RSi Magazine March 2026

CAREERS

ASBA Academy is building for the industry's future STRINGS

Book excerpt: Career advice at all ages and stages

RACQUET SPORTS Stars come out in L.A. for debut of shortcourt sport TYPTI

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Inspiring Times

There is a lot of good stuff happening across this industry—and it's up to all of us

to take full advantage.

This is an exciting time to be in the racquet sports industry. And I’m not just saying that because, as I write this, I just saw the incredible Australian Open men’s semifinal matches.

But in terms of growing the game, there’s a lot to look forward to, and a lot of opportunities out there.

For one, by the time you read this, there most likely will be a new USTA Executive Director and CEO in place. For months there had been a lot of buzz about Craig Tiley, the CEO of Tennis Australia, taking over the top spot at the USTA. And while nothing had been confirmed at press time in late January, Tiley himself hadn’t shut down the speculation.

Tiley is no stranger to tennis in the U.S. and has a lot of friends, fans and supporters here. He moved to the U.S. in 1986 and was in the Professional Tennis Management program at Tyler Junior College. Among other positions in the U.S., he became an elite college coach at the University of Illinois, leading the Illini men’s team to an undefeated season and the NCAA title in 2003. He was recruited to Tennis Australia in 2005.

While some may question why hire outside of the country, Tiley may well be one of the best things that could happen for the growth of tennis. He transformed the Aussie Open, and that is helping support the growth of tennis Down Under. That’s exactly what the US Open does in this country, and someone with Tiley’s skill and leadership can make this truly work for growing the sport here.

But that’s not the only thing going on. Tennis advocacy in this country has been getting a big boost, first with the addition of Patrick Briaud last summer in the new USTA position of

Managing Director–Tennis Advocacy, but also with the emphasis that has been put on advocacy in the USTA sections. Expect to hear more about all these exciting efforts.

And, helping to state the case for tennis, a New York Times article in mid-January titled “The Best Sports for Longevity” generated a lot of buzz. The simple premise is that “regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to lengthen your life”—and that tennis is at the top of the list. The article mentions the oft-cited Danish study that tennis players live 9.7 years longer than sedentary people, more than any other sport measured. Playing tennis regularly can increase bone density and improve overall fitness, helping to lower the risks of cancer, depression, dementia, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and all sorts of bad things. Great stuff that we need to trumpet—beyond the normal “choir" we tend to preach to.

Racquet and paddle sports in general all seem to be getting more and more attention—and that's all good for this industry. In pickleball, top female player Anna Leigh Waters became the first pickleball player signed by mega-brand Nike, which is huge. We continue to hear more about padel— and now we'll celebrate October as National Padel Month. And, there’s a new short-court sport in town called TYPTI that’s getting heavy promotion.

As long as consumers are picking up a racquet or paddle and getting out on a court, it’s a good thing.

Peter Francesconi Editor Peter@AcePublishingGroup.com

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER JOHN HANNA

MANAGING DIRECTOR ROBYN SOBELSON

EDITOR PETER FRANCESCONI peter@acepublishinggroup.com

MANAGING EDITOR CORY SEKINE-PETTITE

ART DIRECTOR GARON HART

PRODUCTION MANAGER MEGAN WILLIS mwillis@nspmag.com

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR BOB PATTERSON

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

KIM BASTABLE, CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR, JOE DINOFFER, JUDY LEAND, GREG MORAN, KENT OSWALD, CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER, JOE TEDINO

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID KENAS

CIRCULATION MANAGER AMY FINE afine@nspmag.com

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9040 Roswell Rd., Suite 210 Atlanta, GA 30350

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR JOHN HANNA jhanna@nspmag.com/770-650-1102, x125

APPAREL ADVERTISING CYNTHIA SHERMAN cstennisindustry@gmail.com/203-558-5911

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES SHERRY GASAWAY JENNIFER GONZALEZ

Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per year: monthly, January through August, with combined issues in September/October and November/December, by New South Publishing, Inc., 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350. Periodicals postage paid in Atlanta, GA and additional mailing offices (USPS# 004-354). March 2026, Volume 54, Number 3, (C) copyright 2026 by New South Publishing, Inc.

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IndustryNews

Information to help you run your business

USTA Florida to Operate Crandon Park Tennis Center

USTA Florida has a formal agreement with MiamiDade County to operate the Crandon Park Tennis Center. The permit to conduct business enables the organization to restore operational hours and court availability to previous levels and provide additional public programs and play in the future.

“Crandon Park Tennis Center has long been a cornerstone of Miami’s tennis and recreational community,” says Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This partnership with USTA Florida allows us to restore full access to the courts, support local schools and players, and preserve an iconic public space for our residents while we continue planning for its future.”

“When this project first came to our Board, it was never a question of if we would step in to help,” says USTA Florida President Chuck Gill. “Our mission is to grow the game. Everyone on our team knows this is the right thing to do, and we are ready to roll up our sleeves and deliver.”

“We are excited to partner with Miami-Dade County to provide full operational services that will facilitate greater access to the tennis courts and programs,” adds Laura Bowen, executive director of USTA Florida. “Crandon Park Tennis Center is an important hub for Florida tennis. We are committed to embracing everyone who wishes to play at this historic site.”

USTA Florida is recruiting for a full-time site director and additional team members.

Nike Signs Pickleball’s Waters to Long-Term Sponsorship

Athletic apparel and shoe giant Nike has signed pickleball world No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters to a long-term sponsorship deal—the first-ever pickleball athlete to join the brand’s global roster. Waters previously had an apparel and shoe deal with Fila.

“Joining the Nike family is a dream realized,” Waters says. “We are going to push the boundaries of what’s possible in pickleball through this partnership.”

The deal had reportedly been in the works for months and came just days after Waters and Franklin Sports announced a long-term paddle deal believed to be in the millions. As part of the Franklin contract, Waters will assist in the design of a signature line of paddles, bags and accessories. The Nike deal, for apparel and shoes, is believed to be smaller from a monetary standpoint.

Orlando DRC OKs Expansion Plans for National Campus

The USTA National Campus in Lake Nona is set to become the long-term home of collegiate tennis after Orlando’s Development Review Committee approved a major expansion recently, which will support a 10-year commitment to host the NCAA Tennis Championships, beginning in spring 2028. The expansion will add about 9 acres to the size of the National Campus.

“We are looking forward to the next steps in the permitting/approval process as we move toward commencement of construction in Q1 of this year,” USTA National Campus General Manager Joe Wilkerson said. “Our goal is to complete this expansion by the end of 2027.”

Phase 1 is an expansion of the current six-court indoor tennis facility, adding 80,000 square feet and creating six new indoor courts with spectator seating, offices, meet-

ing rooms, classrooms, gyms and strength and conditioning facilities. Outdoors shade structures will be added at the 12 outdoor competition courts. Phase 2 is an expansion of the current campus with eight new hard courts, an extended service drive, a paved parking addition, an additional sprint track, and additional overflow grass parking.

The USTA will also be making an enhanced financial commitment to the NCAA championships, including supplementing existing broadcast agreements and increased fan and community engagement.

McMahon Careers Introduces Racquet Sports Round Table

McMahon Careers has launched the Racquet Sports Round Table (RSRT), a new professional resource designed to support racquet sports professionals across all career stages. RSRT provides members with access to live,

AT Sports Offers New Lightweight Windscreens

Looking to give your facility a clean, professional look with courts that stand out? Consider new windscreens from AT Sports, which are built for dependable wind control and lasting performance, says the company.

AT Sports says their lightweight windscreens are built with premium, durable, outdoor-ready materials, including 8-ounce vinyl coated polyester (with a threeyear warranty) or 10-ounce vinyl (with a four-year warranty).

The windscreens are designed to be weather-resistant, hold tension and look sharp all year. Solid vinyl provides maximum privacy, while mesh allows for airflow. Available in black, green and navy blue, the windscreens can be dressed up with custom colors and branding. For more information, visit ATSports.com or contact sales@atsports.com.

interactive monthly virtual Round Table sessions focused on industry trends, leadership and best practices.

Membership also includes one-onone career consultations, personalized resume reviews, and a complimentary job posting on Racquet Search & Hire, McMahon Careers’ recruiting platform dedicated to racquet sports roles.

In addition to live programming and career support, RSRT members receive curated continuing education resources sourced from McMahon Careers’ educational ecosystem, including CRSE, the CRSE Leadership Forum, and Mastermind Groups. These resources feature industry expert commentary, case studies and practical program insights.

RSRT is offered at $39 per month. For more information, visit www. McMahonCareers.com.

Gauff Gifts $150,000 For HBCU Student-Athletes

Coco Gauff has donated $150,000 to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to provide financial assistance to HBCU student-athletes who play collegiate tennis. The donation is her latest to the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program; last year, she donated $100,000 for scholarships.

“Coco is more than a champion on the court. She’s a champion for education, opportunity and the next generation of leaders,” the UNCF posted on social media. “Thank you, Coco, for continuing to stand with HBCU students and helping them get to and through college.”

Gauff is an advocate for education and empowerment with impact reaching far beyond the tennis court. She is UNCF’s youngest major gifts donor and her commitment to uplifting the next generation of leaders aligns with UNCF’s vision to increase opportunities for HBCU students.

PTR Launches H.S. Coach Program on New LMS

The Professional Tennis Registry has launched its online PTR High School Coach Course, designed to support

People Watch

Dennis Kudla, who reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 53, is returning to the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Md., to serve as a high-performance coach. Kudla first stepped onto the JTCC courts when he was 8 years old.

Michael McGoohan, who joined the USTA July 1 in the new role of Chief Growth Officer, left the organization Dec. 31.

Jarrett Chirico is the new Director of Racquet Sports at North Hills Club in Raleigh, N.C. The search and placement was led by Racquets Search & Hire by McMahon Careers, an executive search firm dedicated to the racquet sports industry.

Former ATP tour pro Thomas Blake has joined Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Fla., as its new director of performance tennis, taking the helm of Saddlebrook’s legendary tennis program.

Bob and Mike Bryan, the most successful doubles team in tennis history, have joined INTENNSE as “Pulse Partners” for the 2026 season, serving the league in advisory and ambassadorial roles and helping shape team identity and branding. They will also be part owners of their team, support league and team marketing initiatives, and provide guidance to the team coach for the March 13 player draft.

USA Pickleball has elected Stephanie Russell as chair of the USA Pickleball Board of Directors. She takes over from outgoing Board Chair Robert Quicksilver.

The Women’s Sports Foundation has added new members and leaders to its Board of Trustees, including adding Grand Slam champ Sloane Stephens, and naming current trustee Stacey Allaster, chief executive of Professional Tennis for the USTA, as Board Chair-Elect.

WTA world No. 6 Jessica Pegula is teaming with Blueair, a global leader in air health, to spotlight the importance of clean, optimized air and nightly rituals in enhancing wellness, focus and recovery, on and off the court.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency has suspended American tennis player Alfredo Casso for two years following a breach of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP). Casso, age 24, who reached a career-high ITF singles ranking of 1013 in June 2025, tested positive for the prohibited substance clomifene in July 2025.

high school tennis coaches at every stage of their coaching journey. The course is available to both PTR members and nonmembers and is built for anyone coaching in a high school environment, including experienced educators, PE teachers transitioning into coaching roles, community volunteers, and new coaches seeking structured guidance.

Offered through PTR’s newly launched Coach Development Center, the program includes a suite of practical coaching resources, including preseason and in-season checklists, match day forms, post-season planning tools, and guidance on effectively working with parents.

