President’s MESSAGE
Dear Members,
It is with great humility and gratitude that I assume the role of President of the RSPA MidAtlantic Section. Having been a proud RSPA member for over 20 years, a board member for eight, and a lifelong participant in the racquets industry, I have benefited immensely from this organization. It is both an honor and a responsibility to now give back in a meaningful way and to help drive continued progress within our section.
In alignment with the vision and goals of our national leadership, we have assembled an exceptional team of committee members. Each brings a clear sense of purpose, defined objectives, and a commitment to advancing our organization It is my hope that during my tenure, every member will experience positive, tangible growth in the areas that matter most to them.
We are already off to a strong start this year. Our annual conference was a tremendous success highlighted by an outstanding lineup of new speakers who shared valuable insights
and innoovative ideas In addition, we have hosted certification opportunities across Tennis, Platform, and Pickleball, with more programs continually being added to our calendar.
A key priority moving forward is the continued growth of our membership Your voice is vital in this effort. By sharing your positive experiences, professional development opportunities, and the strength of our network, you play a critical role in attracting new members It is important to recognize that this is not the RSPA of a decade ago we are evolving, forward-thinking, and committed to staying at the forefront of our industry.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or if you are interested in becoming more involved. Together, we will continue to strengthen and elevate our section.
Sincerely,
Mark DiChiara
Executive Director’s Update
I am excited to start my new role as Executive Director of the RSPA MidAtlantic division. I am a 37 year USPTA/RSPA career professional. My journey began in the Florida division, followed by 15 years in the Southern division before landing in Virginia, where I have been the last 10 years
I am looking forward to working with the Mid-Atlantic RSPA board and all of the members within the division.
I am excited about the future of our organization and hope to connect and work with as many of you as possible in the years to come as we work to grow the organization.
NEW MEMBERS & UPGRADED MEMBERS:
Catherine Broerman, Ashburn, VA
Rupin Bhalla, Ashburn, VA
John Huffstetler, Frederick, MD
Julian Jinich, Chevy Chase, MD
Brendan Moag, Baltimore, MD
Sunggun Park, Vienna, VA
Malhaar Nair, Bethesda, MD
Phouthasone Douangphoumy, Alexandria, VA
As Mark stated in his message, growth of the membership is a priority I would encourage all members to get involved and become an active member, as this is your organization!
I would like to thank Joni Hannah, my predecessor in this role, for her years of service and leadership. I have big shoes to fill as she did an amazing job in this role.
Please feel free to reach out should you have any questions or would like to become more involved. I can be reached at mike caboy@rspa net
See ya on the courts!
Mike
LET’S CONNECT
The RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division is interested in connecting with you If you have news you would like to share with the division, job postings, a promotion, tennis/pickleball tips or an upcoming event, then please send the information to me at mike.caboy@rspa.net Also, please follow us on Facebook and on X (formerly Twitter) https://x.com/rspamidatlantic
SAVE THE DATES:
May 30 -31th st
(Rain Dates: June 6 -7 ) th th ASIAN GAMES
Location: Lake Newport, Reston, VA
August 14 , 15 , and 16 th th th
Level 2 - In Person Workshop
Location: Country Club of Fairfax 5110 Ox Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030
*Must be logged into your RSPA profile to register for this event*
Mid-Atlantic Board Members:
President:
Regional Vice President:
Vice President
Vice President
Past President
DC Representative
Maryland Representative
Maryland Representative
Viginia Representative
Virginia Representative
Mark DiChiara
Taylor Newman
David Robinson
Ronnie Hass
Glen Gerbino
Angela McDowell
Hernan Hatam
Sam Stone
Jeff Tucker
Joseph Caruth
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication!
Asian Games 2026 Tennis Tournament
Building Community Through Sport
The Asian Games Tennis Tournament returns for its third consecutive year, continuing to grow as one of the most vibrant and inclusive tennis events in the Reston community. Set to take place at Lake Newport in Reston, Virginia, this year’s tournament promises an exciting blend of competition, culture, and camaraderie.
With over 100 participants in previous years, the Asian Games has become more than just a tennis tournament it’s a celebration of diversity and community spirit. One of the event’s most memorable traditions is the “Walk of the Nations,” where players proudly represent their heritage by carrying their country’s flag as they parade around the courts. This powerful moment sets the tone for a weekend centered on unity and sportsmanship.
