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RSPA SoCal 2026 Q1 Newsletter

Page 1


EXECUTIVE BOARD EXECUTIVE BOARD

PRESIDENT:

SIMON PAEK

PAEKTENNIS@GMAIL COM (714) 390-7654

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT:

GABRIEL JACOB TENNISLESSON4U@HOTMAIL.COM

1ST VICE PRESIDENT:

EVAN PARRY

EVANMPARRY@GMAIL.COM 951-694-2408

TREASURER:

MATTHEW JONES

MATTJSTENNIS@GMAIL COM (323) 842-5592

SECRETARY:

STEPHEN LORETO STEVEVISOY@GMAIL.COM +1 714-757-8903

DISTRICT PRESIDENTS DISTRICT PRESIDENTS

DISTRICT 1 (currently open)

DISTRICT 2 (currently open)

Billy Kim

BILLYKIM.COACH@GMAIL.COM 213-703-3324

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

CARLOS CRUZ-AEDO CARLOS.CRUZ-AEDO@RSPA.NET 310-567-7349

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 4 (currently open)

Michael Chantos

MICHAELCHANTOS@GMAIL.COM (562) 472-5385

DISTRICT 5

Wendi Eusebio WEUSEBIO SERVINGADVANTAGE@GMAIL COM 818-522-6705

DISTRICT 6

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SIMON PAEK

Happy New Year to all our members of the RSPA SoCal Division. May your year be filled with good health, good fortune, laughter, and memorable moments!

I want to begin by thanking our outgoing president, Scott Burton, for his years of service to the SoCal Division His leadership and dedication have left an everlasting imprint on the road ahead for myself and the rest of the leadership team. We wish him well in his role on the National Board, where he will continue to have a positive impact.

With that, I’d like to take a moment to briefly share my vision for the next two years of the SoCal Division. We are on a strong trajectory for continued growth. We will remain focused on delivering high-quality educational opportunities while adding more networking events for our members As you know, Southern California is an incredibly diverse area, rich in culture and backgrounds Not only that, but we have a growing number of second-career professionals individuals entering racquet sports from other fields I hope to tap into this diversity and create even more opportunities for our evolving division

I’d also like to officially introduce the team that makes up your SoCal Board:

Gabriel Jacob – Regional Vice President

Evan Parry – First Vice President Matthew Jones – Treasurer

Stephen Loreto – Secretary

Billy Kim – District 3 President

Michael Chantos – District 5 President

Wendi Eusebio – District 6 President Carlos Cruz-Aedo – Executive Director

This outstanding team has already been hard at work planning for the year ahead Each district president has been tasked with planning one event per quarter, so please be on the lookout for networking or continuing education opportunities in your area If you haven’t already, be sure to follow RSPA SoCal on social media to stay up to date on all division news If you’re unsure which of the six districts you belong to, please refer to the district map included in this issue of Line Calls.

As you know, this is a working board The roles require time, commitment, a service-minded approach, and the passion to be part of something greater than oneself. If you feel called to serve your fellow Division Members as a District President, please send your résumé to paektennis@gmail.com. We currently have open positions in Districts 1, 2, and 4. Again, please refer to the district map in this issue for the cities included in each district A District President must either live or work in the district they represent We welcome your ideas and feedback A friend of mine often says, “We have two ears and one mouth ” Please reach out to me or any of the board members with event ideas, educational topics you’d like us to explore, or constructive feedback on what we’re doing well or what we can do better. The SoCal Division is your division, and we are committed to serving you.

Here are a few major events to look forward to this year:

1.SoCal Division Conference: Returning to the Burbank Tennis Center, May 3–4, 2025. This year, we are trying a full day on Sunday and a half-day Monday responding directly to member feedback from the exit survey.

