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Add January 2022 — tài liệu 20 trang từ thư viện sách tennis.
Tóm tắt nội dung (trích từ tài liệu gốc): January 2022 Michael Harper, USPTA Certified Professional From the CEO USPTA New Footwear and Apparel Endorsee John R. Embree, USPTA CEO In the November/December issue of of total pro shop purchases to their better way to do it than with our new ADDvantage, I extolled the virtues of retirement account. partner, Tennis Warehouse! our past partnership with Fromuth Tennis as our footwear and apparel supplier 4 Custom embroidery is available for As most everyone in our industry of Nike that concluded at the end of personal merchandise and retail in knows, Tennis Warehouse is the "go- November, 202
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Nội Dung Gốc (Tiếng Anh)¶
January 2022
Michael Harper, USPTA Certified Professional
From the CEO USPTA
New Footwear and Apparel Endorsee
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
In the November/December issue of of total pro shop purchases to their better way to do it than with our new
ADDvantage, I extolled the virtues of retirement account. partner, Tennis Warehouse!
our past partnership with Fromuth Tennis
as our footwear and apparel supplier 4 Custom embroidery is available for As most everyone in our industry
of Nike that concluded at the end of personal merchandise and retail in knows, Tennis Warehouse is the "go-
November, 2021. I also mentioned that your shops, whether it be USPTA to" company for product reviews, demo
we were working on an arrangement with branded or your facility name. programs, expert stringing services, and
a new supplier that would be announced excellent customer service. With every
soon thereafter. Drum roll please... 5 Tennis Warehouse has multiple manufacturer going customer direct
I am incredibly excited to announce that warehouses across the globe that will and so many online shopping options in
Tennis Warehouse took over this category service members more efficiently today's economy, Tennis Warehouse is no
beginning last month, December 1. It is a than ever before. Besides having longer viewed as the enemy of pro shops.
multi-year agreement that will offer a wide their original west coast location Instead, they are the leading retailer in our
range of benefits to our membership that in San Luis Obispo, CA, they have industry, without question.
we have not been able to offer previously. recently opened a state-of-the- Having dealt with the leadership at
Under the terms of this agreement: art distribution center outside of Tennis Warehouse since its inception,
Atlanta, making it much quicker I can vouch for their commitment to
1 Members will be able to select from to ship products to east coast support our members at the grassroots.
a variety of brands for their footwear
customers. In addition, our members In fact, two of the top three officers of
and apparel needs, including Nike. who reside in Europe or Australia the company were colleagues of mine at
In addition, because many of our can, for the first time, get USPTA Wilson. Suffice to say, we have had a long
members have an affinity for other endorsed products in the countries history together.
companies, you will now be able where they live. It's fantastic! This is a new day for the USPTA and
to wear the brand of your choice its membership. Working closely with
and still be a part of the USPTA 6 Finally, Tennis Warehouse believes Tennis Warehouse for USPTA footwear
endorsement program.
there is a branding opportunity for the and apparel makes sense on a variety of
USPTA when they produce television levels and I look forward to building this
2 USPTA members will still receive commercials. Since they conduct partnership in the coming years. You will
30 percent off MSRP on personal a wide range of advertising during hear much more about the programs and
products and up to a 40 percent various tennis telecasts, wouldn't it promotions that Tennis Warehouse will be
discount off MSRP on products for be terrific to see the USPTA logo at launching for our members in the weeks
your pro shop. the conclusion of their various spots? ahead. Thanks in advance for jumping
We have not had the wherewithal to on this bandwagon and giving them your
3 Members enrolled in our promote our brand with consumers support. I will be shocked if the experience
Supplemental Savings Program will since our instructional show ended that you have dealing with them is not
still get a 5 percent contribution of on the Tennis Channel -- so, what top drawer!
January 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 59
BLADE V8
RETURN TO THE WILD
The new Blade v8 celebrates the return to your
natural element of competitive tennis -- renewed
and reconnected to the game you love.