The course is on PTR’s new Learning Management System (LMS), offering streamlined access, enhanced learning experiences, and an expanding catalog of online education experiences. The PTR High School Coach Course is available to nonmembers for $55; PTR members receive discounted pricing. Visit ptracademy.org.

ITA Inaugurates ‘College Tennis Weekend’ in March

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association is launching “College Tennis Weekend,” an initiative to engage college tennis communities and uplift programs through fan attendance, donations and community involvement.

Slated for March 27-29, college tennis programs that are hosting home matches that weekend are encouraged to gather as many community members, fans and alumni as possible to attend. For programs not hosting a home match or playing an away match, the ITA is encouraging them to host community events to bring individuals to their courts to help foster relationships for future fans and program donors.

“College Tennis Weekend is an opportunity to celebrate the people and programs that make college tennis thrive,” says ITA CEO David Mullins. “As we launch this event, our hope is to build a tradition that grows each

year—bringing communities together, increasing support for college tennis programs, and strengthening the future of the sport for years to come.”

AT Sports Teams With CORTZ to Elevate Court Construction

CORTZ, a national brand focused on court resurfacing and new builds, has partnered with AT Sports, a surfacing and court solutions manufacturer, to “bring a more consistent standard to court construction,” the companies said in a press release. CORTZ and AT Sports say they aim to introduce greater uniformity, scalable service and predictable performance.

“The partnership with CORTZ represents an opportunity to support a brand that is raising the bar for the industry,” says Brad Carroll, president of AT Sports. “Their installers take pride in delivering courts that not only look great but perform consistently. That aligns perfectly with how we

engineer our surfacing systems.” Through its franchise program, CORTZ provides structured training and standardized installation systems designed to elevate professionalism. The approach, says CORTZ, offers clearer expectations and more predictable outcomes.

USPA Designates October As National Padel Month

National Padel Month, launching Oct. 1, is a nationwide initiative of the U.S. Padel Association (USPA) designed to introduce more people to padel, energize existing players, and support the growth of clubs across the U.S. October also coincides with the US Open Padel Championships, making it a marquee month on the American padel calendar and the ideal time to celebrate the sport at every level.

National Padel Month gives clubs across the country a unified platform

Kitchen Blockers Offers Lens-Free Safety Eyewear

There’s a new category in pickleball safety: lens-free protective eyewear. Kitchen Blockers, which launched a year ago, says it’s already selling its lens-free eyewear in 26 countries, and is now the official lensless protective eyewear partner for both USA Pickleball and the PPA.

The company says it uses military-grade materials in its products, which provide full-court vision. Retail price is $79.95. Frames come in white, black, clear, blue and pink. Visit kitchenblockers.com.

to welcome new players, engage their communities and highlight the pathway from first-time play to leagues, tournaments and national representation, reinforcing a commitment to growing the sport nationwide.

For more on padel or to join the USPA, visit padelusa.org.

PPA Tour to Test Narrower Court at Challenger Events

In an effort to “create a more dynamic game and further highlight the athletic abilities of pro pickleball players,” a test of narrower pickleball court dimensions will take place in pro

singles at upcoming PPA Challenger events, the PPA Tour announced. The new court dimensions will bring the sidelines in by a total of 3 feet, making the court 17 feet wide.

The PPA Tour says the change is meant to allow for “longer points and a more exciting player and spectator experience.” Total court length remains 44 feet. The change will be implemented over the next four Challenger tournaments: Houston, Harbour Island, Newport Beach and Opelika.

The change comes as both men’s and women’s singles have become more baseline-oriented in recent years. As paddle technology has evolved, it has become easier to hit quality passing shots, which makes players more hesitant to come to the net. In theory, by making the court narrower for singles, it will make players more likely to come to the net and engage in cat-and-mouse rallies.

Ore., Mass. Locations Receive $50,000 Grants for Pickleball

USA Pickleball announced the awardees of its 2025 Play It Forward Court Grant program, awarding two $50,000 grants to support community-driven pickleball court development efforts in Eugene, Ore., and South Hadley, Mass.

Launched through USA Pickleball Serves, the organization’s charitable arm, the Play It Forward grant program is designed to fund impactful court enhancement projects in underresourced or high-demand areas. This year marks the first time USAP Serves has awarded monetary grants.

Two Virginia H.S. Coaches Honored Nationally by NFHS

The NFHS Coaches Association has named its 2024-25 National Coaches of the Year. Among the 24 coaches honored across 12 sports are two selected as Coach of the Year for high school boys’ and girls’ tennis: John Neal, the boys’ tennis coach at Charlottesville (Virginia) High School, and Larry Parpart, girls’ coach at Henrico (Virginia) Douglas Freeman High School.

Short Sets

Bluestone Equity Partners, a global private equity firm focused on the sports, media and entertainment industry, announced a $30 million growth equity investment in pickleball equipment manufacturer Selkirk Sport. It is the first time Selkirk has taken any outside investment. The deal values Selkirk at about $200 million, according to Forbes.

Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center in Dorchester, Mass., held a groundbreaking in January as construction began on the final phase of its multi-year campus expansion, marking a major milestone as the organization celebrates its 65th anniversary year. This project will complete significant upgrades across the Center, expanding

Sportsmen’s capacity to deliver tennis, education, health and community programming for youth, families and adults along the Blue Hill Corridor and throughout the Greater Boston area.

Pickleballers, pickleball’s biggest podcast hosted by The Kitchen founder Jared Paul and PPA Tour pro Roscoe Bellamy, has officially been picked up by PickleballTV, the network announced Thursday.

INTENNSE will host its first draft at RacquetX at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on March 13. The league will open the 2026 season on June 1, with all 10 professional teams based in the Atlanta area this season.

The 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers will feature 14 teams competing in seven home-or-away ties April 10-11. Last year’s champion Italy will host

Japan, while the U.S. team will travel to Belgium. Each Qualifiers tie will consist of two singles matches on day one, and doubles first on day two followed by two singles matches, marking the first time in the competition’s history that live doubles matches will be guaranteed and count toward the outcome.

The Pro Padel League (PPL)—a professional padel league with 10 co-ed teams in the U.S., Canada and Mexico—announced a partnership with Swiss luxury watchmaker Frederique Constant, which becomes the official timekeeper and official watch of the PPL and will feature a special limitededition PPL-branded watch to be released at a later date.

Master Athletics, a provider of highperformance racquet sports equipment, is the exclusive U.S. distributor for Swedish brand Oxdog Padel paddles.

RacquetX Conference Set for March 13-15 in FLL

The third edition of the RacquetX conference will be March 13-15 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The conference will feature presentations and panel discussions covering all aspects of the racquet/ paddle business. The exhibit area will feature new products, services and technology. There also will be nine indoor courts, where attendees can play tennis, pickleball, padel and squash with pros and demo new product. Visit theracquetx.com.

ITF Celebrates 50 Years Of Wheelchair Tennis

The International Tennis Federation this year is celebrating five decades since Brad Parks founded the sport of Wheelchair Tennis in California in 1976. To recognize the 50th anniversary, the ITF has launched the Wheelchair Tennis Hall of Champions—a digital platform celebrating players, coaches and contributors who have played a pivotal role in the growth of the sport.

The first group of inductees were announced during the Australian Open. More inductees will be announced throughout 2026, and annually thereafter.

The ITF has invested heavily in the development of wheelchair tennis since its inception and, in 1998 became the first international sports federation to fully integrate the wheelchair discipline into its governance structure and wider activities.

USRSA Announces New MRTs, CSs

Master Racquet Technicians

Zane Heise, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Jordan Rothman, Boca Raton, Fla.

John Tierney, Deerfield Beach, Fla.

Jake Wood, Haughton, La.

Zachary Yang, La Canada, Calif.

Certified Stringer Susanna Lam, Richmond, B.C.,Canada

The Bench

Lessons in Winning and Losing

Teach your students to be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.

By Coach Pete Scales, Ph.D., RSPA, PTR, USTA Coaching

Back during the Covid pandemic, like many people, my wife Martha and I binge-watched a lot of our favorite shows. Survivor was one of them for us. This year, we did it again, but this time around, we both noticed something about Season 42 that stood out. Never before or since, at least in our eyes, has there been a Survivor season where the winners of various competitions handled it with such modesty, and the losers with such graciousness toward the winners, not making excuses but complimenting those who had prevailed. And I thought, maybe watching some of

that season should be part of the lessons we give our students.

That was the central approach of the late coach Steve Wilkinson of Minnesota’s Gustavus Adolphus College. At his death in 2015, Steve was the winningest collegiate tennis coach in history. And when he laid out his philosophy in his book Let Love Serve, a central part of it was the directive to his teams that winners are modest and losers are gracious. Period.

It’s relatively easy to be modest in victory and gracious in defeat when the stakes are really low (although more of us than will admit it have

tossed a racquet or paddle in disgust at our play in rec leagues, myself included many years ago).

But when the stakes are high, it calls on even greater strength of character to live up to Coach Wilkinson’s rule. Those Survivor contestants are competing for a $1 million prize. Yes, sometimes there are wealthy businesspeople or former pro athletes competing who already are millionaires, and they’re in it for the adventure. But for most of the contestants, that million would be life-changing. It’s a game, but it’s not “just” a game to them—it’s a potentially seismic improvement in the quality of life for them and their families.

NO BRAGGING, NO EXCUSES

So, in that context, it is amazing and impressive to see those 18 contestants, and especially the last 11 or 12, be so kind to each other as each win propels someone further to the final three, and each loss adds another to the jury who will not win the prize but help decide who gets the million. The winners talked about how hard the losers fought, how much they respect them, how close they feel to them and how hard it is to vote them off and onto the jury. The losers admitted their hurt and disappointment at losing but spent most of their comments on praising the brilliance and toughness of those who won.

Winners didn’t boast or brag or celebrate in ways that would diminish their opponents. Losers didn’t make excuses and blame their defeat on anything other than that the winners played better than they did, at that moment.

They all exemplified the three pillars of the approach I created long ago for coaching youth sports, which originated in tennis: CompeteLearn-Honor. Give 100 percent effort, be open and hungry to learn, and show high character, especially under adversity. Focus on that, and the wins will take care of themselves.

LEARN FROM THE GAME

The game of Survivor, like competitive racquet sports, calls on our highest levels of physical, mental, emotional, social and even spiritual habits in order to be resilient and persevere in the face of daunting challenges and odds. And the foundation of that season of Survivor, like the foundation of Compete-Learn-Honor, is Honor: Respect all—especially your opponents, Love the game more than how you perform, and No Excuses. The only reason you lost a match was because your opponent was better than you—on this particular day. Win or lose, learn from it, and move on to the next one, because what you love, even more than winning, is playing the game. Our media entertainment usually offers more escape from reality than lessons for real life, and there’s nothing wrong with that. That harmless escape from reality, in

moderation, can help us recover from the punches most of us take in our daily lives. But every once in a while, a show that is essentially just a fun escape turns out to have some big-time lessons we can apply to real life.

Check out Season 42 of Survivor, especially from the middle on, and marvel at the lessons in winning and losing with character that season provides. Then go teach your students to be those same modest winners and gracious losers. The game, and their lives, will be better for it.

