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Tóm tắt nội dung (trích từ tài liệu gốc): Inside this issue Rainy-day Tennis on the Racquetball Courts � 50 Trip of a Lifetime to the US Open � 54 Departments: 42 CEO's Message 48 Endorsee News 44 First Vice President's 50 In side Co aching Message 54 Beyond the Court 45 Master Pro Corner 58 Career Development 46 USPTA News 60 Member News Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com On the cover: In 2015, the USPTA Foundation gave a grant to ACEing Autism, one of 18 programs that support the mission statement "to help economically disadvantaged people learn tennis." See Page 47. CEO's Message Game Changing! by John Embree As m
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Inside this issue
Rainy-day Tennis on the
Racquetball Courts � 50
Trip of a Lifetime to the US
Open � 54
Departments:
42 CEO's Message 48 Endorsee News
44 First Vice President's 50 In side Co aching
Message 54 Beyond the Court
45 Master Pro Corner 58 Career Development
46 USPTA News 60 Member News
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
On the cover: In 2015, the USPTA Foundation gave a grant to ACEing Autism, one of
18 programs that support the mission statement "to help economically disadvantaged
people learn tennis." See Page 47.
CEO's Message
Game Changing!
by John Embree
As many of you know, the USTA is These, along with many other ques- USPTA would be foolhardy not to make
developing the "USTANational
Campus" in Lake Nona, Fla., tions, were all part of the due diligence another leap of faith as was done more
(in the city of Orlando), which
will be the single largest tennis complex that the Board undertook to develop a than two decades ago.
in the world (102 courts). It will house
both the USTA Community Tennis game plan that was finally presented to I readily applaud the bold thinking
operations and Player Development.
Scheduled completion date is antici- the Executive Committee for consider- and the strategic vision of the USPTA
pated to be in late 2016.
ation last September during our World Board of Directors and Executive Com-
In an attempt to make this location
the epicenter of tennis in the U.S., the Conference in New Orleans. Months of mittee for this decision. It is game-
USTA has invited allied organizations
and tennis companies to join them in number crunching, financial analysis, changing for the USPTA. Without a
order to create a dynamic and vibrant
"Home of American Tennis." Tavistock evaluation of various real estate op- doubt, we have to do everything that we
Development Company, part of the
international investment organization tions, design and schematic prepara- can to manage the downside risk and
Tavistock Group, is the full-service
development company working with tion, construction
everyone who is considering a move
to this location. Think of it this way: budgets prepara- The leadership of the USPTA desires to always be
Tavistock is the owner of a giant mall, tion, etc., all played on the front lines of innovation for our sport, and the
the USTA will serve as the anchor ten- a huge part in de- fulcrum for that innovation will clearly be at this new
ant, and Tavistock is trying to attract termining a proper "Home of American Tennis" for decades to come.
other storefronts to build out what will course of action.
be a huge tennis mecca.
After consider-
Since learning about the USTA's
intentions and what their plans were able deliberation, the Executive Com- minimize any financial concern that
more than 18 months ago, the USPTA
Board of Directors believed it to be its mittee overwhelmingly voted to sell our comes with making this commitment.
fiduciary responsibility to examine the
opportunity of relocating to central existing building in Houston and move But, we will dedicate every resource
Florida to be a part of this endeavor.
Would a move like this make sense, to Lake Nona. Turn the clock back to possible to ensure that the USPTA will
both from a financial as well as a busi-
ness perspective? What would it mean the early '90s when the then-Executive come out of this stronger and more rel-
to the USPTA to leave our home for the
last 25 years and relocate? What would Committee decided that it would be evant than before.
the impact be on the staff? Could we
afford to sell our building and lose best for the association at that time Now, the heavy lifting begins. We
the rental income, or could we even
keep our building and be an absentee to move from Florida to Texas and to will be selling our building shortly,
landlord? What would the upside be of
moving to this complex? What would purchase a building in a commercial purchasing the land from Tavis-
it cost us to operate in Lake Nona vs.
