This issue marks the 15th year that we’ve named our Champions of Tennis winners, honoring the often-unsung heroes of this sport who go above and beyond in helping to make a difference in tennis, and in the business of tennis. We hope they inspire you, too, to continue to move this industry forward.

CONGRATULATIONS TO: MIKE WOODY • DAVID LASOTA • BONITA BAY TENNIS CENTER • JULIAN LI • LOWER BOS. CO. INC. CARRIE CIMINO • INDIANAPOLIS RACQUET CLUB • REX MAYNARD • CORPUS CHRISTI TENNIS ASSOCIATION TIM BLENKIRON • PORTLAND AFTER SCHOOL TENNIS & EDUCATION • DAVID COLBY • SETS IN THE CITY SOUTHWEST GATES TENNIS CENTER • PHIL PARRISH • PETER IGO PARK • DANNY ESPINOSA • RANDY ORTWEIN ZAINO TENNIS COURTS INC. • MARK KOVACS • JORGE CAPESTANY • USTA FLORIDA

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com January 2016 TennisIndustry 33 PERSON OF THE YEAR Mike Woody

34 TennisIndustry January 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com f you were to pick a pied-piper for tennis, it’s a good bet Mike Woody would be at the top of the list. For decades, Woody brought the sport in all its forms to Midland, Mich., where he directed tennis PERSON OF THE YEAR at the renowned Greater Midland Tennis Center (GMTC). But his influence—and his infectious enthusiasm—has helped grow the sport well beyond the Mid- Iland community. This past July, after 22 years in Midland, Woody left for Wichita, Kan., where he is now the national tennis direc- tor for Genesis Health Clubs. But one thing he clearly didn’t leave behind is his passion for the sport, and for getting more people playing it. “Tennis changes peoples lives in a lot of diferent ways,” he says. “You hear people talk about the sport from many angles—its health and fitness, how social it is, how competi- tive it can be, how much fun it is. Whatever the angle they find appealing, that’s what gets me pumped and going.” Woody, who is certified by both the USPTA and PTR, has been on the front lines of growing this sport for a long time. He’s been a USTA National Trainer for 10 and Under Tennis, a Cardio Tennis National Trainer, a High School Development sionals and growing the program,” says Michele Krause, the Trainer for the PTR, attended over 1,000 hours of industry Cardio Tennis Global Education Director. “Not only that, but workshops and trainings, led tennis workshops around the he was a personal testament to the benefits of Cardio Tennis U.S. and internationally, been named the USPTA National in reaching health and fitness goals.” Facility Manager of the Year and USPTA Midwest Pro of the “I think being involved in the tennis industry has helped Year, and much more. me be successful,” Woody says. “I use all the tools that were It’s fair to say that over the last two decades, Woody has presented to me through the industry—of the shelf, modified, been an important force in many of the key initiatives that or tweaked, I never stopped using them.” have helped to move this sport forward from the grassroots Now, Woody will have a chance to use the industry’s tools to the highest levels. For his dedication, passion and efec- at Genesis, which has 22 health and fitness clubs, seven of tiveness in growing this sport at many levels, Tennis Industry which currently have tennis, with approximately 30 pros and magazine is thrilled to name Mike Woody our 2015 Person of 50 tennis courts. “I want to make tennis at Genesis a model in the Year. the industry,” he says. “When I look at the landscape of tennis, Woody’s passion in helping this game grow seems to come and the amount of opportunity we have in this industry, that naturally to him. One of the high points in his career was gets me excited. All it takes is a good vision and a bunch of when, in 2008, Midland was named the inaugural winner hard-working people.” —Peter Francesconi ! of the USTA’s “Best Tennis Town in the U.S.” contest. “We achieved excellence on so many diferent levels,” Woody says, Tips For Success “from 10-and-Under Tennis right through to the pros.” The Keep the “laser focus” in check. “Our tipping point will be Greater Midland Tennis Center is the longtime home to the because we hit it from four or five different positions, not Dow Corning Tennis Classic USTA Pro Circuit event. just one,” says Woody. “Mike’s infectious passion for tennis was the catalyst,” says People are looking to go on a health-fitness-wellness Chris Tointon, president and CEO of GMTC. “Even if you adventure, and tennis can do that. They need to see the never played tennis before, Mike makes you believe that it is game for its healthy benefits. the best thing in the world. You want to be a part of it.” To grow the sport, we need to increase support for Cardio “What makes Mike so special is that he has a pure joy Tennis, Youth Tennis and the senior market. for the sport itself,” notes TIA Executive Director Jolyn de People don’t care if they play with Red, Orange or Green Boer. “He has always been a true supporter of this industry— balls. What they care about is getting a good workout. strongly involved in the TIA and all industry initiatives, and is Tennis is a great way to keep people connected, and it’s amazingly service-minded and collaborative.” a great way to keep people engaged in a healthy life choice. “Mike was an early member of the Cardio Tennis Speak- ers Team and played a big role in educating teaching profes-

