SOCAL SOCAL SO CAL
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF RSPA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
DISTRICT PRESIDENTS DISTRICT PRESIDENTS
DISTRICT 2 (currently open)
Mika Sakvarelidze contact@mikastennisacademy com (310) 945-6805
DISTRICT 4 Ivana King ivana.king@gmail.com (562) 900-9251
DISTRICT 5
Michael Chantos michaelchantos@gmail.com (562) 472-5385 DISTRICT 3
Billy Kim billykim.coach@gmail.com (213) 703-3324
DISTRICT 6
Wendi Eusebio weusebio.servingadvantage@gmail.com (818) 522-6705
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Simon Paek
Spring has sprung here in Southern California, and your SoCal Division Board has been hard at work for you, our great members We wrapped up our first district event of the year at Burbank Tennis Center, with a Live Ball Drill Sharing event in March where pros came together to share some of their favorite live ball drills with one another. The morning ended with a networking lunch in the Clubhouse Café, and a great informative time was had by all in attendance. Big shout out to RSPA member and one of two managers at Burbank TC, Michael Bennett for hosting us.
The main focus of the Board since the first of the year has been on the upcoming Division Conference May 3-4 at the Burbank Tennis Center. The theme this year is “Five Racquet Sports – One SoCal Passion” as we celebrate all the racquet sports that the RSPA has to offer. Although our focus will remain on Tennis, Padel, Pickleball, Squash and our newest sport, TYPTI will also be represented on the list of seminars offered at this year’s conference.
Our Division Conference had record-breaking numbers last year with 130 attendees. The cost of the two-day conference is $75 (members) $85 (non-members); daily rates will also be available and those last-minute walkins can sign up on site. We will once again provide 2 lunches and 1 dinner, along with snacks and drinks throughout the 2 days as well as provide the same goodie bag that everyone rightfully looks forward to receiving each year. As part of the goodie bag this year we are offering a double steel insulated hot/cold 37 oz tumbler valued at $59 – the cost of what each attendee receives surpasses the $75 registration fee! But don’t come for the goodie bag alone, come for the networking and education – full conference attendees will receive enough education points to fulfill their 3-year cycle. Also come check out the latest and greatest racquets equipment from all your favorite manufacturers, including our latest National Racquet Endorsee, VOLKL along with others like, DUNLOP, HEAD, WILSON, YONEX, BABOLAT just to mention a few. We are fortunate enough to have another National Endorsee, Court Reserve alongside Vita Hustle who will be providing refreshments throughout the conference hours. Registration links can be found on our social media threads as well as rspa.net. Please follow RSPASoCal on Instagram and Facebook and find the link that way. More social media blasts as well as another email will go out soon.
Although we have an incredible lineup of speakers and topics, a few notables will be:
Tim Schnaible and Sam Querrey will be sharing the court presenting on “Junior Development to Pros: The Sam Querrey Journey”
I will be having an intimate conversation with SoCal Tennis Legend Peter Smith
Gabriel Jacob and I will be moderating a panel of notables from Tennis, Pickleball, Padel, Squash and TYPTI – “Five Racquet Sports, ONE SoCal Passion.”
RSPA Southwest President, Dr. Greg Prudhomme presenting on “Career Path from Instructor to General Manager.”
Our Annual Division Awards will of course be presented again during our conference. I hope you will join all of us to help celebrate the best of the best of the RSPA SoCal Division!
Education, networking, communication and certification will be the cornerstone of YOUR Division Board’s focus.
We will continue to strive to create educational opportunities for our members to grow and lead in an everchanging racquets’ world. As education is important for personal and professional development, I feel that networking is just as important in pursuit of this growth. As we grow, our need to be able to better communicate these opportunities to our members becomes invaluable. As such, we will be partnering with one of our endorsees, String Ping, a standardized communication system (texting platform) so that we can become more effective in how we communicate with our members. Finally, Certification becomes a critical factor in providing a vehicle to bringing in new members into our great association and in turn our SoCal Division. We currently offer approximately 20 certifications annually which include Level 1 and 2 (Tennis), Pickleball as well as Padel. The certification team certainly is busy!