President's Message USPTA
Keeping Your Eye on the Ball
Richard Slivocka, USPTA President
Ican't communicate enough about how the national office or our website, Inclusion committee members. We will
excited I am to be writing my first
column as USPTA National President. It www.uspta.com. continue to put this at the forefront of our
is such a tremendous honor, and I am not
taking this opportunity for granted. We As we continue to be the industry leader association. The USPTA wants to be more
have had such outstanding leadership since
the inception of our great organization, in developing and delivering content in tune with what you, the member, need
and it is humbling to be a part of this
exceptional group. for tennis-teaching professionals, we and want from your trade association. The
First, I would like to thank the were able to get back to business per board and I will work hard over the next
immediate past president, Feisal Hassan,
not just for all his hard work and passion usual by conducting our first in-person two years to make sure that we help you in
for our association, but for the leadership
he has shown the USPTA, the board, and World Conference in two years. The 2021 any way possible.
myself over the past two years. We've had
a rollercoaster of a time, like most in our World Conference in Las Vegas was a The new Board of Directors will be
country, yet Feisal has done an outstanding
job navigating these challenging and tremendous success! While we didn't meeting for the first time in January at
ever-changing waters. I would also like to
thank the previous Board of Directors and have our traditional Vegas turnout, we our World Headquarters in Orlando.
the Executive Committee for their tireless
commitment and vision in helping shape did welcome 689 attendees back to the We have a great group, and I am looking
our organization.
only tennis industry merchandise and forward to working with them and seeing
And so, I am happy to say that our
association is doing great! We are coming trade show to take place worldwide what we can accomplish.
out of a difficult period, having still
produced financial and membership since the pandemic, rivaling many of our I am entering my 21st year as a member
growth. We currently show a 3.2 percent
increase in membership, which is truly other World Conferences. The National of the USPTA. And like many of you, this
amazing during a pandemic. At the time
of writing, we stand at roughly 11,400 staff was outstanding, and the event was association has given me so much, and I
total members with a positive surplus
of revenue through the midway point of consistent with our world-class standards. take pride in everything we do and what
the fourth quarter of 2021. The USPTA
has also added four brand new endorsees We look forward to offering you another we stand for. As members of the USPTA,
to our association -- Tennis Warehouse,
Fiix Elbow, StringPing, and Apeak Tennis. tremendous conference in New Orleans we must remain committed to growing our
If you aren't familiar with these new
companies and how they will support our come september! association and our industry. We are at a
members, I encourage you to reach out to
Now it's time to look to our future. We crucial time for our association. We must
are currently working on selecting the continue to reach out to our youth and
members of our national committees and mentor and inspire the next generation of
task forces, as we've had an unprecedented teaching professionals. *
number of applicants this year for
committee positions. The Board and Feisal Hassan, Richard Slivocka, and Jason Gilbert
I are incredibly excited to get these at the 2021 USPTA World Conference in Las Vegas.
committees formed and placed into
action, reorienting to a focus on the
DNA of our organization -- how can
we help you, the member? We want
to make these committees more
interactive with the membership,
continuing the initiatives Feisal
developed during his tenure as
president, especially towards
becoming a more diverse association.
Feisal did an outstanding job with this,
as did the Diversity, Education, and
January 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 61
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USPTA Master Professional's Corner
Thinking Outside the Box
Avis R. Murray, USPTA Master Professional
The Bass Rocks Golf Club recently they were representative of and advised to Group 1
celebrated their 125th anniversary. bring one "favorite dish" from said country,
Each department of the club engaged plus any accessories. United Kingdom, Georgia,
in some way in the observance of this Greece, USA, Canada, and Japan
momentous occasion. While the golfers Each player was then given a sticker of
participated in a Pro-Am, the club held a the country's flag to wear. Taking it a step Group 2
massive gala with 320 members attending further, many dressed in traditional garb
for a delicious meal, dancing, recognizing representing the country, some waved flags Thailand, Argentina, France, Italy,
the staff and board of governors, as well as a and banners with many more creative ideas Czech Republic, and Australia
very special fireworks display. on full display.
