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Tóm tắt nội dung (trích từ tài liệu gốc): November/December 2020 That's A Wrap! CEO John Embree pg. 37 No Challenge Too Great President Feisal Hassan pg. 39 Why ATP Pros Run Around Backhands Master Professional James Shaughnessy pg. 42 2020 Award Winners pg. 55 Jenny Gray Alex Gordon Professional of the Year COURT-INSPIRED ESSENTIALS The Official Distributor of N
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November/December 2020
That's A Wrap!
CEO John Embree
pg. 37
No Challenge Too Great
President Feisal Hassan
pg. 39
Why ATP Pros Run
Around Backhands
Master Professional James Shaughnessy
pg. 42
2020 Award Winners
pg. 55
Jenny Gray
Alex Gordon Professional of the Year
COURT-INSPIRED
ESSENTIALS
The Official Distributor of Nike
Footwear & Apparel to the USPTA.
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USPTA Members Receive Preferred MEMBER Pricing.
From the CEO USPTA
That's A Wrap!
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
We have tied a bow on our 2020 23 Our Awards Presentation from Australia, Mats Wilander from
World Conference Virtual Event and General Membership Sweden, and Sandra Zaniewska and Sven
� and what an event it was! Having never Meeting always brings me Groeneveld joined from Paris as they
done anything like this before, we sailed such joy. We recognized our five new prepared their players for Roland Garros.
into uncharted waters. But our staff Master Professionals and presented the There was also a 50/50 split between
worked incredibly hard over a four- Alex Gordon Professional of the Year male and female speakers, and 36% were
month period to turn this concept into (Jenny Gray), our George Bacso Lifetime from diverse backgrounds.
a reality. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Achievement Award (Ken McAllister)
each of them for their tireless efforts to the President's Paul Waldman Award 1 The networking capabilities
make this a success. (Kevin Theos), and inducted the late Bob were fantastic. People logged
Ryland into the USPTA Hall of Fame.
The USPTA continues to be the We also recognized 14 distinguished into WC20 early each morning
undisputed leader in providing the best members for their contributions to their
educational content to its membership communities and our Association in and began connecting with friends and
while utilizing the latest technology. 2019. Finally, we presented an update
WC20 proved it unequivocally. It was the on the state of our Association and the colleagues from around the country. It
first event of any kind in our industry to positive track we are on despite the
offer three days of uninterrupted digital impact of the global pandemic. was wonderful to see everyone interacting
education. And it came off without a
hitch. We connected with people from 22 We had 22 vendors at with each other. One member said that
across the globe in a smart, cutting edge our Virtual Trade Show.
and first-class platform that was more Representatives from each he has been a USPTA member for over
than just your typical Zoom scenario. company were available to chat with our
USPTA members should take great pride members during the three days as they 20 years but this was his first World
in what we delivered. showcased their products and services
with videos and live presentations. It was Conference. We're so glad he participated!
By the numbers: almost as if they were on the trade show
floor meeting face to face! 2020 is a different year on so many
1,000+
15 We hosted 15 Education fronts. Producing a virtual World
Over 1,000 people registered for the sessions over three days
start of WC20 � amazing! As of this featuring three International Conference this year instead of our usual
writing, the ink has still not dried on the Tennis Hall of Fame members,
final registration count, but the total plus several tennis celebrities and annual gathering seemed fitting, given
exceeded our expectations. Not only internationally renowned coaches.
that, but we had 10 of our International Each session was recorded and made the extraordinary circumstances with
members to join us. available that evening and for the next
30 days, so our pros could teach during which we have all been living. As Billie
the day and watch the presentations
at a more convenient time. Our virtual Jean King famously said, "Champions
platform allowed Sarah Stone to present
adjust." The USPTA did exactly that and I
am proud to say we delivered outstanding
education and a wonderful experience for
our membership.
Congratulations, USPTA, for wowing
our membership and the industry as
a whole! *
November/December 2020 ADDvantage Magazine - 37
USPTA
No Challenge Too Great in 2020
Feisal Hassan, USPTA President
Photo courtesy of Patrick KearnsOh, how the world has changed since COVID-19 USPTA/USTA Dues Subsidy
I last wrote in this column. The
coronavirus pandemic forced us off the When the coronavirus pandemic These unprecedented times prompted
courts and into our homes for many upended life in March, I established the USPTA and USTA to offer free
months. Nevertheless, in the areas of the USPTA COVID-19 Task Force to 2021 dues to USPTA members. The
diversity and inclusion, our COVID-19 be led by Patrick Kearns, Executive requirements to qualify were simple:
response, continuing education and our Director of the USPTA Mid-Atlantic 1. Teach and reside in the U.S.
World Conference, we accomplished a Division. For two months, CEO John 2. Be certified and in good standing
great deal in 2020. Embree, Patrick, myself and our team 3. Complete USPTA Continuing
of Leslie Allen, Doug Cash, Sean Drake,
Diversity & Inclusion Lane Evans, Jason Gilbert, Stan Oley, Education requirements
Ajay Pant, Phil Parrish, Len Simard, 4. Complete USTA Safe Play and
In January, I laid out our goals for a Butch Staples and Lisa Wilcott met
more diverse and inclusive USPTA. We on weekly conference calls to discuss background screening
established the Diversity & Inclusion the impact on our members and how 5. Show good faith and introduce 50
Committee, chaired by USPTA Board we could support them. We collected
members Trish Faulkner and Mark resources on everything from filing for new people to tennis
Faber and comprised of members of all unemployment to best practices for The deadline to qualify for free dues
backgrounds, with smaller task forces to safely re-opening. You can find them at was Oct. 1 but I am pleased to announce
address specific challenges faced by our uspta.com/howtoprepare and the USPTA that a second window is available now
diverse groups. These task forces have COVID-19 Support Group on Facebook. thru Dec. 31 for members to qualify for
developed surveys to gather pertinent free dues in 2022. You can find more
information and are in the process of Continuing Education details at uspta.com/freedues.
establishing new protocols and initiatives.
