2024-25 Board of Directors
President Tom Jennings tomtennis101@gmail.com
1stVice President Tim Shanahan shanahan93@cox.net
Members at Large
Thiago Santos tsantos@genesishealthclubs.com
Ryan Roeth ryanroeth10s@gmail.com
Shashank Nautiyal shashankhill@gmail.com
Chris Smith csmithbluehillscc@gmail.com
Caitlyn Sagraves caitlynmetseff@gmail.com
Caitee Margenthaler cmargenthaler@gmail.com
Pickleball Certifier & Coach Developoer Bunny Bruning bunnybfs@aol.com
RSPA Missouri Valley Pros,
Looking forward to seeing as many of you at our Division Convention on February 21st and 22nd! The host location this year will be in Oklahoma City at Quail Creek Golf and Country Club. Please don't forget to register before the early bird ends on February 1st. We know our members have to travel and/or take off work to come so we try to make it more affordable at $99 for early bird registrations. The education and networking will certainly be worth it!
We have a variety of speakers traveling to speak this year, one including our new CEO Brian Dillman who will be travelling to many Division Conventions throughout the year. If you would like to meet Brain and hear where we are headed as and Association, this is your best chance! He will also be speaking on working your way through the industry with a seminar entitled "From Tennis Pro to CEO." I am excited to hear it.
Our variety of topics include:
"Integrating Mental Toughness: Training with on Court Practice" "Fitness on Court"
"Doubles: The Most Important Positions, Movement, and Tactics for All Levels" "Performing under Pressure- Singles Drills for Mental Strength"
"Ace your Performance- How to Overcome Mental Challenges and Play your Best"
Lastly, for those of us pros who are on both pickleball court and the tennis court, we will have a pickleball seminar.
We are excited to host another great educational weekend and hope to see many of you there!
Looking forward to the rest of 2025,
Executive Director Angie Koumaris angela.koumaris@rspa.net Tom Jennings
The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) is pleased to announce an agreement with Women Coaching Racquet Sports (WCRS), previously known as Women’s Tennis and Coaching Tennis (WTCT), a non-profit promoting more women coaching racquet sports.
The RSPA will support and promote the WCRS mission to expand educational opportunities and training for WCRS and RSPA members.
"Empowering women to lead in racquet sports coaching transforms not just the game, but the future. Together, we can inspire a new generation of players and leaders, proving that strength and skill know no gender," said RSPA CEO Brian Dillman.
“I am delighted we have signed this agreement which will continue to strengthen the RSPA's commitment to highlighting women professionals in our industry. We look forward to reaching more women who might be interested in teaching or at the very least becoming involved in the ever-expanding racquet sports business. RSPA will work with and support WCRS as we both continue to expand opportunities for careers, education and of course networking,” said RSPA President Trish Faulkner.
With the cooperation of WCRS, the RSPA will create more opportunities for women to encourage, mentor, train and educate others on women in racquet sports, as well as gain interest in the industry. Women will have the chance to learn more about what it means to have a career in racquet sports and how to get involved.
“Together we're better! The WCRS agreement with the RSPA ensures positive momentum for women's future in tennis and other racquet sports. We will focus on fostering growth and leadership for all women coaches,” said WCRS President Bunny Bruning.
"Representation in coaching fosters a diverse and inclusive environment that benefits athletes and the sport at large. Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and approaches to coaching that can inspire and motivate athletes differently. This is especially crucial for female athletes, who often lack visible role models in leadership positions within their sport.
A coach’s influence extends far beyond technical training—they shape confidence, character, and long-term engagement. Having more women in these roles can help female athletes see themselves thriving in the sport and pave the way for the next generation to follow. Representation creates a positive feedback loop: the more women see coaching as a viable and rewarding career, the more they will aspire to fill those roles."
Susan Nardi, WCRS Vice-President
See me during the round tables at the RSPA MV Convention in Feb at Quail Creek Golf & CC to find out how to develop more diversity in your team.