Houston? What would our relationship real estate area in Houston. It was a tock, constructing a state-of-the-art,
be with the USTA, knowing that we are
steadfast about remaining an indepen- game-changing decision at that time. 10,000-square-foot building right at the
dent trade association right in their
backyard? The senior leadership of the association base of the USTA National Campus and
knew that it was a bit of a leap of faith then handling a relocation of staff and
to make that commitment because no operations sometime in early 2017, as-
one could look into a crystal ball and suming everything works according to
know how everything would play out. plan. But, you know how construction
Without question, it proved to be a pru- timelines typically go.
dent decision. Naturally, we will attempt to do so
We are all aware of the incredibly without any interruption of services
rapid pace of change happening in the provided during the transition. It is not
world today. Technology and innovation going to be easy to manage through this
are driving businesses and changing scenario, but the staff is professional
organizations quickly, some in a good and understands its obligation to first
way, some in a not-so-good way. One serve our membership in the best pos-
thing is clear: those entities that do not sible fashion. I cannot promise that
embrace change and proactively look there won't be some hiccups along the
to prosper in the new world will fall be- way, but we hope to keep them to the
hind and eventually become irrelevant. bare minimum.
The leadership of the USPTA desires to The Board and I would be happy
always be on the front lines of innova- to answer any questions that you may
tion for our sport and the fulcrum for have. You can look forward to getting
that innovation will clearly be at this regular updates from me as we progress
new "Home of American Tennis" for through this game-changing time in the
decades to come. With that in mind, the history of our association. h
42 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
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First Vice President's Message
Our Financial Future Depends
on Every Member by Gary Trost
In 1990, the USPTA Board of Direc- Support our endorsees and partners be part of our association, tennis players
tors had the foresight to move the
national headquarters from Flori- Every USPTA member should be will want to take lessons from USPTA
da to Houston and buy our existing
building. A great deal of hard work by stocking and using Prince racquets Professionals, and general managers
the staff during these subsequent years
has given us an opportunity to make and balls, Nike Host a test or educational workshop will want to employ
this exciting move back to Florida. shoes and clothing at your facility and encourage others USPTA Profession-
We need to thank all of the past board from Fromuth, ten- to get certified and engaged. We all als. Host a test or
members and staff for their efforts. It nis court equipment need to pitch in and work together. educational work-
was not easy to move to Houston, and it from 10-S Tennis shop at your facility
will not be easy to move to Lake Nona.
I believe that we are going to surge Supply, and products from our other and encourage others to get certified
ahead as an association, our brand
will be recognized and we will grow endorsees. Not only does it help you and engaged. We all need to pitch in and
throughout the industry.
by increasing your sales and products work together.
As I take the chair of the Finance
Committee in the coming months, that you receive, it is sending money
there are many things that we can all
do to help the USPTA make this move to your retirement account. The Do the simple stuff
and surge ahead.
USPTA will make extra money with The easiest way to help us out is by
bonuses and continued support from doing the basics, get your dues paid as
our endorsees. soon as you can, and get those 6 hours
of education! Remind your staff and
Be an ambassador of USPTA USPTA colleagues to continue their
Your efforts as an ambassador will support of our association � the future
always multiply through the industry. is bright for us and you can help us on
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44 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Master Pro Corner
Master Pro by the Numbers
By Pat Whitworth and Bob Love, USPTA Master Professionals
So you ask, what is the deal with that he would welcome Love creating a Master Pro Stats:
these Master Pros? Read on for point system, and then would review it.
interesting facts about USPTA � 1983 The year the Master Pro level began
Master Professionals. Love created a 600-point system � 18 Number of pros in the first class
with 150 points in each of four a reas � 156 The current number of Master Pros
� 42 The age of the youngest members
The Master Pro program has evolved a great deal over the years in a very positive � 102 The age of Gardnar Mulloy, our
d irection,andanyMasterProfessionaltodayishighlydeservingofthehonor.Thebasic
concepts of honesty, service, devotion, and passion for tennis that the early Master oldest member
Professional possessed are still exemplified by the Master Professionals of today. � 28 The youngest age that anyone achieved
In 1983, the USPTA Current Master Pros � publications and Master Pro status � Ed McQuillin.
announced a new class in divisions: research, service to � 65 The median age for current Master Pros
of membership � Master industry, coaching and � 10 Years certified at Elite Professional
Professional. The problem 5 � California competing and service before you can apply
was that the require- 7 � Eastern to USPTA. For each item tive direction, and any Master Profes-
sional today is highly deserving of the
ments were a bit vague. 29 � Florida he indicated the type honor. The basic concepts of honesty,
service, devotion, and passion for tennis
The general fields were 2 � Hawaii of support material the that the early Master Professional pos-
sessed are still exemplified by the Mas-
service to tennis, service 6 � Intermountain Master Pro Committee ter Professionals of today.