I thank all you who have participated. Our Education Team capitalized on #WC20
all the time on everyone's hands during
In September, we paid homage to a the pandemic to provide top-notch free It certainly wasn't easy, but I'm so proud
trailblazer of American tennis by naming continuing education in the form of weekly of the National Staff's efforts in organizing
the USPTA Diversity Award after the late webinars. Nearly 4,000 members tuned in such a successful World Conference Virtual
Bob Ryland, the first Black male to play for over 20 webinars on topics including Event with just a few short months' notice.
professional tennis in the U.S. and a 62-year on-court coaching, keeping in touch with WC20 featured 15 educational sessions
USPTA member. Mr. Ryland passed away students while they're away and safely re- presented by many of the biggest names in
at age 100 earlier this year and was the lone opening tennis facilities. All these webinars coaching and professional development.
inductee into the USPTA Hall of Fame. can be found on TennisResources.com. Over 1,000 members had the opportunity
to earn up to 7.75 CEUs, win great prizes
Patrick Kearns, USPTA Mid-Atlantic Executive Director We also unveiled USPTA-U, our brand- courtesy of our endorsees and reconnect
new online education platform that with old friends in the virtual lounge.
makes it as easy as possible for members
to watch webinars, listen to podcasts We also honored the 2020 Award
and take advantage of a plethora of winners, and they will be recognized in
professional development opportunities - person at next year's World Conference in
all in one place. Las Vegas. We hope you'll join us!
2020 challenged us in ways we've never
experienced before. I am so proud of our
members for the solidarity, perseverance
and commitment to our sport that they
showed. Long may that continue. *
November/December 2020 ADDvantage Magazine - 39
Wilson
Wilson
USPTA Master Professional Corner
3D Data Suggest Why the Best ATP
Pros Run Around Backhands
James Shaughnessy, USPTA Master Professional
In the late 1970s and early `80s, many Wawrinka cannot be accused of having backhands with the ATP pros' backhands
coaches frowned upon the practice defensive backhands, yet they routinely to discern crucial technique differences
of running around your backhand to hit spend the energy to run around these that could justify running around a
a forehand. The great USPTA Master elegant weapons. Why? backhand. Once identified, the technique
Professional Vic Braden contended that the differences would be more easily assessed
backhand could be an offensive weapon. At the SCiO 3D Sports Library of the by coaches and thus be better applied to
Braden taught that instead of overplaying world's greatest players at the Tucker developing players.
your strength by running around a Tennis Academy, we have at our disposal
backhand, you should conserve energy a database of the best players of the Eighteen successful ATP Tour-level
and avoid giving ground by developing an current era in live tournament play. backhands were studied to identify
effective backhand. Braden explained that By comparing successful backhands of trajectories of the ball and racquet tip
not running around a backhand allowed a the best ATP players, we conducted a 5 milliseconds before and after impact.
player to remain more centrally positioned, study to identify the important qualities Samples were taken from live match play
where an opponent was forced to hit more that will help coaches understand why in ATP Masters 1000 events. Seven one-
precise shots1. Braden's advice is currently disregarded. handed and 11 two-handed
The purpose of our study was to backhands were selected.
Clearly, this advice sounds reasonable compare biomechanical data of ATP
and encouraging, but in today's game, pro backhands with the forehand data Backhands were
this advice seems to be viewed as faulty from a previous study of ATP forehands2. selected if they were
or archaic. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Additionally, the study was used to winners, produced an error
Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan compare elite level academy players' by the opponent or produced
an advantage in the rally. Also
Photos courtesy of Leonard Zhukovsky studied were 18 successful backhands
of a group of elite juniors. The group had
an average age of 16 and average UTR score
of 10.95.
The results showed that the elite
juniors' average ball velocity was equal
to the elite ATP players at 74 mph. As
in a previous study of mine, there was a
significant difference between the juniors
and the ATP players in their upward
racquet velocity. Simply put, elite junior
backhands may be traveling at the same
rate as ATP backhands, but the pros have a
lot more topspin.
When we compared data from this
backhand study to the previous forehand
42 - ADDvantage Magazine November/December 2020
Master Professional Corner USPTA
study, we find successful ATP forehands successful backhands less than six feet Citations
average 86 mph, with an average upward off the ground. Additionally, the data
swing velocity of 37 mph. Meanwhile, shows that current average trajectory 1. Braden, V. and B. Bruns, Vic Braden's
successful ATP backhands average 74 mph, of top ATP backhands is equivalent to Tennis for the. Future. Boston: Little,
with an average upward swing velocity of the upward forehand trajectory of elite Brown and Co, 1977.
only 30 mph. college players. In 1999 at International
Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports, 2. Shaughnessy, J., A new direction for
These trajectories were calculated it was suggested that the ideal trajectory racquet head speed. ADDvantage,
using the Ariel Performance Analysis for a forehand is 28 degrees upward3. 2018. September/October: p. 48-49.