2 World Racquets Conference: Dallas, Texas, Sept 18–23, at the Omni Dallas Hotel

Did you know we increased our SoCal Division membership by 15% in 2025? We are now more than 900 members strong! This growth is the result of the hard work of our Board Members, our Certification initiatives, and the incredible efforts of our RSPA National Staff, led by Brian Dillman His “One Membership, Six Racquet Sports” vision continues to prove both unifying and innovative The RSPA has much to be proud of

Our relationship with USTA Southern California also remains strong President Cynthia Neiman and Executive Director Trevor Kronemann have extended our working agreement through the end of 2026 Together, we will continue supporting the tennis community across the region As part of this cooperation, USTA SoCal has approved several scholarships for teaching professionals who need financial assistance both for Certification and continuing education. If you know someone interested in becoming RSPA Certified or attending a division or World Conference but who needs financial support, please contact our Executive Director, Carlos Cruz-Aedo, at carlos cruz-aedo@rspa net for an application

As always, I along with the rest of the board and our Executive Director am here to serve you, the members of our great SoCal Division

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE GABRIEL JACOB

Hello Fellow RSPA SoCal Professionals,

Another year has ended, and we now embark on a new one. Happy New Year to everyone! As your new Regional Vice President, I am eager to work diligently for you alongside my fellow board members and our Executive Director. Our goal is to continue providing a wide range of educational events tailored to your needs and relevant to the sports represented by RSPA. We will keep our ears to the ground, listening to your feedback to help improve and grow our community.

I would also like to encourage any SoCal RSPA members interested in serving on the board to reach out to me or any of our current board members. There is always room for new ideas and meaningful contributions.

As we move into the new year, I encourage you to share the positive contributions you, a colleague, or a friend are making within our community. By highlighting these efforts in this publication, we can bring well deserved recognition to accomplishments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Let’s make a concerted effort to celebrate the dedication and hard work of those around us, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment.

Wishing everyone a strong and successful 2026. I look forward to seeing you at several events this year. Together, let’s make this one of our most remarkable years yet.

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

RSPA SoCal Members!

I hope you enjoyed quality time with family and friends during the holiday season. I’ve been using this time to prepare my teams for the upcoming college season, teach lessons, and develop a new initiative for current college players and recent college tennis graduates who are interested in starting a career in racquet sports.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to build countless relationships with former students and college players, which ultimately sparked this idea. My goal is to help serve as a conduit for young, aspiring individuals who want to begin their journey as certified instructors or racquet sports professionals. Here is a breakdown of what this initiative entails: IDENTIFY college tennis players or recent graduates who are exploring a career in racquet sports.

INFORM college tennis coaches about this new program so they can share certification pathways with their players. (Future informational sessions will be offered both virtually and in person.)

CONNECT interested candidates with RSPA’s certification options and their RSPA SoCal board members.

DEVELOP and mentor newly certified individuals by encouraging them to attend district, division, and national educational events.

GROW membership by encouraging these new professionals to share their experience with former teammates who may also be interested in pursuing racquet sports as a career.

For now, this initiative will be called the RSPA SoCal Future Professionals Program, though my fellow board members and I will be refining the name in the coming months.

If one of your students is a current college tennis player or a recent graduate who is interested in beginning their journey as a certified teaching professional, please have them reach out to me using the contact information below. Once connected, I can guide them through RSPA’s certification options, help them select the best pathway based on their goals, and support them through every step of the certification process.

I look forward to hearing from your current or former students who may be a great fit for this program.

TREASURER

MATTHEW JONES

As we end 2025, our Southern California racquet sports community closes the year with strong momentum, renewed energy, and an unmistakable sense of growth across all disciplines From tennis courts filled through the holidays to pickleball lines stretching longer than ever, and with the continued rise of padel, our division remains one of the most active and dynamic in the country.

December brought a surge of creative programming across many facilities—mixers, junior camps, charity events, year-end leagues, and holiday activities - that not only kept courts full but also strengthened community engagement. Financially, this level of consistent, targeted programming is what sustains clubs and programs, supports staff, and positions professionals for long-term success. As Treasurer, it is encouraging to see how innovation at the facility level directly contributes to the financial health of our division overall.

What’s Happening Around SoCal Tennis

Adult leagues and flex formats continue to perform well, especially at municipal and community-based facilities.

Junior development remains a priority, with a noticeable uptick in beginner and red-ball programming— an important pipeline for the sport’s future.