Also in an ever growing effort to continue to strive to bring the best opportunities to our membership, we offered a RSPA SoCal Division Virtual Townhall Meeting on April 6, 2026 where members received up-to-date division information on membership numbers, finances, and future events, and they got to know board members, but most importantly, they were able to ask questions, make suggestions, and voice their opinions.
There is so much that we as the SoCal Division can be proud of in this past year. For the first time ever (to the best of my knowledge), we became the Division of the Year – that’s right, bragging rights for the best of the 17 divisions! We increased our membership by 15% in 2025 as well as taking home the Championship Belt at the World Conference in Kona last September. Growing our membership doesn’t just happen; YOUR Division Board is dedicated to bringing YOU, the SoCal Division Member, the best RSPA Member Experience possible.
Finally, it’s with great pride that I introduce two new additions to our hard-working board: District 2 President, Mika Sakvarelidze and District 3 President, Ivana King – both individuals come from a very diverse background in racquet sports and will have positive impact to the SoCal Division. Although not part of the official SoCal Board, we have also brought on board Anna Sakvarelidze as D2 Vice President and Dr. Judy Chung as D6 Vice President. Lastly, I’d like to introduce Jeff Melnick who will be volunteering with some of our Division and District Events.
As you may know, all Division Board members, including myself, are volunteers. All of us have full-time jobs and serving the RSPA SoCal Division certainly is both a PASSION and HONOR. Having said that, if you feel you have the time and energy to serve, we are actively seeking a District I President (Camarillo and North into the 805) as well as Vice Presidents for D1, D3, D4, and D5. If you feel the calling, please reach out to me with a cover letter and resume. All SoCal Division Board Members’ contact information can be found in the first couple of pages of the newsletter.
It is my sincerest hope to be able to connect with each one of you at a future event. Please don’t hesitate to say hello, even if it’s just in passing. WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!
Hello Colleagues!
VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
EL JACOB
Gabriel Jacob
We’re already in the second quarter of the year, and it feels like we just rang in the New Year. I’d like to take a moment to highlight your membership benefits and explain how to use them, so you can take full advantage of everything available to you.
Please visit RSPA.net to explore all your benefits.
ONE MEMBERSHIP. FIVE CERTIFICATIONS. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITY.
You shouldn’t have to pay five times to grow your career. With the RSPA, you don’t.
As a member, you unlock access to certification in all five racquet sports tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis with no extra membership fee for each sport. Just pay the workshop fee and you’re on your way.
One yearly membership covers ALL racquet sports
Only pay the workshop fee no additional membership fees
Certify in one sport or all five as your career evolves
No other organization offers this kind of access
Liability Insurance
As a RSPA member you are covered. $6 million in Liability insurance across the US., Canada, and territories.
LEARN FROM THE BEST. BECOME THE BEST
NONSTOP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
RSPA gives you access to the #1 online education platform in racquet sports and that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re sharpening your skills or earning your next credential, the RSPA is with you every step of the way.
Unlimited access to TennisResources.com
Free webinars and monthly workshops
CEUs tracked automatically
Member discounts to the World Racquet Conference
Specialist degrees + certification pathways
You can also purchase insurance for facilities and for on-court teaching staff who are not otherwise insured.
RSPA is your fast track to a professional network that spans 14,000+ pros, coaches, and leaders in tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis.
Attend national + regional events
Find a mentor or become one
Share, vent, and grow in private online forums
Our RSPA SoCal is on track to host more than 15 district events this year, including our annual Conference scheduled for May 3–4, 2026 Be sure to stay alert for notifications about events near you by following us on social media I’m looking forward to seeing you soon
I will highlight a couple of more areas; however, there are many more benefits which the RSPA offers, so please go to RSPA net to explore each of these areas in detail
Hero’s Discount
The RSPA is proud to offer a 25% heroes discount for active and former military, active first responders, active licensed teachers, for your annual dues renewal To utilize this discount for future renewals kindly send a valid ID badge or certificate to membership@rspa net and they will annotate your account Thank you for all you do!