to the USPTA, demon- 3 � International would require for veri- Our newest Master Profession-
als, honored in 2015, are Michael
strated coaching and play- 12 � Mid-Atlantic fication. Items included Chamberlain, Christopher Chopra, Stan
Oley, James Shaughnessy and John
ing skills, education and 4 � Middle States articles published in Trinity. This group exhibits a continued
desire to help others and contribute to
training, contributions 17 � Midwest local newspapers or both USPTA and the tennis profession.
to professional develop- 8 � Missouri Valley magazines, radio and TV Many of the Master Professionals
have submitted materials for the Busi-
ment, and publications. 8 � New England tips, graduate research ness Essentials section on the USPTA
website. This is a collection of docu-
At the convention in 1 � Northern projects, theses, and ments and information in several cat-
egories, from interviews to operations.
Saddlebrook, Bob Love 4 � Northern California doctoral dissertations. A The group also presents at the World
Conference, and will continue to share
went to George Bacso, na- 2 � Pacific Northwest person needed to score at the division level. All it takes is a call,
and most (if not all) of these profession-
tional awards and testing 4 � San Diego 450 points with a mini- als are ready to help. Please keep that
in mind whenever you have a chance to
chairman, and expressed 25 � Southern mum of 75 in each area chat with a Master Professional. While
it is a great honor to become a Master
concerns about the lack 7 � Southwest for acceptance. Love was Professional, you will rarely find a group
more willing to help and share. h
of specificity in the re- 14 � Texas asked to be the commit-
quirements. For example tee chairman, a position
there were no apparent "places" for the he held for the next six years.
officiating, or articles written for news- The Master Pro program has evolved
papers and magazines. His response was a great deal over the years in a very posi-
The first USPTA Master Professional class, 1983. Front Row: Tim Heckler, Bill Tym. Middle Row: Dick King, John Pat Whitworth, left, is the tennis profes-
Verde, Nick Bollettieri, Newton Cox, Gary Wilensky, Bob Love, Ted Withall. Back Row: George Bacso, Les Long- sional for the River Club in Suwanee,
shore, Paul Gagon, Jack Justice, Don Henson , Gardnar Mulloy, Don Leary. (Not pictured: Peter Burwash, Fred Earle.) Ga. He is a past president of the USPTA
Southern Division. Bob Love, right, has
been a national clinician for the USTA
and at USPTA conferences. He has made
presentations in Spain and Egypt and
has been a tennis teacher for 48 years.
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 45
USPTA News
2016 USPTA Annual Awards
Program Open for Nominations
USPTA is now accepting nomi- Jorge Capestany, 2015 Alex Gordon USPTA Professional of the Year
nations for its 2016 National
Awards Program. As the lead- As the leader in tennis-teacher education and certification, each year the
er in tennis-teacher education USPTA honors members who are committed to excellence as tennis teach-
and certification, each year the USPTA ers and as ambassadors using tennis to impact people and communities.
honors members who are committed to
excellence as tennis teachers and as am- The awards categories are as follows: � USPTA U30 Award
bassadors using tennis to impact people
and communities. � Alex Gordon Award for Professional � USPTA Diversity Award
of the Year
This year the awards period has � Manager of the Year, Large and
moved to a calendar year, and the nomi- � USPTA Stars Small Facility
nating period has been moved up to
accommodate the new schedule. The � USPTA Industry Excellence Award Award nomination forms and guide-
awards period for 2016 is from Jan. 1, lines are available at uspta.com/awards
2015 - Dec. 31, 2015. All Professional- � Steve Wilkinson College Coach of or by sending a request to pr@uspta.org.
level members are eligible. USPTA is the Year Since changes have been made to some
accepting nominations until the Feb. individual categories, as well as Division
28 deadline. These changes were made � High School Coach of the Year of the Year criteria, be sure to read the
to allow the Awards Committee more general rules and requirements for each
time to review applications and give � Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the award carefully. Also there are changes
award recipients more time to make Year to the awards format at the conference,
travel arrangements to accept their so please note that while all awards will
awards in person. Recipients will be � George Bacso Tester of the Year be announced in writing at the confer-
recognized during the USPTA World ence, not all awards will be presented
Conference, Sept. 25-29, at the Hyatt � USPTA Lessons for LifeTM Award formally as they have in the past. h
Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa in
Indian Wells, Calif.
In addition, the USPTA will no
longer recognize Players of the Year
based off of USPTA player rankings.
Instead, winners of the USPTA Masters
Invitational will be awarded during a
ceremony after the completion of the
tournament.