System (Ariel Dynamics, Trabuco Canyon, Interestingly, we find that top college
Calif.) The results of the study showed the forehands and top ATP backhands are 3. Bahamonde, R., Producing an
average upward racquet trajectory to be nearly equivalent to the 1999 suggestion, `Explosive' Forehand and Backhand.
29.53 degrees for ATP backhands, whereas yet the world's greatest players often run 1999.
ATP forehands had an average trajectory of around that 28-degree trajectory for a
35.75 degrees. 36-degree forehand swing trajectory.
The previous forehand study showed a The truth in Braden's advice may be that
correlation between the upward trajectory some energy is saved by not running around
of a player's racquet path to their UTR the backhand, but the data indicates that if
rating. The current backhand study found a player is in adequate physical condition,
a similar correlation. the additional ball speed and topspin that
can be produced by running around the
Meanwhile, the elite junior group backhand may be well worth the energy
showed an average upward racquet required. High-performance coaches should
trajectory of 20.79 degrees. This is therefore focus on producing higher upward
significantly different than the ATP velocities and steeper racquet trajectories
backhands, which were upward at nearly with appropriately adjusted fitness
nine more degrees. programs when developing players. *
The data showed that ATP forehands
are hit much harder than backhands and
have greater upward swing speeds and
steeper trajectories, producing more
topspin on their forehands. The data
shows crucial new evidence that the
best on the ATP Tour do not hit
through the path of the ball on
James R. Shaughnessy MSS, CSCS, is a USPTA Master Professional specializing in the application of
sports biomechanics to elite tennis players training at Tucker Tennis Academy, a USTA Regional Training,
Racquet and Health Center located in Tulsa, Okla. He is an award-winning professional with 30 years of
experience as a speaker, researcher, analyst and consultant in tennis biomechanics, 3D motion analysis
and computerized exercise prescriptions. He is the founder of SCiO 3D Sports. Special thanks to Hank and
Molly Pelegrini, who make this work possible.
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9/24/17 11:42 AM
USPTA
Alex Gordon Professional
of the Year: Jenny Gray
Lucas Cas�s, USPTA Communications
From organizing USPTA and USTA It's been incredibly rewarding to be
tournaments, to running the tennis part of something that is bigger than
programs at two clubs in Austin, Texas,
2019 was an eventful year for Jenny Gray. our own lives and routines.
Her dedication earned her recognition much different in 2020. Gray has had Committee for seven years and was
as the Alex Gordon USPTA Professional to deal with many challenges stemming President of the USPTA Texas Division
of the Year. from the pandemic. Most of her for three years. And when the Texas
tournaments were cancelled, so she Divisional Board needed her, she stepped
Gray directed 13 sanctioned and created new events and programs for up to serve a second term as Regional
unsanctioned tournaments across smaller group sizes to comply with all city, Vice President for 2018 and '19. She is
the country, including the USPTA county and state health requirements, all currently serving as the Past President
Texas Ladies Champion of Champions while reassuring players that it's safe to through 2021. She says she likes being
Cup, the USPTA National Hard Court return to the courts. involved with the USPTA to be a part of
Championships and the USPTA World "something bigger than ourselves."
Championships in Las Vegas, where Fast Still, the most important aspect of
4 scoring was used for the first time at a successful post-pandemic program "We all get so involved in the day-to-
a USPTA Surface Championship event. remains the personal connections with day at our clubs and facilities, but it's
Within her own club, she hosted her her staff, co-workers and club members. been incredibly rewarding to be a part
16th annual Rally for the Cure benefiting of something that is bigger than our
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the DGG "It's making sure that everyone on own lives and routines. It has been an
Ladies Cup, Davis Cup Member/Guest your professional staff knows that they honor to be part of the USPTA Texas
and a holiday event benefiting Toys for are an important part of the team. As the family and leadership team and to help
Tots, among others. Director, it is essential to know each of organize programs, events, or activities
your employee's strengths, then utilizing that directly affect other USPTA Texas
"I look at tournaments like they're professionals. On the national side of
a puzzle," Gray said. "Making sure you those strengths to create a well- things, it has been humbling to be a
have all the details carefully thought out rounded, quality program," part of a group with varying opinions
and implemented, creating the she said. "Players and experiences that is trying to make a
draws and interacting with quickly realize there difference in the tennis industry."
the players and other is someone on the
tournament staff are staff to meet their Throughout her career, Gray has relied
all pieces of that individual needs. on other USPTA members for mentorship
puzzle. The Whether it's and guidance. She sees Jim Sciarro
goal is when all 10-and-under of Tyler, Texas; Alan Cutler, a USPTA
those pieces fit tennis, a high- Master Professional; and Charlotte Wylie,
together, you performance Executive Director of the USPTA Texas
have hopefully program or adult Division, as "my three go-to people when
created an level class." I have questions or if I need to bounce an
enjoyable Gray is also idea of someone. Their friendships and
experience both involved in USPTA professional support have been invaluable
on and off the court leadership. She served to me throughout my career." *
for everyone involved." on the Executive
Planning tournaments
and events has been
November/December 2020 ADDvantage Magazine - 45
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USPTA
George Bacso Lifetime
Achievement Award: Ken McAllister
Lucas Cas�s, USPTA Communications
Ken McAllister didn't expect to play pro jobs, got into the USPTA and just got Photo courtesy of Ken McAllister
tennis in college. Instead, he thought really involved."