Lastly, I would like to highlight a couple of our Brand Partner Benefits. These are members only perks backed by the brands that believe in you:
The RSPA trusted brand partners are more than sponsors-they are invested in your success. Every single partnership brings you real savings, exclusive access, or career-building tools to support your journey on and off the court. For example
Volkl Tennis: Equipment 30%
Tennis, Pickleball and Padel Warehouse: Apparel 30%, Equipment 20%
This is just a small sample of our brand partners there are many more offering outstanding discounts on their products, and I personally take advantage of them often. When you visit this page, you can simply click on a partner resource, and you’ll be instantly linked to their website to register and start using your member benefits. Take advantage of these offers today by visiting rspa.net. (Visit the Member’s Benefits page
1ST VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE EVAN PARRY
Greetings, RSPA SoCal members!
Your board has been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for what promises to be another outstanding division conference at Burbank Tennis Center on May 3rd and 4th. This annual event is always a special opportunity for our members to come together, reconnect with colleagues, share ideas, and continue growing as professionals in our industry. We’re especially excited about all that this year’s conference will offer, from valuable educational sessions to meaningful networking opportunities and, of course, our annual division awards. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who took the time to nominate a fellow member for recognition. It is always inspiring to see our community celebrate the dedication, leadership, and impact of its peers, and we look forward to announcing this year’s deserving winners.
On a personal note, this has been a very busy and rewarding season for me. As a college tennis coach and teaching professional, I’ve been focused on coaching both my men’s and women’s teams at Chapman University while also continuing to train several junior players. Working with athletes at different stages of their development is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do. Whether it’s helping college players compete at a high level or supporting juniors as they build their skills and confidence, I’m constantly reminded of how meaningful our work is as tennis professionals.
I’ve also had the privilege of helping guide some of my former students and college players through the RSPA tennis certification process. Watching them take this important step in their professional journey has been incredibly rewarding. It gives me a great sense of optimism to see the next generation of coaches and racquet sports professionals stepping forward with energy, passion, and a commitment to excellence. Our industry continues to grow stronger when we invest in mentoring and supporting those who will help lead it into the future, and I’m excited to see the mark this generation will make.
As we move further into the year, I also want to remind everyone to stay on top of your education credits and membership requirements. Continuing education is such an important part of maintaining our standards as professionals and ensuring that we continue to serve our players, students, and facilities at the highest level. Attending the conference in May is a great way to earn several credits while also gaining fresh insights and practical takeaways from fellow members and presenters. If you’re unsure how many credits you still need, or if you’d like to verify that your Safe Play status is current, please be sure to log into your RSPA profile and review your information. You can also reach out directly to membership@rspa.net for assistance.
We appreciate all that you do for racquet sports in Southern California and beyond I hope to see many of you at the conference in May for a weekend of learning, connection, and celebration
TREASURER’S MESSAGE
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Matthew Jones
EL JACOB
OneSoCal,ManyCourts,SharedMomentum
FromSanClementetoSanLuisObispo,RSPASoCalmembersareleadingthewayintennis,pickleball,padel, andemergingracquetsports,whilekeepingprofessionaldevelopment,connection,andcommunityatthecenter ofitall.
AsIlookacrossourdivisionthisspring,I’mstruckbyhowmuchenergyisbuildingacrossourSouthernCalifornia territory.FromSanClementetoSanLuisObispo,ourmembersareteaching,leading,hosting,mentoring,and adapting in ways that reflect the very best of RSPA SoCal. What I appreciate most, especially in my role as treasurer, is that our momentum is not simply about a full calendar. It is about member value, professional development,andbuildingaracquet-sportscommunitythatisbothsustainableandforward-looking.
RSPASoCal:AStrongQ2StartsWithOurMembers
Forme,Q2beginswithasimplereminder:ourdivisionisstrongestwhenwecreateopportunitiesformembersto learnfromoneanotherandstayconnected.Thatcommitmenthasalreadybeenevidentthisspring.OnMarch30, ourDistrict1&2EducationEventfocusedonlive-balldrillsandpracticalon-courtsharingdesignedtohelp professionalsbringfreshideasdirectlybacktotheirprograms.OnApril6,thefreeSoCalVirtualTownHallgave members the opportunity to connect directly with division leadership, better understand the value of membership,andengageinlivediscussion.Then,onMay3–4,ourSouthernCaliforniaDivisionConferenceat BurbankTennisCenterbringsustogetherunderathemethatfeelsespeciallytimely:“FiveSports,ONESoCal Passion.”
