Yankee Prose 2 June 2015

USPTA New YankeeEngland Division PROse June 2015

Inside this issue

7 Habits of Highly Successful Directors of Tennis - 7

Master Professionals Q&A - 9

USPTA New England Conference Wrap-up - 13-16

Tennis on Campus and Club Tennis: Growing the Team - 18

2 President’s Message 5 Member News 6 National News 12 Education Requirements President’s Message Doug Eng, Ed.D., Ph.D.

Dear USPTA Professional,

We just came off a terrific Convention at The Spa at Norwich Inn in Connecticut. We had 86 attendees and a terrific line-up of speakers including Todd Martin, Anne Pankhurst and Ken DeHart.

One of the most important pillars in our CEO John Embree’s strategic plan is education or professional development. Renowned Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck suggested there are two mindsets: growth mindset and fixed mindset. Although somewhat new, the duality of critical selves actually manifests itself in the older famous tennis book, The Inner Game of Tennis. The author Tim Gallwey suggested there were two selves: one that takes action and one that criticizes. You may have thought about this regarding your own professional development and personal growth.

Do I attend a tennis workshop or conference? Maybe it’s a waste of time and I need to make money or spend time with family. Of course, there are so many priorities. But still, you do need to attend, learn, and evolve. Corporations do the same. It’s called R&D. The most successful corporations are those that invest in themselves, adapt and have visionary leadership. Thomas Edison wasn’t the lonely inventor but rather had the first research and development center in technology at Menlo Park. You did the same thing when you went to high school and college. It wasn’t time wasted, but rather your own development. Like the years spent on the tennis court honing your own game. Your parents, students and significant other also help shape your career paths and choices. It’s investment in yourself. It’s inspiration and networking to be better at what you do.

So if you have not, take a chance at getting better. Attend a USPTA or any tennis educational workshop, conference or webinar. At the end of 2016, everyone in USPTA should have done 6.0 education credits over the pastTM 3 years (2014-2016). Everyone in PTR also has to do it since both PTR and USPTA recognize it’s good for everyone. When you meet other pros at conferences and interact, you network and gain inspiration to be better at what you do.

We all evolve. And hopefully the end product is better than the start. When Federer or Azarenka practice, again, it’s R & D. Even at a relatively late age, we see some touring pros continue to improve. And the same occurs for inan- imate things. Like our own USPTA New England bylaws. We made several changes to improve the selection and election of the board. This fall, think about volunteering for a committee or even serve our board. Our organization improves when more people participate and help it evolve. Please look at the revised by-laws at USPTAplayer.com. If you have not visited the site yet, you are missing a great deal. We always post news and photos. So you might see a friend there. Or like us on Facebook where news and photos are posted and you almost will certainly recognize someone. . The start of summer is around the corner and I hope you are off to a terrific one. Recently I was at the Federazione Italian Tennis Conference at the Italian Open. The Italians love to celebrate everything. With every student this summer, celebrate with them when they show improvement, get a win or share a story. You are a big influence on your students. So there’s nothing wrong with being better at that.

Yours in Tennis, Doug Eng Ed.D., Ph.D.

Yankee PROse 2 June 2015

Connecticut Open Family Classic Host a Family Friendly Event at Your Club

By Tom Flanagan “It’s both fun and competitive and the appeal is that it’s a nice way to spend some family time,” Miguel said. NEW HAVEN - CT - The 2015 Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies Family Classic tennis tournament is once All participants receive a T-shirt and discounted tickets to the again presenting families with the opportunity to spend time Connecticut Open. together and play the game they love. Also at stake is the chance to play at the famed Yale Tennis Center and - if that goes well - “It’s a big thrill, especially for some of the younger kids, to get the the chance to be honored on Stadium Court at the championship opportunity to go experience professional tennis with mom and match in front of the big crowd at the Connecticut Open. dad,” Miguel said.

The concept was unveiled in 2001 and since then has attracted Cole believes a large part of the success of and attraction to the more than 2,000 participants per year, with players representing Connecticut Open Family Classic is the opportunity to play and all six New England states and New York. test skills against unfamiliar competition.