he'd play golf or basketball. communities in Texas. He also served on
In hindsight, it's easy to see how the USPTA National Board of Directors in
New Mexico Highlands University McAllister, a USPTA Master Professional, 2016 and '17.
dropped its golf program right when became a tennis coach. His father "was a
McAllister arrived in 1960, so he turned coach of everything but tennis," McAllister McAllister is also an accomplished
to basketball. Unfortunately, at 5-foot-6, said. "He taught me to play tennis, but it player on the USTA circuit. His highest
McAllister lasted just a week. Soon, he saw was more of an afterthought." USTA national ranking was No. 6 in men's
a sign promoting tennis try-outs. 40s doubles. He entered a 75-and-over
As he got more involved with the USPTA, doubles tournament in Waco, Texas, in
"It was just a walk-on team, so I tried that afterthought became his life's work. September and made it to the finals with
out and made the team," he remembers. McAllister joined the USPTA 45 years ago partner Pat McDavitt.
"By the end of my freshman year, I and became a Master Professional in 1987.
had won the No. 3 singles title in the He was instrumental in developing the "I've never been super great. I've been
Frontier Conference." first USPTA certification test with George okay," he said.
Bacso himself in the late 1970s. McAllister
McAllister eventually transferred to tells the story in his book, Cattle to Courts: Today, McAllister is President of the
Southwestern University and finished A History of Tennis in Texas. Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame. It's
his career playing No. 1 singles. He one more way he can stay involved and pass
was inducted into the Southwestern "There are some adjustments and on the love of tennis to future generations.
University Hall of Fame in 2014. improvements that have been made, but
it's still basically a private test, a group "I just put a lot of mileage in tennis,"
But, even after college, McAllister still teaching test and how you teach lessons McAllister reflected. "I just got involved
didn't plan on a career in tennis. Then he and organize them," McAllister said. "I love and tried to help with what everybody else
found Snyder High School in Texas. telling that story." is doing. It's just to make tennis better
because I am a believer that this is the best
"The school had been looking for a As the years passed, McAllister's grew sport of all sports. I really think that. And I
tennis coach for three years, hadn't found more involved with the Association. He coached football and basketball." *
anybody that could even keep score," was a teaching pro and the
McAllister said. "I could keep USPTA Head Tester in
score, so they hired me as the Texas for just under 20
tennis coach." years before becoming
Executive Director
McAllister spent 10 of the Tennis Texas
years coaching high Association, which
school tennis, as well as became USTA
football and basketball, Texas, for 24 years.
while teaching high In 2008, he created
school math. the Community
Tennis Association
"When the tennis plan to give the power
boom hit, it was all pure of running Texas
luck," McAllister said. "I tennis to local
already had experience
and I was in the right place
at the right time, living
in Houston. Ended up
getting some good
tennis
ADDvantage Magazine - 47
USPTA
Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award:
Bob Ryland
Lucas Cas�s, USPTA Communications
Long before he coached the greatest through the toughest adversity. His mother Ryland's love for tennis never faded.
players of our time, Bob Ryland and twin brother died when he was an He taught until the end, and was the
cleared the path on which they traveled. infant, so his father sent him to live with oldest person with a tennis permit in
his grandmother in Mobile, Ala. As a child New York City.
In his 62 years as a USPTA member, in the Jim Crow South, Ryland picked
Ryland coached at clubs across the cotton alongside his great grandfather, Ryland was inducted into the Wayne
country, spreading the game of tennis to himself a former slave. State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991 and has
people of all ages and backgrounds. His since been inducted into the Black Tennis
lifetime of achievement and contributions He returned to his father in Chicago at Hall of Fame, the USTA Eastern Hall of
to tennis make him this year's inductee age 10 and his love for tennis took hold. In Fame and the USTA Midwest Hall of Fame.
into the USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame. 1939, he won the Illinois State and junior He is enshrined at the USTA Billie Jean
ATA singles titles. He earned a scholarship King National Tennis Center with a paver
Ryland passed away peacefully on to play at Xavier University of Louisiana, a reading "In honor of Robert Ryland, Coach
Sunday, Aug. 2, seven weeks after his Historically Black College and University & Friend."
100th birthday. in New Orleans.
Ryland's legacy as a tennis player and
He coached at the YMCA of Montclair, Ryland spent his freshman year at Xavier coach is second only to his legacy as a
N.J., for nearly 30 years, and taught the before joining the U.S. Army during World champion for equality. Through it all, he
rich and famous at St. Albans Tennis War II. Serving stateside, Ryland continued was driven by his passion for tennis. *
Club in Washington, D.C., and Midtown competing, finishing as ATA singles
Tennis Club in New York. He coached runner-up three consecutive years while
Arthur Ashe, Harold Solomon and Bruce capturing several tournament titles in
Foxworth, and later, Venus and Serena Detroit. At war's end, Ryland earned a
Williams when they were teenagers. scholarship to play at Wayne State
University, where he was one of
But even before he coached such legends the first two Black players to
of the game, he became one himself. compete in the NCAA tennis
championships.
