key features mark the their longevity and performance.
Jim O'Connell (Midwest) Wilson Triniti tennis ball. The Wilson Triniti packaging is made
Jose Pastrello (Florida) first is the core, which is made of a from recycled cardboard.
Eileen Pero (Intermountain) plastomer material, which weighs Triniti balls are available in
Bob Peterson (Missouri Valley) less than traditional tennis ball three-ball containers for $5.49
Robert Pierce (Florida) cores and allowed Wilson product (MRP). Five percent of profits
Roger Watson (Texas) engineers to thicken the core's from Triniti tennis balls will
walls. The ball stays in play longer, support Wilson Sporting Goods'
provides more control, spin and global sustainability efforts.*
58 - ADDvantage Magazine -- February 2020
Career Development USPTA
Career Development
USPTA Certification Testing Dates 2020 USPTA Division Conferences
Feb. 2........................................................ Haig Point Tennis Center Feb. 6-8 Midwest-Indiana...............Indianapolis Racquet Club.
Hilton Head Island, SC
. Indianapolis, IN
Feb. 8..................................... McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center
Williamsburg, VA Feb. 14-16 Intermountain.................................. Life-Time Fitness
Feb. 8-9........................................................... Atlanta Athletic Club . Centennial, CO
Johns Creek, GA
Feb. 14-17 Northern California .................... Taube Tennis Center
Feb. 10-11...........................................USTA National Tennis Center
Orlando, FL . Stanford, CA
Feb. 12......................................................... Carefree Racquet Club Feb. 20-23 Texas........................................ Horseshoe Bay Resort
North Merrick, NY
. Horseshoe Bay, TX
Feb. 13-14............................................................... Lifetime Fitness
Centennial, CO Feb. 21-22 Missouri Valley..................................... Kansas City CC
Feb. 15-16......................................................Sea Cliff Country Club . Mission Hills, KS
Huntington Beach, CA
Feb. 28-Mar. 1 Northern...........Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center
Feb. 20..................................................... Kansas City Country Club
Mission Hills, KS . Fort Snelling, MN
Feb. 22..................................... John and Fay Menard YMCA Tennis Mar. 1-2 Midwest-Ohio............................. Marriott Northwest.
Eau Claire, WI
. Dublin, OH
Feb. 22-23..................................................... Horseshoe Bay Resort
Horseshoe Bay, TX Mar. 13-14 Midwest-Wisconsin...............Hitters Sports Complex.
Mar. 6-7...................................................Berry Creek Country Club . Middleton, WI
Georgetown, TX
Mar. 7-8 San Diego....................... La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Mar. 7-8.............................................. The City Club at River Ranch
Lafayette, LA . La Jolla, CA
Mar. 7-8............................................................ Oaks at Boca Raton Mar. 12-15 Mid-Atlantic.......................... Country Club of Virginia
Boca Raton, FL
. Richmond, VA
Mar. 7-8.........................................................Sea Cliff Country Club
Huntington Beach, CA May 1-3 Eastern...................International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Mar. 9-10......................................... La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club . Newport, RI
La Jolla, CA
May 1-3 New England...........International Tennis Hall of Fame
Mar. 13...........................................Oklahoma Golf & Country Club
Oklahoma City, OK . Newport, RI
Mar. 14-15..................................................Bayou Bluff Tennis Club May 14-16 Southern.....................................Atlanta Athletic Club
Gulfport, MS
. Johns Creek, GA
Mar. 15-16............................................................ ACAC Midlothian
Midlothian, VA May 15-17 Southwest............................Grand Canyon University
Mar. 17-18................................................................ Glenview Club . Phoenix, AZ
Golf, IL
May 28-31 Florida.......................Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
Mar. 22...................................... Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center
Minneapolis, MN . Naples, FL
Mar. 22-23..........................................................Park Crossing Club June 5-6 Pacific Northwest................................ Linfield College
Charlotte, NC
. McMinnville, OR
Mar. 27..............................................................Nassau Tennis Club
Skillman, NJ Sept. 20-24 USPTA World Conference................... Hilton Riverside
Mar. 27-28....................................................... Ranch Country Club . New Orleans, LA
Westiminster, CO
Divisions not listed have not yet set a date for their annual conference as of press time.
Mar. 28-29............................................. Green Island Country Club
Columbus, GA Visit www.uspta.com for a complete listing of certification and
educational opportunities
Exam reservations must be made by calling the USPTA World
Headquarters at 407-634-3050 ext. 2 at least 21 days prior to � Wheelchair � Pickleball
the dates listed. Each date includes an exam and upgrade. PTCA � Padel � RacquetFit
I is included in the two-day exam. Exam cancelations must be � Platform
received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation
fee will be charged accordingly. Visit TennisResources.com to find hundreds of exclusive
educational and instructional videos, audio material, articles
and drill diagrams related to all levels and aspects of the game
of tennis. The user friendly video interface is great for watching
on a desktop or mobile device and makes it easy to #GetYourSix
wherever you are!
February 2020 -- ADDvantage Magazine - 59
USPTA
Get Social with USPTA Official
Social Media Channels
facebook.com/USPTA.Official
twitter.com/USPTA_Tennis
instagram.com/uspta
linkedin.com/company/
united-states-professional-
tennis-association
youtube.com/TheUSPTA
issuu.com/uspta
In Memoriam Visit TennisResources.com to learn more
Michael Eikenberry (1947-2019) - Past President
Michael Eikenberry passed away on Sept. 16, 2019, at the age of 72. Eikenberry first learned tennis on the
Thrush Courts in Peru, Indiana, and was a two-time Indiana high school singles champion before being
inducted into the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Eikenberry went on to
play No. 1 singles for the University of Virginia, where he earned a law degree. Eikenberry established Four
Star Tennis Enterprises, Inc., a tennis academy, and provided opportunities to Peru youngsters to attend.
Eikenberry served as USPTA President from 1984-86, and was a driving force of the Association using
computers in the national office.
David Muir (1929-2019) - Past President
David Muir passed away on Dec. 10, 2019 at the age of 90. Muir was a graduate of Bradley University, where
he also earned varsity letters in basketball and tennis. Muir taught tennis for over 60 years, coaching
thousands of players, many of whom went on to collegiate and professional playing careers. Muir served
the Association in various roles, including as National President from 1970-72. Muir was inducted into the
Midwest Professional Tennis Hall of Fame in 1991, the Chicago Tennis Patrons Hall of Fame in 2010 and
was presented with the USPTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States
Professional Tennis Association.
President................................................................. Feisal Hassan Editor.................................................................................John Cornell
First Vice President.............................................Richard Slivocka Managing Editor.................................................................Lucas Cas�s The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of
Vice Presidents...............Lane Evans, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner, Layout/Design............................................................... Gustavo Reyes the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage
Editorial Assistance ...........................Jacquelyn Dahre, Alegna Hollis, or the United States Professional Tennis Association.
Jason Gilbert, Bill Mountford
Immediate Past President............................................ Gary Trost Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, Ellen Weatherford, Fred Viancos Copyright� United States Professional Tennis
CEO...........................................................................John Embree Circulation.................................................................... Trevor Trudelle Association, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction
Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell USPTA World Headquarters of any portion of the magazine is not permitted
11961 Performance Dr. without written permission from the USPTA.
Orlando, FL 32827
800-887-8248- www.uspta.com
60 - ADDvantage Magazine -- February 2020