“This has proven to be a great event and one that connects “I think, especially for those who normally compete in family families and also connects people to the professional tournament doubles at tennis clubs, the tournament offers a nice opportunity (Connecticut Open),” said Christie Cole, Ticket Sales and Market- to meet and play against other families,” Cole said. “For example, ing Manager for the Connecticut Open. “What’s great is, over the you could wind up with a family from a club in Fairfield County last couple years, we’ve seen more participants from outside of playing against a family from a club in Massachusetts.” tennis clubs, those coming from parks and recreation programs.” Cole reported that it’s not uncommon for families who get to know The qualifying tournaments take place across the region, with each other through the tournament to become friendly and play winners advancing to the regionals at the Yale Tennis Center July together after the tournament ends. 25-26. The event features doubles play with family divisions that include husband/wife, father/child and mother/child in various age The local level qualifying tournaments must be completed by July groups, ranging from 10 and under to 19 and over. 20. For information on hosting a tournament or participating, contact Cole at [email protected]. Jon Arenstein has taken advantage of the easy-to-organize local tournaments for the past three years in Northampton, Mass. Rhode Island Pros should connect with Patrick LaSalle. He is “It’s a fun and fairly casual event,” said Arenstein, a USPTA elite working to get this going in the RI area. pro who is associated with the Northampton Parks and Recreation Email Patrick [email protected] for more information. tennis program. “There’s some competitive play, but the emphasis is on fun, and since it’s open to everybody, it’s a nice chance for some of the kids we work with through Parks and Rec to get their families involved with what they’ve been learning.”

Arenstein sees great strategic value in the concept and format.

“I like the tournament because it’s another way to give kids some exposure to doubles play,” Arenstein said. “I think placing the influence on doubles play is good for everyone involved and good for tennis.”

Cole and the Connecticut Open staff supply participating organizations with complementary marketing materials and with the flexibility to run their local events using any format that organizer chooses. USTA New England also supports the Family Classic through marketing and promotional support.

Fil Miguel, head pro at the Adirondack Club in Franklin, Mass., annually hosts between 10 and 20 doubles teams and deploys a round-robin format over the course of a single day.

Yankee PROse 4 June 2015 TM USPTA New England NetWorking

New England Education & Upgrade Opportunities Exams, Upgrades, & PTCA I June 6-7 Greenville, RI TAUT Workshops June 6 Wayland, MA (10 and Under Tennis) June 7 Enfield, CT June 28 New Haven, CT June 13 Bedford, NH June 20 Portland, ME June 25 Dorchester, MA Go to coachyouthtennis.com to register Free Webinar June 3 2PM EST Register at uspta.com/education>education calendar

A Cardio Tennis Training Course is Coming to Haverhill, MA Become a Licensed Cardio Tennis Professional Date: July 18 & August 2 Time: July 18 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Cardio Tennis) August 2: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (TRX cardio Tennis) Location: Cedardale Health and Fitness Registration Fee: Cardio Tennis $150.00 TRX Cardio Tennis $295.00 Combined Registration: $350.00 Where to Register: www.CardioTennis.com Early Bird and U30 Discounts may be available. Contact Lance Andersen [email protected] PTR National Tester & Clinician 5A, TIA Global Cardio Tennis-Master Trainer, USPTA/USRSA 978-857-0446 Great things are happening in Maine tennis! The MTA has sponsored an Adopt a School Program, which has been established in three communities so far. Short Court Tennis for all ages has recently been introduced in three Maine facilities. From June 5-8 the Indoor Men’s 35 National ITF Tournament is being held in Brunswick. Kirk Anderson will be presenting on Oct. 3 on “Orange and Green Ball Evolution” for juniors and adults.