Adding to the cultural experience, participants bring food from their own national backgrounds to share with others, creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere both on and off the court.
Participating Teams
Teams representing a wide range of communities will compete this year, including: Philippines–VB, Philippines–Nova, Vietnamese, Indian, UN, and Chinese
Tournament Format
Event Details
Dates: May 30–31, 2026
Rain Dates: June 6–7, 2026
Location: Lake Newport, Reston, VA
For additional information, contact Chris Tran at: dacoach2662@gmail com
The competition will feature multiple divisions to ensure balanced and competitive play: Men’s 7.0, Women’s 7.0, Men’s 8.0, Women’s 8.0, and Open Mixed Combo teams are welcome, allowing flexibility in team composition. For example, a men’s 3.5 player paired with a women’s 4.0 player can form a 7.0 team, while a men’s 4.0 and women’s 4.5 pairing would qualify for the 8.0 division. Women are allowed a +0.5 UTR adjustment in mixed combinations, promoting inclusivity and competitive balance
Registration & Verification
All team members are required to register through the official team registration form To maintain fairness and competitive integrity, each player’s level will be verified by the tournament committee using the UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) or WTN (World Tennis Number) system.
Asian Games 2026 Tennis Tournament
Building Community Through Sport
Junior Fun Event
A special highlight of the weekend is the junior fun event, designed to engage young players and families Kids will enjoy games, prizes, raffles, and gift bags, ensuring that the next generation of tennis players feels welcomed and inspired.
Activities & Highlights
In addition to the tournament matches, the event will feature:
A 1-point tournament format for fast-paced, exciting play
Raffles with a wide range of prizes, including tennis racquets, bags, strings, socks, and more Event banners and sponsor recognition, coordinated by Amy Ongoing sponsorship opportunities led by Chris Tran and Eric Cruz
Mama’s Recovery Circle
Article by: Shaun Nguyen, RSPA Elite Professional
My Wife, Annessa Nguyen, and I’s journey through marriage and parenthood these past five years, brought to our attention a need to afford new moms an enjoyable, healthy, and supportive means to get back into the swing of things and in the process making a dream come true for our first group of new moms. This led to the creation of Mama’s Recovery Circle (MRC)
Just before we married and welcomed our daughters, both under the age of four, Annessa, a certified tennis professional and founder of Annessa Taylor Tennis Academy (ATTA), launched her academy in 2020 After becoming a mother, she remained connected to the sport of tennis but began to recognize something was missing—not just for herself, but for other women navigating motherhood. There was no space within tennis that truly supported mothers in post-partum in reconnecting with their bodies, identity, and overall well-being.
Through a shared vision for women’s wellness, she partnered with Lauren Howze, founder of MOMumental and a certified preand postnatal fitness specialist. Lauren designs personalized fitness plans for women in all stages of womanhood. Together, they created Mama’s Recovery Circle.
Mama’s Recovery Circle is a curated tennis and wellness experience designed for mothers and expecting women, blending tennis instruction, pelvic floor-focused movement, recovery services, and intentional community connection. Towards the last 30minutes of each event the women socialize sharing pregnancy journeys, labor experiences, and motherhood stories over food and drinks. The participants are encouraged to wear pink as a symbolism for regaining their “color” as women. At the end, everyone receives a gift bag provided by MRC and its sponsors & vendors This also provides these brands and companies a platform for public exposure to their products and services.
Since launching in October 2025, Mama’s Recovery Circle has sold out every event, including activations at Watkins Tennis Bubble and the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC). With future plans to reach over 100 women through a multi-event series in May hosted at JTCC, MRC is redefining how tennis can support women through every stage of life including motherhood
Mama’s Recovery Cirlce
Article by: Shaun Nguyen, RSPA Elite Professional
Below you can find the names, dates & times, location, and a brief description for each event:
THE GOLDEN GIRLS CIRCLE (50+)
Sunday, May 17 | 10:00am – 1:30pm | JTCC
A tennis and wellness event for ladies aged 50+
MOMMY & ME TENNIS BRUNCH
Saturday, May 23 | 11:30am – 2:30pm | JTCC
A parent-child event that introduces partner-based movement exercises designed to encourage teamwork and connection between mothers and their children (under 10).