Thatconferencethemematters.Itcapturesexactlywheremanyofourprofessionalsaretoday.Tennisremains our foundation, but more and more of our members are working in multi-sport environments that include pickleball,padel,squash,andevennewerformatslikeTYPTI.Thevalueofourconferenceisnotjustthatitbrings five sports into one conversation; it is that it does so with coaching growth, leadership development, and meaningfulnetworkingatthecenter.Fromaboardperspective,thatkindofprogrammingisoneoftheclearest waysweinvestinourmembersandinthefuturestrengthofourdivision.
OrangeCounty:Scale,Energy,andOpportunity
Inthesouthernpartofourterritory,OrangeCountycontinuestodemonstratewhatstrongdemandandstrong organizationcanlooklikeatscale.TheCAPAOrangeCountyChampionship,setforApril18–19atLosCabSports ClubinFountainValley,isbeingpromotedasCalifornia’slargestpickleballtournament,withmorethan1,300 participants,70divisions,and51courts.ForRSPASoCalmembers,eventslikethisaremorethantournament headlines. They are real examples of how programming, scheduling, staffing, player experience, and facility activationareevolvinginthecurrentracquet-sportsmarket.
ThatisonereasonIthinkOrangeCountyremainssuchanimportantpartoftheconversationinourdivision.The regionreflectsthekindoflarge-formatparticipationthatforcesallofustothinkstrategicallyabouthowweteach, howwemanagecourts,andhowwecreatevalueforplayersandmembersalike.Whetheryouworkprimarilyin tennis,pickleball,oracrossmultiplesports,thelessonsfromeventslikethiscarrywellbeyondoneweekend.
LosAngelesandtheExpandingPadelConversation
Farther north, the Los Angeles area continues to show how quickly padel is becoming part of the Southern California landscape. The United States Padel Association recently announced a record-breaking 115 tournamentsforthefirsthalfof2026,callingitthelargestcompetitivecalendarinU.S.padelhistory.Thatkindof nationalgrowthmatterstoourmembersbecauseSouthernCaliforniaisincreasinglypartofthatstory.
TheCaliforniaclublistingsfromtheUSPAnowincludefacilitiessuchasLosAngelesPadelClub,whichdescribes itselfasaSouthernCaliforniahubwithsevenoutdoorcourtsandacommunity-centeredapproach,andPura PadelLA,whichemphasizescoaching,tournaments,andawelcomingenvironmentforplayersofalllevels.To me, these are not isolated examples. They are signs that padel is becoming part of the broader facility, programming,andcareerconversationourprofessionalsneedtobereadyfor.
ElSegundoandtheTYPTIFactor
SouthernCaliforniahasalwayshadawayofservingasaprovinggroundforwhatmaycomenext,andTYPTIisone ofthelatestexamples.Accordingtoitsofficialdescription,TYPTIisplayedonapickleball-sizedcourtwitha standardpickleballnet,usinga22-inchracquetanda3.5-inchchanneledfoamball.InJanuary,itlaunchedat CaliforniaSmashinElSegundo,whereitwasintroducedasanewracquetsportdesignedtobuildonthegrowing pickleball-courtinfrastructurealreadyspreadingacrosstheregion.
I’mnotsuggestingeverymemberneedstorushtowardeverynewformat.ButIdobelieveitmatterswhennew ideasbegintakingshapeinourownbackyard.Asprofessionals,partofourroleisnotonlytoteachthegamein front of us today, but also to understand what may influence programming, court use, and player interest tomorrow.TYPTImayormaynotbecomealong-termpartofthatpicture,butitslaunchisanotherreminderthat SoCalremainsoneoftheplaceswhereracquet-sportsinnovationgetstestedfirst.
SantaBarbaratoSanLuisObispo:CommunityStillWins
Atthenorthernendofourterritory,SantaBarbaraandSanLuisObispoofferadifferent,butequallyimportant, pictureofdivisionalstrength.SantaBarbaraPickleballhighlights16dedicatedcourtsatthemunicipaltennisand pickleballcomplexandnotesthatitsnonprofitpartnershiphelpedtransformfourunderutilizedmunicipaltennis courtsinto16activepickleballcourtswhilealsosupportingyouth,senior,andcharitableprogramming.Thatisa powerfulexampleofwhatcanhappenwhenpublicfacilities,localleadership,andcommunityadvocacywork together.