In USPTA Maine Pro news, Lisa Gilbride and Chantalle Lavertu have been running successful Triples Tournaments and Orange Ball Playdates. At the Portland Country Club, Head Pro Jason Terry is introducing 10 & Under Tennis and Short Court for adults with the help of Bill Shardlow. Hans Romer hosted an Orange Ball Tournament and is now headed to R.I. for the summer. Andrea Georgian recently hosted a Free Family Fun Tennis Extravaganza, introducing 70 participants to the sport. FIT Conference with Doug Eng Early May in Rome, Italy is total tennis. At the Foro Italico, the second International Symposium on May 8 and the Italian Open were the showcase events. The conference was mostly presented by Federazione Italiana Tennis (FIT) but included partners such as ITF, SuperTennis, TennisEurope and PTR. Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova won the ATP and WTA events, respectively and seem to be heading to Paris with great chances. Foro Italico is most similar to the French Open as it is not only red clay, but a small crowded venue. It becomes a place to hang out so even when there is only one more match in the outer courts at the end of the day, people are still shopping, eating, talking and kids are playing. As guests, we had a dinner on May 8 at the stadium with the Italian tennis dignitaries and even young people were coming into Foro Italico into the nightclub there. The crowd isn’t just about tennis, but about being there and socializing. About 2700 coaches, mostly Italians showed up for the conference. Pope Francis opened up the conference at the Vat- ican with a tennis-only papal audience. He was given his own white tennis racquet. I was fortunate to be a guest as a PTR International Master Pros but USPTA members including Nick Bollettieri, Michele Krause and Lorenzo Beltrame was among speakers.

Send your news and event to [email protected]. We will add it to our newsletters and eblasts. USPTA Expands to Incorporate USPTA New England PPTA, Platform Tennis Board of Directors

Doug Eng President [email protected]

Phil Parrish Regional Vice President [email protected]

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) will expand to incorporate the Professional Platform Tennis Association (PPTA), as announced by the USPTA on Chris Stevens Monday. Immediate Past President [email protected] The USPTA Executive Committee voted to incorporate the mission of the PPTA into the association during its semiannual meetings in Houston in April. After careful consider- ation, the PPTA membership determined that since its mission is to promote and grow the standards of the Professional Platform Tennis Association, its members would be best Helaine Vrana served by combining with the larger USPTA organization. The PPTA has voted to dissolve Treasurer and its assets, programs, certification process and mission will be borne by the USPTA. The USPTA will assist with administrative functions and handle certification and education [email protected] responsibilities for platform tennis-teaching professionals. Platform tennis professionals will become a separately tested and certified membership category under the USPTA umbrella. All professionals who become certified in platform tennis will receive all of the same benefits and pay the same annual dues as current Michael Mercier USPTA-certified tennis professionals. Secretary

“With so many facilities where USPTA Professionals teach offering platform tennis, there is [email protected] an increasing need for professionals who are certified in the sport,” said USPTA CEO John Embree. “The steady growth in this game provides USPTA Professionals who become certified in platform tennis more job and business opportunities.” Steve Thout USPTA Professionals will be encouraged to become certified platform tennis profession- Vice President als, and platform tennis professionals will be encouraged to become USPTA-certified. [email protected] “Since its inception, the PPTA has continued to grow along with the game of platform tennis. Joining the USPTA with its resources and experience presents the PPTA with a tre- mendous opportunity as both organizations are committed to the education and advance- ment of racquet professionals,” said PPTA President Brad Easterbrook. “We are looking forward to working with the USPTA to educate new professionals, grow the game of Andrea Georgian platform tennis, and provide greater opportunities for educational and professional growth Vice President for all Platform Tennis Professionals throughout the country.” [email protected] “The American Platform Tennis Association (APTA) is thrilled with the announcement that the PPTA will be combining with the USPTA,” said Scott Bondurant, APTA President. “We look forward to working hand in glove with the USPTA and PPTA board to do everything we can to continue to grow this game we love.” Paul Gagliardi Vice President Tennis-teaching professionals will have the opportunity to learn more about platform tennis [email protected] at the 2015 USPTA World Conference in New Orleans. The sport will be incorporated into the education curriculum along with a booth at the annual Buying Show for conference attendees to learn more about including the game into their tennis programming. For more information on the PPTA, visit www.pptausa.com. Michelle Brown Executive Administrator [email protected] 7 Habits of Highly Successful Directors of Tennis by Ken DeHart USPTA Master Professional

