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Contents November/December 2021

DEPARTMENTS ER AWAR
I LV D

F TH EAR
OUTD OR PIC
4 Our Serve

EY
O
7 Industry News

YO
16 Supply Chain LE
BA L L FAC I LIT

K
18 Your Business
20 The Bench
34 Apparel
37 Footwear
40 Ask the Experts
42 Your Serve–Adaptive Tennis

INDUSTRY NEWS
7 USTA names Outstanding
Facility Award winners
7 U.S. teaching pros to access
ITF Academy education
8 Foundation Tennis teams
with Square's app program
8 Fast Track Tennis training
system hits the market
8 Short Sets
10 Lasso compression socks are
official gear of USAP, PPA
10 PPTR, Viking sign 3-year
partnership agreement
11 Specialty store retail data
11 Pickleball-Prints.com gear P. 22-32

11
shows pickleball pride
ITA partners with Ground Pickleball Guide
Rule for facility services

C OV E R P H O T O C O U RT E S Y U S TA ; T H I S PA G E : O P E L I K A P I C K L E B A L L FA C I L I T Y C O U RT E S Y A S B A
12 USPTA hires Whitney Kraft
PADDLES & BALLS ACCESSORIES BALL MACHINES FACILITY CONSTRUCTION
as platform tennis head tester
12 HALO Hydration expands
Answering Added Pickleball Building
with on-the-go powder sticks the Call Value Pals Blocks
13 Peoplewatch
Pickleball equipment As pickleball Manufacturers are Pickleball facilities
14 Slinger announces deal manufacturers continues to grow, churning out—and are growing around
with Mouratoglou Academy continue to gear up players are looking improving—ball the country, and these
15 Universal Tennis launches to provide players for accessories geared machines to help seven are excellent
Junior National Pathway with paddle and specifically for pickleball players examples of quality
15 Pavilion of Pickleball opens ball options. their sport. of all levels. construction.
outdoor courts in Knoxville P. 22 P. 26 P. 28 P. 30

PLUS
45 From the CEO
p.43
46 USPTA World Conference
49 Vice President's Message
45 51 53 55 51 USPTA Award Winners
A Tribute Lane Evans: Ken DeHart: Tim Heckler 61 USPTA Master Professionals
to Fromuth Alex Gordon George Bacso Hall of Fame
63 Member Feature
Tennis Professional Lifetime Award Winners
of the Year Achievement 64 WC21 Award Winners
66 Member Feature
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 68 Membership Update