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com January 2016 TennisIndustry 35 PRIVATE FACILITY OF THE YEAR Bonita Bay Tennis Center

TENNIS INDUSTRY SERVICE AWARD David LaSota hen it comes to courts, that request will land tennis in the U.S., with LaSota. “I’ve worked on it’s hard to find more than 6,000 facilities for Wan area of this country that which we’ve provided tech- has not in some way been nical assistance, concepts, touched by the work of David facility assessments, or some ever resting on its laurels, the Bonita Bay Tennis LaSota. other sort of help,” says Center in Bonita Springs, Fla., constantly strives to A licensed professional LaSota, who himself is an make everything “old” engineer and founder of DW avid recreational and league Nnew again, which leads to com- Tips For Success LaSota Engineering Inc. of tennis player. mendation as Tennis Industry’s Patton, Pa., LaSota has over In addition to his hands- 2015 Private Facility of the Make sure members 25 years of civil engineering on work, he is the chair of Year. know it is their club and expertise, and for the past the USTA/American Sports This past year, in service to staff is here to serve decade he’s been working Builders Association group 750 tennis-playing members them. with the USTA in all areas of that updates and revises the of the luxury Bonita Bay Club, Be on the lookout to facility consultation, design massive “Tennis Courts: the Tennis Center debuted a upgrade facilities ahead and construction. He’s con- Construction & Mainte- new stadium court and cafe, of membership requests. tributed to projects ranging nance Manual” every few adding amenities to the 18 Har- Build member-to- from a single court at a park, years. Tru courts resurfaced in 2010, member bonds in to private clubs, to large mu- “We’re so thankful David smart-court technology and support of staff-member nicipal facilities, to the USTA lent his expertise and experi- LED lighting, all of which sup- interactions. Billie Jean King National ence to us and the tennis port the more than 20 league Tennis Center in New York community,” says Virgil teams and the area’s most and the USTA National Cam- Christian, the USTA’s senior active and competitive tennis program. New for the club as a pus in Orlando. director of market/facility whole is an 18,000-square-foot health and fitness facility. This year, Tennis Industry development and collegiate Director of Tennis Paula Scheb explains that delivery on magazine has created the tennis. “There is hardly a the intangibles and not just the tangibles is primary: “What Tennis Industry Service community that has not we try and do every day is touch our members with as many Award, and we’re thrilled to benefited in some way from positive interactions as we can [and] try hard to have each honor David LaSota as our his design and technical member be our only focus at that moment, and to try and find inaugural winner. knowledge. He has had an a way to say ‘yes’ as many times a day as we can.” If a group comes to the incredible impact on tennis.” Two USPTA master pros head a teaching staf that plays in a USTA looking for help with —Peter Francesconi member event at least once a week. Attention to membership needs includes a full-service pro shop, TV monitors display- Tips For Success ing the day’s court assignments and patio service of drinks Keep up with trends and don’t be afraid to be a trailblazer. on the way to or from the court. Club veterans are enlisted as Be meticulous. Pay attention to all the details. ambassadors to help new members integrate into the tennis Invest in quality design and materials. It will reduce main- community as quickly as possible. tenance, rehabilitation and replacement going forward. While honors from others are appreciated, as Scheb ex- Remember, tennis is a lifetime sport. Build something plains it, success is measured with each member who receives that all ages can enjoy. the message from the staf that, “We are glad you are here and we know you are special.” —Kent Oswald