The celebratory day ended with everyone
For the tennis portion of the occasion, The national anthem of each country enjoying a cookout on the club's deck as
there was an all-day event that began in played as competitors were announced many "different and crazy" prizes were
the morning with a tennis clinic presented and paraded on court. Over 42 members presented.
by Traci Green, who has been the Harvard were divided into two groupings with six
University Head Tennis Coach for the last countries in each division. Because we Lastly, each participant was given two
13 years. Traci trained under Arthur Ashe, had only three courts to work with, this special gifts honoring the club's 125th
Serena and Venus Williams, Chanda Rubin, was the ideal breakdown of facilities and anniversary -- a tennis towel embroidered
and Ajay Pant -- winning a Gold Ball at participants. Each group housed a mixture with a design painted by local artist and
the age of 14. Traci led some tremendous of performance levels -- creating an equal tennis player, Jill Demeri, and a 125th
doubles drills with the club members -- one playing field for five rounds of triples anniversary tennis ball key chain.
of the day's highlights! (or quadruples). Abiding by the rules
described on the next page, here's how you The Tennis Anniversary Committee was
After the clinic, members participated in too can set your own unique Davis Cup comprised of USPTA Master Professional
a Davis Cup Tennis competition -- which style tournament using the parameters and Director of Tennis Avis Murray, Lynne
included organizing 12 countries with we've adopted. Although you may adopt Salah, President of Bass Rocks Tennis,
three-to-four members representing each any country you'd like, the grouping of the Debbie Kaufman, Diana Blitz, Anne
nation. Players were notified of the country teams we selected was as follows: Bresnahan, USPTA Professional Derek
Geary, and tennis staff Megan Hood, Caleb
Members participating at the Parade of Nations at the 125 anniversary of Bass Rocks Golf Club! Willett, and Christopher Noyes. *
Photo Courtesy of Avis Murray
64 - ADDvantage Magazine January 2022
Davis Cup Style Tournament
RULES OF PLAY:
Teams with four players will place three members
on the baseline, i.e.
� One player in each alley and one on the baseline in the middle. The
fourth player will be forward around the "T" service line.
� Teams with three players will place two players on the baseline in
each alley, and the third will be forward along the "T" service line.
� The player in the right-hand baseline corner will be the first
server after a spin of racquets and decide whether to serve,
receive, pick a side, or give the opposing team a choice.
� The server has two serves, may serve underhanded or overhanded
cooperatively.
� The receiver must return the serve before the point is in play.
� After each point, both teams will rotate counterclockwise in one
position.
� With this rotation, the server changes on each point played as
well as the receiving team.
� Scoring will be no ad with the deuce point being served from the
right-hand corner. Teams do not switch sides.
� All teams will play a total of five games, i.e., 4-1, 3-2, 5-0.
� The balls being used are green dot low compression, which helps
make for longer and more fun points.
� Balls are left on the bench for the next group and scores are
reported to the tennis staff when finished.
� Be careful not to over-hit the ball at the near player in what we
call "The Hot Seat."
January 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 65
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Member Feature USPTA
Tennis Players Should Consider Yoga!
Margit Bannon, USPTA Certified Professional
How I ended up teaching "Yoga It took me a while to try yoga again -- practice" for what you want to get out of it,
for Tennis" might surprise you, this time in a gym setting where I began but later find that you become interested
considering that I didn't like yoga one going once a week after workouts. I slowly in other facets of yoga, and that's precisely
bit when I first tried it! At the time, I was enjoyed the challenge so much that I sought what happened for me. But let's start with
suffering from a lower back injury that I out classes with my gym pass all over the the obvious reasons you should give yoga
sustained a few months after graduating city, whenever and wherever I could -- in- a shot as a tennis player -- at any age and
from Miami University (OH), where I between teaching tennis for a living. ability level!