InSanLuisObispo,thespringcalendarreflectsthekindofsteadygrassrootsactivitythatkeepsaracquet-sports communityhealthy:lessonsessions,signupsforspringtournaments,ballmachinetraining,boardactivity,and springtournamentplayacrossnovice,intermediate,andadvancedintermediatelevels.Forme,thisisoneofthe mostencouragingsignsanywhereinourterritory.Noteverysuccessstoryhastobemassivetobemeaningful. Sometimesthestrongestgrowthcomesfromengagedlocalcommunitiesthatcreateconsistentopportunitiesfor playersandclearleadershippathwaysforprofessionals.
LookingAhead
Frommyperspectiveastreasurer,thisquarterisaboutstewardshipasmuchasmomentum.Itisaboutmaking surewecontinueinvestingintheeducationalopportunities,professionalconnections,andmemberexperiences thatmakeRSPASoCalstrong.Tennisremainsouranchor.Butthememberswhowillthriveacrossourterritory— fromSanClementetoSanLuisObispo—aretheoneswhostaycurious,stayconnected,andcontinuetolead acrossanevolvingracquet-sportslandscape.ThatiswhyI’moptimistic.AcrossRSPASoCal,Iseemembers embracingeducation,respondingtochange,andhelpingshapethenextchapterofourprofession.
SECRETARY’S MESSAGE
VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Stephen Loreto
GABRIEL JACOB
Tennis and Orchestra Music: Two Paths, One Rhythm of Growth
I recently attended a middle and high school Honor Orchestra concert at Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, CA. Before the performance, the emcee shared the journey these musicians took to reach this stage. Their achievement reflected many hours of hard work and dedication, especially since not all who auditioned advanced this far. Witnessing their accomplishment was truly inspiring.
As a tennis coach, I ask how the discipline and dedication of orchestra training can translate to tennis. While not every player needs to become a musician, adopting the learning mindset from music may help athletes grow. Exploring both disciplines could allow tennis and orchestra to complement and strengthen each other.
Stepping onto a tennis court or into an orchestra pit builds discipline, confidence, and connection. Though one is athletic and the other artistic, both share a common purpose: developing skills that help individuals grow on and off the court or stage.
Shared Benefits: Where Tennis and Orchestra Meet
1.Discipline & Consistency - both tennis players and musicians understand the value of repetition. Mastery comes from showing up, practicing deliberately, and embracing the long game. Whether it's refining a backhand or perfecting a difficult sonata, progress is built one focused session at a time.
2.Teamwork & Communication - doubles partners rely on clear signals, trust, and shared strategy. Orchestra members do the same-listening, blending, and responding to one another in real time. In both settings, success depends on awareness, cooperation, and commitment to the group's success.
3.Emotional Resilience - performing under pressure is universal. A tight tiebreaker and high-stakes concert both demand calm, confidence, and the ability to reset quickly after mistakes. These environments build mental toughness and emotional maturity.
4.Community and Belonging - both tennis programs and orchestras create tight-knit communities. They bring together people of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels who share a passion for growth and expression.
Despite their shared benefits, tennis and orchestra each offer unique strengths, as outlined below
Tennis
Physical Fitness & Agility - tennis develops cardiovascular endurance, strength, speed, and coordination. It's a full-body workout that builds lifelong health habits
Strategic Problem-Solving - every point is a puzzle. Players learn to adapt, anticipate, and make quick decisions-skills that translate into leadership and everyday life.
Individual Accountability - even in doubles, tennis requires personal responsibility. Players learn to own their preparation, mindset, and performance.
Creative Expression - music gives students a powerful outlet for emotion, imagination, and storytelling It nurtures empathy and artistic identity
Deep Focus & Precision - Orchestral playing demands attention to detail-intonation, timing, dynamics, and blend. It strengthens concentration and fine motor skills
Long-Form Collaboration - while tennis points unfold in seconds, orchestral works can span minutes or even hours. Musicians learn patience, endurance, and the beauty of contributing to something larger than themselves.