THE VILLAGE CIRCLE
Sunday, May 24 | 9:00am – 1:00pm | JTCC
A tennis and wellness experience celebrating all women
THE EXPECTING MAMAS CIRCLE
Sunday, May 24 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm | JTCC
A prenatal wellness and tennis exercise for expecting mothers
2025 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Award Winners
2026 HOF Inductee - Ted Meyer
A distinguished career spanning more than four decades has earned a respected tennis professional induction into the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Hall of Fame, recognizing a legacy of leadership, teaching excellence, and service to the game.
His impact extends beyond the court through community initiatives such as cofounding the “TO P of Richmond,” a nationally recognized program providing tennis opportunities to underserved youth
A graduate and four-year letterman at George Mason University, Ted began his professional career in 1981 and quickly rose through the ranks, holding leadership positions at several premier clubs before becoming Director of Tennis and part owner of West Winds Tennis & Fitness Center in 1998
A longtime member of the United States Professional Tennis Association (now RSPA), he achieved Elite Professional status and played a pivotal role in developing future teaching pros Serving as Head Tester for the MidAtlantic division for 30 years, he earned Tester of the Year honors ten times and were named both Virginia and MidAtlantic Pro of the Year
This Hall of Fame honor reflects a career defined by dedication, leadership, and a lasting influence on tennis throughout the Mid-Atlantic region
2025 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Award Winners
2025 Pro of the Year - Joe Mesmer
Joe had the privilege of coaching at George Washington University from 1987 to 1998, where he led both men’s and women’s tennis teams to become #2 in the Eastern Region. During that time, he was honored to be named Coach of the Year five times, and he had the pleasure of coaching numerous players who went on to achieve national rankings, including some who reached the Top 30.
As a board member of the MidAtlantic Tennis Association (MCTA), he worked to help grow and promote the sport in our region. Over the years, he has also won over a dozen Mid-Atlantic Age Group Doubles titles in the 30's through 45's age groups, with many different partners, but mostly with Ken Guendel in the 40's division. Joe has represented the Mid-Atlantic in multiple Atlantic Coach Cup competitions and has competed on various teams
For the past 33 years, he served as Head Tennis Professional and Racquets Director at Columbia Country Club, a position that has allowed him to contribute to the growth of tennis in the club’s community while providing high-quality instruction and leadership to our members. During this time, he had the privilege to witness many Mid- Atlantic and National tournaments, as well as USIC events, being hosted on the Club’s tennis facilities.
“I am deeply honored to be awarded the Mid Atlantic Pro of the Year”
-Joe Mesmer
2025 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Award Winners
2025 RSPA Pickleball Professional of the Year - JD Almond
JD Almond is the 2025 RSPA MidAtlantic Pickleball Professional of the Year. For the last three years, JD has been the Director of Pickleball at Picklballerz in Chantilly, Virginia Pickleballers is the original, pickleballonly indoor facility on the East Coast. He oversees event and activity programming and teaches groups and private lessons for both adults and juniors
He has also run three successful pickleball tournaments in 2025, the Pickleballerz Open in January, the MidAtlantic Senior Open in April, and the
Beat the Heat tournament in August These tournaments are well attended by hundreds of players.
In addition to his responsibilities at Pickleballers, JD is the Director of Racquet Sports at Sudley Swim and camp; Tennis Club in Manassas, Virginia He has been the Director and head tennis and pickleball instructor at this summer Club for 31 years. At Sudley, he teaches pickleball and tennis to juniors and adults, helps organize the leagues, and organizes social activities
2025 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Award Winners
2025 Virginia Pro of the Year - Jeff Tucker
In 2025, Jeff participated in about a dozen RSPA Mid-Atlantic forums . These included the Annual Conference, the suite at the Mubadala Citi Open, the Business Conference, and other webinars and online meetings Jeff was also selected to serve as the RSPA Virginia Representative for 2026
As an experienced Cardio Tennis provider, Jeff consulted with the USTA research team and Michele Krause for candidate strategies to reinvigorate the USTA Cardio Tennis brand And with USTA Coaching being created in 2025, Jeff participated in various aspects of USTA Coaching as it was being stood up. “Some thought 2 tennis certifying organizations were too many, I might think that 3 are too many However, I have found great value in organizations like the iTPA and WTCA, and think that something like the Human Performance Institute needs to stand up again.”