36 TennisIndustry January 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com STRINGER OF THE YEAR Julian Li ulian Li and his brother John opened their retail store, Racquets Rackets, in Arcadia, Calif., in 1991. Now, it is known throughout California as the place to go for Jsuperior racquet service. And while the brothers serve local customers through their shop, both men also string on the pro tour as well. In 1993, not long after opening the store, Julian Li was Tips For Success selected to be part of the US Open stringing team, and he Never stop learning! You can always continue to refine hasn’t slowed down since, adding tournaments all over the your craft by learning from others. world to his long resume. “Traveling to these tournaments Consistency is vital for any racquet service, but especially has allowed me to work with and learn from some of the for the pros, where you are stringing multiple racquets industry’s best stringers, racquet and string engineers, and every day. stringing machine designers,” he says. “I can’t thank these Networking among your peers and others within the people enough. They allow me to enter their world to help me industry will allow you to find opportunities for growth. further hone my craft and expand my knowledge.” When you add his 22 years of pro tour stringing to his extensive experience in providing top-notch service for recre- team at the BNP Paribas Open. “Julian did a great job running ational customers—gaining the respect of pro and rec players the stringing booth at Indian Wells in Head’s first year string- alike, along with coaches and his peers in the industry—you ing for the event,” says Head USA President Greg Mason. “His have Tennis Industry’s 2015 Stringer of the Year. work ethic, consistency and tennis knowledge gives him the For 2015, Li was selected to lead the new Head stringing ability to work well with players of all levels.” —Bob Patterson BUILDER/CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR Tips For Success Always take care of the client. “People know Lower Bros. Co. Inc. they can count on us,” Lower says. ower Bros. Co. Inc. it’s fair to say the company he puts it, “When they look Do quality work; of Birmingham, Ala., has cemented its place in the at their courts 10 years from people will always re- didn’t start out as a industry, and along with it, is now, the only person they are member that. Lcourt construction compa- 2015’s TI Builder/Contractor going to remember is me.” You can expand your ny—it was in the waterproof- of the Year. The company has con- capabilities without ing business. A promotional Current President Linn tributed significantly to the overextending. “If partnership with Laykold, Lower, who started working industry. Linn Lower cur- you can consolidate however, convinced the on tennis courts as a teen- rently is on the ASBA Board workforce and overhead, company president at the ager, has been able to see and is a Certified Tennis you’ll still be able to time to give tennis courts a technical advancements in Court Builder. He assisted expand during the boom try. And today, after 45 years, the industry help the sport with the development of times but maintain the evolve. More certification forms and also is flexibility to keep up importantly, he on the Technical Committee. when work drops off.” has been able to The company’s projects have help his custom- also been honored in ASBA’s ers make the right awards program. dents give us a job and think decisions when Lower realizes his com- we can work miracles,” he it comes to court pany’s reputation is always says. “So we try.” care because, as at stake. “Some superinten- —Mary Helen Sprecher

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com January 2016 TennisIndustry 37 PRO/SPECIALTY RETAILER OF THE YEAR Indianapolis Racquet Club

TENNIS SALES REP OF THE YEAR

Tips For Success Carrie Cimino Employ friendly and assion. Knowledge. new retailer, she learns as veryone knows what a outgoing individuals Accountability. Each much about their business as good forehand should who are well-versed in can make for a good she can. Her aim is to create look like, but only the the products, and pas- sionate about the game. P sales representative. But an account-specific product Ebest execute it every time. combine all three, as found assortment plan and serve as Similarly, everyone knows Make all customers feel every day by the clients of a bridge of trust between her that the building block for any welcome and valued, Head/Penn District Sales company and the people (not retailer is the development and whether they purchase Manager Carrie Cimino, and just clients) of her territory. maintenance of customer rela- or not. you have the 2015 Tennis In- “Carrie is a consummate tionships, but few consistently Maintain an inviting, dustry Sales Rep of the Year. professional and always execute like the Indianapolis clean, organized and The University of Texas balances the needs of the Racquet Club, Tennis Indus- well-merchandised retail graduate and USPTA- retailer with the goals of the try’s Pro/Specialty Retailer of environment focused on certified elite professional company,” says Greg Mason, the Year. variables customers say began with the company in president of Head USA. “She Much credit goes to Direc- are most important. 1995 as Penn Racquet Sports is always working to make tor of Retail Operations Jef Support vendor Western Regional Promo- sure it’s a win/win. And she Rodefeld, whose connection initiatives, launches and tions manager. She served lives by the 5 ‘P’ rule: ‘Proper with the club traces back to his programs and expect as a district sales manager planning prevents poor per- high school tennis days. Ac- vendors to be as interest- in Atlanta before moving formance.’” cording to Head/Penn Eastern ed in your success and to Southern California to “You have to have a genu- Regional Sales Manager John sell-through as they are head up sales for that region. ine passion for the company Tranfaglia, “Jef is one of the in receiving your order. She has been recognized as that you represent and for best retailers in the business Head/Penn’s 2009 District and the products that you are year in and year out. Jef’s Sales Manager of the Year selling, but more importantly attention to detail, product merchandising and knowledge of and with the company’s 2013 a lifetime love for tennis!” what his customers want sets him apart in the industry.” Hall of Fame award. Cimino says. “Passion brings The IRC’s two locations are a 3,500-square-foot flag- “My success is based on my enthusiasm … and enthusi- ship location associated with 16 indoor hard courts, and a customers’ success,” Cimino asm is contagious.” 400-square-foot outpost at an eight-court site about 10 min- says. From day one with a —Kent Oswald utes to the east. Rodefeld’s mantra is that, “the ultimate point of diferentiation [between retail success and failure] comes down to the relationship developed with the customer and Tips For Success the personalized service that is provided.” Learn all you can about the client’s business in order to Communications are sent to club members and the general make sure they have the best fit of products for them. public about new product arrivals, upcoming events and pro- Communicate your passion for the products you are motions. Customers are welcome to touch, feel and demo; and selling. an on-site stringer is always available. There is also a frequent Make yourself available for clients on their timetable. stringer program, special ordering service, and adult and Follow up on all issues to make sure they are resolved and school team discounts. Finally, a well-tenured staf is taught earn client trust every day. to be always on-point and focused on making sure everyone walks out feeling well cared for. —Kent Oswald

