President
Sabastiani Leon Chao leonsabster@gmail.com
Regional Vice President
Maxwell Weishan maxweishan@gmail.com
Vice President
Joel Reckewey joelrextennis@gmail.com
Vice President Karen Ronney kronney@yahoo.com
Treasurer Josh Jorgensen joshjta@yahoo.com
Secretary Roberto M. Ancira beto _10s@yahoo.com
Immediate Past President
Dophie Poiset dpoiset@aol.com
Executive Director
Steve Kappes steve.kappes@rspa.net
Hello
RSPA San Diego Professionals,
It is with great excitement that we reintroduce the RSPA San Diego Newsletter After several years without a consistent publication, we are proud to relaunch this platform as a way to highlight the great work happening throughout our division, share educational opportunities and content, and keep everyone aligned with the direction of RSPA
None of this would be possible without the help and initiative of our current board members and Executive Director Please feel free to reach out to us at any time
As we move into the year, our focus remains clear: strengthening our professional standards, expanding continuing education and professional development opportunities, and creating meaningful networking events that bring our community together Whether you specialize in tennis, pickleball, or padel, there is tremendous opportunity for growth and collaboration.
Over the past year, we have embraced the growth of racquet sports, and our division is on a positive trajectory with 10% of our members becoming certified in multiple disciplines. We encourage others to do the same. Knowledge is power, and opportunity often comes when we approach new experiences with an open mind.
As president, my goal is to create both educational and social opportunities that allow our members to network, grow their knowledge, and continue leading the industry while providing the best possible experience to our communities. I aim to host at least one event per quarter in both San Diego County and the Coachella Valley If you are interested in hosting an event or seminar, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing me at leonsabster@gmail com
One of the major events to look forward to is our annual Division Conference on June 5th & 6th at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego There will be a pickleball certification on Friday afternoon, and Saturday will feature a full day of educational seminars across several racquet sports It will be a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and hear from some of the best speakers and companies in the industry
Another exciting event this year is the RSPA World Racquets Conference in Dallas, Texas, taking place September 20th to the 23rd This global gathering offers an incredible opportunity to meet industry leaders from around the world and gain insight into the future of racquet sports
Thank you for your dedication to our profession and to the athletes and communities we serve I am proud to serve as your president and remain committed to supporting our members and strengthening our division Let’s continue to “Win as One” and strive to be the very best together.
Warm regards, Sabastiani Leon President RSPA San Diego Division
June 5 | Pickleball Certification June 6 | Main Conference Barnes Tennis Center, San Diego, CA
1. Exclusive Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from industry leaders.
2. Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and experts.
3. Innovative Sessions: Participate in interactive workshops and panels.
4. Education Credits: Can earn up to 12 credits!
5. Fun! Socialize and play tennis, pickleball, and padel with peers
1. New RSPA Members (Since June 7, 2025): FREE ADMISSION!
2. Conference Pickleball Certification Attendees: FREE ADMISSION to conference.
3. High School Coaches: Discounted admission + 1 free assistant/student/parent for FREE!
4. Coachella Valley/Desert Area Members: Discounted Registration!
RPSA members are driven professionals who go above and beyond the call of duty to inspire their students to reach their highest level of performance on the court and provide them with tools to be successful off the court as well The RSPA wants to recognize members that uphold this commitment to excellence as racquet sports teachers and ambassadors to impact people and communities.
The association is accepting nominations for the Division Awards program, which recognizes members’ accomplishments during 2025 Nominees' achievements can be from any racquet sports.
All nominees must be RSPA members in good standing Self-nominations are welcome Awardees will be recognized at the RSPA San Diego Division Conference June 6, 2026, at the Barnes Tennis Center. Winners will also be considered for equivalent national awards.
Please submit this nomination form by April 30, 2026
The award categories are:
Bob Bacon Lifetime Achievement Award: Recognizes an RSPA member who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to racquet sports throughout their career, both at the division and national level.
Ben Press Pro of the Year Award: Recognizes an outstanding coach who has gone above and beyond
Facility of the Year Award: Recognizes a facility that has provided exceptional programs and experiences.