1. Be the First – get to the club before everyone else. Put on versation with them and your staff your “Club Eyes” and walk the facility. Look for: • Highlight new members and get them involved in a program • Trash particular to their needs • Court repair • Highlight member or team achievements • Equipment • Work with other departments to cross train staff, introduce • Damage staff to other activities and others to your programs. • Areas of physical improvement to the club or courts • • Think of your game plan for the day, week or month 5. Check your calendar – plan well in advance for all activities • Think of what you like about where you work and events. • Get “In the Zone” • In addition to your own calendar, be sure your staff has the • Think of what other people in other departments need to same information, dates and times know about your plans for the day to make their day and • Have a club calendar for all the members to see into the yours better. future • Highlight in detail immediate events – tease the up-coming 2. Safety First – Look for areas that could put you or the club at ones. Get the staff up to date, do a review after the event risk. • Notify your owner or manager of your plans, trips or up-com- • Check steps, hanging items, slippery floor situations ing activities. Report on how these events enhanced your • Have a Risk Management person walk the facility with you expertise, promoted your programs, staff or the club so they each quarter and document will know they received value for your time spent. • Check for current first aid, CPR and AED certification – plan ahead with scheduling classes for all staff well ahead of certi- 6. Hire Ahead – always be looking for the next great employee. fication expiration • Staff seldom let you know ahead when they are looking for a • Check for first aid supplies for office and on the court new position. • Be aware of what staff can legally provide. • Always be on the lookout for outstanding staff to recruit to join your staff. Look within other departments to have people who 3. Relationships Matter Most – your relationship with your staff already know your facility history and culture and all the facility staff determines a lot about how effective you • Places to look: PTR or USPTA certification courses, divisional will be as a Director. newsletters, job listing, friends, other pros in your area • Meet with the maintenance staff (the key people to your suc- • Give the Assistant Pro his job description and a copy of the cess) weekly to find out how they are doing, what they need Head Pros job description, the Head Pro gets a copy of the to do their job better, any suggestions they have for you and Director of Tennis job description so they have a “Road Map” how their family is doing. for success. • Leave thank you notes for outstanding service provided by any of your staff, notify other department heads if their staff 7. Network for Life – your connections are invaluable were outstanding, give gift cards to staff for recognition, plan • Become a resource center for your members and staff for a party for any season, event or birthday you can to bring injury prevention, rehab or any topic. Have key people who your staff together you can use for references to help others • Highlight a staff member in your newsletter to the members or • Prepare for your second career. Just like you give the Assis- other staff tant Pro a job description for the Head Pro position, have a • Talk about the culture of the club, history of the club and long- game plan for your next position in life. term relationships with staff members. Be sure to get new • Be prepared to help other staff go to their next level even if it hires familiar with the history and culture you are developing is away from you. • Do tours of your facility with other departments to get to know • The best time to look for a job is when you have one. your staff, you and your goals so they can answer questions • Love your life – take time to think about why you love your and be your “other support staff” with club members job, your family, your friends. Know you are working for a • Attend other departments events and meetings. greater cause – your own enjoyment.

4. Make Membership a “Moving” Experience – in addition to Ken DeHart – USPTA Master Pro, PTR International Master Pro planning and hosting social events, be sure to appear at all activi- & USTA High Performance Coach, PTR National Tester and ties, events, matches, etc. Clinician • Don’t be “out of sight – out of mind.” Members and staff want AVAC Director of Tennis to see you there for support, to talk to you – be out of the San Jose, CA office often • It is better to talk directly than through email or phone – head off potential problems face to face • Ask members what they would like to see by surveys or con-

Yankee PROse 7 June 2015 Get your copy today! Available on Amazon.com or iTunes Master Professional USPTA Master Professional is the highest, most esteemed category of membership. Qualified applicants must hold an Elite Professional rating for 10 years, complete a required number of continuing education hours and fulfill a broad spectrum of industry service.

USPTA New England is lucky to have many Master Profession- David Zeutas-Broer - “I was in the trenches teaching for several als in its division. Being at the highest level also lends a unique years before I got certified by USPTA. I would have got certified perspective to our industry. All of our Master Professionals were sooner to accelerate my teaching and coaching skills through the given some questions. These questions were formed to provide direct access to the experience of other certified pros and coach- some advice and possible guidance to those professionals who es at conferences and workshops.” are younger or who haven’t been in the industry too long.