World Tennis Number (WTN) adoption continues to grow, helping pros better group players and create more competitive, enjoyable experiences.

Pickleball

Pickleball remains a major driver of participation and revenue Many facilities are refining court-allocation strategies to better balance tennis and pickleball demand.

Skill-based leagues, DUPR-rated events, and coach-led clinics are proving more sustainable than openplay–only models.

Instructor education and certification are becoming increasingly important as players seek higher-quality coaching.

Padel

Padel continues its steady climb across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, with several new courts and clubs expected to open in 2026

Cross-training tennis professionals into padel instruction remains a strong opportunity especially for facilities looking to diversify programming

Corporate events and social padel programming are quickly emerging as reliable revenue streams.

Looking Ahead: New Facilities & Expansion in 2026

Across Southern California, we anticipate:

New pickleball-focused facilities and hybrid tennis/pickleball venues

Continued padel expansion, particularly in urban and private club environments

Renovations at existing tennis facilities to improve lighting, shade, seating, and player amenities

These investments signal strong confidence in the racquet sports industry and expanding opportunity for professionals who are adaptable, innovative, and forward-thinking

As we begin the new year, here are a few potential goals to consider:

Professional Growth

Add at least one new certification or complete continuing education courses not just for membership requirements, but for professional development.

Cross-train in another racquet sport (for example, tennis to pickleball or padel).

Attend at least one RSPA educational or networking event this year in addition to the annual RSPA SoCal Division Conference

Get to know your RSPA SoCal Board and Executive Director, and use them as resources for knowledge, experience, and networking.

Programming & Revenue

Launch one new league, clinic, or specialty program per quarter.

Introduce tiered programming (beginner, intermediate, advanced) to strengthen retention. Track program profitability and participation monthly not just annually

Player & Student Development

Establish clear development pathways for juniors and adult beginners. Use data (ratings, attendance, progress benchmarks) to personalize instruction. Focus on long-term relationships, not only short-term lesson volume.

Quick Tips You Can Use—and Teach

Tennis: Emphasize margin over pace higher net clearance and smarter targets win more points at every level.

Pickleball: Footwork at the kitchen line matters more than paddle speed; balance and positioning create consistency.

Padel: Teach patience—successful padel is about building points, not finishing them too early. Squash: Movement efficiency beats power; smooth recovery steps save energy and improve shot quality

Treasurer’s Snapshot | Q1 2026

Pickleball continues to drive participation growth across SoCal. Tennis remains the foundation of long-term player development. Multi-sport facilities demonstrate stronger revenue stability.

Certification and cross-training remain top professional priorities.

Key Metrics

Fastest Growth: Pickleball

Most Stable Revenue: Multi-sport programs

Emerging Opportunity: Padel and hybrid facilities 2026 Professional Focus: Educate. Diversify. Track performance. Professionals who invest in education and adaptable programming are best positioned for success.

The strength of our Southern California Division lies in its professionals your creativity, adaptability, and commitment to growth. As Treasurer, I’m proud of the financial stability and responsible stewardship that allow us to support education, events, and opportunities for our members. Here’s to a successful, healthy, and impactful 2026. Let’s continue building the future of racquet sports—together.

SECRETARY STEPHEN LORETO

2026 YEAR RESOLUTIONS AND PLANS - BUT WHAT ABOUT THE ONES MADE IN 2025?

With each new year, we gain the opportunity to set new goals and reflect on the previous year’s resolutions. In 2025, racquet sports professionals focused on professionalism, education, communication, balance, community, and leadership. Personally, I prioritized personal branding, continuing education, and community engagement.

Resolution No. 1 – Personal Branding

In today’s racquet sports industry, professionals recognize the importance of strong personal branding and presenting themselves as confident leaders In 2025, I focused on improving my personal brand, beginning with updating my LinkedIn profile and expanding my online presence after attending the RSPA World Racquet Conference in Kona, Hawaii Strengthening personal branding remains a priority for me in 2026, and I encourage fellow professionals to make it one of their resolutions as well

Resolution No. 2 – Continuing Education

With new technologies and sport-specific trends always emerging, ongoing education is essential. In 2025, I advanced my learning by attending online webinars, in‑person conferences, and the World Racquet Conference in Kona, Hawaii. I plan to continue prioritizing lifelong learning in 2026 and encourage fellow coaches to do the same.