In Advantage Tennis, the coaching organization the Jeff founded, 4 new coaches were hired and trained in 2025. All 4 of them reached either level 1 or an
additional level higher of certification in 2025. Advantage Tennis added an additional Club in 2025 which stressed the capacity of the entire team and provided tennis for almost 200 new players. In the company’s Academy, one player graduated to play college tennis, and 4 others rose to top 2 on their high school team.
As a high school coach and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employee, and also an Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) volunteer, Jeff has had abundant opportunity for both volunteer work and additional professional development Jeff has provided in-school tennis for ACPS elementary schools both for classes of mentally disturbed children and regular PE classes.
2025 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Award Winners
2025 High School Coach of the Year - George Christoforatos
George has always taken being a Racquet Professional very seriously, feeling that education and certifications are so important in this ever-changing business While being a member of the RSPA, he personally takes pride in maintaining his membership and learning new and exciting information from all the education offered by the RSPA and other organizations. George always tells pros to join the RSPA, take the certification, go to educational class, and ask questions Get involved.
For George, working at Indian Creek Yacht and Country club has truly changed his life, living near the Chesapeake bay and in an area that is largely a retirement community Working with an older crowd but still having the passion to grow youth tennis. He quickly learned 6 years ago that High School tennis was nonexistent in the Northern Neck. Middle school tennis programs were not even an idea Youth tennis had not only taken a back seat but was dormant. Sadly!
So, with the help of the USTA I held some coaches' clinics. He called all the schools from Northumberland, Lancaster, Essex, Rappahannock, West Point , Middlesex,
Mathew’s and others, inviting them to Clinics and to learn how to teach youth tennis. And help grow tennis in this area. Northumberland, Lancaster Christ Church formed new tennis teams But had no place to play He spoke to my GM and the Indian Creek Yacht and Country committee and asked them to allow these teams to practice and play here! They approved it. So, now we have three new programs
2025 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Award Winners
2025 RSPA Industry Excellence Award - Louise Gengler Thomas
Louise is a lifelong tennis player from a tennis family and one of five sisters who competed in USTA junior tennis at the sectional and national levels through the Eastern Tennis Association She played collegiate tennis at Princeton University and later returned to her alma mater, coaching the women’s tennis team for 25 years before retiring in 2004
Since then, she has remained deeply involved in the sport as an RSPA professional, teaching independently, coaching at the Junior Tennis Champions Center, serving as an assistant coach at Annapolis High School, and volunteering as an instructor with the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County.
A founding member and current President of the Board of the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County a 501(c) (3) nonprofit and USTA NJTL chapter Louise has helped guide the organization’s growth and community impact. Under her leadership, the Tennis Alliance has built
strong partnerships with local governments, schools, youth organizations, and countywide health and inclusion groups, while expanding free and low-cost tennis opportunities for more than 400 youth and 100 adults annually
The organization now offers inclusive and adaptive programs, including Special Olympics, Wheelchair Tennis, and Blind/Low Vision Tennis, and serves as the provider of public tennis programming at Truxtun Park in Annapolis.
2025 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Award Winners
2025 RSPA Touring Coach of the Year
Over the past several years, Hernan has been actively involved in professional touring environments, working closely with players at both ATP and WTA events. He served as a hitting partner at the Citi Open on three occasions (2023, 2024, and 2025), supporting touring professionals and having played with the best players in the world with on-court preparation, training sessions, and match readiness during tournament play.
against Aryna Sabalenka, contributing to match preparation and in-match support at the Grand Slam level. These experiences reflect his consistent involvement on tour and my commitment to supporting player performance at the highest levels of competition
In 2016, he coached ATP professional Juan Ignacio Londero Career-high singles ranking: World No. 50, Career-high doubles ranking: World No. 186 (achieved 2 March 2020) during the qualifying rounds of the BB&T Atlanta Open, providing technical, tactical, and competitive guidance in a professional tour setting. Additionally, he was invited to be part of Cristina Bucșa’s Career-high singles ranking: World No. 50 (achieved 5 January 2026) and Career-high doubles ranking: World No 19 (achieved 10 June 2024) during the 2025 US Open, sitting in the team box for her Round of 16 match