In 1955, Ryland won the national single's
title in the American Tennis Association, After two years, Ryland
the oldest African-American sports left Wayne State to head
organization in the U.S., which earned to California. He became
him an invitation to the 1955 U.S. National the first Black player to
Championships in Forest Hills, N.Y. play at the Los Angeles
Tennis Club. Years later,
Four years later, Jack Kramer Ashe became the second.
invited Ryland to the World Pro Tour
Championships, making Ryland, at
age 39, after battling segregation and
discrimination all his life, the first Black
male professional tennis player.
Ashe, the only Black man ever to
win singles titles at the U.S. Open,
Australian Open and Wimbledon,
famously said he wanted "to be
good enough to beat
Bob Ryland."
Ryland's journey to such
universal esteem was one
USPTA
Military Service Inspired by
Tennis Corps
Amanda Folks, ThanksUSA Development Manager
Who would have thought playing cardiovascular surgeon in India, Gunupati's benefits of Tennis Corps are something
tennis with military veterans grandfather immigrated to the United that should be shared.
would lead a young athlete to the United States in 1967. Eager to gain experience in
States Naval Academy? Junior tennis his career, he earned citizenship a few years It turned out that these weekly tennis
player Ananth Gunupati is heading in that later. Gunupati recalls hearing about his sessions were doing much more than
direction, inspired in part by wounded grandfather's experiences in his early years strengthening Gunupati's teaching and
warriors. Gunupati has participated in in the U.S. "He always made it a point to tell training skills � they were instilling in
Tennis Corps, a ThanksUSA program me how kind America has been to him." him an idea that had been planted by
in partnership with the Junior Tennis his grandfather and cultivated by his
Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park, Gunupati is paying that kindness experiences growing up near Washington,
Md. Once a week, junior tennis players are forward, in part, through Tennis D.C. Gunupati and Navy retiree Shaun
paired with disabled veterans to share their Corps, which is more than a physical Sabio developed a friendship as they spent
skills and learn from each other. rehabilitation program for disabled time together on the court.
veterans and a teaching program for junior
For Gunupati, the experience has been tennis players. It is a social inclusion "After serving in the U.S. Navy for over
an eye-opener. "I see integrity, discipline program that brings together these two 20 years, there is zero doubt in my mind
and inner strength when I am with the unlikely groups both on and off the court. that Gunupati would be an outstanding
veterans. I have learned from the vets' addition to the military," Sabio said. "I
stories and what they have been through," When non-profit organizations would be proud to serve alongside him."
he says. "When I am with the veterans, I get ThanksUSA and JTCC came together
a boost of confidence and am immediately to create Tennis Corps, Gunupati was It will be several months before Gunupati
made aware that anything can be achieved just the type of young player they were knows if he has been accepted to the Naval
with the right mindset." looking for. His commitment and drive Academy. During that time, ThanksUSA
helped this unique mentoring program and the USTA hope to make the Tennis
And now, as he enters his final year, this attain its goals. This success has drawn Corps program a staple in military
high school senior and second-generation the attention of the USTA, which recently rehabilitation and tennis communities
American is setting his sights on becoming partnered with ThanksUSA to promote throughout the United States.
the first member of his family to serve in Tennis Corps nationwide. After adopting
uniform as a naval scholar. the program at their weekly military clinic "We have seen so much good come from
at the National Campus, the USTA agreed this program," says ThanksUSA President
That drive also comes from a family that the social inclusion and rehabilitation & CEO Jon Rosa. "And we are honored to
legacy of strength and sacrifice. As a share it."
Photo Courtesy of Ananth Gunupati In the meantime, Gunupati will continue
his studies, grow as an athlete and attend
Tennis Corps each week. And the veterans
will continue to encourage and cheer for
his success. *
Learn more about ThanksUSA:
www.ThanksUSA.org
Learn more about launching Tennis
Corps in your community:
www.TennisCorps.org
November/December 2020 ADDvantage Magazine - 49
USPTA
Introducing Five New
Master Professionals
Gary Trost, USPTA Master Professional Committee Chair
As USPTA members, we constantly strive to elevate our Evans devotes a lot of time helping kids at First Serve of
standards and develop as professionals. Becoming a USPTA Oklahoma City. He also teaches at Westwood Tennis Center in
Master Professional takes years of dedication to our industry. Norman, Okla., where he lives with his wife, Lori. He has been a
Indeed, to even apply, a member must hold Elite Professional USPTA member for 31 years.
rating for 10 years, complete Continuing Education requirements
and fulfill a broad spectrum of service to tennis. Bo Gard
Each of the following members has met and exceeded the is a financial advisor at
requirements for becoming a USPTA Master Professional. They Wells Fargo Advisors,
have shown a commitment to elevating the standards of our where he provides
Association. It is my pleasure to introduce my new fellow USPTA comprehensive
Master Professionals. investment planning
for individuals and
Lane Evans businesses, and also
actively manages the
currently serves on the USPTA Supplemental
USPTA Board of Directors Savings Program. Bo is a
and chairs several USTA Mississippi Vice
national committees, President and serves as
helping oversee National a board member at his
Awards, Division Past local club, Bayou Bluff Tennis Club. He is a USPTA Tester and he
Presidents, Global, frequently speaks at national and division USPTA educational
Pickleball and Wheelchair events. He is involved with the USTA Southern Junior Team
Tennis. A champion of Tennis and Scheduling Committee.
continuing education, Bo served as USPTA Mississippi State President for eight years.