The Awards Committee voted to
rename the College Coach of the Year
award after Steve Wilkinson, a USPTA
Hall of Fame inductee who retired in
2009 after 39 years as the head coach
at Gustavus Adolphus College's men's
tennis program, where he was the win-
ningest coach in the history of men's col-
legiate tennis with 923 victories.
Also new in 2016, nominations may
be submitted via an online form along
with supporting documents. Online
forms can be accessed at uspta.com/
awards.
46 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
USPTA News
USPTA Foundation Raises Goal for 2016
The USPTA Foundation, Inc., the mission statement, please apply for USPTA Foundation
completed its second year of a USPTA Foundation grant online at Gift Recognition Ladder
operations awarding grants uspta.com/Foundation.
to needy tennis programs l Platinum Donor = $2,500 and above
nationwide. In 2015, the Founda- The Foundation is responsible for l Gold Donor = $1,000-$2,499
tion selected 18 programs that sup- raising its own funds, primarily at the l Silver Donor = $500 - $999
port the mission statement "to help silent auction. The World Conference l Bronze Donor = $250 - $499
economically disadvantaged people in New Orleans raised its highest total l Patron = $249 or below
learn tennis." Programs include ever. Many divisions stepped up and
wheelchair, veterans of war, and inner added valuable prizes that helped gen- Your generous donation will support
city youth. Grants exceeding $32,000 erate nearly $20K for the foundation. programs that help economically dis-
were awarded to programs that have advantaged people learn tennis. Please
USPTA-certified members on the As we move into 2016, the foun- make your tax deductible check out to
staff. dation target operational budget is and mail to:
$50,000. This increased budget will al-
A's and Aces, ACEing Autism, low your foundation to fund more pro- USPTA Foundation
Harper for Kids, Mardy Fish Founda- grams across the country. Most of the 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 202
tion, Milwaukee Tennis & Education budget is allocated to funding grants Houston, TX 77042
Foundation, Tennis Success, Upstate since the Board of Directors and com-
NY Cerebral Palsy Down the Line, Serv- mittee members are all v olunteers. USPTA Foundation Board of Directors:
ing for Success, and Tennis 4 Every 1 are Warren Lem, Nancy Cox, Christin Thurston,
just some of the programs your USPTA How can each USPTA member Kristen Wilson & Pat Whitworth
Foundation supported in 2015. If you help the foundation? You can make a
are involved with a program that fits tax-deductible contribution and join
other USPTA members on the Foun-
dation Recognition ladder. h
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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 47
Endorsee News
Up Close & Personal:
Q & A with Prince Brand Manager
Miguel Rosa on Prince-USPTA
Member Benefits
Prince regional Brand Manager direct financial responsibility for Q: Does Prince provide special in-
Miguel Rosa is passionate their shops. Many members don't centives or programs for USPTA
about his job and the op- know that Prince was the first major members?
portunity it brings for him to USPTA endorsee to contribute to
work directly with USPTA members. the retirement plan. A: That is probably one of the most
Covering Florida and parts of the Ca- obvious benefits of the Prince-
ribbean gives him a large area to cover Q: Do USPTA members have the op- USPTA partnership. We provide
and plenty of opportunity to help edu- portunity to access new Prince USPTA members access to several
cate U SPTA members on the Prince equipment ahead of the general Team Prince equipment packages
benefits. market? that are sure to fit every member's
needs. Additionally, we provide very
"I honestly enjoy being able to meet A: Absolutely. At Prince we are com- competitive industry pricing to our
and help the many diverse USPTA mitted to ensuring all players are USPTA members who would like to
Professionals that live and work in my always "fitted" for the optimum enhance their shop with the Prince
territory. Besides being able to help equipment for their game. I will TeXtreme line. The TeXtreme tech-
educate them on the Prince TeXtreme hold demo days for any USPTA pro nology has been wildly successful
line, I also help promote the many ter- that requests one and provide the and when I hold a Prince demo day,
rific Prince benefits that are available pros and their members an opportu- club members are always excited to
to them through the USPTA," said Rosa. nity to test our TeXtreme line while experience firsthand the improve-
educating them on the benefits of ments that these new racquets actu-
We had an opportunity to talk with this breakthrough technology. ally make to their game.
Miguel and ask him a few questions
about what he thought were the high- Q: What would be one last feature
lights of the Prince-USPTA r elationship. of the Prince-USPTA partner-
ship you would share?