Industry Excellence Award: Recognizes the work of a company or individual that has demonstrated innovation and leadership in the racquet sports industry in the San Diego Division area
Junior Tennis Coach Award: Recognizes a coach who has inspired and developed young athletes.
Rising Star Award: Recognizes a new teaching professional who has shown remarkable progress and potential
Community Service Award: Recognizes outstanding service to the community through racquet sports in general.
I am proud to offer RSPA Level 1 and Level 2 Tennis Workshops to coaches throughout San Diego and the greater Southern California region. My goal is to support the professional growth of tennis coaches by delivering high quality, practical education that strengthens both technical knowledge and on‑court coaching skills.
These workshops are designed to help coaches build a strong foundation in player development, lesson organization, stroke production, and effective communication Through a combination of classroom learning and on court application, participants gain tools they can immediately implement within their own programs.
Level 1 Workshop Focus:
Fundamental stroke development
Teaching progressions and drills
Class organization and safety
Communication and coaching fundamentals
Level 2 Workshop Focuses On:
Advanced stroke analysis and correction
How to organize and run private and group lessons
Communication and coaching fundamentals
By hosting these workshops in San Diego and throughout Southern California, I aim to make continuing education accessible and convenient for coaches in our local tennis community. My passion is helping coaches grow with confidence, elevate their programs, and ultimately provide a better experience for the players they serve.
If you are interested in hosting or attending an upcoming RSPA workshop, please reach out to me at conanlorenzo@gmail.com.
Meet Joel Reckewey, RSPA Elite Professional and Pickleball Professional, who currently serves as the Racquet Sports Director at Palm Valley Country Club in Palm Desert and also serves on the RSPA San Diego Board as Vice President.
Joel obtained his Pickleball Coaching Certification four years ago and has participated in Nike Pickleball Camps, providing clinics, private lessons, and team practices. He is currently completing his Coach Developer Certification.
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Last year, Joel presented Pickleball Basics at the Annual Conference and has participated in demonstrations at both the 2024 and 2025 World Conferences.
Interested in attending or hosting a Pickleball certification in the Coachella Valley area? Please contact me at joelrextennis@gmail.com.
RSPA San Diego County Pickleball Coach Developer
Whether you are adding pickleball to your coaching portfolio, refining your current teaching methods, or transitioning from player to coach, my goal is to help you succeed
Our pickleball certification workshops prepare coaches to demonstrate key competencies in lesson organization and communication, helping them excel during the certification process and in their daily coaching.
I am an RSPA Master Professional, coaching both pickleball and tennis, and I currently serve as Treasurer on the RSPA San Diego Board. I am an active gold medal competitor in pickleball tournaments and leagues, and I look forward to using my knowledge of coaching methodology and pickleball to support your career development
Interested in hosting or attending a Pickleball Certification Workshop in San Diego County? Please contact me at joshjta@yahoo com
Over the weekend of March 13–14, we were excited to host two outstanding coaches, Michael McGrath and Scott Nagel, as they participated in the RSPA Level 1 Certification Course.
Throughout the course, both coaches strengthened and refined their skills in key areas such as effective coaching techniques, communication, leadership, and the development of structured group lesson plans. The hands-on environment allowed participants to actively engage in the learning process while gaining practical tools they can immediately apply on the court.
“Both coaches were exceptional on the courts. They quickly developed a strong understanding of how to run effective group lessons, and it was a fantastic experience to exchange ideas and learn from one another throughout the certification process,” said Coach Developer Conan Lorenzo.
We are proud of Michael and Scott for their commitment to professional growth and continuing education within the game.
Looking ahead, the next RSPA Level 2 Certification Course will take place April 25–27 Coaches interested in advancing their credentials or learning more are encouraged to contact Conan Lorenzo at conanlorenzo@gmail.com for additional information or to register.
We are pleased to announce upcoming professional development workshops in our region, featuring sessions for both tennis and pickleball Padel courses are available in other states. These programs are designed to strengthen your coaching expertise, expand your industry knowledge and support your continued growth within the racquet sports profession. To register for any of these, please visit the RSPA website.