Resolution No. 3 – Deepening Community Engagement

Community engagement is vital to the growth and sustainability of racquet sports. In 2025, I made it a priority by hosting inclusive events, partnering with schools and organizations, and coordinating family activities. These efforts strengthened community bonds and increased participation. I encourage everyone to include community engagement in their 2026 resolutions, as coaches play a key role in fostering connections and supporting the growth of our sport

Challenges Facing the Racquet Sports Industry in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, our industry faces several major challenges To succeed, we must align our goals and strategies Key issues include:

Facility overload and competition for court space, especially as pickleball and padel continue to grow in popularity.

A shortage of qualified coaches, which affects the quality of instruction and the industry’s long‑term development.

Fragmented leadership and inconsistent standards, which make professionalization and unity across racquet sports more difficult.

I encourage colleagues to set goals that address these emerging trends and to resolve any unfinished resolutions from 2025. Happy New Year, and best wishes for a successful 2026!

DISTRICT 1 PRESIDENT

KARL AKKERMAN

Hello Fellow Professionals,

There comes a time when all good things must come to an end. I have served on the board since 2005, missing only two years during COVID, and it has truly been a joy to volunteer my passion to help grow the game and bring people together to share knowledge and discover new pathways into our profession. Traveling to many cities throughout Florida, New Orleans, Monterey (California), Las Vegas, and Hawaii, to name a few has been a wonderful part of my journey as a certified professional.

District 1 runs from Westlake to Paso Robles, and one of the challenges of serving as President has been reaching members to the north. It can be a three-hour drive just to get down to Ventura County (and North LA County) to meet and earn educational points. However, we succeeded this past November 21 at a private court in Cayucos, practically right on the water. Scott Cleere—Pro of the Year a few years back—hosted an incredibly enjoyable and insightful three-hour clinic on how to address parents and students, as well as how to open our minds to fun, engaging drills for all levels where learning concepts truly come to life.

Seven of us interacted, played, collaborated, and connected for what felt like just one hour, and none of us wanted it to end. It was that much fun. Scott absolutely knocked it out of the park.

This felt like a fitting way for me to conclude my term, as I pass the baton—hopefully to a younger professional who can join the board and help shape whatever comes our way in the future. If you are interested, please contact any board member and put your name forward. I promise it will elevate you to an even higher level as a professional, and you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the movers, shakers, and tennis greats of the past.

This past September, I had the chance to hit for ten minutes with Mats Wilander what a hoot. I could go on and on, but my wife says I’m just a shameless name-dropper. Still, these experiences truly light me up: lunch with Stan Smith, coffee with Mark Spitz, and engaging conversations with Chris Evert and Tracy Austin, who were more than willing to connect.

If this is something you think you would enjoy, remember the three C’s of success in anything: Courage, Commitment, and Conviction to realize your dreams.

See you on the courts.

DISTRICT 2 PRESIDENT

Please send a cover letter, résumé, and two references to carlos.cruzaedo@rspa.net by February 15, 2026. For more information, follow RSPA SoCal on Instagram and Facebook.

DISTRICT 3 PRESIDENT

Hello RSPA SoCal District 3 Professionals,

Happy New Year! I wish you all the best and a successful 2026. I truly believe that our future results are shaped by how we develop ourselves— and they become even stronger based on where we belong and who we connect with. We all belong to the RSPA, and we have made the right choice.

I am very happy to announce my new role as District 3 President, and I am truly looking forward to serving, supporting, and strengthening our district. District 3 covers the following areas: Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Culver City, Hollywood, Ladera Heights, Los Angeles, Malibu, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and the Beach Cities (including Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and surrounding areas).

All RSPA members are welcome to reach out to me at any time by phone or email, and you are also welcome to visit me in Koreatown. I know some of us may be facing challenging times, and I want you to know that all RSPA SoCal Board members, along with our Executive Director, are here to support you. We are committed to helping one another grow stronger and better together and I am here for you as well.