played tennis on scholarship. Upon the
suggestion of my therapist, I tried some At first, it was still extremely hard. I was Injury Prevention
evening classes that were being held at trying to find a balance between overdoing
their office. I can still see it to this day: and underdoing it with regard to activity, Because of tennis's repetitive nature
walking into a dimly lit room with my beach teaching, and my previous injury. But for both recreational and competitive
towel in hand (not yet owning my own also because with yoga, I was asked to do players alike, overuse injuries are
mat) and feeling utterly lost at the back of the complete opposite from what I had common. According to a USTA Sport
the room. I was introduced to "postures" learned on the tennis court. I needed Science Committee injury tracking study,
where I had no idea what I was doing, and to slow down and pay attention -- and 861 Junior tennis players were studied
I hated the feeling of being "bad" at yoga, gradually, it began to fill the void of all to understand the most common injuries
naturally comparing myself to others in those hours I spent training for tennis in sustained. In this order, they are lower
my peripherals. I was slipping on my towel, an aging body that suddenly needed more back, shoulder, ankle, knee, and wrist. Out
and surely, I wasn't burning any calories care after years of abuse. of the 861 players, a total of 41 percent of
because we were moving too slow to break all players reported injury, with one-
a sweat! Because it was so different from In the beginning, all I cared about was third of players reporting a second injury.
what I had experienced in the past, yoga healing my lower back through postures This data tells us that players don't fully
felt like a major waste of time. that offered opportunities for strength and recover from their initial injury before
a better range of motion. As yoga teachers, suffering subsequent harm. We know how
we often say that you come into "the vital the kinetic chain is, and if one area is
hurt, there's a good chance of overloading
Photo Courtesy of Margit Bannon another location in the body. Remember
that you're coming into the practice for
what you'd like to gain. Where is your
current tennis training regimen lacking?
Is it strength, flexibility, balance, or agility
you're lacking? Yoga is here to help!
Recovery
With yoga styles labeled as "hot" and
"vinyasa flow" maintaining popularity,
tennis players new to yoga might be
fooled into thinking that rigorous types
of practice are "where it's at." Because, as
players, we're used to keeping a quicker
January 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 67
USPTA
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Member Feature USPTA
Photo Credit: Kevin Karczewski/USPTA on court with you? Here's a simple Yoga for Tennis drill
you can try on court: Practice a simple
How do you respond "mini tennis" drill with a partner with
the only goal of watching the ball as
to a bad call or when closely as you can. Notice how many
times your mind goes to something
you're not playing other than the task at hand. Your mind
will naturally move elsewhere as it gets
your best? Are you accustomed to what you are doing: the
work is catching and redirecting yourself
reactive, and does back to what you are doing. You have now
practiced yoga in action!
this trickle into your
Yoga for Tennis
ability to perform?
In summary, there's a reason why tennis
Are you using your professionals such as Novak Djokovic
have gravitated towards yoga as a way to
time efficiently in improve their tennis lifestyle. So come
into yoga for what you'd like to enhance
between points within your game and surprise yourself
with how much more your tennis world
and changeovers? opens up! *
Chances are,
you've said yes to at
Margit Bannon (Left) and USPTA CEO John Embree (Right) at the 2021 least one of these
USPTA World Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. questions.
The physical
tempo, training that is often punishing postures of yoga that you use to prevent
in nature is considered a plus. Instead, injury and aid in recovery are a pathway
assuming you're already taxing yourself to finding better focus as you become
physically, allow yoga to bring a balance more aware of sensations within your
to what you are previously doing. In other body. This change happens as you connect
words, just because you can stand on your with your breath and as you become more
hands doesn't mean you should. Take a comfortable with slowing down. When
different approach to yoga in alignment- we slow down, we have the opportunity to
based and restorative style yoga classes notice the patterns of our minds and the
where moving slower and passive
openings are offered. In the latter, you'll
be encouraged to lie on the ground and
use props such as blankets, bolsters, and
blocks. These poses are held for extended
periods, working towards long-term
flexibility, allowing you to recover quicker stories we tell ourselves
from the next time you practice on court. that are often unproductive to the
At first, your greatest challenge may be game of tennis! So the first step is in
that you're not being asked "to do" as noticing, and when we do, it's a literal
much physically when lying still, but after game-changer -- not just in tennis but
a while, the body and mind adjust, and it in life! You may have heard the saying;
feels like a glorious release (as if you've you are what you think?! Ponder
given yourself a massage) by the time your how powerful that is and how
session is done! beneficial it could be if you
Focus were to catch yourself
before responding in
Who doesn't need to find better focus a certain way on court
throughout their day? Maybe you've or before going down
noticed that you need this improvement the rabbit hole of
throughout the course of a tennis match negativity. In other
or practice. Where does your mind go words, the first step is
when you're working on a stroke? Is it recognizing the
pulled in a million directions? Is it even problem.