Q: What do you believe is the top
benefit that many USPTA mem- A: I think many USPTA members are
bers should take advantage of surprised when I share with them
but perhaps are unaware of that that Prince offers a Friends & Fam-
Prince offers? ily program. What a great way to
share their love of the game by giv-
A: Without a doubt, the USPTA's Re- ing USPTA pros' friends and family
tirement Gold+ Plan has to be the access to some of their Prince-
top benefit. It's one I would take USPTA benefits! h
advantage of. Prince contributes 5
percent on the purchase of racquets * All USPTA Professionals may receive
and accessories, and 2.5 percent on contributions to their Retirement
both Tour and Play & Stay balls* Gold+ accounts for purchases of
to the USPTA's Retirement Gold+ tennis balls.
plan for any USPTA Professional
who is a club shop owner or who has
For more information on the many Prince-USPTA benefits, contact your local Prince Brand Manager or visit the
USPTA Prince page on the USPTA website at uspta.com/Prince.
48 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Inside Coaching
Rainy-day Tennis on the
Racquetball Courts
By Gerry Berkheimer, USPTA
Early on in my career I added I tell my kids on rainy days that they are the only ones playing tennis today any-
racquetball and squash to my where in the county because we are the only club with racquetball courts. If you
list of sports just because they have access to indoor racquetball courts, there are no rained-out tennis days.
were related racquet sports
and because I could get a racquet work-
out indoors on a rainy day. The obvi-
ous next step for me, since tennis was
my main sport, was to play tennis on
the racquetball courts on rainy days. I
created some simple rules and began
a long and productive journey to im-
prove the tennis games for my clients
on the racquetball courts.
The courts I access now are full-
size racquetball courts at our club and
not just a couple short side walls and
a front wall. The three-sided walls are
fine in a pinch and will help warm up
all the strokes, but they give you only a
fraction of what the six-sided* courts
can. Do what you can to find any avail-
able indoor or covered outdoor full
courts and you will begin to see the im-
provement every time you and your cli-
ents/friends use the racquetball courts
to play tennis. Have the clients pay for
the indoor time or work a deal with the
club that has the courts � the benefits
will be worth it to both your adult and
junior programs.
The six-sided racquetball court is
about half the length of a tennis court
and I use the first line up from the floor
on the front wall as the "net." All serves
must hit above the first line on the
front wall first, then may bounce off the
floor or side walls. (I would not recom-
mend serving and hitting the front wall
then the back wall in the air). Once the
serve is in play, you may hit any wall
you like as long as the ball hits above
the first line on the front wall during
that sequence of shots. You may also
use the back wall during the rally after
the serve.
The benefits to tennis from the rac-
quetball court are numerous:
50 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
1. Since the length is about half the rapidly. The rallies are significantly ates and advanced players. The dead
distance of a tennis court and has a longer as players improve and learn or well-used balls have the pace for
solid wall at that point, the player's the wall angles. We play games to 50, the slower game and less experienced
reaction time in preparation in- 75, or 100. I've had games to 75 with players while they get accustomed to
creases dramatically � I would say 30-50 shots on many points on the the multi-walled court and speed of the
doubling in quickness would be racquetball courts and this fitness, surface. The new balls will boost the
safe. Keep in mind the floors are intensity, and focus will definitely adrenalin levels of your best players by
wood or another very fast surface carry over to the tennis courts. If the creating an extremely quick and often
so the player must respond faster score is 75-60, you have played 135 reflexive game of strokes and footwork.
to stay with the court, wall and hit- points � 5 � "golden" sets or about
ting speeds. When the player goes three competitive sets. Playing this Games are where the fun really be-
out to a regular tennis court, the game to 75 takes about 45 minutes gins. There is a game for the advanced
quickness in preparation shows to one hour. That quick burst of kids where they have to call the shot
immediately � the player prepar- speed needed to retrieve the ball on they are going to make before they
ing to hit the incoming ball is racquetball courts really helps on make it. Calling the shot in advance
extremely early and waiting to ad- the quick first step needed at the makes them think ahead. I include
dress the ball as now he has twice tennis baseline and at the net as well. games where one player hits the most
the distance to get ready. number of balls he can, then switches
I would only recommend two tennis with one of several kids I have standing
2. The enhanced reaction time in players on the racquetball court when against the back wall. The highest num-
reading where the ball is being hit playing competitively, although after ber of hits wins. Another game is each
by the opponent also is valuable. As 35 years of using racquetball courts, player hits one ball and rotates to the
the player is in a smaller space on a I have had only two or three minor back wall until it is his turn again. If a
racquetball court, he has to follow player wins 10 points, he wins the game.
the ball much more quickly from
various angles to make the shot. On I have seen such immediate improvements with my kids' speed and reaction
the tennis court the player arrives times from the racquetball courts to the tennis courts that I have considered
earlier to the designated hitting going to the racquetball courts once or twice a week on `nice' days and/or if I
point as he has a longer, straighter have extra kids or adults.
surface and more time to run to
that particular shot. injuries with three to eight juniors The kids love the games and the number
running around. The question of safety of games are up to your imagination.