38 TennisIndustry January 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com TENNIS ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR Rex Maynard ex Maynard has helped tennis at nearly every level in the U.S. At the national level, he’s served on numerous USTA committees. Regionally, he’s been a member R and the president of the USTA Southern Board of Directors. Tips For Success As president years ago, he helped bring pro tennis back to Follow the Golden Rule: Treat others like you want to be Atlanta with the BB&T Atlanta Open. treated. But nowhere has Maynard given more of his time than Try to be fair in everything you do. in his hometown of Belton, S.C., where he grew up and still Enjoy life, enjoy yourself and have fun. Don’t take things lives. He voluntarily directs tournaments and has created too seriously. new events to help attract more interest in tennis. He also Work hard. volunteers and runs youth clinics. The countless hours May- nard has devoted to tennis make him Tennis Industry’s 2015 Championships. The tournament was started in Belton in Tennis Advocate of the Year. 1957, and Maynard, then 10, played in it. In 1976, he started “I don’t know how he does it all,” says Chuck Waldron, a volunteering for the event, and a couple of years later, he was tennis coach in the area for more than 40 years. “The thing is, co-directing it. you never see him make a mistake.” Next year, Maynard will run the 60th Palmetto Champion- Maynard’s time-management skills are most tested during ships. He says it’s the people he’s met who motivate him to the Palmetto Championships, South Carolina’s state quali- give back. “I enjoy the people,” he says, “and I especially ap- fier for boys and girls looking to play in the USTA National preciate the friendships.” —Jonathon Braden COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR Corpus Christi Tennis Association STA Texas’s 2016 Grassroots programming, tioned tournaments each “The passion behind the initiative—“Play It partnerships and chari- year, and boasts over 700 Corpus Christi Tennis As- Forward”—is de- table initiatives have always USTA League players. The sociation’s hard work helps U signed to encourage players been the heart of the CCTA. group’s recent eforts include to ensure we have enough to give the gift of tennis. The Every year, the organization funding renovations to the resources in order to play it Corpus Christi Tennis As- introduces more than 500 HEB and Al Kruse tennis forward,” says past President sociation (CCTA), however, kids to tennis, awards up to centers. And CCTA recently Terry Sweet. —Katy Rogers has been "playing it forward" 10 scholarships to graduating embarked on two innovative since its founding in 1960. seniors, and runs the tennis grow-the-game initiatives: Tips For Success And for this year, CCTA is competition for Special a Diversity and Wellness TI’s Community Tennis As- Olympics South Texas. CCTA Program, and a new 39 and Remain clear about sociation of the Year. also hosts seven USTA-sanc- Under Social Tennis Club. your mission. Under the direction of Recruit and train current Executive Director people with a passion for Penny Maingot, its 19-mem- the game, and leverage ber board, and a group of their strengths. dedicated advisors, CCTA Forge partnerships works diligently to build on with other entities that its successes and positively share your goals and will impact the lives of the resi- promote success. dents of the Coastal Bend.

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com January 2016 TennisIndustry 39 NJTL OF THE YEAR Portland After School Tennis