Thank you to Kirk Anderson, Larry Abrams, and David Zeu- 3. Why is education so important for young tennis profes- tas-Broer for your willingness to be open and giving honest sionals? responses to the questions posed. Kirk Anderson - “The game is changing so you need to keep up 1. If you could talk to your less-seasoned self, what advice with the innovators, and that means you need to attend confer- would you give? ences, read articles, study websites and find some mentors. Not only is tennis changing, but so is the service and fitness industry, Kirk Anderson - “Learn more about the business of being a com- and that is the business we are in. If you are not keeping up, plete tennis professional rather than focusing on the tennis skills you will not be a very valuable tennis professional in five years and tactics. Don’t neglect the technique and tactics but learn and nobody is going to hire you in ten years. Keep learning new things that will help you off court and how to deal with all new ideas and you will be able to use your knowledge and be an types of people. You will not be young and attractive all of your innovator in the future.” life so develop more than just good teaching skills that will be beneficial over a long career.” Larry Abrams - “It enables you to speak at various levels and adds new dimensions to your core.” Larry Abrams - “Listen more intently and assess before acting.” David Zeutas-Broer - “By becoming more educated in any of the David Zeutas-Broer - “I would say that the ethics and practices myriad aspects of tennis young tennis pros can provide superior that I had then and continued to this day were right for me - care services and be better qualified than their peers for the diverse about each and every one of my students, be fully engaged in opportunities available in the tennis industry. Also education is a every lesson and clinic I taught and strive to be the best teacher great way to take advantage of the experiences and research of I could be.” those that have already forged pathways.” TM 2. What was the biggest mistake you made when you were 4. Why did you want to become a Master Professional? an under 30 professional? Kirk Anderson - “I wanted to be considered as one of the best in Kirk Anderson - “I thought that everyone coming to the club, and the tennis professional business. I read the requirements and in my lesson program, wanted to perform at a higher skill level. I they seemed to be a pretty well thought out guideline to be a well did a good job at moving players up a level or two. However, versed and well rounded teaching professional. Everyone should now I see that a lot of people come to the club, and even take be familiar with the Master Professional guidelines and strive to lessons for other reasons, which are just as compelling. For accomplish a few requirements every year. If you do, we will example, they want to connect with someone who is positive and have many more Master Professionals in the next ten years.” encouraging. They want to move and get a good workout. They want to fit in better with a more skilled group of players. They Larry Abrams - “The challenge!” simply enjoy hitting balls, as opposed to competing, and they come to you to get an hour of hitting. They want to lose weight David Zeutas-Broer - “To add to the love of playing the game I and be healthier. They want to be more fit. They want to meet always wanted to be a respected person and role model in the new people and tennis players are pretty cool people. They profession, further my tennis education by learning from the best, played some tennis in high school and they hope to rekindle the enhance my skills as a teacher and a coach, develop off court enjoyment they had as a young player. They want to learn more management skills related to tennis and volunteer on committees about the game so they can help their child get started and so and boards to give back to the tennis community and community they can play as a family. They want someone to listen to them at large. Fortuitously it turned out that doing these things were for one hour every week. This list can go longer but you get my also the criteria for becoming a Master Pro.” point. Not everyone wants to be the next club champion.”

Larry Abrams - “Getting caught up in the title. Needed to be more Question and answers compiled by Michelle Brown. If you have aware of the surroundings and how I could contribute more to the a question you would like to ask our Master Professionals, please overall experience of the student.” send it to me for a future publishing.

Yankee PROse 9 June 2015 JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP June 28 - July 2 July 5-9 July 12-16 July 19-23 July 26-30

Located at Dartmouth College For Sale Celebrating our 27th year! Directed by Chris Drake, Bob Dallis, and Dave Jones, Used Brutus Power Rollers, the Dartmouth College Tennis Coaches Drag Brushes and Linesweepers One of Tennis Magazine’s 10 Best Junior Tennis Camps in the Country! Reid Tennis Courts, Inc. www.kjtctennis.com or call (603) 646-0751 Tim Reid P.O. Box 1551 USPTA Elite Professional Bruce Angeli asks "Do you have students over 40 years old? Do they play tennis to Avon, CT 06001 get healthy and fit or do they get healthy and fit to play tennis?" 860-678-0479 Either way, his new book Late Call - Healthy Tennis for the Older [email protected] Young at Heart has the answers. Available on Amazon in Kindle or print version, you and your students will find witty story-telling in this easy and fun read along with great tips on health, nutrition, on and off court strategies, tactics and insights for remaining free from injury and staying competitive.