PETER C. SCALES (“Coach Pete”), Ph.D., RSPA, PTR, USTA Coaching is a psychologist and long-time high school tennis coach who created the Compete-Learn-Honor™ approach to youth sports person and player development and coaching

(www.competelearnhonor.com). He has been a mental strength consultant to college tennis teams, high-performance tennis juniors, and adult pickleball players at all levels, including world top 10 pros. In addition to Coach Pete’s mental game columns for Racquet Sports Industry and the National Alliance for Youth Sports, he is the author of the award-winning books Mental and Emotional Training for Tennis: Compete-Learn-Honor (Coaches Choice, 2019), which the National High School Tennis Coaches Association called “one of the best books ever on the mental game,” and The Compete-LearnHonor™Playbook: Simple Steps to Take Your Mental & Emotional Tennis & Pickleball Skills to a New Level (Coaches Choice, 2023), which BetterPIckleball calls a “masterclass” in the mental game. Both books are available on Amazon.

Court Construction

EDUCATION

From the Ground Up With

experience and knowledge to share, the ASBA Academy is building the future.

It seemed to be a Catch-22. The members of the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) had long recognized that sports industry contractors faced two distinct labor challenges:

• A shortage of qualified, knowledgeable individuals to fill positions.

• A shortage of staff and lack of ways to train those who did want jobs. It was the age-old dilemma of not being able to get a job without knowledge and experience, and not being able to get knowledge and experience without having had a job.

Additionally, unlike many careers within the sports industry, there was no clear pathway for those who wanted

session, the ASBA Academy was created, with these goals:

• To have participants learn from industry experts about construction techniques, materials, site development and the do’s and don’ts of court construction.

• To help individuals master construction concepts and terminology.

• To learn about and apply ASBA Standards for superior construction practices.

• To help those new to the industry develop a peer group and a network of colleagues.

“The first [Academy] committee worked to prepare a court curriculum and recruit instructors for that first

to learn about facility construction. For instance, for those looking to operate a club, there are professional management programs. For those who want to become teaching pros, there are certification programs.

“It was obvious that what was needed was training, literally, from the ground up, for those who wanted jobs,” says Kaylee Derby, ASBA’s director of training and education.

Following a strategic planning

spring 2024 class,” notes Derby. “We decided to have all material presented both online and in person. In between all meetings, participants would have substantial homework.”

The committee established an entry-level, or “100 series,” curriculum to provide a general understanding of the construction of courts, fields or tracks (in separate courses). Additional courses and online resources are being considered.

The current Construction & Maintenance Manuals for both tennis and pickleball served as textbooks for the Academy’s program on courts, backed up by material from other industry organizations, along with resources from ASBA’s substantial video library.

The 100-level program guides participants into the industry through four sessions (three online), after which they need to pass a written test. Session 1 introduced participants to a bare piece of ground and led them through site development and base work. Session 2 guided them through court surfaces and color coatings. Session 3 covered fencing, amenities, lighting and net posts. Session 4 (presented in person at the ASBA Technical Meeting) included more advanced topics, such as problemsolving for repair/reconstruction of old courts.

“As a trade association, the ASBA is unique in the willingness of its members to share information, means and methods with colleagues and competitors, and that was certainly true with the members who stepped forward to volunteer as instructors with the Academy to help train the next generation,” says Fred Kolkmann, one of the original members of the committee who shepherded the program forward.

The Academy continues to grow in industry recognition, in reputation and in the number of participants it educates annually.

“We’ve been extremely pleased with the response we’ve received from our initial rollout,” adds Fred Stringfellow, CAE, Executive Director of ASBA. “With more than 200 participants in just the first three years of the ASBA Academy, we’re introducing ASBA to a new cohort of design and construction professionals and sharing the technical expertise of our most seasoned volunteers.”

If you are interested in the ASBA Academy, either as a student, an instructor or to help plan for the next series of classes, contact Kaylee Derby at kaylee@sportsbuilders.org.

Racquet Tech

RACQUET TECHNICIANS

Back to Basics

No matter how long you’ve been servicing frames, reviewing your basic procedures is always a good idea.

By Bob Patterson Executive Director, USRSA

When you have been doing something for a long time, it is easy to go into “auto-pilot” mode. You can fall into a rut when something becomes so familiar that you don’t really have to think about it.

It happens in a lot of disciplines. I have friends who are awardwinning chefs who tell me they have to consistently re-evaluate their processes to make sure their food is exceeding expectations. The same is true for musicians performing the same songs every night. And this can also apply to racquet technicians.

It is staggering to think that I have been stringing racquets for more than 50 years now. While there have been a lot of innovations and changes through the decades with racquets, strings and the equipment we use to service them, the basics that I learned in 1975 still apply today—and that is an important thing to remember.

REVIEW YOUR FUNDAMENTALS

Although the chef may learn new recipes or techniques and have more modern equipment, they must still rely on their learned knowledge of food preparation to be at the top of their game. The musician may have better instruments and sound equipment and may have acquired new skills, but the basics of music remain the same, and it still requires practice and diligence to perform at your very best.

The same applies to racquet service. The stringing machine I use today looks and operates like something from a science-fiction movie, compared to the old Tremont-145, which I used to start this whole journey half a century ago.

But, the basics are still the same: Install the main strings at the correct tension. Clamp the strings properly to maintain that tension. Tie the string to maintain that

tension. Install the cross strings over and under, ensuring that no friction damage occurs. Maintain that tension through the process. Tie off, maintaining that tension and ensuring to also maintain the integrity of the racquet. The simple basics.

As we progress through our journey, we learn new things. Some of these things come about because we find a better way of doing a simple task. Other times, we have to learn because we are working with a new racquet design or a new string type or a new stringing machine. But regardless of why, we continue to learn and hone our skills. That’s how we, and this sport and industry, move forward.

LEARNING THE NUANCES

In the beginning, our learning is fast-paced and ever-present. There is so much we don’t know or haven’t experienced. Through the years we still learn, but the opportunities are more spread out. The learning is more subtle nuance than gamechanging. But still, it is incredibly important.

It also may take more effort—not the actual learning, but recognizing opportunity and initiating the learning process. We tend to get comfortable when we have been doing something for a long time. We may not immediately recognize that although I have been doing it this way for years, there is a better or easier way.

I am not advocating for change simply to change. But if we look at what we do with a critical eye and open mind, we may find room for improvement. Even if you don’t, the evaluation process is good to remind us of why we tie that knot or move that clamp in a particular way.

Validation that what you are doing is the best method is a form of learning, and it and will ensure you are on the top of your game, even if you’ve been doing it for decades.

Raising The Bar

QUALITY

OF LIFE

Life Choices

For success personally and professionally, we all need to balance “doing” and “being.”

By Joe Dinoffer

“Human doing, or human being.”

When I first heard these words, they hit me like a brick. For most of my adult life, I have been more of a “human doing” than a human being. Of course, the “human doing” in all of us manifests countless times each day. Just to survive, there are many things we have to “do” daily. Some are optional. Many are not. For a happy and productive personal and professional life, we need a balance between “doing” and “being.” Behavioral science has proven the importance of this balance time and again.

Human “doing” experiences are most often tasks or projects—from taking out the trash to building a sports facility. Examples of “being” include more subtle aspects of life: empathy, listening skills, thoughtfulness, relationships, contemplation, self-care, recovery, balance—and many more.

A healthy balance is not always easy to achieve. Like most things, life is not black and white—nothing and nobody is either all good or all bad. We live in a world where almost everything falls on a spectrum.

Here are some examples of “doing” versus “being” for the coach or sports facility manager. While oversimplified, these concepts are part of the compendium of individual experiences that constitute our lives.

Step one is to examine yourself closely to see where you fit on the “doing versus being” spectrum. How we balance the two is what makes us who we are both personally and professionally.

‘HUMAN DOING’ QUALITIES

Chances are you are already a busy person, a real doer type. You probably work six or seven days a week, are highly responsible, hard-working and gets things done.

So, to all “doers”: Why do so many of us work so hard in the first place, often sacrificing time with family and friends, only to regret all the time missed with family and friends as we enter our later stages of life?

Of course, we convince ourselves that we are working to care for our loved ones, contribute to our community and more. Don’t misunderstand. These are noble goals and achievements, but at what cost?

‘HUMAN BEING’ QUALITIES

Making efforts throughout each day to live in the present is a popular way to help us make the most out of our lives. Some call it “mindfulness” or “contemplative thinking.” Whatever the term, being as present as possible with family, friends, players, members, work associates, etc. is what most achievers miss throughout much of their achieving years.

The opposite would be to dwell on the past, which can no longer be changed, or worry about a future that will probably not turn out as we think anyway.

ACTION STEPS

We all want both successful personal and professional lives. However, reality can limit the potential of this success. Integration can be the key for highachievers. Integrating being and doing may sound too vague to be a practical pathway to a successful life, so let’s offer a few tips:

• Names: Some of us tell ourselves we are not “good” with names. That may not be your strongest skill, but it is still achievable. Use Google and work on learning as many names and faces as possible. We all like it when people remember our names!

• Ask First: Many doer types move through their days quickly, using their “to-do list” as their GPS, as compared to simultaneously asking as many people as possible how they are, how their families are, and if there is anything they need help with, to please just ask.

• Words of Affirmation: Among the five primary “love languages” used as tools for improving communications (words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, quality time and physical touch), words of affirmation is at the top of the list. Everyone loves attention and encouragement. Compliments go a long way! Learning names, asking questions and offering words of affirmation may sound quite simple. But for all you “doers,” they will punch up the “being” part of our lives. Try it and see how much more you can positively impact the people around you.

Industry

Launch Party!

The new sport of TYPTI has a star-studded debut in Los Angeles.

By Steve Pratt

The newest racquet sport, TYPTI, had its worldwide debut Jan. 19 with a starstudded cast of Hollywood celebrities and more than 300 VIPs in attendance at the launch event held at California Smash in El Segundo. TYPTI, played on a pickleball court, was created by Tennis Channel and LiveBall founder Steve Bellamy.

In a one-set exhibition, actor Chris Pine (“Star Trek”) took on Vince Van Patten (former ATP No. 24). Comedian

tournament with $5,000 in prize money that was won by former USC star and NCAA No. 4 Jack Jaede and Texas standout John Mee. They will likely be the No. 1 seeds for an upcoming $100,000 prize money event happening later in the first quarter. The 16-team draw was littered with SoCal tennis and racquet sports players such as UCLA’s Clay Thompson and Karue Sell, USC’s Rob Bellamy, Pepperdine’s Danny Moss, Santa Barbara’s Morgan Mays and Van Patten.

Tiffany Haddish (“Girls Trip”) hit with TMZ host Charlie Neff (compelling enough that the celebrity news show ran segments on TYPTI over two days). NFL star Terrell Owens was having so much fun playing that he had to be dragged off the court at closing. Barbara Hershey (Oscar nominee,) Doug Ellin (“Entourage” creator), Donna Mills (“Knots Landing”) and Marcellus Wiley (LA Chargers) were among the celebs and tennis dignitaries who showed up to the red-carpet event. The main event was a men’s doubles

Completely unplanned, attendees started picking up racquets and balls, and hitting on open courts. For Bellamy, the problem was trying to get them off the courts.

“We had not anticipated that a bunch of Hollywood executives would do much more than watch the tournament with tempered responses,” said Bellamy. “Instead, we couldn’t get them off the court to watch the final. There was a 9-year-old girl, who was leaving the facility to go to the beach with friends, but her Dad wanted her to try TYPTI. She reluctantly agreed to hit ‘only’ a few balls. Three hours later, her Dad pulled her off the court because she was limping. When the shoe came off, her foot was bleeding. She then fought with her Dad to put the shoe back on and hit more. That was the moment I knew we’d cracked the code.”

The TYPTI launch brought out SoCal tennis, including USTA Southern California Executive Director

Trevor Kronemann, Manager–Special Projects Cathy Jacobson-Guzy and President Cynthia Neiman, along with others such as Joel Drucker, Scott Doerner, Cori Elliot, Scott Wilson, Ron Booth and Mike Tomas.