Evans is a Master Tennis He was the director of tennis at Laurel Country Club in Laurel,
Performance Specialist Mississippi, for seven years. He currently lives in Gulfport, Miss.,
with the iTPA, is certified with his wife, Kristen, and their two children. He has been a
by RacquetFit and recently became a Certified Master Trainer USPTA member for 14 years.
with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). He was
recognized by the USPTA Missouri Valley Division as its 2018 and
2019 Education Merit Award winner.
CONGRATULATIONS!
50 - ADDvantage Magazine November/December 2020
USPTA
Bruce Lipka Jo�o Pinho
currently serves as the is the Head Professional
director of tennis at of 10U and High
Woodmont Country Performance Programs
Club in Rockville, Md., a at the Billie Jean King
position he has held since National Tennis Center
2000. He also owns TNT in Flushing Meadows,
Coaching and Consulting, N.Y., where he works
which helps individuals to with many elite juniors.
live more powerful lives. Pinho was named
Additionally, Lipka is an USPTA Middle States
international tennis coach Professional of the Year
and consultant, working in 2015 and 2019 and has
with adults, juniors and been on the Division's
Division I college players, as well as professionals on the ATP and Board since 2011, including as President from 2017 to 2018.
WTA Tours. As a player, Pinho played four years of Division I tennis, two at
A former ATP Tour professional, Lipka started his coaching Austin Peay State University in Tennessee and two at Utah State,
career as an assistant men's tennis coach at the University of where he was team captain and named Most Valuable Player. He
Florida before becoming head men's tennis coach at Miami earned his MBA from the University of Toledo. As a junior, he
University (OH). He was inducted into the Greater Washington was national doubles champion in his native Brazil. He has been a
Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 for his accomplishments as a USPTA member for 10 years.
player and coach. Bruce currently competes internationally and
serves as the men's captain for the USIC. Bruce lives has three Bill Riddle
children and two dogs and lives in Maryland with his wife, Jodi. He
has been a USPTA member for 34 years. is currently the Men's
and Women's Head
Tennis Coach at Martin
Methodist College
in Pulaski, Tenn. He
has earned over 100
career victories in eight
seasons of collegiate
coaching, with a
previous six-year stint as
men's and women's head
coach at Cumberland
University in Tennessee.
Previously, he was
the Director of Tennis at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club in
Tennessee for 21 years.
Riddle is also a fixture in the global tennis coaching landscape.
In 2012, he provided TV commentary for the WTA Texas Tennis
Tournament in Dallas, and also created and co-hosted "Tennis
Talk," a weekly radio show in Nashville. Additionally, he regularly
speaks at national and international coaching and player
workshops, including at the Australian Open, the US Open, in
China and at the USPTA World Conference. He was presented
with the 2014 USPTA Lessons for LifeTM award and is a three-time
USPTA Tennessee Professional of the Year. He has been a USPTA
member for 29 years and lives in Nashville where he serves on the
USPTA Southern Board.
November/December 2020 ADDvantage Magazine - 51
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What is POP Tennis?
Ken Lindner, International POP Tennis Association CEO
Pop Tennis is a fun, fast, exhilarating, Photo courtesy of Ken Lindner
aerobic sport that is easier than
tennis to learn, play, and master. As Kent Seton, a top ex-college tennis 35, I went back to playing POP Tennis
player and top open POP Tennis player, exclusively because I found it to be so
In POP Tennis, the court is smaller points out, once tennis players leave fun, exhilarating and satisfying.
than tennis, and the racquet is shorter college, join the workforce and play less
-- so that the hitting surface is closer frequently, their skills naturally begin And as Seton observed, I could
to the hand -- and the ball is less to decline. However, in POP Tennis, you continue to play POP Tennis at a very high
lively. Additionally, the players serve have less court to cover and no overhead level, whereas I was nowhere as good in
underhand, not overhand, as in tennis. serving, so it is far easier to maintain your tennis as I had been in college. Because of
skill level for decades. All of these factors its unique attributes, POP Tennis can be
The benefits of POP Tennis are that make POP Tennis a fun and exciting sport played at a high level for a lifetime, with
rallies are generally longer, there is more for individuals of all ages to play and to less practice and diminished physical
exciting net play and poaching, there enjoy for a lifetime. prowess. To this day, at age 67, I am still a
is less court to cover, and there are no top POP Tennis open doubles player.
overhead serves to learn. As a result, there POP Tennis certainly worked for me.
is far less running and stress on the back, I started playing POP Tennis at 7 years Additionally, due to the shorter
legs, feet and shoulders. old, then transitioned to tennis at 13, and distance between you and the player(s)
played both POP Tennis and tennis until on the other side of the net, POP Tennis
POP Tennis is an excellent way for I attended college. Due to my training increases hand speed and develops
youngsters to learn how to play tennis. in POP Tennis, I immediately became a quicker hand/eye coordination. One
It teaches them how to hit consistent top-ranked junior tennis player. I then benefit of this increased speed and
groundstrokes, volley, move to the ball became captain and the No. 1 singles quickness is that when you do play tennis,
and effectively strategize and compete. and doubles player on the Harvard your reflexes and reaction time will be
With a lower compression ball, smaller University Varsity Tennis Team and quicker. Playing POP Tennis should
court and shorter racquet, it is easy for the Eastern Junior Davis Cup Team. significantly improve your tennis game.
children to quickly master their strokes, During this time, I won a plethora of
and thus gain empowering feelings of singles and doubles tournaments. At age For all these great reasons, POP Tennis
success and confidence. Additionally, POP is a fantastically fun and satisfying sport
Tennis is a wonderful sport for adults of that you can play from ages 5 to 95! *
all ages to play.