January 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 69
Sowing and Reaping
Michael C. Alcott
USPTA Elite Professional
When playing tennis, you need to know a fundamental principle of life and tennis --
the power of sowing and reaping. Tennis is about sending the ball to a specific court
area, anticipating, and then receiving the ball. At its core, it's a big game of throwing and
catching -- only you are using a racquet to both send and receive. Understanding where to
send the ball (sowing) can help you anticipate where the ball will be coming back percentage-
wise (reaping). This is a basic fundamental I call "directionals." The basic fundamental of
directionals are as follows: cross-court begets cross-court, down the line begets down the
line, lob begets a lob, and drop shot begets a drop shot. If you understand these fundamentals,
you can build a solid foundation to develop a plan for your strategy and tactics.
Photo Credit: BalanceFormCreative
Member Feature USPTA
The directional principles are derived where you send the ball. Will you be ready percentage. As you get closer to the net,
from the idea that it's easier to hit the to sow what you reap? Will you defend the height of the ball and having more
ball back where it came from. In doing your opponent's primary shot based on time and space allow for more options. It
so, the player's racquet is striking the where you send the ball? Positioning becomes easier to change the directions of
ball perpendicular to the vector of the yourself so that you are defending their the ball and successfully hit a secondary
incoming ball, giving them the most primary shot is essential. Doing so can target. When you are playing, think about
significant margin of error. Changing alter your opponent's perception or tempt your opponent's response to the shot that
the direction of the ball means that the them to hit a secondary shot. you hit. Did they follow the directionals
player is not hitting squarely behind that are described above? Did you sow
the incoming shot. Instead, they are So how do you know if you what you reaped? If not, were they
actually hitting the ball off-center of should hit your primary successful? If they were successful, why?
perpendicular. Knowing these universal or secondary shot? The Are you giving them too much time and
directionals is foundational. Yet, it doesn't following example should space? I hope this helps you understand
mean that your opponent will follow these help you understand your how to anticipate your opponent's shots.
patterns every time. Also, knowing these options. If your opponent hits a backhand The more you play, the better you get at
directionals doesn't mean that you have to from their ad court to your ad court, anticipating shots. The better you get at
follow them every time either. It helps to you can choose to position anticipating shots, the more time you will
know where your primary target lie. yourself to hit a forehand have to set up on the ball, take it earlier,
from the ad court. and reduce the time your opponent has to
Primary targets are targets that give you We call this running make their next shot. *
the biggest margin of error. I say targets around the backhand.
because cross-court and down the line If you decide to hit your
are not targets -- they are directionals. primary target, you will send
However, there are many targets along the ball with your forehand
a directional. A primary target gives you from your ad court back to your
the longest distance between the location opponent's ad court. We call this
you are hitting the ball from and the an inside-out forehand. Hopefully,
target where you are sending the ball. It you are attacking the ball with
is usually a target that is located along a your forehand and forcing them
cross-court directional. A tennis court to hit a backhand. Again, this has to
is 78 feet long. However, hitting from do with time and space and whether
the deuce court corner of the court to your opponent can run around their
the deuce court corner on the other side backhand. Can they strike a forehand,
of the net yields a distance of 82.6 feet, or are they forced to hit a backhand? In
which gives you another 4.5 feet of real doing so, you are hitting to the longest
estate to place your shot. Going for a target distance of the court and over the lowest
in the cross-court direction means you part of the net. If, however, you decide to
will also be hitting over the lower part of hit your forehand from the ad side of your
the net. Both the lower net and the most court (in this same example) and change
prominent area to hit, make this shot the ball's direction, sending it down the
primary. Secondary shots happen when line to your opponent's deuce court --
you are hitting towards a shorter target that would be your secondary target.