April 21-22 | Moraga, CA Register Here
April 30 - May 1 | Burbank, CA Register Here
April 23-25 | Moraga, CA Register Here
April 25-27 | La Jolla, CA Register Here
June 6 - 8 | Cerritos, CA Register Here
May 1 | Tiburon, CA Register Here
May 2 | Burbank, CA Register Here
April 11-12 | Westlake, FL Register Here
April 30-May 1 | Highland Park, IL Register Here
June 5 | San Diego, CA Register Here
August 29 | Mission Viejo, CA Register Here
May 6-7 | Parker, CO Register Here
June 13-14 | Orlando, FL Register Here
Wearepleasedtorecognizeandcelebrateourmemberswhojoined inthepastyear,thosewhohaverecentlycertifiedorupgraded,and thosewhoarenowcertifiedinmorethanoneracquetsport. Congratulationstoeveryone!
NewMembers:KaanAyman,LeoBakiri,EricaChen,KatarinaDikosavljevic,BrianGuzman, GrahamKaye,AlexanderKremliovsky,MaxMereles,CatMoe,ScottNagel,MitchNewman, GillianParker,BlakelyPearson,AllenRabinovich,SamuelRudenberg,ThelmaSepulveda, CharlieStephens RecentlyCertified/Upgraded
TennisInstructor:EricaChen,BryanGuggolz,BrianGuzman,AlexanderKremliovsky, MatthewMelosch,MaxMereles,ScottNagel,ColinPalmer,GillianParker,Samuel Rudenberg,ThelmaSepulveda,CharlieStephens,TerryYoung
TennisProfessional:RobertoAncira,HossamKamel,KraigWinters
PickleballInstructor:LisaAllen
PickleballProfessional:DamienLaCaze,JamieSolomon
Multi-sportCertified
TennisandPickleball: JasonAlfrey,MarcAssaraf,KeithBarksdale,FrancoisCastejon, SashaChuchkovich,BryanConway,MattCopland,JohnCraig,DanielleDutton,Michael Espinosa,DonGomsi,JerryJayapal,JoshJorgensen,LisaKempton,ConanLorenzo,Kevin Maloney,HectorMendoza,NigelO'Rourke,JesusOsuna,AlbertoRamos,JoelReckewey, KristieReynolds-Gipe,KarenRonney,MatthewSeideman
TennisandPadel:SueWhiteside
Tennis,Pickleball,andPadel:JuanGarcia,MaxWeishan
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the San Diego Tennis Fest, the largest free tennis clinic for all ages and abilities in the United States. Balboa Tennis Club has generously donated all 25 courts to make this event possible on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Your passion for tennis and giving back to the game as a coach is what makes this event a success every year! All pros who help will receive a long sleeve dri-fit shirt, choice of gift card or case of gently used balls, and lunch. For more information and to sign up: Tennis Fest Pro Sign-Up
Karen Ronney RSPA Elite Professional
Each year, many high school tennis programs struggle to provide proper equipment and updated training for their girls’ and boys’ teams. Coaches also need practice balls, rackets and coaching education The RSPA San Diego Division offered a solution at the RSPA San Diego Team Coaching Training Workshop recently at Barnes Tennis Center
This amazing educational event was enjoyed by about fifty participants including RSPA members and non-members, teaching pros, community coaches, parents, teachers and teen leaders. There was also food, drink, product giveaways and a raffle with incredible items donated by sponsors, vendors, local businesses and RSPA pros In addition, local clubs donated about 1,200 gently-used tennis balls, and the San Diego District Tennis Association donated tennis rackets in good condition
The workshop was sponsored by RSPA San Diego, the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation, CH Court Tech and Barnes Tennis Center. It was also made possible by product sponsorships from USTA Southern California, Dunlop, Wilson, Yonex, Babolat and the Racquet Stringing Workshop of La Jolla
“We were very pleased to be able to offer a workshop specifically for those who lead teams of all types,” said Steve Kappes, the RSPA San Diego Executive Director. “We greatly appreciated the experts who offered help, advice and teaching tips. I think this made a big difference in supporting a unique group of coaches and high school players who are often overlooked It was a fantastic community event ”
The workshop opened with tips on Team Communication and How to Conduct Tryouts from RSPA Vice President Karen Ronney, a three-time National High School Coach of the Year by RSPA, the Professional Tennis Registry and the Racquet Sports Industry She has been the head girls’ coach at Patrick Henry High for 18 years. Ronney, the event organizer, suggested a Parent Orientation Program, which includes a comprehensive letter of introduction, methods of providing rosters, schedules and a communication pathway such as shared Google docs, WhatsApp or team-related apps. She also shared best team practices for group warm-ups, how to create a positive team culture, and she led an inciteful teen player Q&A discussion
Neil Johnson, Founder of Serve-Stroke-Volley (SSV) shared his international level-based rating system and competitive program as well as its application in the high school tryout process Johnson said SSV defines eight levels of play from beginner to expert, and it can quickly help coaches rate players to determine varsity and junior varsity squads. SSV also hosts year round competitive events.