“TYPTI is incredibly fun and incredibly easy. It can be played by any age and at any level,” said Neiman. “The soft ball with a strung racquet makes the game super quiet yet still lets you hit with all kinds of spin. I think TYPTI is a great on-ramp to tennis and is super entertaining on its own.”

“We’re going all in on TYPTI,” added Mike Tomas, owner of Palisades, Westwood and Cheviot Hills tennis centers. “I’ve yet to see anything as sticky and appealing in racquet sports. They’ve taken what’s great about tennis and great about pickleball and intelligently grafted them together.”

Shortly after the debut, Bellamy said clubs from around the country started inquiring about racquets and balls. (OLO brand racquets and balls are available at TYPTI.com.) “The response has been five-fold what we anticipated. So many wonderful clubs, pros and directors of tennis want to add TYPTI to their menu.”

Bellamy said that he'll have more announcements in the near future, including details about a relationship with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association for a prize-money collegiate championship. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the lives of our student-athletes,” added ITA CEO David Mullins. “TYPTI will be a very smart option for some collegiate tennis players as the mechanics of the two sports are so similar.”

“There has been a tremendous amount of capital poured into pickleball facilities,” Bellamy noted. “It’s critical that as an industry we fill courts with people swinging racquets. We do not want to get into an overbuild and unwind situation. Pickleball is probably the greatest phenomenon to happen in participatory sports, but the reality is that some ball strikers don’t want to apply their tennis strokes to pickleball. It’s a very big number of people, and TYPTI serves those players.”

Racquet/Paddle

PICKLEBALL

A Midwest Hot Spot

National fitness chain Life Time changes the game with a major pickleball hub in suburban Chicago.

By Joe Tedino

Life Time, the national fitness chain based in Minnesota, plans to open its largest pickleball emporium this year in suburban Chicago as it continues to expand its offering to members and professionals alike.

With nearly 800 pickleball courts at 140 locations across the country, Life Time has become a leader in pickleball, signing marketing deals with elite players like Ben and Collin Johns and giving a seat on its racquet sports board to tennis great Andre Agassi.

The company continues to raise the bar for itself. Last October, it created the Life Time Open, a first-ever prolevel singles pickleball tournament that drew top players from around the world to compete for $250,000 in prize

money, including $50,000 each for the men’s and women’s champions. Life Time has also developed a new ball for indoor and outdoor use— the LT Pro 48 Pickleball, which is used on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) circuit.

Life Time’s latest pickleball venture is a multi-million-dollar renovation of a fitness center it acquired in Northbrook, Ill., as part of its purchase of Five Seasons athletic centers in Illinois and Ohio in early 2025.

Life Time founder and CEO Bahram Akradi envisions the renamed Life Time North Shore Sport and Racquet Club as a pickleball hub, drawing people from every slice of the sport in the Midwest and nationally,

according to Steven Pierce, the company’s regional general manager.

Phase I of the 115,000-squarefoot facility was scheduled to open in January, featuring 19 indoor pickleball courts, some with spectator seating. The second phase, expected to launch in summer, will unveil an additional 22 outdoor courts, for a total of 41 courts—exceeding the 32 at the company’s Peachtree Corners location in Georgia.

The Northbrook facility at 1300 Techny Road is being marketed as a full-service athletic club offering plenty of amenities, including spacious workout floors, dedicated studios for group yoga and fitness classes, and small-group training programs. For recovery, members will have access to a coed hydrotherapy suite with hot and cold elements, plus

therapeutic body services. The club also will have a cafe and lounge, coworking spaces, and a dedicated kids academy with certified instructors, Pierce said.

Life Time’s competitors in the region include LA Fitness, Equinox, Midtown Athletic Clubs and even the local YMCA, many of which have racquet sport courts. But Life Time executives believe their country-clublike environment gives their clubs a competitive advantage in fitness and in pickleball. “Our goal is to continue to be an industry leader in pickleball both for professionals and amateurs, and even in youth athletics,” Pierce says, noting that more juniors between the ages of 10 and 16 have taken an interest in the sport.

Life Time has focused intensely on pickleball since 2021. By the end of 2026, it expects to have more

than 1,000 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts in North America, Pierce notes. The clubs offer lessons, clinics, tournaments and programs for players of all ages, from beginner to experienced. Life Time also operates more than 260 tennis courts nationwide, but Northbrook will focus only on pickleball, offering professional courts for leagues, lessons, mixers and tournaments.

In the first six months of 2025, 3.1 million participants took part in pickleball across the company’s 800 courts, according to public financial documents. Life Time members played an average of 6.8 times per month in 2025, compared to 3.8 times a month in 2023. Life Time, which reported $2.5 million in annual revenue in 2024, delivered 26,000 pickleball lessons across its courts in the first half of 2025.

Life Time’s suburban Chicago pickleball hub may also see action from the city’s Major League Pickleball (MLP) team, the Chicago Slice, whose owners include tennis legends Chris Evert and Tracy Austin and supermodel Heidi Klum. The Slice does not have a permanent home court and is exploring opportunities, according to Madelaine Moeke, the team’s chief operating officer.

“MLP is looking to host events in major cities, and a venue like this would position Chicago as a real contender,” Moeke says. “Having access to high-quality indoor/ outdoor courts with spectator seating would be a huge win for both our players and fans.”

Of the possible tie-up with MLP, Life Time’s Pierce adds: “We like the idea of a partnership. We’ll have space for everyone.”

RACQUETS

A Very Good Year?

Tennis, as the healthiest sport, is in the news, and new frames are responding to the call.

By Kent Oswald

When The New York Times starts the year with an article highlighting how multiple studies find tennis is one of, if not the, healthiest sport (“The Best Sports for Longevity,” by Simar Bijaj), it suggests a good year for the sport. This maintains the trend of increasing participation in a post-pandemic world.

Tennis participation has also been primed by money in youth development programs, cardio programs, laddered learning systems, smart-court and climateresistant facilities, and other industry efforts to retain current players and welcome newbies. More players mean a greater need for the one piece of equipment without which the game cannot be played: a racquet.

Racquet technology is more arm-friendly. Racquet heads and string patterns are more forgiving of balls hit off-center, while also generating more power, more spin and more control. And there is also increasing attention to racquet styling. With all this, prices continue to inch up in response to tariffs and to the cost of developing new technologies and using more specialized materials. But racquet sales are up, have been going up, and are likely to keep rising!

Of course, within the market as a whole, individual manufacturers are in keen competition. With eyes on the prize (an increased slice of an expanding pie), they have once again come up with sexier stylings and mindbending technologies. (Prices are suggested retail.)

Babolat BABOLAT.COM

Flying through the air faster than ever due to a redesigned throat, the Pure Aero 98 Gen9 ($309) and Pure Aero Gen9 ($299) generate even greater spin, producing an even higher ball RPM than previous iterations. Specs include a 69 RA stiffness, 16x19 string pattern, and 300-gram weight. Flax fibers in the body reduce vibration and enhance feel and comfort.

Featured users include Carlos Alcaraz and Leylah Fernandez with the 98-square-inch frame, and Adrian Mannarino using the 100-square-inch head-size version.

Dunlop

US.DUNLOPSPORTS.COM

Heading up the new power-oriented FX series is the Jack Draper-endorsed FX 500 Tour ($249) with its 10.8-ounce weight, 98-square-inch head and 16x19 string pattern, as well as a new grommet pattern to emphasize power and improve the sweet spot, and an improved vibration-dampening system. Adapting the power and other ben efits, various needs can be found with the progressively lighter 100-squareinch FX 500 ($249), the FX 500 Lite ($249) and FX 500 Super Lite ($249). Extending the benefits to younger play ers, junior sticks include the standard length 10.1-ounce Team 100 ($149), the 8.8-ounce 500 Jr 26 ($129), and the 8.6ounce 500 Jr 25 ($129).

Speed Pro 2026 ($290), the racquet of choice for Jannik Sinner and Karolina Muchova, has a 100-squareinch head and an 18x20 string pattern, is 310 grams with a 61 RA stiffness that balances a stable feel, power and control, making it perfect for an all-around game. The series also features the Speed Tour 2026 ($290), a 97-square-inch head, 16x19 pattern, 305-gram version, created for players with precision games. Additional Speed racquets include the slightly lighter Speed MP 2026 ($280) and even lighter Speed MP 2026 L ($270) and Speed MP 2026 UL, offering even more maneuverability for intermediate and advanced juniors. Players seeking more power and a larger hitting surface might opt for the Speed Team 2026, a 105-square-inch, 16x19 bat. Rounding out the series are the super lightweight Speed Elite 2026 ($160), Speed Jr. 2026 ($140), and Speed Jr. 25 ($130), a shorter version. Also new for the year are the lightweight, graphite composite racquets for juniors, the IG Speed 26 ($110 ) and IG Speed 25 ($100 ).

PRINCETENNIS.COM

The Ripcord series mixes speed, spin and power. Included are three 100-square-inch models, weighing 300 grams ($219), 280 grams ($199) and 265 grams ($179). Control players will also wish to consider the Ripcord 98XS ($229) with its 98-square-inch head and 16x18 string pattern. The tapered, openneck shafts promote impressive acceleration and handling.

Tecnifibre

TECNIFIBRE.COM

The newly launched Fire series, currently swung by Sloane Stephens and Corentin Moutet, brings the firepower. Selections include head sizes of 100 square inches with weights of 285 grams ($249.95) and 270 grams ($229.95), and a 110-square-inch head weighing 260 grams. Features include a lower swing weight for more maneuverability, a re-engineered beam for more precision, and additional vibration dampening to minimize arm fatigue.

Volkl VOLKLTENNIS.COM

On the horizon for 2026 are new racquets to be released in each quarter. So far, receiving cosmetic updates are the Icon Series, including the VI Classic ($249.99) with its head-light, high spin and power potential capabilities adaptable to multiple playing styles; the V1 Evo ($249.99), a slightly heavier version delivering more power; the C10 Pro with its outstanding control and spin potential, making it a great stick for counterpunchers; the lighter C10 EVO offering optimum maneuverability; and the V8 Pro, which adds additional power to the series’ core feel and control themes. The Vostra series, with RED Cell tech, which updates the V-Cell tech and adds enhanced stability, ball pocketing, and feel to the V1 OS ($269), a 110-square-inch head, 27.6inch long, profoundly comfortable stick with exceptional playability; the V1 MP ($269), noted for its armfriendly feel and adaptability to all levels of play; and the speedy V1 Pro ($269), both arm- and spin-friendly.

Yonex US.YONEX.COM

The mission of the VCORE ($305) is to maximize spin, which it certainly does in this eighth generation of the favored frame of Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, João Fonseca, Tommy Paul and many others. Options include the VCORE 98 ($305), VCORE 100 ($305), and VCORE 100L ($305), all in ruby red and with honed aerodynamics for

FOOTWEAR

Stepping Up!

Technology, style and comfort upgrades are giving racquet and paddle sports players what they need in court shoes.

By Kent Oswald

The market for court footwear is on the upswing. However, in a sign of its increasing complexity, nobody seems to have a good idea by how much. Marketing and analysis consulting company Market.us estimates a $100 million year-over-year increase in global sales of tennis shoes for 2026 to $2.8 billion (with sales rising to $3.8 billion by 2034); consultants Global Growth insights estimates the U.S. pickleball shoe market at $205 million for 2025 and rising to $380 million in 2033.