from you and usually over the higher part We call this an inside-in forehand.
of the net. This forces you to get the ball It is secondary because you are
up, clear the net, and come down sooner changing the ball's direction, hitting
to land inside the boundaries. Choosing a shorter distance, and the net is
whether to hit a primary or secondary slightly higher as the ball crosses
target has to do with time and space. the net closer to the alleys.
Just remember that you are responsible
for where you hit the ball. There are Practice hitting your shots
consequences, both good and bad, as to back to where the ball came from
to increase your shot-making
January 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 71
USPTA | IFP Academy
The United States Professional Tennis
Association (USPTA), Inc. partners
with the International Federation of
Pickleball Academy (IFP Academy) to
offer a new and improved USPTA
Pickleball Certification.
Beginning January 1, 2022, USPTA members may obtain
USPTA Pickleball Certification by 17 newly trained USPTA
Division Head Pickleball Testers or at any IFP Academy official
training center within its extensive network. In addition, all
USPTA Head Division Pickleball Testers have extensive
experience with the sport, both as a player and a teacher, and
will receive immense in-person training by the IFP Academy.
New Pickleball Certification USPTA
New USPTA Pickleball Certification
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
As most of you are aware, the USPTA over the last three years, for their guidance for a one-year pickleball training and
contracted with the International and expertise as we became more familiar continual education membership. With
that membership, USPTA professionals
Pickleball Teaching Professional with this growing category. will be able to access basic educational
content from IFP Academy for that year.
Association (IPTPA) to conduct pickleball Starting January 1, 2022, the USPTA will Pros will also be able to upgrade for $100
to access unlimited video content and
certification for our members. Even with model its pickleball certifications similarly educational tools.
COVID wreaking havoc on the industry to our previous tennis testing certifications. Suppose a division would like an
instructor from the IFP Academy to
beginning in 2020, the IPTPA could still Each division has selected a Division Head conduct a certification (because the
Division Head Tester is unable to run the
certify hundreds of USPTA professionals Tester for Pickleball (a USPTA member) test). That can easily be done with the
cost for the application fee being the same
when we commenced our partnership back who is an advocate of the sport, has taught $229. Because of the extensive network of
IFP Academy instructors throughout the
in November of 2018. Unfortunately, at that the sport for at least two years, and has an country, they would be happy to assist in
as many certification events as needed.
time, the USPTA did not have the expertise extensive playing background. These 17 They also provide a comprehensive virtual
pickleball certification program tailored for
internally to adequately handle pickleball Head Testers received extensive in-person tennis professionals.
certifications, which is why we reached out training at one of two-weekend workshops Partnering with the IFP Academy won't
take long for the USPTA to establish an
to Seymour Rifkind and his association to in December by the IFP Academy, a extensive network of pickleball testers
across the country. With the explosion
assist us with this process. market-leading pickleball training, of pickleball everywhere, USPTA
professionals have a responsibility to
With the expiration of that agreement in certification, and rating company run by deliver what their customers want. Thus,
if facilities or clubs demand pickleball
late October 2021, and with the increased Robert Elliott, specializing in certification programming and instruction, USPTA
members must be prepared to provide that
interest amongst USPTA professionals and training across the globe in 62-plus service. If they don't, they may not be long
for their job.
who are delivering the sport at their countries. Robert also happens to own
This is an exciting time for our
facilities, the USPTA determined that Engage Pickleball, one of the premier top association as we enter this new
certification phase for USPTA professionals
it would be in our best interest to take 3 global brands in pickleball equipment in 2022. Like it or not, pickleball is
here to stay. Having a USPTA Pickleball
control of pickleball certification and -- and is also a US Open and Tournament certification will be a valuable asset for pros
looking to move up in their careers.
handle it in house under the USPTA of Pickleball pro-level medalist, former
banner. I want to thank Seymour and his Division 1 tennis player, and instructor at
team, personally, for aiding the USPTA Nick Bollettieri satellite training centers.