Tennis and orchestra may differ in form, but both build confidence, resilience, and connection. Through commitment and the pursuit of excellence-whether with a racquet or a viola bow-students gain skills that last a lifetime.
As coaches, are we willing to integrate orchestra music into tennis training and apply its lessons to player development? Let us compare experiences in the coming year
Orchestra Music
DISTRICT 1 PRESIDENT
OPEN POSITION
I began playing tennis at age five and quickly developed a deep commitment to the sport. By ten, my focus shifted toward pursuing a professional path, leading to years of dedicated training and international competition.
During my junior career in France, I trained alongside top national players such as Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet while achieving a top-20 junior ranking.
I view tennis as more than a sport it is a foundation for lifelong health, discipline, and personal growth. I believe a player’s mindset on the court reflects their broader approach to life and approaches coaching as both a responsibility and a privilege.
For the past 15 years, I have been coaching in Los Angeles, developing players across all levels of the game. Early in my career, I coached at a leading private high school, contributing to the development of competitive athletes. Over the past decade, I also built a successful tennis program at Berkeley Hall School, where many players have gone on to compete at the high school and collegiate levels. For the past three years, I have owned and directed Mika’s Tennis Academy at Van Nuys Tennis Ranch, overseeing a comprehensive program that serves more than 350 students each week.
My international playing experience informs a coaching philosophy centered on clear communication, creativity, and accessibility. I emphasize helping players understand both the “how” and the “why” behind modern and classical techniques, enabling athletes of all levels to improve with confidence.
I am committed to developing players across all aspects of the game technical, tactical, physical, and mental while promoting sustainable training habits that support long-term performance and enjoyment.
I look forward to serving the RSPA community, supporting fellow professionals, and advancing racquet sports through education, integrity, and passion
IF TENNIS WAS A CAGE MATCH
In 2005, Rafael Nadal was near the top of his game. Spanish tennis not so much. So tennis clubs started wooing younger players with a new racquet sport. Over 17,000 plexiglass courts later, Padel ranks up there with paella, tapas, and Rioja reds in Spanish lifestyle #2 behind only soccer.
TENNIS+PICKLE WITH BANK SHOTS
In the US, another racquet sport has enjoyed a similar meteoric rise. One that often require little initial investment and even less time to learn. If tennis demands countless hours finding the sweet spot, pickleball just requires picking up a racquet.
Padel is somewhere in the middle Part tennis, part pickle, part geometry class Padel offers an easy path-to-fun, long rallies, plenty of calorie burn and a cushy turf surface for those aching joints. There’s just one hiccup Padel courts aren’t cheap
RISK-FREE FINANCING FOR COURTS
That’s where Mindspring Padel comes in. We offer a unique, risk-free and turnkey solution to ensure your club succeeds in integrating Padel and enjoys all the benefits it brings
Globally, Padel is on a steep upward trajectory. According to Babolat & Wilson, global Padel revenues will surpass tennis’ by 2026. We have partnered with the RSPA to help jump start that growth in America. We cover the costs of the courts and ground work to get you up and running; then get reimbursed over time via court bookings, whether its a pay-to-play or free-to-members court usage framework.
Ready to ease into this inherently addictive sport? Email LB@mindspringpadel com, call 760-5051862 or visit us at mindspringpadel com
V RE E G ACOB
Hello RSPA professionals!
With Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka crowned champions at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the season has flown by and it's already April. How is everyone doing? I sincerely hope you’re spending busy, fulfilling days pursuing the racquet sports you love with continued passion & growth.
On a personal note, I recently faced a major turning point that required me to reset both my job and business which made for a very challenging period. During such tough times, who have you been spending time with to get through it? I imagine it’s those who love and support you most your family and close friends who provide the greatest comfort.
Over the past quarter, I’ve been working closely with the SoCal Board, which we call "family," and plan initiatives designed to offer real educational credit support to RSPA members. We want to provide useful education resources, events, and networking assistance to you all.
A few highlights to keep that momentum going through the spring:
Community Connection: learning from our network resource is key. Whether it's a formal board meeting or a casual hit on the court, those connections are our best resource.
