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.
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?
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.
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:
Why am I in this profession?
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.
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 dif ferent lens through which I view our work, our challenges and our opportunities. I plan to bring that perspective forward to help our associa tion grow in meaningful ways.
ences, the World Racquets Conference and the smaller local conferences opened my eyes to new teaching methods, pro gram‑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 net working 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 outstand ing 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.
Kristin Schneiderman | RSPA Education and Certification Senior Manager
The Racquet Sports Profession als 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 gen eration 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 pro grams, inspires others and creates spaces where more women are sup ported and encouraged to lead. Getting involved within the RSPA com munity 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 divi sions, and your division is where meaningful impact happens. Getting involved at the divisional level allows members to influ ence professional development, support regional events and help guide local initiatives. Divisions rely on the involve ment of engaged professionals to serve locally and contribute to ongoing work.
Becoming active within your division is one of the most effec tive ways to engage with the RSPA. Division leaders, including execu tive 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 rela tionships. Women are encouraged to step forward at every level. Divisions are supported by districts and regions, offer ing multiple pathways for local service and leadership. In creased participation from women strength ens representation and supports critical growth across the association. Service on a local committee pro vides opportunities to grow and give back while ensuring wom en’s voices are part of the conversation at all organizational levels. For those look ing to give back in a meaningful way, becoming a coach developer is a powerful opportunity. Coach developers lead certification work shops 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 profes sionals 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 attend ees 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 sup port, and are a great entry into involve ment 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 in spires others who have the opportu nity 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 nation wide.
education credits is one way to get more involved within the RSPA.
The Education Achievers program recognizes mem bers who earn 18 or more profes sional develop ment 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.
Staying engaged can begin with small, intentional steps. Prioritizing pro fessional development and submitting
Networking is one of the most valuable outcomes of RSPA in volvement. Certifications, division events and national programs create opportunities to build meaning ful 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
themselves and their communities. This article is an invitation to at tend a local area meeting, volunteer at professional development events, ap ply 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 opportu nities within the association, visit RSPA.net, follow RSPAHQ and your local RSPA Division on social media or contact education@rspa.net.
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 coach es 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.
One of the most common concerns clubs raise is space. “We don’t have the courts.” “Our schedule is full.” But capac ity 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.
When adaptive programs are sched uled 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 lead ing adaptive tennis alongside traditional programming, it reinforces that inclusive leadership is valued and necessary.
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 coach es often become informal edu cators within clubs, help ing staff under
stand adaptive needs, inclusive lan guage, and how to support families navigating sport spaces for the first time. When clubs invest in training all staff, adaptive programs become more consis tent, professional, and sustainable.
Inclusion is not a single role. It is a shared responsibility.
Adaptive tennis often uses modified equipment, visual supports and flexible court layouts. These details are not ex tras—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.
Adaptive tennis is sometimes viewed through a narrow financial lens. It may not maximize per court revenue in the short term, but it generates long term value that traditional models often overlook.
Inclusive programs build commu nity trust. They strengthen relationships with fami lies, schools, healthcare providers and local organizations. As new family members are exposed to the sport, additional revenue oppor tunities 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 offer ings over time.
Women led programs frequently excel in this space because they are rela tionship driven by nature. Sustainability is not about volume alone—it is about impact, retention, diversified program ming and alignment with mission.
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, coor dinating efforts and ensuring alignment between mission and operations.
Strong partnerships allow clubs to do more with the resources they already have.
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. Wom en 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.
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 any one. This Women’s Month, we are inten tionally recognizing the women who are doing the work of building access from the ground up—often without recogni tion, often without additional resources, but always with purpose.
Inclusion does not happen by acci dent. 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.
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Linda Gordon | RSPA
Director of Membership
The Racquet Sports Profession als Association (RSPA) offers a holistic membership that provides certification, professional devel opment, careers and community. As part of your membership, we offer a variety of benefits that we feel help assist your career development, like one member ship that covers up to five racquet sports certifications, personal on court liability insurance and the ability to purchase ad ditional policies, events, mentorship op portunities, 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 McEn roe, 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 pro shop 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 pad dles 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 407 634 3050, option 2. We are happy to assist in any way we can!
*Some manufacturer restrictions apply
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