GRASSROOTS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR & Education Tim Blenkiron f we could bottle and sell on the board of directors for Tim Blenkiron’s energy, the USTA Nevada District we’d all be rich. “Tim has and the Marty Hennessy Ia passion that I can’t describe Jr. Tennis Foundation. He’s or nearly 20 years, Port- Tips For Success … an appetite for life and a also board president for the land After School Tennis Parents need to con- joy of teaching that amazes USTA Intermountain Sec- & Education in Oregon nect with and under- stand tennis, so create me every day,” says his wife, tion. And for all his passion Fhas been helping to deliver Lisa. and dedication, Blenkiron is services that have significantly opportunities for them Blenkiron is the execu- TI’s Grassroots Champion of impacted the lives of at-risk to learn and play the tive director of the No Quit the Year. children and their families. game, too. Training Academy in Las “Tim is the pied-piper ev- The organization was started Programs need to think Vegas and a USTA High eryone wants to work with,” in 1996 by Ernest Hartzog, in terms of the needs of Performance coach. An says USTA Intermountain the former assistant superin- the children. To have a Australian native and former Executive Director Rob tendent for Portland schools, real impact on kids, they NCAA champion who has Scott. “He has instant likabil- whose goal was for low-income spend at least 12 hours been playing since he was ity and credibility. He won kids to learn how to play tennis, a week at PAST&E; 60 a 2-year-old, he works with our Jon Messick Leadership says current Executive Director percent of their time is hundreds of players annually Award because he is a master Danice Brown. Thanks to his on academics and 40 who come from all over the of collaboration and inclu- solid foundation, the program percent on tennis/fit- world. siveness as a leader in our has evolved to include much, ness. “Tennis is a metaphor for section.” much more. Parternships, partner- life for me,” he says. “When “I don’t know how he does “After I came on board in ships, partnerships! Take things get difcult, you dig it,” adds Lisa. “He works 2007, I told the board, ‘We’re advantage of all you can deeper and try even harder, very long days, but he always keeping a group of children to reach your goals. try new things, never give comes home happy. He finds “kind of” safe for one hour.’ up. There is nothing more something positive in every I suggested we limit it to 12 rewarding than teaching aspect of what he does. If we children, participating for eight weeks, two hours a day, with these life lessons through could all be more like him, two coaches.” this wonderful game.” the world would be a better The year-round program now has 64 kids, who receive 12 to Of the court, Blenkiron is place.” —Wendy Anderson 16 hours a week of tutoring or enrichment, in addition to ten- nis (lessons, clinics, JTT and tournaments). But PAST&E also touches more than 1,000 kids a year through programming Tips For Success throughout Portland. Having fun at the grassroots level is the most impor- PAST&E has been recognized as a “Best in Class” program tant thing. If it is fun, players will continue; if not, they’ll for the USTA’s National Junior Tennis & Learning network, try something else. and for 2015, it’s Tennis Industry’s inaugural winner of the Make sure students leave a practice having achieved NJTL of the Year award. some level of success, so they continue to gain confi- Brown, a former general manager at a private club, herself dence and feel attached to tennis. was named TI’s Grassroots Champion in 2012 for her work People appreciate organization because it shows you with PAST&E, but she’s quick to credit the help of many in the have put thought into what you are doing. NJTL’s success, including her “mentor,” Dave Higaki of East Palo Alto Tennis & Tutoring. —Peter Francesconi

40 TennisIndustry January 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com YOUTH TENNIS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR

David Colby Tips For Success s director of junior development at Manchester Ath- Get on the same page. All 14 teaching pros at MAC strive letic Club (MAC) in Manchester, Mass., David Colby to be a cohesive unit through shared commitment, clear has been molding the next generation of players for 13 communication about goals and regular feedback with Ayears. management. Kirk Anderson, director of the USTA’s recreational coaches Try, try again. During the transition to Youth Tennis in and programs, says there is a reason why Colby also serves as 2005, the 300-junior program lost players due to confusion a USTA national trainer for Youth Tennis, running work- over the new format. Participation rebounded as com- shops throughout New England for the Coach Youth Tennis munication improved and the advantages of the program pathway. “He’s really excellent with kids and has great ideas,” became evident. Anderson says of Colby, who is TI’s 2015 Youth Tennis Pro- Put your best coach forward. Inexperienced pros often vider of the Year. “Year in and year out, his club turns out a lot are assigned to beginners, but Colby supports the opposite of kids who are hooked on the game.” model in order to hook kids on tennis while ensuring the At MAC, more than 250 juniors of all levels participate in a pros’ financial future. full gamut of programming. An early adopter of 10 and Under Tennis, the club has three 60-foot courts among its 12 hard but they’re real tennis players.” Colby ensures a solid founda- courts, four of which are bubbled during the winter. Just don’t tion by pairing veteran coaches with beginners. Alternating use the word “lesson” to describe the instructional compo- between practice and game days is facilitated by USTA and nent. in-house tournaments. “That’s the worst word ever. We have a game-based ap- “Tennis is a great sport, but we keep the smallest percent- proach,” Colby says. “The beauty of 10 and Under Tennis is age of kids in it,” he says. “I’m all about turning that around.” you’re getting kids competing much faster. It’s a smaller court, —Cindy Cantrell

ADULT TENNIS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR Tips For Success Relentless promotion and marketing through Sets in the City Southwest social media and email, then deliver program big key to getting to reach out to young adult expanded to Tucson, El well and let word of people playing tennis players, and it’s the inaugural Paso and Albuquerque and mouth take over. today is that time winner of Tennis Industry’s had over 500 participants. Change the vibe and Aspent on court can't just be a Adult Tennis Provider of the Numerous friendships (and feel of your marketing night of instruction or formal Year Award. even a few romances) have sales pitch for younger play, bang a few balls, then “In the past year or so, been forged through the generations. Language head home. It's about making more than 60 social ten- program, and host facilities and tone are important. and creating a memorable, nis leagues have sprung up have found an uptick in their Keep it conversational, social tennis experience that across the country,” says businesses from participants off-the-cuff, humor-filled makes participants want to Marilyn Sherman, USTA seeking extra clinics and play and energetic. return. National Promotions Man- opportunities. Themed days, cos- That was the in- ager, Adult Tennis. “Sets in "We just try to make it as tumed days, music spiration for Sets in the City Southwest is doing fun and social as possible,” playing and beverages the City Southwest, it right and doing it with a says Sets in the City co- flowing makes for a lively a weekly co-ed social focus.” creator and USTA Southwest atmosphere players league in four cities Up from 40 participants staf member Laura Stussie. enjoy. focused on 18- to 39-year- and a single site in the first “That's our thought process: Social experience after- olds. It's been one of the best season in Phoenix in 2014, ‘How do we make this unique ward is a must. examples nationally of how Sets in the City has since and fun?’” —Jef Sikes