November/December 2020 ADDvantage Magazine - 53
USPTA
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USPTA
2020 Award Winners
2020 Star Award -- Ron Woods
Ron Woods currently serves as President of Tennis Success, a local non-profit NJTL Chapter in Corpus Christi,
Texas, that provides free tennis, education, healthy living programs and college scholarships to underserved youth
in the community. He also directs the Whataburger Invitational High School Tennis Tournament, which has
raised over $30,000 for college scholarships in the three years he has run it. Ron is a USPTA Master Professional, a
National Past President and a 53-year member.
Continuing Education Earner -- Michael Friedman
These members led our Association in Continuing Education Units earned in 2019: Michael Baugh, Kimberly
Davis, Lane Evans, Allan Jensen, Jason Kutzura, Jose Pastrello, Suresh Maurya, Michael Moriarty and Bill Riddle.
Congratulations to Michael Friedman of Highland Park, Illinois, who led all USPTA members with 256 credits
earned in 2019 � his second consecutive year winning this award. He is a USPTA Professional and has been a
member for 30 years.
USTA/USPTA Community Service Award -- Ed Collins
In his 48 years as a USPTA member, Elite Professional Ed Collins has made giving back to the San Diego tennis
community his life's work. His career started as a volunteer assistant at Monte Vista High School before being
asked to take over the men's program at the University of San Diego, which he led for 19 years. Ed also established
a college fund in his father's name, Julius Collins, which has raised thousands of dollars to provide free instruction
and summer camps for children from low-income areas.
Bob Ryland Diversity Award -- Andy Rodriguez Nerger
Under Andy Rodriguez Nerger's leadership, the Twos Athletic Club in Toledo, Ohio, started a wheelchair tennis
program for up to a dozen players. The club also installed ramps for easy access to the courts. After many
wheelchair tennis clinics, the club hosts socials with drinks and pizza for wheelchair and able body players to enjoy
together. Andy was also presented the Wheelchair Performance Award by the USTA Midwest Section. Andy is a
USPTA Professional and has been a member for one year.
USPTA Lessons for LifeTM -- Clint Sumrow
In 2019, Clint Sumrow co-directed the 29th annual Children Helping Children tennis tournament, which raised
over $85,000 in 2019. The tournament was founded by Clint's parents, Ken and Pam, in 1991 after Clint was
diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, which he beat after a year of treatment. Over 375 players competed in the USTA
sanctioned junior open singles tournament, and it also featured raffles, a silent auction and adult mixer. He is a
USPTA Elite Professional and a seven-year member.
USPTA Elevate Award -- Neely Zervakis
As Associate Director of the McCormack Nagelsen Tennis Center, Neely Zervakis developed ACEing Autism
Williamsburg and directs many of the events at the club. In the Spring of 2019, Neely led the 10U and 12U JTT
teams to championships. She also volunteered at tournaments and camps, including working with over 500 kids at
Clara Byrd Baker Field Day. She is a USPTA Elite Professional and has been a member for six years.
President's Paul Waldman Award -- Kevin Theos
Kevin Theos currently serves as President of the USPTA Southern Division. For the last four years, Kevin has also
led our mentorship program that has involved nearly 400 members across the country who help USPTA members
with career advice and counseling. Kevin saw that there was a need for this program within the Association and
took it upon himself to start it, manage it and grow it every year. Kevin is a USPTA Elite Professional and has been
a member for 25 years.
November/December 2020 ADDvantage Magazine - 55
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USPTA
Tester of the Year -- Don Henson
Don Henson was a USPTA member for 54 years. He served as a Tester and was named Professional of the
Year for the New England, San Diego and Southern California USPTA divisions. He was inducted into the
USTA New England Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017 and gave educational presentations, including at the 2019
USPTA World Conference. Don passed away peacefully on June 10 at the age of 76.
Industry Excellence -- Kevin Young
As Pacific Northwest Territory Manager for Wilson Sporting Goods, Kevin Young drove 50% growth in
performance racquet sales, as well as increases in ball and Wilson/Luxilon string sales. Throughout his
career in tennis, Kevin has increased tennis participation and grown tennis businesses throughout the
Pacific Northwest. Kevin is a USPTA Elite Professional and has been a member for 28 years.
Small Facility Manager of the Year -- Marshall Carpenter
As Director of Tennis at the James M. Swiggart JCC Tennis Center in Denver, Colo., Marshall Carpenter
increased his after-school junior program to over 1,100 players through creative scheduling and active
marketing in 2019. He also grew the adult drills and cardio tennis participation by over 20%. He also ran
the Bow Mar vs. The World Pro-Am, where eight high-level players from Bow Mar took on eight pros from
around Denver. Marshall is a USPTA Elite Professional and has been a member for 27 years.
Large Facility Manager of the Year -- Robin Robertson
In 20 years as owner/operator of the Bellingham Training & Tennis Club in Bellingham, Wash., Robin
Robertson has grown the tennis membership from 150 to a cap of 450, and the number of tennis clinics and
camps serving players aged 5 to 85 has grown every year. Robin lives out the club's core value to "Always
Improve" by investing in a fifth indoor court, new LED lighting and other facility expansions and upgrades,
and she requires her entire staff to be USPTA-certified.