Educational Resources: We are all looking forward to the new initiatives. Staying ahead of industry trends is what allows us to serve our members more effectively.
Personal Growth: A reset is often the precursor to a major breakthrough. Your passion for the sport and the organization is clear, and that drive is infectious.
I look forward to your participation and support in upcoming in our RSPA SoCal conference and district events. We’re right there with you, looking forward to the next chapter of the season. I'm always cheering you on.
District 3 Member Spotlight: Susan Nardi
Susan Nardi is a prominent leader in the racquet sports industry, renowned for bridging the gap between elite coaching, industry leadership, and innovative community programming. Her career is defined by a commitment to professional advocacy and social impact.
Key Highlights:
Leadership & Advocacy: As President of LA Tennis, Inc., Vice President of Women Coaching Racquet Sports (WCRS), and Co-Chair of the RSPA Women’s Committee, she actively advocates for the advancement of women professionals and the growth of the industry.
Social Impact (HEAL-ACTS Foundation): As co-founder and President of this nonprofit, she addresses the epidemic of adult loneliness by building vibrant communities through racquet sports.
Elite Coaching & Player Development: She coaches top-tier athletes, including WTA/ITF professionals Veronika Miroshnichenko and Laura Goodkind. She is also a recognized expert in "10 & Under" and adaptive tennis, supporting inclusive initiatives like Aceing Autism and the Special Olympics.
Visionary Approach: Her work demonstrates that tennis and pickleball are more than just sports they are powerful tools for wellness, lifelong engagement, and positive community transformation.
Through her multifaceted roles, Susan continues to shape the future of racquet sports, inspiring participation and making a meaningful impact both on and off the court
Hello, I’m Ivana King, your new District 4 President, and I’m honored to serve SoCal and give back to the racquet sports community through this role.
A little bit about me…
I grew up in Long Beach and played competitive junior tennis, which led me to Princeton University, where I competed at No. 1 singles and doubles. I went on to play on the professional circuit, achieving a WTA ranking of No. 746 in singles and No. 576 in doubles.
While that chapter of my life was incredibly formative, it also came with the full range of emotions that competitive tennis brings. It’s been a while since I played competitively, but I can still remember the smell of a fresh can of balls being opened, the nervous jitters before a match leading to a last-minute bathroom run, and the midnight replay of points in my head that didn’t go my way. I loved the thrill of figuring out the right plays and the feeling of being unstoppable when I was in the zone and hated the feeling after a loss. Still, nothing made me feel as sharp and alive as being out there competing.
Over time, my relationship with the game evolved, leading me into a new racquet sport pickleball. I picked up pickleball a few years ago and quickly fell in love with it. It became the perfect way to reconnect with a sport similar to tennis, yet different enough to constantly challenge and humble me. Pickleball also introduced me to a diverse and welcoming community, and gave me a way to reconnect with the competitive side of sport as an adult with a different perspective, greater balance, and a deeper appreciation for the game.
Now, in a different stage of life as a proud mom of two I’ve found a more balanced relationship with competition. While I still enjoy playing tournaments, I appreciate how both tennis and pickleball have stayed with me through different phases of life. They are truly lifelong sports that we can grow with and age into.
Today, I’m proud to be certified through the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) in both tennis and pickleball an organization dedicated to developing coaches and growing racquet sports nationwide.
In addition to my work in sport, I’ve developed a deep commitment to serving the special needs community. Through my studies in Applied Behavior Analysis and hands-on experience supporting individuals with autism, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful sport and structured play can be in building communication, confidence, and overall quality of life. This is an area I’m especially passionate about growing within our racquet sports community.
As District 4 President serving South Bay through North Orange County, including communities such as Long Beach, Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Huntington Beach, Buena Park, Cerritos, and many more my goal is simple: to support, connect, and elevate our community of professionals. I am committed to being a resource for all coaches and clubs, and I welcome collaboration especially with those interested in expanding inclusive programming and opportunities for special needs athletes.
Whether on the tennis court or the pickleball court, I’m passionate about helping others fall in love with the game just like I did.
Get involved and stay connected: Follow me on Instagram @ivanapickle for updates, events, and community highlights.
Explore continuing education opportunities and upcoming events at rspa.net.