Thank you, and I look forward to connecting with you all.

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

Please send a cover letter, résumé, and two references to carlos.cruzaedo@rspa.net by February 15, 2026. For more information, follow RSPA SoCal on Instagram and Facebook.

DISTRICT 5 PRESIDENT

Happy New Year, RSPA SoCal!

As your District 5 President, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know more of our mem If we haven’t connected yet, please reach out anytime. I’d love to hear your story, what you’re building, and how RSPA can better support you.

As 2025 came to a close, the biggest lesson that keeps standing out to me is community. Not as a buzzword, but as the difference-maker in our careers When coaches stay connected, standards rise We trade ideas, share best practices, help each other through challenges, and create more opportunities for the next wave of pros coming up behind us It also makes the work more sustainable Coaching can feel like an island sometimes You’re solving problems, making decisions, and carrying the energy for your players and program, often behind the scenes and on your own Community changes that. It keeps you sharp through shared learning, supported when things get challenging, and moving forward with higher standards and people who have your back. That’s why RSPA matters. It’s not just the certification. It’s the people, the mentorship, and the shared commitment to doing this the right way.

A great example was our recent District 5 webinar with our own Paul Settles. We had over 30 members show up, and it was one of those reminders of what RSPA can be at its best: a room full of coaches leaning in, learning, asking great questions, and helping each other improve

One takeaway that really stayed with me was a story Paul shared He asked his college players at CMS what their best junior experience was, and they all said the same thing: Zonals Not individual tournaments Zonals That says a lot The moments that shape athletes most are often the shared ones, where they feel connected, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.

Because of the success of that event, in 2026 I’ll be hosting more educational webinars and more in-person meetups across District 5 so we can keep building that connection and raising the standard together. And this matters for your business too, whether you’re in tennis, pickleball, padel, or all three; or other racquet sports too. SoCal has changed a lot. We’ve gone from a tennis-first culture to multiple sport communities growing at the same time. But one thing hasn’t changed: people don’t stay because a program is big, they stay because it feels right If someone feels welcomed on day one, knows where they fit, and feels progress over time, they come back That’s how a community gets built And when the community is strong, everything gets easier Referrals go up, cancellations go down, and your program stops depending on constant chasing and starts growing through trust and relationships

Big numbers look good, but real success is when your players feel connected and supported enough to make it part of their life. That’s how you build something that lasts.

I’m excited to keep serving District 5 and building something special with all of you.

Now Seeking: District 5 Vice President

As we grow, we’re opening interest for a District 5 VP to help strengthen education, events, outreach, and connection across the area

Interested, or want to nominate someone? Please reach out to me for details and next steps

Thanks.

TENNIS LEVEL I

CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP (2-DAYS)

JANUARY 31ST AND FEB 1ST - FULL

AAPRIL 4TH AND 5TH

APRIL 30TH AND MAY 1ST

OCTOBER 17TH AND 18TH

DECEMBER 12TH AND 13TH

MISSION VIEJO COUNTRY CLUB, RACQUET CLUB OF IRVINE AND ITENNIS CERRITOS (CHECK CALENDAR)

TENNIS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP (3-DAYS)

FEBRUARY 21ST, 22ND, AND 23RD

JUNE 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH

SEPTEMBER 12TH, 13TH, AND 14TH

NOVEMBER 14TH, 15TH, AND 16TH

MISSION VIEJO COUNTRY CLUB, RACQUET CLUB OF IRVINE AND ITENNIS CERRITOS (CHECK CALENDAR)

PICKLEBALL

CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP (1-DAY)

JANUARY 24TH

MARCH 28TH

MAY 2ND

AUGUST 29TH

OCTOBER 3RD

DECEMBER 7TH

( CHECK CALENDAR FOR LOCATIONS)

We invite professionals of all levels to our upcoming certification workshops!

Current and aspiring coaches are welcome to join one of our many racquet sports certifications across the country, allowing you to hone your skills as a pro. We're proud to be a leader in the racquet sports industry –empowering our members on their journey to success. Now is your chance to network, learn, and improve your health on and off the court. Show your support for one of the fastest growing sports in America!