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com January 2016 TennisIndustry 41 JUNIOR TENNIS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR Phil Parrish

Tips For Success Develop a feeder MUNICIPAL TENNIS system. The Longfellow Club runs low-cost pro- FACILITY OF THE YEAR grams through neigh- boring towns’ park and rec departments. In ad- Gates T.C. dition to extra revenue, very year, 125,000 Gates Tennis Center is the partnership acts unique visitors walk a “pay as you play” public as a feeder system into through the doors facility with no residency re- other club offerings. ofE the Gates Tennis Center, quirements. All 20 courts are At your convenience. making it one of the largest outdoors, with four courts For players reluctant and busiest public facilities with blended lines and four or unable to commit to in the USTA Intermountain more to be added in 2016. hen Phil Parrish weekly sessions, match Section. It would be easy for Gates also has four 36-foot joined the Longfel- play can be scheduled Gates to bank on its “loca- courts. low Club in Wayland, during club downtime. Network, network, tion, location, location” in “The current manage- WMass., as tennis director 13 years downtown Denver to ensure ment group has done a lot ago, he brought to the role all the network. Whether you long-term sustainability. But over the years to bring to best practices discovered through meet with your peers on the highly motivated propri- light that this is not a private his travels to clubs nationwide as the job, or as part of the etors have always set the bar club, but a public facility with a sales director for Reebok. And PTR/USPTA certifica- much higher. a wide array of programs, while the club has thriving adult tion process, network- “There is no denying this events and activities for the programs, it’s Parrish’s success ing will equip you with is a special place,” says Ted community,” says USTA with junior tennis, including new ideas and skills. Bradley, general manager of Colorado Executive Director embracing new ideas and turning the center, which has oper- Fritz Garger. “In addition to them into successful programs, ated for more than 30 years their own events and pro- that makes him Tennis Industry’s Junior Tennis Champion of without city funds. “Our grams, Gates hosts USTA- the Year. owners are really driven to sanctioned junior, adult and Parrish is “brilliant with youth tennis,” says USTA Director see tennis in Denver suc- senior leagues as well as a of Junior Tournaments Bill Mountford. “What Phil has been ceed. We want our facility number of USTA sanctioned doing with ofering shortened-duration, entry-level junior to be a recreational hub that tournaments that include tournaments—including times that are more convenient for provides the absolute highest Futures/Entry level and parents—has been fantastic. He has a ton of kids in his pro- quality programs for people Challengers/Intermediate grams and feeding into junior tournaments.” of all ages, abilities and A.C.E. one-day format junior With three indoor and five bubbled hard courts—all with backgrounds.” And for all its events, junior championship 60-foot lines—the Longfellow Club ofers comprehensive success in those goals, Gates and USTA Colorado’s Colo- programming for hundreds of juniors. For ages 4 to 8, the red is Tennis Industry’s Munici- rado State Open.” ball Zip Tennis follows the USTA’s 10 and Under program. pal Facility of the Year. —Wendy Anderson The USA Tennis program for ages 8 to 12 incorporates orange and green balls. There also is a 12 & Under Tennis Academy Tips For Success to develop tournament players from red to yellow; programs Personally connect with clients. “Only 20 percent of for ages 12 to 18; and a Tournament Training Program also 12 emails are opened, so our staff spends hours each week to 18. making personal phone calls to players,” says Bradley. With a staf of 24 certified pros, Parrish drives the commit- Trust your pros and make sure they are your biggest ment to developing well-rounded players through tourna- advocates. “Someone taking a lesson may not want to play ments, interclub competitions, round robins, and match-play in a certain program, but if their pro encourages them to try opportunities that are extended to non-member players, too. it, many more of them will.” The facility also hosts Handi-Racket Tennis for players with Offer creative programming and be open to new ideas. Be autism and other challenges. willing to take a risk, analyze and tweak. “Our goal is simple: Provide tennis for everybody,” Parrish says. —Cindy Cantrell