RSPA Pro Julianna Gates is a multi-faceted fitness coach, who is certified in the Pat Etcheberry system, TRX, and she is a yoga teacher She led a group of volunteer high school players through a well-rounded Warm Up Then RSPA veteran Coach Ed Collins taught the students to “Volley Like a Pro” and he led the group through various stages of perfecting the volley. Coach Ed, the former men’s coach at USD, is a four-time RSPA Coach of the Year. He taught the volunteer high school players to keep the racquet head up as they execute the shot from various locations on the court.
Babolat So Cal Territory Rep and RSPA Pro
Allan Iverson did an incredible job of teaching Dynamic Doubles. “It’s important to develop basic tracking skills to see the ball and time your split-step, which gets you ready in doubles,” Iverson said “You have to start from the very first ball that is hit and move forward with strategic understanding and vision.”
RSPA Pro Tom Shea, the former Director of Tennis for the Bay Club of Carmel Valley, demonstrated the “Greatest Game Ever” for teaching doubles. Shea, a past RSPA and SDDTA Pro of the Year, used the Champs and Challengers game in a 2v2 format to teach how to incorporate a combination of volleys, groundstrokes and serves into a live-ball structure.
“When you do a drill make sure you explain its purpose and notice if the players are managing or struggling with it,” Shea said “After a point, ask how well players understand the objectives, shot selection and court positioning.”
Steve Riggs, the USTA SoCal Junior Team Tennis Area Coordinator for Orange County, shared options for high school players to compete on JTT teams in their off season Riggs also outlined ways to use JTT to financially help support a high school program
“If you are coaching kids and you’re not giving them a reason to keep playing, then you are not doing your job,” Riggs said. "JTT is a great gap filler between high school seasons. It can give players a reason to practice, take lessons and compete.”
Fundraising tips were highlighted by Robert Dixon, the Assistant Treasurer from Patrick Henry High. Dixon provided a wealth of information and creative ideas to attendees. He has raised over $200,000 for sports teams at the school.
“If you are coaching, you need to have one or two parents to lead the fundraising team,” Dixon said “The key is to focus on raising small amounts at a time A great opportunity is with restaurants that will give you twenty percent of the proceeds It all adds up ”
Coaching advice for college-bound athletes came from two local experts in Grossmont College Women’s Coach Megan Haber, and San Diego City Women’s Coach Jami Jones. They provided information on how to help players earn a debt-free education for the first two years by considering community college tennis There are additional perks such as priority registration, athletic counseling, and support on and off the court
“Things have changed and now community college is a great choice for the first two years because it’s free in California,” Haber said. “The opportunities are amazing. It’s perfect for girls who want to play tennis but are not quite top level players.”
Said SDCC Coach Jami Jones: “The cost of college is so crazy now Community college is a place to get an education, be competitive and have a few years to mature. Some kids are not ready to go away right after high school and this is a great next step.”
When it comes to San Diego area high school coaching community, two leaders shared inciteful information Coach Kevin Brown, the boys’ and girls’ coach at Canyon Crest Academy, has led his program to five CIF San Diego Section Team Championships Brown has worked with beginners to champions and he offered tips on building community while meeting the athletes’ diverse needs.