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO REGISTER!

OTHER RACQUET SPORTS CERTIFICATION OPTIONS IN THE LINK IN THE PICTURE

DISTRICT 6 PRESIDENT

The Power of Professional Relationships ~ Why Connections Matter in Coaching

One of the most common things I hear from coaches is that they are too busy to network. Ironically, the coaches who feel the most stretched are often the ones who would benefit from it the most. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts or business cards.

It’s about building relationships that quietly shape your career over time and having a willingness to learn from one another. The coaches who stay connected and who actively seek to add new relationships to their circle tend to last longer, grow faster, and adapt better when the industry shifts.

Tennis is a relationship business, whether we acknowledge it or not. Many of the opportunities that shape a career don’t come from formal applications or job postings. They come from conversations. A coach you meet at a workshop recommends you for a position. A subbing opportunity or clinic invite. A casual discussion on court that leads to a clinic collaboration. A connection can turn into a long-term professional ally. But these moments don’t happen by accident they happen because someone showed up.

One of the biggest misconceptions about networking is the idea that other coaches are your competition. In reality, the strongest professionals understand that collaboration creates more opportunity, not less. I often share this notion of collaboration with my youth leadership team at Serving Advantage. Sharing ideas, challenges, solutions, and drills makes all of us better coaches and often leads to work you never would have accessed on your own. It also builds trust, which is the foundation of any strong professional community. And collaborating builds the most successful ideas.

Networking is also one of the most valuable forms of continuing education. Some of the best learning happens on the sidelines, during a water break, or over coffee after a workshop. Hearing how another coach handles retention, difficult parents, burnout, or adapts programming when things don’t go as planned is real-world education, and real-world conversations often stick with you longer than anything you read in a manual. There’s something powerful about realizing you’re not alone. Spending time with other professionals gives you perspective. It builds confidence. You quickly learn that even experienced coaches are still learning, adjusting, and growing, and that shared understanding really matters.

A strong professional network creates resilience. Careers evolve, clubs change, and life will throw you curveballs. Coaches with solid connections don’t have to start from scratch when something shifts. They have people to lean on, ask questions of, and move forward with. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about investing in your future self.

If you haven’t been to an RSPA event recently, consider this your nudge educational session. Show up, introduce yourself, and join the conversa ets remove the awkwardness of “cold networking” because you already hav profession. You never know which connection will end up shaping the ne

Coach Developer’s Corner

Tennis / Pickleball

I’m happy to announce that we have a FULL Calendar for 2026. Once again Dave Hagler and I will be doing the Level 1 and Level 2 Certification Workshops together, whenever possible and I will handle the Pickleball Certification Workshops.

On the calendar there are five Level 1 and four Level 2 workshops. Our Tennis Certification’s will be held in one of 3 locations in 2026, Mission Viejo Country Club, Racquet Club of Irvine and of course iTennis Cerritos. We have 6 Pickleball Certification Workshops planned for 2026 as well, at the same 3 locations so please check RSPA’s website at RSPA Certification Calendar 2026 for detailed information. Once there, look under “Certification” and follow the link to any of the workshops ormation on.

for detailed information. Once there, look under “Certification” and follow the link to any of the workshops ormation on.

The following is the li workshops for Q1 of this year:

Level I:

The following is the li workshops for Q1 of this year: Level I:

L1 - Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 (Racquet Club of Irvine)

L1 - Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 (Racquet Club of Irvine)

Level II:

Level II:

L2 – Feb. 21-23 (RCI)

L2 – Feb. 21-23 (RCI)

Pickleball:

Pickleball:

Jan. 24 11:30-4:30 (Mission Viejo Country Club)

Mar. 28 11:30 am - 4:30 pm (RCI)

Jan. 24 11:30-4:30 (Mission Viejo Country Club) Mar. 28 11:30 am - 4:30 pm (RCI)

HOST A CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP AT YOUR FACILITY! If you have at least 4 Tennis applicants, or 6 Pickleball applicants, we can arrange a certification workshop at your location within the division. This would of course depend on time / availability of the Coach Developer, but something that we’ve done before, please contact me directly at paektennis@gmail.com if you have interest in hosting a workshop.