Now that these
Carley Rozpedski ( left) and John Embree (Right) at the 2021 USPTA Head Testers are IFP
World Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Academy trained, they
Photo Credit: Kevin Karczewski/USPTA can host certification
training for additional
testers to work within
their respective
divisions or conduct
certification exams for
USPTA professionals
who want to be USPTA
Pickleball Certified.
The application fee is
$229, of which $30 will
go to the IFP Academy
January 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 73
USPTA/ThanksUSA Scholarships USPTA
2021-2022 USPTA/ThanksUSA
Scholarship Recipients
Jean Pletchette, Director of Sports Initiatives, ThanksUSA
Kathleen Veterinary Medicine. program at the University of Colorado at
Although veterinary school is the Colorado Springs. Shortly after beginning
Kathleen knew classes, the COVID pandemic threatened
from an early age next big step for Kathleen, she is also to derail her education once again.
that she wanted considering joining the United States
to live her life Army as a member of the Veterinary "I honestly felt that I could have given up
caring for animals. Corps. Eventually she hopes to work with and waited until the pandemic passed, but
An ambitious student, large animal species in a zoological park. I told myself that I needed to push through
Kathleen became a certified veterinary for my family. Life will continuously throw
assistant while still in high school. She Ayriana obstacles, but anything can be overcome if
has completed an Associate of Arts in you persevere."
Animal Sciences degree and with the A $3,000 USPTA/
financial support of a $3,000 USPTA/ ThanksUSA Today, Ayriana continues to persevere
ThanksUSA scholarship, is pursuing scholarship is knowing that she has the generous
a bachelor's degree in Zoology at the helping Ayriana support of the USPTA/ThanksUSA
University of Central Florida. "I am realize her dream scholarship. "I am honored to have
sincerely honored to receive the USPTA/ of becoming a nurse. been selected as the recipient of this
ThanksUSA scholarship. I thank you for Ayriana became interested in the scholarship. I am incredibly grateful for
your generosity and for supporting healthcare field after caring for her ThanksUSA and the USPTA for giving me
my education, says Kathleen" grandfather during his final years. She this opportunity to further my education.
The daughter of a disabled Army enrolled in classes at the University of I am not only pursing my career goals to
veteran, Kathleen attributes much of Hawaii at Manoa and secured a job as a better my future, but also the future of my
her success to her father's emphasis on medical assistant in an OBGYN practice. "I family and patients."
education. "My dad has always promoted gained a lot of experience and knowledge
academics and making him proud is what that I can take with me into a future Kenneth
influences me to push hard and strive to nursing career," says Ayriana.
make my goals a reality." Married to an active-duty Army The son of a
Working towards admittance to Specialist, Ayriana faced tough academic retired Army
veterinary school, Kathleen continues to decisions when her husband received Sergeant, Kenneth
participate in activities that enhance her orders to Colorado. "This was my first was awarded a
academic pursuits. She helped establish move as a military spouse, a new mother, $3,000 USPTA/
the pre-veterinary Animal Lover League and a student." Though she was eager to ThanksUSA scholarship
at Santa Fe College, researched marine transfer to a new school, Ayriana learned to begin undergraduate studies at the
life in Belize, interned with the Lubee one of the most unfortunate, but common University of the Incarnate Word in San
Bat Conservancy, and secured her first roadblocks faced by military spouses: Antonio, Texas. Inspired by his father's
paying job as a veterinary technician not all credits transfer between colleges Army career as a pharmacy specialist,
at the University of Florida College of in different states. Even with this new Kenneth intends to major in pharmacy,
obstacle, Ayriana enrolled in the Nursing eventually earning a Doctor of
Pharmacy degree. *
January 2022 ADDvantage Magazine - 75
USPTA What's The Dill?