3. Reaction time is also increased by has come up often over the years and
the smaller six-sided court and its I recommend the racquetball safety I have seen such immediate im-
angles as opposed to watching a sin- glasses to concerned players; however, provements with my kids' speed and
gle linear ball path on a larger ten- I do believe a unique self-preservation reaction times from the racquetball
nis court. Initially a player will miss kicks in on close quarters of the rac- courts to the tennis courts that I have
many of the angles on a racquetball quetball court. I have had many more considered going to the racquetball
court as he is accustomed to linear accidental injuries on the tennis court courts once or twice a week on "nice"
training on a tennis court, but once with colliding doubles partners, play- days and/or if I have extra kids or
that player has learned to respond ers misgauging incoming lobs, or get- adults. For the record you may use
to shots off several walls and seem- ting hit by overheads than hitting one a squash court for these games and
ingly an infinite number of possible another on the racquetball court. strokes too.
angles in the shortest amounts of
time, that player automatically I also utilize the racquetball courts I tell my kids on rainy days that
becomes faster and believes he is for individual shot improvement on they are the only ones playing tennis
faster when back with only the lin- serving, the serve and volley routine, today anywhere in the county because
ear path on the tennis court. groundstrokes, volleys, overheads, we are the only club with racquetball
half-volleys, swing volleys, and drop courts. If you have access to indoor
(Note here that players will smack shots. Even Bucharest Backfires and racquetball courts, there are no
their racquets against the side and "tweeners" can be practiced on the rac- rained-out tennis days. h
back walls until they adjust to the quetball court. Each shot can be honed
distance, then that problem virtu- individually then used in different * I include the floor as a side as it is so
ally disappears. I would recommend sequences and combinations to reflect valuable in the training
using older or used racquets until those same shot patterns on the tennis
they find their range. To date I have court. GerryBerkheimerhas beenaU SPTA
had no racquets broken on the rac- member for more than 30 years. As
quetball court walls). Another point to consider is the type a coach, he worked with more than
tennis ball to take on the racquetball 15 top 300 players in the world and
4. Playing tennis points on a rac- court. It is here that I select almost one top 30 player. Berkheimer is in
quetball court will improve fitness dead tennis balls for beginners and his 21st year as the tennis director at The Jungle
advanced beginners and new balls for Club in Vero Beach, Fla. To contact Berkheimer
the fastest game with my intermedi- regarding thePahrottioclbey, cBarlila7n7W2-a3l2te1r-7s8P0h0o.tography
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 51
Beyond the Court
Trip of a Lifetime to the US Open
T"he vibrant atmosphere of the Chuck and Freda Poteet at the US Open,
courtesy of Tennis Thanks the Troops.
US Open was highlighted by
concluded by hosting a Wimbledon
the suite we enjoyed on the viewing party and silent auction. "It
is the least we can do for all those who
mezzanine level of Arthur sacrifice every day for our freedom,"
he said.
Ashe Stadium," Chuck Poteet recalls,
The Poteets' son from Berkeley
"with great food and unbelievable Hills Country Club decided to turn
the trip over to his mother, an avid
seats to view the matches." tennis player for years. Freda, who
plays in USTA, ALTA and league ten-
He's referring to the once-in-a-life- nis in the Atlanta area, was able to
turn a dream into reality during this
time opportunity he and his wife Freda astonishing trip. She was thrilled
enjoyed at the US Open after winning Tennis Thanks
the Troops provides
the grand prize in the Tennis Thanks "a trip of a lifetime
that she and I will
the Troops contest. always remember."