“No matter the level of the players, they are there for the same reasons,” Brown said. “They just want to have fun Sometimes the van rides are where the best memories are made Kids have a chance to bond, talk, sing and build friendships No one remembers if they won or lost matches but they remember the fun in the van. If I’m doing that, I’ve done my job well.”
Helix High boys’ and girls’ teams are led by Coach Dan Potter, who is a no-cut coach. He runs a tight schedule that includes practices and matches for varsity, junior varsity and novice players.
“The kids want the courts to be their place, and their space,” Potter said “I have 60 plus kids per season, and they take ownership of the courts. Sometimes they just want to hang out, sit and do homework. Or they come to decompress and have fun.”
Special thanks to the wonderful volunteer teen players that included Natalie Stein, Ruby Roe and Kim Nguyen from Patrick Henry High, Julie and Cate Riggs from Woodbridge High, Bradley Middlekamp from Canyon Hills High and Ian Hanrahan from Tierrasanta
Karen Ronney
RSPA Elite Professional
oy great tennis at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open and connect with on professionals and desert area friends This RSPA San Diego non‑hosted social event designed to connect our communities
After attending a BNP morning session and being inspired by some of the world’s top players, RSPA San Diego Vice Presidents Joel Reckewey and Karen Ronney met with tennis and pickleball professionals at Kitchen 86 Restaurant in Palm Desert to share industry news and insights
Those in attendance included Bruce Reed, a desert based RSPA professional who specializes in hosting Nike Pickleball Camps throughout Southern California, as well as Pascal Labee, a BNP volunteer and tennis professional from Victoria, Canada. Carla Shranz, a participant in the Desert Pickleball League, also joined the group Carla began playing pickleball in recent years and continues to enjoy playing regularly
Topics discussed throughout the gathering included tennis and pickleball trends, training tips, tournaments, and best practices for organizing sports camps for athletes of all ages
“It was fantastic because we all share a passion for racquet sports,” said Reckewey, who organized the RSPA event. “Everyone has different experiences, and we can learn from each other. Sharing our expertise makes everyone better.”
The RSPA San Diego Division looks forward to reconnecting with racquet sports professionals at the upcoming RSPA San Diego Division Conference, taking place June 5–6 at Barnes Tennis Center. We hope to see you there.
Registration is officially open for the RSPA World Racquets Conference 2026, taking place September 20–23 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This year’s theme Reach for the Stars: Shaping Your Professional Journey—invites you to lean into growth, stretch past comfort and elevate your career as a racquets sports professional
WRC26 will be our most immersive experience yet, connecting you with industry experts and equipping you with practical, applicable tools across coaching, leadership and operations. We're bringing our learnings from last year's conference in Hawaii and showcasing an educational program with a focus on tennis and sessions in pickleball and padel, both in the classroom and on all three courts
Exclusive Pricing for Members!
Early Bird Pricing (Members Only): $579
Limited availability secure your spot early!
Full Member Rate: $649 when early bird availability runs out
Late Registration: $749 for those who register after Sept 13, 2026
Non-member Early Bird Pricing: $679
You'll receive the link to book our exclusive hotel rate via email after registering for the conference
By Michelle Okhremchuk, Founder & Director, MO Tennis Training, Women’s Head Coach, Southwestern College
Michelle Okhrenchuk RSPA Professional
In today’s junior tennis landscape, it is easy to place a strong emphasis on rankings, tournament results, and short term performance While competition is an important part of growth, long term development requires a broader perspective The foundation built during a player’s formative years often determines whether they progress with confidence or struggle later as expectations increase.
The 10 and Under progression Red, Orange, and Green Ball plays a critical role in this foundation. Scaled courts and equipment allow young players to develop proper technique, movement patterns, and tactical awareness appropriate to their physical stage When players move too quickly to full court play without establishing these fundamentals, compensations can emerge that become difficult to correct later. A structured progression not only improves skill acquisition but also supports confidence and enjoyment during the early years
As players advance beyond the 10 and Under stages, development becomes increasingly individualized Physical maturation, academic demands, and personal goals all influence training priorities While some athletes pursue competitive tournament pathways, others focus on contributing to school teams or maintaining tennis as a meaningful extracurricular activity Decisions regarding increased training intensity are most effective when made after a strong foundation has been established.