Membership Department Update
Dillon Chustz, USPTA Director of Membership
Rhonda Gibbs has spent her entire court at their home, setting Rhonda up for pros with the former. She reminded
tennis-teaching career led by the success at a young age. Rhonda eventually us that the clientele of our longtime
mantra, "Have racquet, will travel." Where went on to play both basketball and tennis members would eventually become the
there is an opportunity to teach and for the University of Pittsburgh. My initial responsibility of the members just starting
inspire, Rhonda will manifest. I initially reaction to hearing this was envy -- what out. When one of our members retires
met Rhonda at the 2021 USPTA World I would have given to have my very own from teaching, it is imperative that their
Conference in Las Vegas, where she was tennis court as a junior player! However, students fall into the hands of the best
an active and enthusiastic participant. once I learned of the many ways in which possible successor. I noticed many heads
Her vivacious spirit swept through the Rhonda is evangelizing our sport, paying nodding as Rhonda beseeched everyone to
conference, positively affecting everyone that good fortune forward, my envy turned think long term. I would have thought her
in her path. You can imagine the level of to admiration. For over 30 years, Rhonda mantra was, "Have voice, will inspire!"
uncertainty we all felt as we kicked off has relied on her unflinching mentality to
our first major event since the pandemic keep herself constantly moving, working, When writing this article, I came across
began. Had we made the right decision and engaging with players from ages 3 to 93. testimonials from some of Rhonda's former
to continue hosting an in-person event? students. The very first review read, "That's
Less than five minutes after interacting Currently, she is the executive director how you do it!" This was not the first time
with Rhonda, we felt justified. You simply of R.L.G. Sports Ministries in Northern that I've read feedback like this regarding
cannot beat the experience of interacting California, which runs a home school one of our members -- not by a long shot. I
with our members in person. physical education program to combat left the World Conference feeling incredibly
childhood obesity. In addition, Rhonda inspired not only by Rhonda but also by so
Growing up in Pennsylvania, Rhonda is also the women's head tennis coach at many of you who introduced yourselves,
had a unique opportunity that most young Berean Christian High School in Walnut shared your goals and accomplishments,
athletes can only dream of. As the owner Creek, CA, where she aims to coach and reinforced my belief that USPTA pros
of an asphalt paving company, Rhonda's her students "ASAP" (Academically, are the best there is! I hope to see even
father built both a basketball and tennis Spiritually, And Physically). "My students more of you in 2022! *
come early and stay late,"
Rhonda told me at the
USPTA 2021 Trade Show.
Her students simply want to
show up for her.
At our General
Membership meeting,
members provided input
about the future of our
association and offered
suggestions to their fellow
pros. Rhonda urged her
colleagues to introduce
themselves to younger
USPTA members, linking the
new generation of teaching
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE ADDvantage is published monthly by the
United States Professional Tennis Association.
President.............................................................Richard Slivocka Editor...................................................................................... Jim Burke The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are
First Vice President................................................ Trish Faulkner Managing Editor......................................................... Mike Calendrillo those of the authors and not necessarily those
Vice Presidents...................... Tracy Almeda-Singian, Mark Faber, Layout/Design.............................................................Kevin Karczewski of ADDvantage or the United States
Editorial Assistance .......................... Fred Viancos, Ellen Weatherford Professional Tennis Association.
Jason Gilbert, Kevin Theos Circulation..................................................................... Trevor Trudelle Copyright� United States Professional Tennis
Immediate Past President.......................................Feisal Hassan USPTA World Headquarters Association, Inc. 2022. All rights reserved.
CEO...........................................................................John Embree 11961 Performance Dr. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine
Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell Orlando, FL 32827 is not permitted without written permission
407-634-3050 � www.uspta.com from the USPTA.
76 - ADDvantage Magazine January 2022