USPTA High School Coach of the Year -- Karen Ronney
Karen Ronney is in her 14th year as girls' head tennis coach at Patrick Henry High School, where she has
accumulated a 127-23 record in the CIF San Diego Division. She has led her team to eight Eastern League
Championships in 12 years, and has produced five Singles champions and 11 Doubles champions. Karen also worked
hard to create team-building activities and philanthropic initiatives, such as giving sandwiches to the homeless in
San Diego and volunteering in the community. She is a USPTA Elite Professional and a 20-year member.
Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year -- Kim Gidley
In 2019, Kim Gidley led the Air Force Academy women's tennis team to a 22-3 record, which tied a school
record for wins and set a new Division I era program record. The Falcons became the first service academy
women's tennis team to be ranked in the top 50. Air Force captured the Mountain West Conference
championship and Gidley was named conference coach of the year. Additionally, four of her players were
named to the Mountain West Academic All-Conference team. Kim is a 22-year USPTA member.
Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the Year -- John DeVorss
John DeVorss of Portland, Ore., coaches several world-ranked wheelchair tennis players, including No. 3
David Wagner. In 2019, Wagner captured the NEC Wheelchair Singles Masters title and the Georgia Open
title, and was runner-up at the 2019 US Open in doubles. John has been a USPTA member for 20 years.
November/December 2020 ADDvantage Magazine - 57
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USPTA Career Development
Career Development
USPTA Certification Testing Dates
Nov. 6-7................................................. Ivory Ridge Swim and Tennis Club Dec. 6......................................Williamson County Indoor Sports Complex
Lehi, UT Brentwood, TN
Nov. 7.....................................................................Rush Copley Healthplex Dec. 7.......................................................... Omni La Costa Resort and Spa
Aurora, IL Carlsbad, CA
Nov. 8.......................................................... A-Copi Tennis & Sports Center Dec. 7-8.......................................................... USTA National Tennis Center
Augusta, ME Orlando, FL
Nov. 8................................................Wentworth By The Sea Country Club Dec. 9-10.................................................... Forest Meadows Tennis Center
Rye, NH Tallahassee, FL
Nov. 9............................................................................ Balboa Tennis Club Dec. 11-12.............................................................. Bent Tree Country Club
San Diego, CA Dallas, TX
Nov. 9-10........................................................ USTA National Tennis Center Dec. 11-12..............................................................Azusa Pacific University
Orlando, FL Azusa, CA
Nov. 13-14................................................................ Lakeside Country Club Dec. 13............................................... The Sports Club of West Bloomfield
Houston, TX West Bloomfield, MI
Nov. 14-15...................................................................... Park Crossing Club Dec. 14-15............................................................................ Bay Clubs SFTC
Charlotte, NC San Francisco, CA
Nov. 14-15...............................................Forest Meadows Tennis Complex Dec. 17.................................................................... Trumbull Racquet Club
Tallahassee, FL Fairfield, CT
Nov. 15..................................................... ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center Dec. 19-20.....................................................................Oaks at Boca Raton
Midlothian, VA Boca Raton, FL
Nov. 15.............................................................. Westchester Tennis Center Dec. 19-20................................................................... Trump National D.C.
Port Chester, NY Potomac Falls, VA
Nov. 15-16.......................................... West Hills Racquet and Fitness Club Dec. 28-29..............................................Highland Meadows Tennis Center
Portland, OR Windsor, CO
Nov. 16-17............................................................................ Bay Clubs SFTC Dec. 30..................................USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
San Francisco, CA Flushing Meadows, NY
Nov. 20-21.................................................................Paseo Racquet Center Dec. 30-31............................................................... Burbank Tennis Center
Glendale, AZ Burbank, CA
Nov. 20-21........................................................... Greenwood Athletic Club visit uspta.com/freedues
Greenwood Village, CO
Nov. 21-22.....................................................................Oaks at Boca Raton
Boca Raton, FL
Nov. 29..................................USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadows, NY
Nov. 30-Dec. 1...................................................................... Bay Clubs SFTC
San Francisco, CA
Dec. 4.................................................... Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center
Minneapolis, MN
Dec. 4......................................................................... Sinking Spring YMCA
Reading, PA
Dec. 4-5........................................................................ Paseo Racquet Club
Glendale, AZ
Dec. 5-6.......................................................................Atlanta Athletic Club
Johns Creek, GA
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE ADDvantage is published monthly by the
United States Professional Tennis Association.
President................................................................. Feisal Hassan Editor...................................................................................... Jim Burke The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are
First Vice President.............................................Richard Slivocka Managing Editor.................................................................Lucas Cas�s those of the authors and not necessarily those
Vice Presidents...............Lane Evans, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner, Layout/Design.............................................................Kevin Karczewski of ADDvantage or the United States
Editorial Assistance .............................Alegna Hollis, Ramona Husaru, Professional Tennis Association.
Jason Gilbert, Bill Mountford Copyright� United States Professional Tennis
Immediate Past President............................................ Gary Trost Sid Newcomb, Fred Viancos, Ellen Weatherford Association, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved.
CEO...........................................................................John Embree Circulation..................................................................... Trevor Trudelle Reproduction of any portion of the magazine
Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell USPTA World Headquarters is not permitted without written permission
11961 Performance Dr. from the USPTA.
Orlando, FL 32827
800-887-8248- www.uspta.com
60 - ADDvantage Magazine November/December 2020