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Cushioned hard court and 7 room, 3 bedroom, 3 full bath ranch home on 2 acres in Monroe, Ct. 10-25 minutes to many indoor tennis facilities. Perfect for teaching pro with plenty of parking and an office/stringing room overlooking court. I am the owner/agent, a USPTA certified pro and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Beverly Services of NE. To schedule a viewing or for more information please call me at home: 203-445-8507 or at the office: 203-452-3888 ext. 127. Priced at $364,400 an unbeatable price for a court AND home in Fairfield County. Education Requirements USPTA requires all certified members to earn 6 credits of continuing education in a three-year period. (Professionals 65 or older are exempt.)

You MUST have 6 education credits earned by 2016!

Attend USPTA New Participate in free England Education Semi- webinars offered by nars. Check our website USPTA! for upcoming education Go to the education opportunities. calendar for dates: http://uspta.com/edu- www.usptanewengland.com cation

Got credits? Check out your REPORT CARD on the USPTA website. You can upload info to get credit for eligible education, i.e. CPR, college credits, USTA seminars, etc.

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2015! USPTA New England Annual Conference ! Sunday-May 3 - Monday-May 4 ! The Spa at Norwich Inn! Norwich, CT

Thank you to our speakers!

Todd Martin Ken DeHart Anne Pankhurst Bruce Levine Jack Michalko Claudio Armandi Yuval Bar Yosef Lance Andersen TM

A Message From The Awards Committee

USPTA New England Awards May 4, 2015

This year was one of the strongest in terms of nominees for USPTA awards. It gave the awards committee a chance to see how much depth we have as a division when it comes to talented and deserving pros.

We elected two new members into the USPTA Hall of Fame: John Foley and Frank Kenney.

John Foley is a lifetime member of the USPTA, and is a Master Professional. He is the Director of Tennis at the North Shore Tennis Club, which has been re-named in his honor. He has received the Ed Serus award for long term service. He has served on many committees over the years as well.

Frank Kenney was the second longest member of the USPTA of 73 years! Kenney taught in Newport, R.I., from 1939-1971 when he retired, but continued to help with local tournaments, and HS tennis. Kenney was a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and went on to teach many famous families including the Astors, Vanderbilts, as well as Jacqueline Kennedy.

Again, as Chair of the USPTA Hall of Committee, I and the rest of the committee are humbled to receive these nominations and to recognize the indelible mark these pros have left on our industry. We could not do it without the nominations. Thank you for nominating your fellow professional. It is an honor to read though their life work.

Thank you,

Helaine Vrana USPTA Hall of Fame Chair USPTA Treasurer

Open Division Player of the Year: Elvi Serrot 45s Player of the Year: Brian Lomax 50s Player of the Year: Anne Schwartz Senior Player of the Year (3): Denise Brosseau, Laury Hammel, Paul Fein, Super Senior Player of the Year: Henry Tiberio USPTA Star Award: Rose Cantlin, Elvi Serrot Under 30: Kara Pease, Chantalle Lavertu, Daniel Murray Facility Manager of the Year: Scott Smith, Vineyard Youth Tennis Youth Coach of the Year: Claudio Armandi High School Coach of the Year: Al “Skip” South College Coach of the Year: Lesley Sheehan Coach of the Year: Mario Llano Regional Pro (2 awards): Jason Terry, Hans Romer Tennis Industry Excellence: Jeff Bearup Hall of Fame Inductee Frank Kenney Hall of Fame Inductee John Foley Pro of the Year: Chris Stevens Dan BonfigliAward: Sylvia Swartz Ed Serues Presidential Award: Mike Quitko