"... the highlight would
Tennis Thanks the Troops is a have to be the suite
we e njoyed on the
campaign organized by ThanksUSA, mezzanine level of
Arthur Ashe Stadium..."
which since 2006 has provided more
than $11 million in educational
scholarships to the children and
spouses of our servicemen and wom-
en. Awardees represent all military
branches--Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National
Guard and Reserve--and come from
each of the 50 states and the District when Martina Hingis, her favorite
player, and partner Sania Mirza con-
of Columbia. tinued their run by winning the US
Open women's doubles title without
Tennis Thanks the Troops cam- losing a set.
paign offers a reward to the club or pro Chuck and Freda Poteet know the
stresses military service can mean
that raises the most money: two tick- for families. Chuck's father was in the
military. He came of age on the heels of
ets to the US Open along with airfare the Vietnam War and went into law en-
forcement in 1979, where he continues
and lodging. to be active today.
For the third year in a row, the "This was a trip of a lifetime that
she and I will always remember,"
grand prize trip was awarded to Poteet said. "I think your [Tennis
Thanks the Troops] campaign does
Berkeley Hills Country Club in Du- great things for the families of our ser-
vice men and women, and I appreciate
luth, Ga. Tennis Director Todd As- any organization that recognizes the
sacrifices made by so few to protect
sini began his 2015 push by hosting so many." h
a Memorial Day tennis mixer and ThanksUSA in partnership with the
U SPTA continues to support scholarships
for military families. To join our team,
visit www.ThanksUSA.org.
54 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
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These policies will cover expenses not paid under your major medical plan such as
daily living expenses, rent, or the loss of income from being out of work.
Monthly policies cost as little as $25.00 for accident, $40.00 for critical illness and $87.00 for hospitalization.
And remember, you
can check to see how
many credits you
already have at any
time by logging in
to your member
documents at
uspta.com.
* International members and
those over the age of 65 are
exempt from the professional
development requirements
of membership.
Career Development
Exams, Upgrades Webinars Division Activities
& PTCA I
(.5 credits) (6 credits)
(4 credits for PTCA I segment)
Feb. 10 Present challenges in Feb. 18 USPTA Texas Convention
March 10 running a tennis complex
Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Fernando Velasco
March 7-8 La Jolla, Calif. TBD Feb. 19 USPTA Southwest Convention
March 11 Rochester, N.Y.
March 12-13 Boca Raton, Fla. Craig O'Shannessy Phoenix
March 12-13 Huntington Beach, Calif.
March 12-13 Feb. 19 USPTA California Convention
March 15 Rye, N.H.
March 18 Jackson, Miss. Los Angeles
March 19-20 Nichols Hills, Okla.
March 20 Paradise Valley, Ariz. Feb. 25 USPTA Missouri Valley Convention
March 24 Columbus, Ohio
March 25-26 Watch all 2015 recorded webinars at youtube.com/ Kansas City, Kan.
April 9-10 Minneapolis user/TheUSPTA. For more information visit uspta.com/
April 9-10 Houston* Education>Education Calendar. March 4-5 USPTA Mid-Atlantic Convention
April 10-11 Aurora, Ill.
Rockville, Md.
Orlando, Fla.
Lakewood, Calif. Cardio Tennis March 6 USPTA San Diego Convention
La Jolla, Calif.
Feb. 21 Cardio Tennis Training Course April 24-25 USPTA Eastern Convention
Shipyard Racquet Club,
Hilton Head Island, S.C. Chatham, N.Y.
May 1-2 USPTA New England Convention
Norwich, Conn.
May 12-14 USPTA Southern Convention
* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters. Atlanta
Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days May 15 USPTA Hawaii Convention
prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam,
upgrade and PTCA I unless noted. Exam cancellations Please visit www.cardiotennistraining.com to register. Honolulu
must be received no later than 14 days before the
exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly.
Applicant: late cancellation fee � $95; failure to cancel
� application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late
cancellation fee � $25; failure to cancel � $25 plus the
upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam
will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.
Accredited
Professional
Coach
Register your Accredited Professional Coach (APC) Education requirements
and specialty course credits earned with the USPTA
SmartCode Education System. This uses your All USPTA-certified Professionals must earn 6 education credits in a three-year period
smartphone to instantly register your attendance to remain current. Go to USPTA.com/Education for a partial list of eligible activi-
ties. Please send verification (email, letter, certificate, receipt, etc.) that shows you
to all seminars and specialty attended the event/activity and submit it along with the date and agenda to educa-
courses earning APC. tion@uspta.org to receive your credit. (International members, Recreational Coaches
and those over the age of 65 are exempt.) Questions? Write to education@uspta.org
To use the system at a or call 800-877-8248, ext. 147.
seminar, general session or
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scan two QR codes. One QR
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If you do not have a smartphone, you may use
someone else's. Forms are available upon request.