Shoe prices are inching up, and given that padel is only beginning its entry into the U.S. market, the present and future look good for manufacturers and retailers. Adding to the optimism is not just the continued surge in tennis, pickleball and padel participation, but continuing cultural trends of more informal workplaces and work-fromhome situations where stylish court kicks are part of the office kit.

For 2026 and what can be seen beyond, the formula seems to be utility—the technological upgrades continue to be part of the foundation of play for all racquet and paddle enthusiasts. Also in the mix is style and comfort—there is nothing wonky in the look or feel of current highperformance offerings. Take a look for yourself. (Prices are suggested retail.)

Acacia ACACIASPORTS.COM

The company’s next expansion of its court shoe portfolio will be the summer launch of the Acacia Padel shoe (m/w $99) in black/white and red/black colorways. As with Acacia’s FreshShot, ClearShot, DreamShot and DinkShot pickleball shoe lines, this will be a comfort-first kick. Features will include a breathable upper, padelspecific outsole tread, reinforced midfoot structure and stable platform engineered to support the dynamic play important for success within the glass enclosure.

Babolat BABOLAT.COM

In its latest iteration, the lightweight JetMach 4 (m/w $159), a foundation for Cameron Norrie, among others, supports tennis and pickleball playing styles built upon speed and agility. Technological enhancements include an upgraded starting block plate supporting lateral stability and tweaks to the supportive foam, adding to both rebound and comfort, as well as the Michelin outsole providing exceptional grip and durability.

Head HEAD.COM

From a collab with the biomechanical experts at the BOA Fit Lab comes the super-premium Endure Pro Boa (m $220) with a precision fit, a stable ride, outstanding shock absorption, and a mix of materials and technology that protects when sliding touchline to touchline while also being lightweight enough to aid flight throughout the court. Also new in the line is the Endure Pro Men (m $190) with superior torsional stability and shock absorption, a medium fit and lightweight comfort. The updated, dynamic and durable Revolt Pro 5.0 (m/w $170) enables premier baseline play with exceptional ventilation, step-in comfort and a 3D TPU-molded frame providing stability from

midfoot through forefoot. The lightweight Sprint Pro 4.0 (m/w $150) features new all-court and clay outsole patterns, a more breathable mesh upper, an improved cooling system and upgraded technology improving stability as one speeds through the court.

The company’s first pickleball-specific shoe, the Motion Pro Pickleball (m/w $150), features a breathable mesh, midfoot cooling system, a lightweight, comfortable fit and extra tread for durability, including a long-lasting rubber toecap. Those who favor padel as their sport of choice will find comfort with the Motion Pro 1.5 Padel, updated with a more flexible, light, soft mesh upper, and upgrades to provide more protection during slides and additional stability when hitting all shots.

K-Swiss KSWISS.COM

For its 60th anniversary year, the company rolls out global activations and special product drops of its K-Frame Series with the thermoplastic polyurethane tech supporting sharp cuts and agile footwork of its lead shoes, including the K-Frame Speed Rubio (m $155) collab with Andrey Rublev, the K-Frame Speed (w $155) and K-Frame Pickleball (m/w $135). There are also new colorways and tech enhancements found with the line’s iconic shoe, the lightweight, breathable Hypercourt Express 3 (m/w $130), as well as the sturdy, Ultrashot 4 (m/w $175) featuring exceptional energy return, the Expresslight Pickleball 2 (m/w $115), and the Speedtrac Padel (w $140).

Mizuno USAMIZUNO.COM

The Exceed Tour 7 (m/w $145) will be dropping colorways themed to the majors throughout the year. This version includes updates for improved energy return and cushioning through the midsole, additional ankle stability and improved shock redistribution, a tweaked tread pattern for greater stability and responsiveness, and a thicker, longer tongue providing more comfort and a more secure fit. Pickleball’s Wave Strike (m/w $140) features a lightweight, breathable upper, cushioning in the midsole and stability in the mid-foot, as well as through the roomy toe box, along with outstanding energy return.

Skechers SKECHERS.COM

Pickleball aficionados have their pick from a range of slip-ins and multiple colorways. New to the line is the roomy Viper Court Elite 2.0 (m/w $125) with its Goodyear nonmarking outsole delivering durability and control through slides, adjustable laces and adjustable top strap for stability, as well as a removable insole and midsole cushioning for comfort. Upgrades and colorways are also available with the lowprofile, lightweight Viper Court Pro 2.0 (m/w $125) and Viper Court Rally (m/w $85), both created for speed demons; the Viper Court Reload (m/w $100) supporting those with control games; and the all-court (and stylish off-court as well) Viper Court Luxe (m/w $105),

Viper Court Classic (m/w $105) and Court Frenzy (m/w $105).

Building on their line of pickleball kicks, the company expands into tennis shoes with the Baseline Bully (m/w $155) and State Champ (m/w $120). The former is an easy-on, built for comfort and durability, featuring a breathable mesh upper, reinforced toe front, Goodyear outsole for durability and lateral quarter wrap to support side-to-side pivots. The latter is also an easy-on with the reinforced toe, mesh upper and Goodyear outsole, along with extra foam through the midsole for exceptional comfort.

Tyrol TYROLPICKLEBALL.COM

The Drive V (m/w $160) is new to the Pro Series, the official shoe of the LT Open and endorsed by multi-time APP champ Richard Livornese Jr. With its focus on the specifics of pickleball play, the chassis features a widened toe-box, durable outsole, a torsion control shank and heel stabilizer for stability, and an exceptional aeration system.

Yonex US.YONEX.COM

Comfortable, durable and stable, the Eclipsion 5 (m/w $145) worn by Casper Ruud and Elena Rybakina in blue/white and champagne/navy colorways has improved shock absorption and exceptional stability and rebound, supporting all-court games. The lightweight, roomy AdAccel (m/w $125) supports speed through the tennis court and exceptional comfort for pickleball play.

STRINGS

Critical Component

They may not be sexy, but strings are essential to your players’ games—and continue to see advanced tech and more color choices.

By Kent Oswald

Strings continue to be the least appreciated and for many people the least sexy equipment to emerge from a player’s bag—ironic given the part they play in actually moving the ball in the preferred direction. Nevertheless, every year there seems to be some slight movement to them getting their due from players.

This year, that trend is aided by advanced tech, additional color choices to help personalize one’s look, and some stable pricing—in a challenging economic climate it is cheaper to find strings to help a player’s game than to purchase a new racquet. The final leap in gaining them their due appreciation may come as soon as there are widespread string demo programs like there are for racquets. Until then, we will likely continue the slo-mo improvement trend, this year, thanks to some advanced and tweaked options. (Prices are suggested retail.)

Game Set Match SHOP.GAMESETMATCHINC.COM

The monofilament center core Velociti NEH Bio ($12.95 set), available in 16g and 17g, offers a superior, soft, synthetic gut feel. In addition to delivering high performance, the string has also been engineered to decompose in a landfill (not on your racquet) in three to five years, compared to decades for other synthetics.

Babolat BABOLAT.COM

The latest addition to the legacy string line is the Explore ($13 set, $179 reel), a polyamide multifilament available in blue or white, and in 16g and 17g, with excellent vibration absorption and superior elasticity for power generation.

Genesis

GENESIS-TENNIS.COM

Hexa Infinite ($14.90 set) offers a variety of options, with color variations of yellow, black, red and blue, and width options of 16g and 17g. The hexagonalshaped monofilament co-poly delivers a solid, all-around string synthesizing durability, power, spin and tension maintenance.

Gosen

GOSEN-USA.COM

The G-Tour 2 ($16 set, $208 reel) is available in Metallic Blue and 16Lg. It is an armfriendly, high-performance poly monofilament with a silicone oil coating, excellent at holding tension and offering superior pocketing.

Signum

SIGNUM-PRO.COM

Shaded gold and constructed as a monofilament, Pro Firestorm ($15 set) is available in 17Lg, 17g, and 16g. The success it enjoys with ATP tour pros reflects its durability, ability to hold its tension, and the power it delivers with every strike.

ReString SHOPRESTRING.COM

The new kid on the string block expands its lineup with Slap ($16 set, $208 reel), a black, hexagonal co-poly that delivers outstanding power and spin.

Confidential Soft ($13.99 set, $179.99 reel) combines a striking pink look with a solid balance of comfort and feedback. Available in 16g, 16Lg, 17g and 18g, the copoly can generate maximum control, power and bite, as well as substantial tension maintenance.

Tru-Pro TRUPROOFFICIAL.COM

Taking spin to a new level is the co-poly, azure blue, 8-star-shaped profile Pure Rush R8ZOR ($11/set, $134 200m reel) in 16g, 17g and 18g diameters. Additional benefits include outstanding responsiveness with minimal arm-stress and exceptional tension stability.

Volkl VOLKLTENNIS.COM

Yonex US.YONEX.COM

Found in the racquets of Naomi Osaka and Joao Fonseca, the black or red Polytour Force ($23 set) is available in 17g, 16Lg and 16g and puts a premium on power while also delivering consistent ball pocketing and consistent tension. The white Rexis Activate ($11) is a premium multifilament with a soft feel that minimizes arm strain while providing outstanding spin and control of the ball for Frances Tiafoe, among others.

New color options enhance the Power Fiber Pro ($26 set, $290 reel) and V-Square ($18 set, $240 reel ) series, both of which are available in 16g, 17g and 18g. The multifilament Power Fiber Pro, now in lavender, has a durable, gut-like feel with strong tension maintenance. The square construction of the co-polymer V-Square, newly available in black and neon yellow, creates an intense bite on the ball, while also offering good durability and a firm yet comfortable feel.

STRING SELECTOR 2026

Stock Exchange

Use the USRSA String Selector Tool to manage your string inventory and make sure you’re offering a variety of string types.

By Bob Patterson

For most shops, strings, like racquets and shoes, are inventory staples. But you can’t stock them all, so you have to be selective—carefully choosing a variety that will meet the needs of your customers. You may add a new string occasionally or replace one that seems to no longer be in demand, but unlike racquets and shoes that are on a one- to two-year cycle, strings are a steady, recurring item. That is, until they’re not.

Just like with your shop, manufacturers also need to manage their inventories. So, a string that may be among your top sellers may be at the bottom with the manufacturer, so they discontinue it to make room for something new. This means you need to regularly re-evaluate your inventory.

At least once a year, evaluate what is moving and what is not. This gives you a great opportunity to look at new introductions and see what may fill a need or be a good replacement for some of those slow movers.

But, with so many strings on the market, how do you choose?

The USRSA String Selector Tool, available to USRSA members at www.RacquetTech.com, is the best place to seek those answers. Even though a string may have been discontinued, it will still be in the USRSA database. To find similar strings, simply find the string on the

drop-down menu of the String Selector Tool and then choose “about the same” in each of the three categories, and the result will be a list of all the strings meeting that criteria. Take a look at new strings and compare them with ones in your inventory. How do they compare on the lab tests? Will they fill a void? These are only a couple of the great uses of the USRSA String Selector Tool. It makes it easy to sort and compare all the strings on the market today so you can provide the best information to your customers.

Not only is the String Selector easy to use, but it also provides pertinent information with specs that have been measured in the USRSA lab, so it’s an “apples to apples” comparison.

While your tried-and-true inventory may be good, you want to look at sales history to make sure those strings are still selling at a reasonable pace. Don’t be afraid to try new strings. Some may work and some may not. String selection for your customers should be an evolving process; their needs are constantly changing, so their equipment needs must be evaluated constantly to provide them with the best set-up.