Yankee PROse 14 June 2015 Congratulations to our Division Award Honorees

Chris Stevens John Foley Professional Hall of Fame of the Year Inductee

Mike Quitko Sylvia Swartz Jason Terry Ed Serues Presidential Award Dan Bonfigli Regional Pro Award of the Year

Anne Schwartz Al “Skip”Al South “Skip” South Claudio Armandi 50s Player High SchoolHigh School Youth Coach of the Year Coach ofCoach the Year of the Year of the Year

Frank Kenney Kara Pease Family Chantalle Lavertu Hall of Fame U30 Pro of the Year

Rose Cantlin Elvi Serrot Daniel Murray Elvi Serrot Open Division Family USPTA Star Award Player of the Year U30 Pro of the Year

Jeff Bearup Mario Llano Tennis Industry Coach of the Year Excellence

Yankee PROse 15 June 2015 Thanks to all who attended this year’s conference in Norwich, CT.

We had 86 attendees.

Thanks to our national and local sponsors!

Peter T Lyons Cell 401-954-5055 [email protected] STAR POWER AUGUST 21 - 29 Don’t Miss John McEnroe & the Men’s Legends Event! • World’s Top Womens Players • Tennis Clinics, Activities & Giveaways • Food & Entertainment

For tickets, contact Christie Cole at [email protected] or 203-776-7331 ext 5811 CTOPEN.ORG CONNECTICUT TENNIS CENTER AT YALE Tennis on Campus and Club Tennis – Growing the Team by Michael L. Mercier, USPTA

What is USTA’s Tennis On Campus program? leads to increased participation in our events, and fresh en- ergy into our programs and goals. When I titled this article Tennis On Campus runs co-ed tennis programs for college “Growing the Team,” I am referring not just to one kind of students of all levels, including club teams, recreation- team, but all the ones we belong to in life. al classes, and intramural leagues. At the highest level, Tennis On Campus offers regional and national champi- For more information about Tennis On Campus, contact onships. It’s also a great opportunity for wheelchair tennis Sarah Rice ([email protected]) or me (mercier@ players to participate in club play, something that has been fas.harvard.edu). lacking at the varsity level.

On- and off-court activities lead to lasting ties and commit- Michael L. Mercier – Head Tennis Professional, Harvard ments. As Kevin Hornbeck, captain of Harvard’s club team, University puts it, “Throughout my three years at Harvard, club tennis Member, USTA National Tennis On Campus Committee has allowed me to meet people who share a passion for Secretary, USPTA New England tennis, but no longer have the stress of cutthroat competi- Wheelchair Tennis Tester, USPTA tion—it is actually fun!”

Harvard’s club tennis team will represent New England at the 2015 Nationals in North Carolina. Over the last year, the team has donated their time to numerous special events and ongoing programs, including Harvard varsity team events, the Special Olympics tennis tournament last summer, Tenacity, the Boston Police program Volley Against Violence, the Paralympic Experience, and an adap- tive tennis clinic with Dennis Ralston.

How can USPTA NE benefit from supporting Tennis On Campus?

USTA teams. Making connections with Tennis On Campus The West Side Tennis Club players will give you a ready supply of competitive players Forest Hills, New York August 23-29, 2015 to fill out USTA Adult League teams for your club or facility. Boys & Girls: ages 8-12 Singles/Doubles/Mixed Doubles All Yellow Ball on full court USPTA membership. There is a natural progression for participants in Tennis On Campus programs to become connected to the USPTA, especially the higher-level players who are looking for ways to keep their edge after college. It also can act as an ideal feeder for the USPTA Under 30 (U30) program.

Tennis On Campus has a strong commitment to activities for its alumni, and these individuals are the same audience that the USPTA is targeting with U30. By providing support for Tennis On Campus, we can build a stronger foundation for our U30 programs, as college players feed into the USPTA.

In my own efforts, I work with Sarah Rice, the USTA New England coordinator for Tennis On Campus, to run the New England sectional tournament held at Harvard annually.

USPTA events. Increased membership in our organization

Yankee PROse 18 June 2015

USPTA New England 103 River St Acton, MA 01720

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