Don’t miss the upcoming SoCal Conference – tap here to register and join our community in SoCal: Register here
I’d love to connect, collaborate, and continue growing an inclusive racquet sports community together My goal is to be a resource for all professionals in District 4 – please don’t hesitate to reach out
DISTRICT 5 PRESIDENT
Greetings RSPA SoCal!
This year I was fortunate enough to attend my first Racquet X Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL. One thing that stood out was the sheer number of padel vendors and activation events on the floor. That alone is a sign that padel is making a serious push for growth here in the US.
With that momentum in mind, I'm excited to share that Valley Hunt Club has officially received approval to add a padel court. It's a milestone we've been working toward for a while, and one that represents the next step in building out our racquet sports ecosystem.
Adding padel wasn't a decision made in isolation. It came from years of watching our members engage with tennis, pickleball, and every sport in between. In many ways, it's evolutionary. When pickleball came into the mix, we watched members who had never touched a racquet sport before start showing up consistently, forming a new community of players who then branched out into tennis and beyond. Each sport opens a door for the next. Padel is the natural continuation of that pattern.
But the sport itself is only part of the equation. We've always asked ourselves: what keeps people playing? The answer is almost never the court itself. It's the community, the structure, the reason to show up. That's programming, and it's the difference between a court that sits empty and one that has a waitlist.
When padel lands at a club without a plan, it often struggles. Members try it once, find it confusing, and drift back to what's familiar. But when it's introduced with clinics, social play formats, beginner pathways, and integration into the broader racquets culture, it takes hold. The sport rewards clubs that treat it as a program, not just an amenity.
That's exactly the conversation I want us to be having across District 5, and the reason I'm excited to announce that we'll be hosting a District 5 webinar this June focusing on multi racquet sports facilities and why offering more than two racquet sports is beneficial to your club. Whether you're actively considering padel or squash, already in the planning stages, or simply curious, this is the space to dig into the why and the how together.
I'd love for this to be a genuine exchange among professionals, not a one-way presentation. Come with questions, come with skepticism, come with your own experience. The more perspectives we bring into the room, the better the conversation.
Details on the June webinar are coming soon. Keep an eye out, and feel free to reach out directly if you want to connect before then
District 6 Member Spotlight: Tim Ludeke
RSPA SoCal member Tim Ludeke continues to set the standard for high school coaching in Orange County, bringing over 35 years of experience in player development, leadership, and competitive success.
Recently named Head Tennis Coach at Servite High School, Ludeke returns to a program where he previously coached in the 1990s, marking a meaningful full-circle moment in his career. His return reflects both his deep roots in the game and his continued commitment to developing student-athletes at a high level. Reflecting on the opportunity, Ludeke shared, “I am thrilled to be back at Servite… I’m looking forward to building a program that is regarded for its ability to teach new players how to become good players in a relatively short time, refining the skills of those players who have been playing longer, and retaining players for all four years.”
His leadership comes on the heels of a standout season at Villa Park High School, where he guided the program to its first CIF Finals appearance, a league championship, and one of the most successful seasons in school history. That year was not just about results, but about raising the standard and building a culture of accountability, resilience, and belief within the team. Last year, Ludeke was also named Orange County Register Coach of the Year, in addition to receiving the 2024–2025 High School Coach Award at the RSPA SoCal Division Conference. These honors reflect the respect he has earned across both the high school and professional coaching communities.
Known for his strength in long-term player development, match strategy, and mentorship, Ludeke has built a reputation for developing not only strong competitors, but confident, disciplined young men prepared for challenges beyond the court. His coaching philosophy is rooted in doing things the right way, even when it’s difficult. As he explains, “I don’t ever say ‘just get the ball in.’ That mindset never leads to higher level play. Instead, I encourage my players to use the correct technique and go for the right shot, even if they miss. The skills we build early are the ones that matter most at the end of the season.” An RSPA Elite Professional and longtime contributor to the Southern California tennis community, Ludeke exemplifies the impact a dedicated teaching professional can have on both players and programs. As he begins this next chapter at Servite, his influence will continue to be felt across District 6 and beyond
Learn more and see upcoming opportunities at the RSPA events page! Scan the QR code to go directly to the page!
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