Even if your string inventory is diverse, you still need to give new introductions a good look to see if something new fills a gap or meets a need. Perhaps something comes along that can replace an old standard simply because it is better priced or is offered by a vendor that you have a better discount structure with. With the USRSA tools available to members, it is easy to make comparisons and evaluations to keep your inventory as relevant as possible.

The lab-test numbers for each string in our String Selector on the facing page and at RacquetTech.com will give you and your customer a good indication of what a new string may have to offer and may help to eliminate having several strings in your inventory that may be too similar. Whether you carry 100 different strings or just 10, you want to be sure your inventory has variety, so you can meet the needs of different players and playing styles.

The chart on the facing page lists 68 strings that are either new to the market or new to our database. The complete database of more than 1,100 strings is available to USRSA members at RacquetTech.com.

2026 STRING SELECTOR

Strings in the USRSA Database

Stiffness values are relative to each other—lower values represent softer strings; higher values represent stiffer strings. Tension loss represents total amount of string relaxation over both time and test impacts.

Restorative Powers

Local advocacy efforts, combined with USTA support, are bringing new life to old courts in Doylestown.

By Mary Helen Sprecher

The problem with older tennis facilities is just that: They look old. The passage of years and the foot traffic from tens of thousands of matches leave their mark. Central Park in Doylestown, Pa., was no stranger to this.

“The four courts were 30 years old,” says Debra Loggia, Tennis Advocacy and Parks Coordinator for USTA Middle States. “And as you can imagine, 30-year-old courts are not going to be in great shape.”

It was clear that a comprehensive rebuild was needed. In addition to renovating the tennis courts, Doylestown wanted to add pickleball and basketball facilities to create a multi-sport complex, furthering the park’s reputation as a community gathering spot.

Assistance with funding for the $13.5 million project came from a number of sources, says Loggia, including $20,000 from USTA Middle States through the Build It Forward grant program. Municipal

bonds also helped to finance the project.

Additional funding came from the USTA’s Tennis Venues Services (TVS), which offers grants to facilities that meet specific requirements for tennis courts.

The $140,000 award from TVS was then matched by the township of Doylestown.

And along the way, notes Loggia, a great deal of advocacy work had to come into play.

“At one point, the park was going to remove two [of the four] tennis courts. Often, people don’t understand how popular tennis is. But these courts, even before renovation, were packed with players.”

And that, she adds, brings up some good advice for those seeking to improve facilities in their own areas.

“We’ve found that if there is going to be a meeting of the parks board or the township when the tennis courts are being discussed, it’s really helpful to have someone there to give the information people need, like details on the use of the courts

and the kind of shape they’re in, how many players there are and what kind of events and programs are being put on. You really need to have the advocates in the room when decisions are being made.”

Also supporting the project and advocating on behalf of the courts was the Bucks County Tennis Association (BCTA), which runs programs at Central Park.

“The Doylestown Township Park and Rec Department has been a terrific partner in providing public park tennis programs for the community,” says BCTA co-founder Barbara Long. “The township’s facilities are true gems. The BCTA was thrilled to help secure USTA funding for the new tennis courts at Central Park.”

Different requirements apply to facilities in need of assistance. To be eligible for TVS support, funding can only be used for tennis facilities, and those facilities must be open to the public. Middle States, says Loggia, also asks about community tennis events and programs when considering funding.

While construction on facilities in Central Park is complete, Loggia says further tennis court amenities, such as lighting, are planned, and that Doylestown expects to hold a grand opening when the weather is warmer. Already, the courts have hosted USTA league play as well as several sanctioned tournaments.

“Doylestown Central Park is a wonderful example of how a public facility can serve as a vibrant community hub,” says Todd Carlson, Senior Director of USTA Tennis Venue Services, Parks & CTAs.

“High-quality courts encourage people not only to play but to stay and engage with the local tennis community. The USTA is proud to support the development of the Doylestown courts, and we encourage other communities to explore the resources and services offered through the TVS program.”

Adds BCTA co-founder Laura Canfield: “We look forward to making the newly renovated site a real hub for delivering fun and fitness to friends and families of all ages through tennis—the world’s healthiest sport!”

Sponsored content. For more on how USTA’s Tennis Venue Services can help your facility or project, visit usta.com/facilities or email facilities@usta.com.

Your Career

Thinking Beyond Tomorrow

A longtime industry professional offers key career advice in his new book, Beyond Hours & Dollars.

By Greg Moran

Editor's Note: Available in the next few months is a new book by longtime industry professional Greg Moran, titled “Beyond Hours & Dollars: A Career Guide for Rackets Professionals.” This unique publication shares the lessons Moran has learned during his almost 50 years in this business.

The book’s nearly 30 chapters cover every aspect of being a professional, and aspiring to be one, in this industry. It shows pros how to design and execute a meaningful and enduring career, offering a candid, practical guide to professionalism, leadership, financial securing and personal growth—on and off the court. And, importantly, it’s all offered for free—Moran is not selling “Beyond Hours & Dollars.” He wants to make it available to anyone interested in starting, growing and improving themselves and their careers. In coming months, look for more information on how to receive “Beyond Hours & Dollars.” Moran can be reached at gmfsrc@optimum.net.

Here, we excerpt Chapter 1.

Iinteract with hundreds of pros each year. During our conversations, I always ask them about their plans for their future. For many, career planning is short-term and short-sighted.

Their primary concern is how many hours they can teach each week and how much they’ll be paid per hour. The paradigm is simple: teach more hours, make more dollars. Next year? Ten years, 20 years from now? They don't think about it, and before they know it, they’re in their 60s and struggling.

In this installment from my book, “Beyond Hours & Dollars,” I hope to help you begin to think about the years to come, professionally, physically and financially.

THE NEXT 45 YEARS

Designing a successful career path begins with developing a long-term vision. Far too many pros focus only on the number of hours they’ll be teaching this week and next. Where will they be in 25 years? The thought never enters their minds.

Think of your career as a progression where your skills continue to expand. Most people begin their careers in their early 20s and work until their mid-60s. Below is a general career progression for a young person just entering the industry.

YOUR 20S

Focus on building your technical skills and knowledge. You may have just finished a great college career or played a bit professionally, but that does not mean you have the skills to be an elite teacher. You likely don’t.

A great teacher is highly educated and able to effectively communicate and motivate their students. They can identify each of their students’ style of learning and adjust their instruction to help them succeed. They have superior ball-feeding skills and much more. Now is the time to learn and develop those skills. Find a mentor—a more experienced pro you can learn from. Begin to build your network.

“In this installment from my book, Beyond Hours & Dollars, I hope to help you begin to think about the years to come, professionally, physically and financially.”

— GREG MORAN

At this point in your career, whether you’re working independently or for an organization, 100 percent of your income will likely be earned on the court.

YOUR 30S

Continue to learn and begin to take on more challenging roles and responsibilities. Work toward leadership positions and finetune your professionalism and management skills.

This is the decade to build your brand. Say yes to everything. Suggest new program ideas to your boss. Don’t wait to be asked. Having been in the industry for a while, you may have developed a passion for a particular type of teaching. Maybe you’d like to specialize in working with high-performance juniors, adults or very young children. Now is the time to move into that area. You may be receiving a small salary, but the majority of your income will still be earned on court.

Perhaps you’ve gotten married, have a family and bigger bills to pay.

If so, be certain to keep an eye on your work-life balance. Our industry offers the potential for a seven-day work-week. More hours on court translates into more money in your paycheck, so it can be tempting to work every day.

Depending upon your personal circumstances, this may initially be a necessity. If so, do all you can to make it a short-term situation. Take days off and make time for your family. If that’s not possible in your current position, look for another job.

As the saying goes, “At the end of their lives, no one wishes they spent more time at the office.” Or, in our case, on the court.

YOUR 40S

You should now be established as a true professional. Perhaps you’ve advanced to a Head Pro or Director position. Being in a position of leadership, the ratio of your income will begin to shift. As a boss, you’ll likely be receiving a salary. To do the job properly, you’ll need to cut back

on teaching to free up hours in your day. Your on-court/off-court income ratio might move to 50/50.

This is good because, in your 40s, your body will begin to remind you of all the time you’ve spent on court. People assume that teaching keeps us in great shape. It’s the opposite; it breaks us down. I had my first knee surgery at 41 and first injection into my elbow at 43. Many more injections and surgeries were to follow.

Your 40s are also the time to establish yourself as an industry expert. You have years of experience. Become known outside of your immediate area. Go to workshops and conventions, get published, offer to speak and continue to build your network. New opportunities might arise.

YOUR 50S

Congratulations, you’re officially an older pro! On the one hand, it’s great. You’re established, experienced and admired as a leader. On the other hand, your body hurts and you’re finding that you can’t teach as many hours as in the past.

As I moved through my 40s, I could easily be on the court 10 hours a day, every day. In my 50s, I could still do that, however, the last two to three hours were a struggle. Ice and Advil became part of my daily routine.

If you’ve planned (and developed) properly, the decline in your body will coincide with the increase in your off-court responsibilities. You’ll have advanced to a position of leadership where your responsibilities will have grown dramatically. You’ll need to teach less (your body will thank you) to have more time during the day to attend to your other responsibilities.

This is where your (on-court/offcourt) income ratio should begin to shift in the other direction. The salary you’ll receive as a Head Professional or Director should more than make up the income you give up by teaching less. At this point in your career, perhaps 70 percent of your income will be earned off the court.

Three Key Takeaways

• Think long-term, not week-to-week. A successful career in racquet sports isn’t built on today’s lesson hours—it’s built on a clear vision of where you want to be in 25+ years.

• Evolve as you age. Your early years should focus on teaching and skillbuilding, your middle years on leadership and brand-building, and later years on mentoring, off-court contributions and financial stability.

• Plan for options later in life. By your 60s, true career success means you have options. You may still be on the court, but it’s because you want to be there— not because you have to.

YOUR 60S AND BEYOND

Thank yourself for the career planning you’ve done. You’ve met the aging challenge and are earning the majority of your income off the court. You still teach, but it’s because you want to, not because you have to. If you want to transition to retirement, you’re financially able to do so. If you’d like to continue to work, with over 40 years of experience, you have much to offer. It’s time to give back. Share your expertise by mentoring younger pros and contributing to the industry. Perhaps you have some passion

projects you’d like to pursue. Your goal at this stage of your career is to have options.

The purpose of this article is to get you to think about the path you want your career to take. Some aspire to become a Head Professional, Director or club owner. Others love to teach and want to spend their careers doing just that. Your ultimate career goal will play a large part in your planning.

As you move through your 60s and beyond, you want to have options. That’s the definition of successful career planning.

Your Serve

TEACHING PROS

Court Appearances

How learning to play and teach pickleball made me a better tennis coach and player.

By Dave Kensler

The first time I played pickleball, about seven years ago, I was in an hour-long group clinic. Halfway through, the instructor announced, “OK, we’re ready to play now.”

I’m a longtime tennis player and have been coaching tennis for more than 40 years, but that one short sentence from my pickleball instructor completely changed my trajectory as a coach.

My first reaction was, “You mean play, as in points and keeping score? After only 30 minutes?” Once that was confirmed, I thought, nobody in their first hour of learning tennis or golf ever plays a set or 18 holes.

Then I thought back to when I first played organized basketball in the sixth grade. In the first practice we “scrimmaged”—running up and down the floor “playing” basketball. And it was fun, despite the fact we could do none of the fundamentals well, if at all.

I continued taking pickleball clinics for a few more months while playing, too. Then it was time to return to my tennis coaching position at a seasonal resort in Palm Desert, Calif., where I introduced a pickleball program. While still relatively new to the sport, I was confident my decades of teaching tennis would transition well to providing pickleball instruction—and I was right.