At higher levels of competition, athletes benefit from more specialized and demanding environments By this stage, technical consistency, movement efficiency, and fundamental competitive skills should already be in place, allowing training to focus on refinement rather than reconstruction Preparing players for these transitions technically, physically, and mentally is a critical part of responsible player development
Consistency remains one of the strongest predictors of long term progress Families often search for rapid improvement through frequent program changes; however, sustained training within a stable structure typically produces more reliable outcomes. A supportive environment fosters trust, resilience, and the willingness to work through challenges
Collaboration with parents is equally important. Clear communication around expectations and realistic timelines helps reduce unnecessary pressure and contributes to a healthier experience for young athletes When coaches and families are aligned, players feel secure and can focus on improvement rather than external stress
Ultimately, success in junior coaching should not be measured solely by rankings or scholarships, but by how well athletes are prepared for their next stage whether that includes varsity competition, collegiate tennis, or lifelong participation in the sport The goal is not simply to produce high performing players, but to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to continue growing both within tennis and beyond.
By J Director Author of
In the world of coaching, and e
It is a constant negotiation of ti simple but powerful visual to un
Picture a stovetop with four burners: Family, Friends, Health, and Work According to the theory, you can’t run all four burners on high at the same time without sacrificing efficiency or risking burnout. To achieve strong success, you often have to turn one burner down. To achieve extraordinary success, you may need to turn down two
For leaders, this isn’t just an abstract concept it’s a lived experience We all go through seasons when one area demands more of us A major club initiative, a growing program, or an unexpected challenge may require turning the Work burner up. During personal milestones or family changes, the Family burner takes the lead. And during periods of growth, stress, or competition, the Health burner becomes non negotiable.
The Four Burners Theory is valuable because it forces us to recognize a simple truth: energy is finite. Leadership is not about being superhuman; it’s about managing energy intelligently and understanding the tradeoffs that come with ambition.
Many coaches and directors try to operate with all four burners blazing, believing that effort alone will produce results But real leadership asks for clarity, discipline, and intentional decision making
As modern coaches, we no longer see the theory as a mandate for sacrifice. Instead, we reframe it as a guide for strategic rotation. You do not have to shut burners off you simply adjust the temperature based on the season you’re in.
When launching a new program or taking on major responsibilities, the Work burner naturally rises Preparing for a tournament or deepening your daily discipline? The Health burner turns up. During a child’s birthday weekend or a family moment that matters, the Family burner takes center stage. And when you need connection, laughter, and camaraderie, the Friends burner becomes essential fuel.
This rotation keeps us sustainable It helps us perform at a high level without losing ourselves to exhaustion or imbalance
I encourage participants to reflect honestly:
Which burners naturally receive the most attention?
Which ones have I unintentionally neglected?
What tradeoffs am I already making?
And most importantly, what needs to change for me to be a more effective leader?
The goal is not perfect balance. The goal is intentional focus.
Leaders who understand where their energy is going (and why) make clearer decisions, build better relationships, and set healthier examples for their teams
The Four Burners Theory resonates because it reveals a truth most people feel but rarely say out loud: You can’t be a world class professional, a perfect parent, a fit athlete, and a hyper social friend simultaneously Something always gives But when we embrace intentional rotation instead of permanent sacrifice, success becomes more sustainable, more human, and more aligned with our values.
In the end, great leadership isn’t about having all burners blazing — it’s about knowing which one to turn up, and when
According to the USTA’s 2026 Tennis Participation Report, tennis participation set a new high in 2025, growing by 1.6 million players (+6%) to 27.3 million Americans. This marks a consistent trajectory with 2024’s growth and pushes the participation rate close to 9% of the U.S. population (vs. just under 6% in 2019) The continued growth illustrates tennis’ broadening appeal and cultural relevance in the U.S., especially in an increasingly competitive sports and recreation environment.
80% of players from 2024 played again in 2025 — a five year high for retention representing a 9.4% gain from last year. Additionally, an all time high 4.9 million played for the first time, and 1.7 million former players returned to the sport in 2025 after a break of at least one year. This dynamic represents a desirable scenario greater commitment among the base and substantial new growth.