42 TennisIndustry January 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com PUBLIC PARK OF THE YEAR Peter Igo Park en years ago, the 17-acre Peter Igo Park abutting Green Harbor River in Marshfield, Mass., had deteriorated from neglect. Enter the Friends of Peter Igo Park, a Tips For Success T group of tennis enthusiasts-turned-fundraisers. Their newly Don’t go it alone. The Marshfield Tennis Club partners designed, handicapped-accessible facility with enhanced with the local recreation department, YMCA and boys and programming has earned Tennis Industry’s Public Park of the girls club, while maintaining relationships with the town’s Year Award. police and public works departments. Sam Gaeddert, the USTA New England tennis service Put your money where your racquet is. The Marshfield representative for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachu- Tennis Club pays for its pros’ successful certification. setts, says the organization “focused on the right intentions Think ahead. In preparation for a wheelchair tennis pro- throughout the design and construction process.” gram, the Friends of Peter Igo Park negotiated a discount As a result of fundraising activities, in addition to a $40,000 and obtained a grant to purchase two sports wheelchairs. USTA facilities grant, the Friends of Peter Igo Park oversaw the installation of four short tennis courts along with three regulation-sized courts and an adjacent multi-purpose area. According to Bud Duksta, president of the Marshfield Ten- Basketball and street hockey courts are also fenced and light- nis Club and chairman of the Friends of Peter Igo Park, its ed, and plans are in place to add wheelchair tennis programs tennis-playing membership has grown to 100. Today, all 10 in- and outdoor fitness stations. Volunteers provide maintenance structors of the club’s “University of Tennisology” programs park-wide. are certified by the PTR or USPTA. “Along with the beautiful surroundings, the location is safe, “One of our greatest accomplishments is building a place in easily accessible, free to use and ofers a variety of functions which people take pride,” he says. “Now we want to get more for a variety of people,” Gaeddert says. “Any community people into tennis so this place really rocks and rolls.” would be lucky to have a facility like Peter Igo Park.” —Cindy Cantrell HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR Danny Espinosa Tips For Success It is not how much you is unwavering has coached his team to for 20 years. He is an active know, but how much you leadership skills, a second-place finish in member of the South Texas care. dedication and 2011-2012. But Espinosa’s ex- Tennis Coaches Association, In order to remain a Henthusiasm for tennis, along pertise with coaching young and he played an integral role team with a culture of with the profound impact players has also allowed his in the planning, fundraising success, every coach and he continues to make in the influence to go beyond the and building of the 16-court player must be mindful lives of so many young play- court. He has served on the Brownsville Tennis Center of the team’s core values. ers, is why Danny Espinosa of Brownsville Tennis Asso- in 1999. There is no substitute Brownsville, Texas, recently ciation’s Board of Directors Espinosa would be the for hard work. was named to the 2015 USTA No-Cut Coach All-Star Team. And now he is Tennis Indus- first to say his greatest ac- try’s choice for High School complishment was acting Coach of the Year. as a change-agent for the Espinosa has been coach- future of tennis in the City of ing at Rivera Early College Brownsville and inspiring the High School for 22 years. hearts and minds of today’s He’s coached a number of student-athletes. district champions, and —Katy Rogers

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com January 2016 TennisIndustry 43 YOUTH TENNIS FACILITY DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR Zaino Tennis Courts Inc.

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR Randy Ortwein ver since tennis pro never truly understand.” Randy Ortwein of For wheelchair tennis in Tips For Success Magnolia, Texas, met Texas, Ortwein not only has Communication is key. Efellow Texan and wheelchair helped develop and support aino Tennis Courts of “I’m always pushing for tennis pioneer Randy Snow, local programs, but he was Orange, Calif., has seen the constant circle of who passed away in 2009, he instrumental in securing 12 its share of projects, communication, not just has devoted much of his free sport wheelchairs, clearing Zfrom single-court residential within our company but time to the sport of wheel- away a large obstacle for facilities, all the way up to col- with the owners of the chair tennis, says Dan James, many who want to start play- lege-level complexes. And they projects.” the USTA’s national man- ing wheelchair tennis while all have been completed with Hire the right people. ager for Wheelchair Tennis, also increasing the aware- the same sense of integrity in “Some of our field work- including helping to develop ness of the sport. business dealings and the same ers have been with us 20 several strategies to track the Ortwein has been presi- attention to detail. or more years.” sport. dent of the Houston Tennis One detail that is rarely Have a business plan. Ortwein’s motivation Association (HTA), chair of missed is the potential to inte- “If you want a success- comes from his admiration the USTA Texas Wheelchair grate youth tennis lines onto ful business, you need of wheelchair athletes. “All Tennis Committee, a mem- an adult court. In fact, says, to have a great business you have to do is spend one ber and chair of the national Richard Zaino, founder and plan and you need to hour with these athletes, USTA Wheelchair Tennis president of the company, it’s stick to it.” and my inspiration be- Committee, president of the something he notices. comes crystal clear,” he Houston Wheelchair Tennis “We were looking at a says. “They overcome many Association, and more. In project in a park—a pretty good size with multiple courts, and obstacles just getting to the 2012, he was awarded the I said, ‘Wait a minute, there are no lines for 30- and 60-foot courts to play tennis—ob- USTA Texas Section’s W.T. courts. This park would be perfect for that.’” Zaino Tennis stacles that most of us will Caswell Service Award, and Courts has been incorporating blended lines on courts for now, he is Tennis Industry several years now, and has also made a habit of recommend- magazine’s 2015 Wheelchair ing that they be added to playgrounds as well so pop-up nets Tips For Success Tennis Champion of the can be set up. For 2015, Zaino Tennis Courts is TI’s Youth Learn to “Play It Year. Tennis Facility Developer of the Year. Forward” by giving to HTA Executive Director To a longtime player like Zaino, the idea of getting the next others what the game of Cheryl Hultquist Horvath generation involved in the sport strikes a chord. He started tennis has given to you. says Ortwein makes play- his company in 1985, and it has flourished, thanks to a com- Think about other ers feel at ease. “Randy just mitment to the sport, to customers and a strong base of ethics. populations that could went up to a young man in a Zaino himself has served on the ASBA Board and is a Certified benefit from playing wheelchair and started talk- Tennis Court Builder. He is also a big believer in putting the tennis. ing to him about his capabili- customer first. Growth comes from ties, then suggested wheel- “To me, every person I talk to for every job is important. stepping out of your chair tennis. The guy was And if I’m talking to a client, they are the most important per- comfort zone. very impressed. It was very son in my world because they’re the one I’m talking to right moving.”—Todd Carlson now.” —Mary Helen Sprecher