Here’s what I’ve learned from pickleball that makes me a better tennis coach and player:

• My net game improved significantly. Hundreds of points played in the kitchen sharpened my reaction time and enhanced my quickness.

• Noticeable improvement with touch and angles at the net, especially my half-volley, which has never been better. All those “dinks” I had to return made a big difference.

• Because so many pickleball points are played with all four players up at the kitchen line, my footwork, balance and agility at the net all improved.

• Without a doubt, the biggest change in my approach to teaching tennis, which continues to this day, was to introduce “playing” almost from the first lesson. Give people an idea of how to play tennis vs. prioritizing how to hit the ball. In other words, who cares if they foot

fault, double fault or let the ball bounce twice? What does it matter if you use 1-2-3-4 for scoring instead of traditional scoring? You can always “tighten up” issues as you go along.

Much to my delight, my tennis students have embraced a “let’s play now and learn techniques as we go along” approach. This also reflects the time frame we are in for how people learn. They have a “click” and “result” mentality; very visual learning.

• Because of this approach, I’ve had to create new and different tennis drills as well as words and phrases to use. It is never a bad thing to shed the “same old, same old” and move forward.

• Since a big advantage of pickleball is the opportunity to play almost immediately, my order of presenting tennis to students has changed. Instead of, for instance, groundstrokes, footwork and grips for a beginner first lesson, I often will introduce serve and return of serve to gauge how they can “play.”

For most of our students, tennis and pickleball are what they do with their leisure time. Finding ways where the two sports can complement and enhance each other is key to keeping people on the court and engaged.

Whether you teach pickleball, tennis or other shortcourt racquet/paddle sports, you want to keep your customers happy, exercising, learning and having fun— and coming back to you for more!

DAVE KENSLER had a long career with Peter Burwash International and now resides in his hometown of Eugene, Ore., where he is a part-time tennis instructor at the local YMCA and an assistant tennis coach for the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams at his former high school. He can be contacted at dk4tennis@gmail.com

We welcome opinions and comments. Email peter@acepublishinggroup.com.

Ramona Husaru |RSPA Chief Development Officer

The beginning of a new year naturally invites reflection and forward planning. As the calendar turns, we set goals, seek motiva tion and envision the year ahead. It’s also an opportunity to examine our true aspirations and make intentional choices that move us closer to them. For many of us, this reflection includes redefining our role and purpose in a profession that looks very different from when we first started.

Becoming a More Complete Professional Redefining our Role and Purpose

in the Changing World of Racquet Sports

manage a larger team or step into a leadership role can trigger self‑doubt: What if I’m not good at this? What if I lose credibility? What if I’m exposed as inexperienced?

A Mindset Shift

Most of us entered this industry through a single sport. We trained as tennis players, became teaching profes sionals and built our expertise around the game. Today, that clarity can feel blurred. The racquet sports landscape has expanded. Pickleball has explod ed and padel is growing rapidly, while platform tennis and squash continue to strengthen. Emerging sports like pop tennis and others are also gain ing momentum. As a result, job roles are broader, expectations higher and leadership positions often demand skills we didn’t anticipate needing. One of the most common sources of hesitation when stepping into something new is the gap between what feels familiar and the responsibilities we’re now expected to manage. Being asked to oversee new programs, lead a different racquet sport,

Change is difficult and hesitation is a natural response. As coaches, directors and leaders, we’re accustomed to being competent, confident and in control. New responsibilities can challenge that sense of certainty. A fixed mindset says, “This isn’t what I’m good at,” while a growth mindset asks, “What can I learn from this? What new strengths can I gain?” Embracing a growth mindset means approaching unfamiliar things with curiosity and openness, trusting that you can develop the skills needed for new responsibilities. Each new task becomes an opportunity to expand your skills, deepen your expertise and become a more complete, versatile professional.

more complete players who can adapt to different opponents and situations, coach es, directors and leaders benefit from adopting the same mindset.

Throughout our careers, we have all faced moments where we had to step into unfamiliar territory, whether it was transitioning from playing to teaching, working with a new age group or skill level, managing a program we’d never run before, navigating difficult member con versations or overseeing staff and budgets. Each experience strengthened our skills, deepened our expertise and shaped us into more complete professionals with a broader perspective.

Stepping into something new always carries uncertainty, but that’s where growth happens. Just as we teach players to expand their game, stretch beyond their comfort zone and become

As the racquet sports landscape continues to evolve, higher level roles require a broader vision and versatile skill set to manage multiple racquet sport programs, lead larger staff, oversee bigger budgets and take on expanded operational responsibilities. Developing new abilities is essential for growth, shaping us into more complete professionals and prepar ing us for roles of greater responsibility and influence. In doing so, we expand our impact and continue moving our careers forward.

Purpose at the Center

Change can bring hesitation, but clarity comes from reconnecting with our purpose. As we navigate new responsibil ities and expanded roles, grounding our selves in why we do this work becomes even more essential. Purpose looks different for each of us yet often shares common threads. Ask yourself:

1.

Why am I in this profession?

2.

What truly matters to me?

3. What impact do I want to create?

Financial rewards may be import ant, but they are often most meaningful as a byproduct of work that aligns with our values. When we stay anchored in purpose, learning something new doesn’t diminish our expertise, it expands our reach. Even as roles grow and sports evolve, the heart of the profession remains the same. As coaches, directors and leaders in racquet sports, we impact people’s lives through the experiences we create. We promote healthy, active lifestyles, foster social connection, build community and teach life skills that last a lifetime. Tennis, pickleball, padel and other racquet sports are simply vehicles. We develop players not only to perform at a high level, but to become confident,

respectful and resilient individuals prepared for life beyond sport. We create environments where people feel welcome and included, where families spend time together, friendships form and confidence grows. Through these experiences, players develop not only technical skills but also character, focus, communication, accountability and problem‑solving abilities that extend far beyond the court. For many, this growth opens doors to college scholarships and education, equipping them with values that last a lifetime. Anchored in purpose, we’re reminded that our work is bigger than any single sport or program, it’s about the lasting impact we create.

The racquet sports profession will continue to change. New programs will emerge, trends will shift and expectations will evolve. What remains within our control is how we respond, whether we retreat into what’s familiar

or step forward with purpose and curios ity. As we begin this year with reflection and intention, let that same clarity guide you through the months ahead. Stay grounded in your purpose, the lives you impact, the communities you build and the legacy you’re creating. Embrace the discomfort that comes with learning and trying something new, knowing that on the other side of uncertainty lies ex panded capability, deeper influence and greater opportunity.

Takeaways to Succeed in Our Industry

Molly Card-Beckmann, RSPA Vice President

I’d like to take a minute to thank the RSPA membership for selecting me to serve on the RSPA National Board.

This is truly a full-circle moment for me. I previously served a term from 2010 to 2012 as the Midwest USPTA president, and even then I knew I wanted to continue giving back to this amazing organization. Thirteen years after serving our Midwest Division, I’m grateful to have the opportunity once again.

I see myself as representing all of our membership. Being a female professional gives me a different lens through which I view our work, our challenges and our opportunities. I plan to bring that perspective forward to help our association grow in meaningful ways.

ences, the World Racquets Conference and the smaller local conferences opened my eyes to new teaching methods, program-building strategies and the broader landscape of our profession.

who laid the groundwork for younger pros like me at the time. They were a strong, determined group who led the way and their influence still matters.

When I think about what the RSPA has done for me as a professional, the list is long. As a young professional right out of college, I was admittedly naïve about what it truly took to succeed in this industry. Attending our Midwest confer-

But more than anything, the networking at these events has been one of the most valuable gifts this association has given me.

Along the way, I also realized there were fewer women in the room than I had hoped to see. I want to acknowledge and thank the women in the Midwest

I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to work alongside outstanding male RSPA pros and club pros—the people I’ve been in the trenches with day in and day out. Their support, collaboration and camaraderie have shaped me just as much.

If there’s one takeaway I’d like to share, it’s this: surround yourself with a wide variety of pros and industry leaders. Each person brings something different to the table, and those differences will help shape you into a stronger, more well-rounded leader.

And to the female pros out there— keep showing up, keep raising your hand and keep stepping into spaces where your voice matters. Our industry needs your perspective, your leadership and your presence.

Growing Our RSPA Community: Pathways for Women to Lead and Serve

Kristin Schneiderman | RSPA Education and Certification Senior Manager

The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) thrives because of people who choose to show up, lead and uplift others along the way. As the racquet sports industry continues to evolve, women play an essential role in shaping the next generation of professionals. There are many opportunities to get involved, as your experience, perspective and leadership are a valuable part of our organization. Engagement in the RSPA begins with community. When women step into leadership roles, the entire industry benefits. Involvement strengthens local programs, inspires others and creates spaces where more women are supported and encouraged to lead. Getting involved within the RSPA community does not require having all the answers. It starts with a willingness to contribute and give back. The RSPA is made up of 17 domestic divisions, and your division is where meaningful impact happens. Getting involved at the divisional level allows members to influence professional development, support regional events and help guide local initiatives. Divisions rely on the involvement of engaged professionals to serve locally and contribute to ongoing work.

Becoming active within your division is one of the most effective ways to engage with the RSPA. Division leaders, including executive directors, presidents and vice presidents, are invaluable points of connection and support with your racquet sports journey. Attending meetings and expressing interest in involvement helps build these relationships. Women are encouraged to step forward at every level. Divisions are supported by districts and regions, offering multiple pathways for local service and leadership. Increased participation from women strengthens representation and supports critical growth across the association. Service on a local committee provides opportunities to grow and give back while ensuring women’s voices are part of the conversation at all organizational levels. For those looking to give back in a meaningful way, becoming a coach developer is a powerful opportunity. Coach developers lead certification workshops and mentor the next generation of RSPA certified professionals. This role

plays a critical part in shaping the future of racquet sports. Eligibility requires Elite Professional certification and active involvement within your division.

At the national level, members can engage through educational webinars that connect professionals from across the country. These programs support continued learning and cover topics such as member benefits, coaching, operations, leadership, and career development. The World Racquet Conferences (WRC) is the RSPA’s spotlight professional development event and will be held in Dallas, Texas, in September 2026. WRC brings professionals together for education, networking and recognition, and represents one of the most impactful ways to engage with the association. Women’s participation is vital to the event’s success, not only as attendees but also as staff, speakers, panelists, content providers and honorees. Professional development is a power-

ful tool for strengthening your skills and getting more involved in your racquet sports community. Local area meetings provide opportunities to learn, connect and contribute. These meetings facilitate conversation, shared learning and support, and are a great entry into involvement within your division.

Division conferences and education events offer professional development opportunities within your area. Division events bring professionals together to create space for women to share and strengthen their knowledge and build connections within the industry. Women with area expertise are encouraged to apply to be speakers. Participating as an RSPA speaker not only elevates your career but also inspires others who have the opportunity to learn from your experience. Another way to disseminate your knowledge is to submit quick tip videos. quick tips are shared by the RSPA online and showcase a wide variety of our coaches nationwide.

education credits is one way to get more involved within the RSPA.

The Education Achievers program recognizes members who earn 18 or more professional development credits in a year, with multiple levels of recognition. Top Education Achievers are honored at the World Racquets Conference, celebrating our members’ commitment to professional and personal growth.

themselves and their communities.