HOST A CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP AT YOUR FACILITY! If you have at least 4 Tennis applicants, or 6 Pickleball applicants, we can arrange a certification workshop at your location within the division. This would of course depend on time / availability of the Coach Developer, but something that we’ve done before, please contact me directly at paektennis@gmail.com if you have interest in hosting a workshop.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact HQ at certification@rspa.net

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact HQ at certification@rspa.net

We invite professionals of all levels to Your upcoming ANNUAL CONFERENCE!

Current and aspiring coaches are welcome to join us at your annual conference – empowering our members on their journey to success. Now is your chance to network, learn, and improve your career on and off the court. Show your support for your 100 year and strong RSPA!

I began my tennis journey at the age of five, immersing myself in junior tournaments and eventually competing at the collegiate level for Fresno State and Loyola Marymount University However, after years of intense play, I experienced burnout and transitioned into the financial sector. This career shift led to a sedentary lifestyle, resulting in a 50-pound weight gain within a year Recognizing the need for change, I started offering tennis lessons for a few hours each week to get back into shape while contemplating my next steps.

What began as a side activity gradually expanded due to increasing demand I discovered a passion for teaching, relishing the challenge of articulating skills that had become second nature to me. Interacting with clients of variouages and backgrounds was invigorating, and I soon realized the potential to build a sustainable business model around tennis instruction

For those embarking on a similar path in the tennis industry, I offer the following advice:

1.Be Patient: Building a clientele takes time. Initially, you may experience periods of inactivity, but it’s crucial to remain present at your club Engage with the community by introducing yourself, participating in games, and becoming an active member Your visibility and involvement will eventually lead to increased momentum.

2 Maintain Professional Appearance: Present yourself as a tennis professional by dressing appropriately and staying in good physical condition. Continuing to play tennis and maintaining fitness are essential aspects of this profession.

3.Seek Mentorship: Identify successful individuals in the field and learn from them. Observe their methods and strategies, and adopt a student mentality to absorb valuable insights

4.Foster Authentic Client Relationships: Genuine care and authenticity are vital. Clients can discern when you’re not fully committed Demonstrate passion for your work, understand your clients’ needs, and consistently challenge them to improve

5 Commit to Continuous Learning: Avoid complacency by continually seeking knowledge and embracing new ideas Utilize resources such as the RSPA, attend conventions, explore online content, and communicate with other clubs to stay informed about industry trends

6.Work Hard and Dedicate the Necessary Hours: Strong work ethic and willingness to invest significant time are keys to becoming successful in this industry Clients will appreciate your readiness, work ethic and consistency

I’ve been fortunate to have supportive mentors like Pierre Mareschal, be part of an exceptional club such as The Valley Hunt Club, and work with great clients I continually challenge myself to develop innovative ideas, events, clinics, and lessons to grow my business. This commitment to evolution and improvement has been instrumental in my journey from a collegiate athlete to a dedicated tennis professional

Sam Tadevosian

What is Safe Play™?

We combine comprehensive education, background screening, and clear policies to implement standards for athlete safety. Working alongside the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, we develop safety policies and resources. Safe Play empowers the entire tennis community to recognize, prevent, and report misconduct, ensuring a brighter, safer future for our sport

SAFE PLAY TRAININGS FOR

ALL

PARENTS

Protect Your Child and Win

ADULTS

Elevate Your Game

COACHES Get Approved

FACILITIES

Protect Your Child and Win

TEXT YOUR PLAYERS LIKE A PRO

GROUP MESSAGING & 2-WAY TEXT MESSAGING

“StringPing has acted as the centerpiece within our membership communication strategy. The StringPing platform is dynamic, easy to use, and most importantly has propelled our membership engagement and revenue streams to new heights. The StringPing team has been a joy to work with and I deeply believe the platform is an indispensable tool to any club.”

To learn more or to start your 30-DAY FREE TRIAL scan here or TEXT “TRIAL” TO 888 990 6790

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RSPA SoCal 2026 Q1 Newsletter by RSPA - Issuu