44 TennisIndustry January 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com Tips For Success Find areas in the tennis industry you’re passion- ate about and commit to PTR MEMBER OF THE YEAR being the best you can be in that segment. Be a lifelong learner, because there is so much Mark Kovacs new information coming out, you have to keep up t seems hard to turn anywhere in this sport and not run (ITPA)—have done a great to date. into Dr. Mark Kovacs. A renowned performance physi- deal to provide quality Make sure your energy ologist, researcher, university professor, author, speaker education to PTR members level is at the highest, at all times, whether it’s the I and coach, Kovacs has an extensive background training and throughout the world.” researching athletes at all levels. His many honors include Kovacs formerly directed first lesson of the day or receiving the Stanley Plagenhoef Award for sports science the Sport Science, Strength the last one at night. achievement and in 2012, he became the youngest ever recipi- & Conditioning and Coach- Be respectful and learn ent of the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Educational ing Education departments from everyone. Merit Award. for USTA. Now, though, he’s Kovacs, who is a Fellow of the American College of Sports the founder and executive Medicine, also chairs the PTR’s Sports Science Committee. director of the ITPA, which has members in 35 countries. He’s been a PTR member for many years, and works closely “There is a lot going on,” he says. “A lot of the tennis-specific with the PTR on many initiatives. And for 2015, Kovacs is our education is delivered through the ITPA. I also work individu- PTR Member of the Year. ally with athletes.” He’s worked with more than two dozen top “Mark has established himself as one of the leading experts professional tennis players on all aspects of physical training. in his field,” says PTR CEO Dan Santorum. “He and his orga- “It’s all good stuf, all fun stuf, and all very enjoyable,” he nization—the International Tennis Performance Association says. —Peter Francesconi USPTA MEMBER OF THE YEAR Tips For Success Be a lifelong learner. Jorge Capestany “I can’t imagine not go- ing to the USPTA World ith 33 years of USPTA’s 2015 Alex Gordon distinction with both the Conference,” Capestany experience as a Award for the Professional of USPTA and PTR. He has says. tennis teaching the Year. been a speaker at more than Recognize how this Wprofessional, along with Now, we’d like to add to 70 conferences, attended 27 industry can affect the worldwide recognition for the accolades he’s received consecutive USPTA World family of those in it and what he is doing to grow the throughout his career by rec- Conferences, and held have a plan for that. “I sport, create more players, ognizing Capestany as Tennis multiple leadership positions have young pros that and help players improve and Industry’s 2015 USPTA within the USPTA nationally work for me, and I’m enjoy the game, it’s easy to Member of the Year. and in the Midwest Division. constantly helping to see why Jorge Capestany of “Jorge truly embodies While his day job is man- make sure they have Holland, Mich., was hon- what the word ‘professional’ aging the DeWitt Tennis family time for them- ored in September with the means,” says USPTA CEO Center at Hope College in selves.” John Embree. “He is one of Holland, Mich., he may be Make sure you work for the hardest working mem- best known now for the drills a company or boss that bers of our association, not and instruction available at has your back, especially only because of his respon- tennisdrills.tv and jorge- when it comes to dealing sibilities at his home facility capestany.com. with members. in Michigan, but because of “I think I have kind of his industry involvement and diversified over the years,” speaking obligations, which Capestany says. “I totaled at tournaments. As a speaker, are vast.” up all the hours I’ve spent I’ve been able to go all over Capestany is one of only on court and it’s more than the world. I’m really blessed 10 people worldwide to 60,000, plus about 17,000 to get to do what I do.” hold Master Professional hours watching my students —Peter Francesconi

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com January 2016 TennisIndustry 45