Staying engaged can begin with small, intentional steps. Prioritizing professional development and submitting

Networking is one of the most valuable outcomes of RSPA involvement. Certifications, division events and national programs create opportunities to build meaningful professional relationships and elevate connections. When women actively partic-

ipate in these spaces, they help create stronger networks of support, which can open doors for future opportunities for

This article is an invitation to attend a local area meeting, volunteer at professional development events, apply to speak within your division and lead by example. No matter where you start, your involvement creates an impact. By engaging in the RSPA, you are not only investing in your own professional growth, but helping build a stronger, more inclusive future for racquet sports.

To learn more about opportunities within the association, visit RSPA.net, follow RSPAHQ and your local RSPA Division on social media or contact education@rspa.net.

Making Space: Women Leaders Advancing Adaptive and Inclusive Tennis

Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix | Love Serving Austism CEO & Director of Programs and Clinical Services

Adaptive tennis is not new, but meaningful access to it still is. For years, clubs across the country have expressed a desire to be more inclusive. They want to serve athletes with disabilities, welcome neurodiverse families and reflect the communities they sit within. Yet good intentions alone do not create access. Inclusion requires structure, training and leadership willing to rethink how programs are designed and delivered.

Adaptive tennis can be led by coaches of all genders, and its growth depends on diverse leadership. This Women’s Month, however, we are intentionally highlighting the role of women leaders and coaches, whose work in adaptive and inclusive programming is often quiet, underfunded and overlooked, yet foundational to long-term success.

At Love Serving Autism, we have seen firsthand that inclusion becomes sustainable when it is operationalized— not added on.

Inclusion Starts With How We Define Capacity

One of the most common concerns clubs raise is space. “We don’t have the courts.” “Our schedule is full.” But capacity is rarely just about court availability. It is about how space is prioritized and who that space is designed to serve.

Adaptive tennis does not require

large-scale facility changes or additional courts. Many programs thrive using a single court, smaller group sizes and shorter, structured sessions. Off-peak hours—often overlooked—can become consistent points of access for athletes and families who are eager to participate.

Women coaches are often the ones identifying these opportunities. They see where flexibility exists, where families can be supported and how small shifts can create meaningful access. This is not about taking space away from existing programs. It is about making room for more people to belong.

Adaptive Programming Should Be Integrated, Not Isolated

When adaptive programs are scheduled as one-offs or pushed to the edges of the calendar, the message—intentional or not—is that these athletes are secondary.

True inclusion happens when adaptive tennis is built into the weekly rhythm of the club. Consistent scheduling creates trust. Families know when to show up. Athletes know they are expected. Staff understand that inclusion is part of the club’s identity, not an exception.

Women leaders often play a critical role in advocating for this integration. They understand that visibility matters for athletes and for the coaches delivering the programs. When women are seen leading adaptive tennis alongside traditional programming, it reinforces that inclusive leadership is valued and necessary.

Coaching Is Only One Piece of the Experience

Adaptive programming does not succeed on coaching alone. The experience begins the moment a family walks through the door—or often before that, with the first phone call or email.

Front-desk staff, operations teams, and facility managers all play a role in determining whether families feel welcome or overwhelmed. Clear communication, patience and consistency matter. Policies around arrivals, transitions and sensory considerations matter.

Women coaches often become informal educators within clubs, helping staff under-

stand adaptive needs, inclusive language, and how to support families navigating sport spaces for the first time. When clubs invest in training all staff, adaptive programs become more consistent, professional, and sustainable.

Inclusion is not a single role. It is a shared responsibility.

Operational Details Matter More Than We Think

Adaptive tennis often uses modified equipment, visual supports and flexible court layouts. These details are not extras—they are essential tools for access. Programs run best when equipment is easy to locate, setup time is accounted for and transitions between sessions are planned. When these operational pieces are in place, coaches can focus on instruction, relationship-building and athlete confidence rather than logistics.

Women leaders are often the ones building these systems—quietly ensuring programs run smoothly and respectfully. Thoughtful preparation communicates professionalism and professionalism builds trust.

Rethinking Financial Sustainability

Adaptive tennis is sometimes viewed through a narrow financial lens. It may not maximize per-court revenue in the short term, but it generates longterm value that traditional models often overlook.

Inclusive programs build community trust. They strengthen relationships with families, schools, healthcare providers and local organizations. As new family members are exposed to the sport, additional revenue opportunities naturally follow—

including private lessons, group clinics, camps, leagues and related programming for siblings, parents, and caregivers.

These programs open doors to partnerships, sponsorships,and grant funding. They create loyal members who stay because they feel seen and supported and who invest in a wider range of offerings over time.

Women-led programs frequently excel in this space because they are relationship-driven by nature. Sustainability is not about volume alone—it is about impact, retention, diversified programming and alignment with mission.

Partnerships Are Not Optional—They Are Essential

No club needs to build adaptive programming alone. Partnerships reduce operational strain, expand reach and improve program quality.

At Love Serving Autism, we have seen how collaboration strengthens clubs—by providing coach education, program frameworks and community connections. Women leaders are often at the center of these partnerships, coordinating efforts and ensuring alignment between mission and operations.

Strong partnerships allow clubs to do more with the resources they already have.

Designing for Growth, Not Perfection

Adaptive programming is not static. Athletes grow. Needs change. Programs evolve.

Successful initiatives are built with flexibility in mind. They are piloted, evaluated and refined over time. Women leaders often model this adaptive approach—listening to families, adjusting structures and responding to feedback without losing sight of long-term goals.

Progress, not perfection, is what sustains inclusion.

Inclusion Is a Strategic Choice

Making space for adaptive tennis is both a moral and strategic commitment. Clubs that embed inclusion into daily operations become more resilient, more relevant and more connected to their communities.

Adaptive tennis can be led by anyone. This Women’s Month, we are intentionally recognizing the women who are doing the work of building access from the ground up—often without recognition, often without additional resources, but always with purpose.

Inclusion does not happen by accident. It happens when leaders—many of them women—are empowered to create space, challenge assumptions and lead with intention.

That is how access becomes lasting.

CERTIFICATION CALENDAR PREVIEW

MARCH

MARCH

APRIL 2026

APRIL

The No. 1 Ball on Tour The No. 1 Ball on Tour

Article Provided by Dunlop Tennis

Dunlop has firmly established itself as the No. 1 Ball on Tour, trusted by the world’s best players and showcased on the biggest stages of professional tennis. As the official ball of the ATP Tour, Dunlop delivers unmatched consistency, durability and performance match after match, meeting the exacting standards of top professionals. Engineered with premium materials and rigorously tested, Dunlop balls provide exceptional feel, control and reliability, making them the clear choice for competition at the highest level. From practice courts to championship finals, Dunlop continues to set the benchmark for excellence on tour.

Official Ball of the U.S. Hard Court Spring Swing

\ Dunlop is the official ball of the U.S. Hard Court Spring Swing, delivering consistent, tour-level performance at every stop along this crucial stretch of the season. From the indoor courts in Dallas to the hard courts of Delray Beach, taking in the heat of Acapulco, and the iconic events at Indian Wells and Miami, players experience the same trusted feel and reliability week after week. By providing uniform performance across these varied environments, Dunlop ensures continuity and confidence for players throughout this swing of tournaments.

Official Ball of the Sunshine Double

The Sunshine Double represents one of the most demanding stretches of the tennis calendar, with Indian Wells and Miami played back-to-back as premier hard-court events that test consistency, endurance and adaptability. Dunlop’s long-standing role as the official ball of the Miami Open has cemented its presence at one half of this iconic double and this year marks a milestone as Dunlop showcases at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells for the first time. By holding the official ball sponsorship at both events, Dunlop proves that its balls meet the highest standards across varied conditions, delivering the finest performance when it matters most.

Official Ball of ATP Masters

Dunlop has solidified its position as the ball of choice at the highest levels of men’s tennis, serving as the official ball at six of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events. This includes Indian Wells and Miami in the United States, as well as Europe’s premier tournaments on clay and hard courts: Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Paris. By providing consistent, high-performance balls across such a diverse set of tournaments, spanning different surfaces, climates and playing conditions, Dunlop demonstrates why it is trusted by the world’s top players and continues to be recognized as the finest ball in professional tennis.

Supporting WTA Tournaments

Dunlop is proud to be the official ball of multiple WTA events around the world, including the ATX Open, as well as two of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, Indian Wells and the Miami Open in the U.S. The events use the Grand Prix Regular Duty ball to differentiate from the men’s tour. By delivering consistent, high-quality performance across these events, Dunlop ensures players can compete at their best at every point, whether in the fast-paced action of Texas or on the world stage in California and Florida. Trusted by top professionals, Dunlop balls provide the reliability, control and exceptional feel that make them the preferred choice for elite women’s tennis.

NO.1 BALL ON TOUR

OFFICIAL BALL OF RSPA TENNIS COACHING

RECYCLABLE PAPER LID MADE FROM 30% RECYCLED PLASTIC

Linda Gordon | RSPA

Director of Membership

Extra! Extra! Updates to your Membership Benefits

The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) offers a holistic membership that provides certification, professional development, careers and community. As part of your membership, we offer a variety of benefits that we feel help assist your career development, like one membership that covers up to five racquet sports certifications, personal on court liability insurance and the ability to purchase additional policies, events, mentorship opportunities, free webinars, online courses and the RSPA Job Board. And those are just offerings provided by RSPA. Our endorsees also offer incredible benefits to provide business and coaching tools, gear and apparel and court and facility products.

We are excited to welcome Völkl Tennis to the RSPA as our official tennis racquet equipment supplier! In the 1970s, Völkl took their knowledge from nearly 50 years in engineering skis through working with wood and other composite materials to introduce tennis racquets. Used by legends like Petr

Korda, Boris Becker and John McEnroe, members are now able to purchase racquets, strings, bags and accessories at 30% off MSRP. You can visit their website at www.volkltennis.com and even look at the Racquet Selector section to determine, based on your player and racquet profile, which one is best for you! Völkl is also offering a tiered proshop resale program, all of this to show their dedication in supporting the RSPA professionals in matching equipment to individual playing styles, physical needs and skill levels, rather than relying on generic recommendations. Together, we are bringing the game-changing Three T Factor to students—technique, tactics and technology.

In other exciting news, the RSPA partnership with Tennis Warehouse has expanded; they are now the official online retailer of the RSPA! With this revamped agreement, members now receive 30% off footwear and apparel brands as well as 20% off equipment* (including racquets, strings, bags, etc.) across Tennis Warehouse, Padel Ware-

house and Pickleball Warehouse. With Tennis, Pickleball and Padel Warehouse becoming our official online retailers, this expands the brands that members get to choose from for their on-court needs and allows for our pickleball and padel certified members to be able to have access to unbeatable prices for paddles and racquets, over-grips, bags and more. Visit www.tennis-warehouse.com/ rspa to unlock your benefits today!

We are grateful to be partnered with brands that we feel are the best in providing our members with all the tools they need to excel at what they do every day. If you are a member already, these benefits and many more, are accessible as you are reading this. Ensuring your membership is in good standing prevents any lapses in access, so just make sure that your 2026 membership dues have been renewed and that you are up to date with your continuing education credits! If you are a non-member reading this interested in learning what it takes to get certified with the leading certifying body for professionals across five racquet sports, visit RSPA. net or reach out to our membership team at membership@rspa. net or by calling 407634-3050, option 2. We are happy to assist in any way we can!

*Some manufacturer restrictions apply

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President. Mark Faber

First Vice President Kevin Theos

Vice Presidents ..Molly Card-Beckmann, Jenny Gray, Milos Vasovic, Mel McRee and Scott Burton

Immediate Past President Trish Faulkner

CEO & Contributing Editor Brian Dillman

Legal Counsel George Parnell