58 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Member News
� On Aug. 22, a Pro/Am Tournament was held on Williams Island, North Miami, Fla., to assist a � Art Thomson (February 10, 1947 � December
fellow USPTA member, Antony Emerson. Emerson, the son of legendary Roy 19, 2015), lost his battle of over four years to
Emerson, was diagnosed with brain, lung and liver cancer in 2015. His friends ALS. ALS robbed him of his
led a team of volunteers to organize and facilitate the event. A record number ability to walk and talk and
of pros and amateurs were on hand for an exciting competition, all sporting thus removed him from the
"Go Emmo" T-shirts and wristbands. sport of tennis in Septem-
Those who did not play were still ber of 2013. Thomson, a
included in the day's festivities as par- Colorado native, competed
for George Washington
ticipants partook of a benefit lunch and silent auction, High School. Graduat-
all making for a very successful fundraiser. Emerson ing from the University
is receiving treatment at home in California with his of Colorado-Boulder at No. 1 singles position,
family and friends. If you would like to contribute to his he finished third in the Big 8 Conference. He
ongoing battle, a site has been set up for him: www. captured the 1981 Colorado State Open singles
gofundme.com/AntonyEmerson title at age 34 and holds three major Colorado
open doubles titles � two Denver City Open
� Lane Evans, Director of Tennis & Wellness at Champion Hills Club in Hendersonville, N.C., had a crowns (1971 and 1972) and one Intermountain
busy November giving and helping others. After receiving the 2015 USPTA Industry Excellence Championships (1973). He was runner up at the
Award, which came Denver City Open twice (1970 and 1973). Over
with a $1,000 grant a 30 year period, Thomson was named USPTA
and a new Tennis Intermountain Player of the Year in various age
Tutor ball machine brackets, between 35 � 65. Thomson amassed
package valued 23 "triple titles" (singles, doubles and mixed) as
at around $3,000, well as numerous individual singles and doubles
Evans decided to titles. In 1993, Thomson was named USPTA
go on a little giving National 45 and Over Singles Player of the Year.
spree. He first gave In 2014, he was a Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame
the $1,000 grant to inductee. During his 50+ years as a USPTA Elite
the tennis program Professional, he worked at Arapahoe Tennis
at West Henderson High School where the money will go toward court resurfacing or other team Club, Mount Vernon Country Club, Vail Racquet
needs. Evans then went to the Methodist University Professional Tennis Management program in Club and was owner/director for Loves Acre in
Fayetteville, N.C., for his next phase of giving. "They had an old broken down ball machine that was Colorado. Thomson has shared his love and
being held together with spit and scotch tape so I decided the next gift should go to them," Evans passion for the game of tennis with countless
said. Finally, he had one more item of giving business to attend to. Annually, he spearheads a food students. He is survived by his wife and tennis
drive to help the Hendersonville Rescue Mission. Through the tennis and fitness programs as well partner, Laura (also a USPTA Professional),
as Champion Hills Club member generosity, many hundreds of pounds of food have been collected two stepsons, Garth (Katie), Marc (Britta), and
and donated over the years for the mission. grandchildren, Sophie and Cooper Miles.
� Four USPTA members NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
were named 2014-15
Wilson/ITA Coaches of President Chuck Gill
the Year at the awards Gary Trost
banquet during the ITA First Vice
Coaches Convention in President
Naples, Fla., in Decem-
ber: Mark Goldin, NAIA Vice Presidents Alan Cutler
Women's Coach of the Feisal Hassan
Year, Cardinal Stritch Ken McAllister
University; Hendrick Jack Michalko
Bode, NCAA Division II Men's Coach of the Year, Hawaii Pacific University; David T. Porter, Diane Selke
NCAA Division II Women's Coach of the Year, BYU-Hawaii; and Kelly Stahlhuth, NCAA Division
III Women's Coach of the Year, Washington University in St. Louis. TM
Past President Tom McGraw
CEO John Embree
Legal Counsel George Parnell
ADDvantage magazine editorial offices Managing editor Kimberly Forrester The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the
Circulation Kathy Buchanan authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the
USPTA World Headquarters USPTA.
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Houston, TX 77042 Copyright� United States Professional Tennis
Phone � 713-978-7782 / 800-USPTA-4U ADDvantage is published monthly by the Association, Inc. 2016. All rights reserved.
Fax � 713-358-7794 United States Professional Tennis Association. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not
email � magazine@uspta.org permitted without written permission from USPTA.
60 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com