2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

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 OurServe
EDITOR'S NOTE
Lessons Learned?
Tennis on Campus, once a key program
for this industry, appears to have
been left behind. It’s time to get it
back on the syllabus.
O
nce in a while, a pro-
gram comes along that
truly has the chance to be
game-changing for this
industry. In the last issue,
I wrote about one such program, Cardio
Tennis, which thankfully seems to now
be experiencing a rebirth in this country.
Another program, started in 2000, is
Tennis on Campus. It was designed to
capture the thousands of former high
school tennis players and others who
moved on to college but not onto the
limited spots on varsity tennis teams.
TOC, managed by the USTA with a key
partnership with NIRSA (National
Intramural-Recreational Sports
Association), kept these students play-
ing tennis, and it was an important
bridge into adult tennis programs after
college. TOC teams played teams from
other colleges, with section TOC cham-
pionships and the chance to go to a huge
annual national championship.
At its height, TOC had more than
40,000 students playing on co-ed teams,
at over 650 colleges and universities.
These programs were student-run, which
was another key to TOC’s success, and
they embodied everything that we always
seem to want for tennis: the on-court
action was fun at all levels of the game;
playing co-ed and on teams provided
a key social component; the idea that
students themselves were creating and
running TOC programs at their colleges
empowered the students and provided
leadership skills.
And, importantly, TOC became a
breeding ground for tennis industry
personnel. When TOC players left col-
lege, many became young leaders in this
4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
industry itself, working for sections,
NJTLs, CTAs, manufacturers, retailers,
as teaching pros, etc.
But now, through budget and staff
cuts, TOC has essentially been gutted.
There is no full-time USTA staff devoted
to the program, there’s no real budget
for it—and as a result, in recent years
only 11,000 students participated at
about 250 schools. Granted, the pan-
demic has probably played a part here,
but I fear without support, TOC will just
wither away even more.
Why, with a USTA mission to “pro-
mote and develop the growth of tennis,”
would we de-emphasize a program that
seems to embody all that we want this
sport to do? Why would we essentially
neglect a key “bridge” on the pathway
from junior tennis to adult programs,
and to creating lifelong tennis players
and consumers? Why, in an industry
that continually bemoans the fact that
young people aren’t entering it, would
we minimize a program that produces
young tennis leaders in abundance?
I’ve been in this industry long enough
to know that if we want to truly grow,
we need to play the “long game” when it
comes to what’s best for tennis, and we
must prioritize programs that produce.
Tennis on Campus has been proven to
produce. It’s time to make it a priority
again.
Peter Francesconi
Editor
Peter@TennisIndustryMag.com
PUBLISHER
JEFF WILLIAMS
EDITOR
PETER FRANCESCONI
MANAGING EDITOR
SCOTT GRAMLING
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
IAN KNOWLES
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ED McGROGAN
ART DIRECTOR
CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
BOB PATTERSON
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR,
DAVID LASOTA, JUDY LEAND, KENT OSWALD,
CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
TIM McARTHUR
EDITORIAL DIRECTION
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IndustryNews Information to help you run your business
TENNIS FACILITIES
USTA Names Outstanding
Facility Award Winners for 2021
T
he USTA announced that
25 tennis facilities were
named winners of the
USTA’s annual Outstand-
ing Facility Award, which
recognizes excellence in the construc-
tion and/or renovation of tennis facili-
ties throughout the country.
“Great tennis facilities like these help
us to grow the game at the grassroots
level, and we are proud to recognize
them for their ongoing impact on the
sport,” says Craig Morris, the USTA’s
chief executive of Community Tennis.
“Each of these facilities have embraced
many key tennis initiatives and kept the
sport at the forefront of their commu-
C O U RT E S Y U S TA
nity each year.”
Facilities were judged on the fol-
lowing criteria: overall layout and
adaptation to site; excellence of court
www.tennisindustrymag.com
surface and lights; ease of maintenance;
accommodations for players, spectators
and press/officials; aesthetics; graphics
(including the use of signs and landscap-
ing); amenities such as casual seating
for spectators, food services and social
areas; and the facilities’ participation in
USTA programs.
The 2021 USTA Outstanding Facility
Award winners are:
Public Courts: Small Tennis Centers
(2 to 10 courts): Barceloneta Tennis
Academy (Barceloneta, Puerto Rico);
Guam National Tennis Center (Dededo,
Guam); Kinetix Tennis (Norristown,
Pa.); Lighthouse Point Tennis Center
(Lighthouse Point, Fla.)
Public Courts: Large Tennis Centers
(11 or more courts): Barnes Tennis
Center (San Diego); City of Palm Beach
November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
IndustryNews
Gardens Tennis and Pickleball Center
(Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.—shown at
left); Delray Beach Tennis Center (Del-
ray Beach, Fla.); HCC Tennis Center
(Tampa, Fla.); International Tennis
Hall of Fame/Hall of Fame Tennis Club
(Newport, R.I.); Mesa Tennis Center
(Mesa, Ariz.); Rick Macci Tennis and
Fitness Center (Boca Raton, Fla.); Rock
Hill Tennis Center (Rock Hill, S.C.);
Southlake Tennis Center (Southlake,
Texas); SVB Tennis and Wellness Center
(Zephyrhills, Fla.); Tennis Center of
Camden (Camden, S.C.); The Swim and
Racquet Center (Boca Raton, Fla.)
Private Facilities: Court 16 (Long
Island City, N.Y.); DuPont Country Club
(Wilmington, Del.); Matrix Racquet
Club (Lowell, Ark.); Raleigh Racquet
Club (Raleigh, N.C.); The Birch Racquet
and Lawn Club (Keller, Texas); Top Seed
Tennis Club (Nicholasville, Ky.)
Educational Institutions: Marshalltown
Court Complex (Marshalltown, Iowa);
St. James High School Tennis Courts
(St. James, Minn.); The Prout School
(Wakefield, R.I.)
U.S. Teaching Pros to Access
ITF Academy Online Education
The USTA has entered into a “Gold
Membership Agreement” with the Inter-
national Tennis Federation, which gives
U.S. certified coaches and teaching pro-
fessionals access to the ITF Academy, the
ITF’s official online education platform.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for
coaches who want to enhance and ex-
pand their knowledge and understanding
of all aspects of tennis,” says Paul Roetert,
managing director of USTA-U. “Those
accessing the ITF Academy can also take
advantage of the robust ITF Library com-
ponent (formerly iCoach). The Library
features 1,500 modules, including high-
quality videos from tennis conferences
around the world, expert interviews,
up-to-date articles as well as scientific
research papers.”
7
IndustryNews
The ITF Academy will be available as a
resource to all PTR- and USPTA-certified
members in the U.S. Both organizations
will provide a member access code and
ITF link to register.
Slinger’s Foundation Tennis
Teams with Square’s App Program
Slinger announced that the Foundation Ten-
nis technology platform it acquired in June
has joined Square’s App Partner Program.
Slinger says the partnership with Square is a
validation of the success of the Foundation
Tennis platform and its potential to reach
new businesses and consumers with its CRM,
subscription management, booking and pay-
ment processing technology.
Through Square’s program, partners and
developers build products that are comple-
mentary to Square’s core services and en-
able Square to reach new market segments.
Foundation Tennis is currently the only tennis
company within Square’s partner program,
has access to thousands of tennis-related
businesses in the U.S. alone, and has over
one million users on its platform. It intends
to market Square products to its active user
base and business clients.
“We are thrilled to team up with Square
and equally excited by what this new rela-
tionship means for Slinger in terms of future
product offerings that we can bring to the
tennis and sports markets,” says Slinger
CEO Mike Ballardie. “Integrating Square’s
services into Slinger will enable us to provide
frictionless omnichannel experiences for our
customers in tennis and as we move into new
sports and verticals.”
Short
Sets
Slinger Bag has entered into an agree-
ment with the Chicago District Tennis
Association and will work with the CDTA to
enhance its mission to create, sustain and
grow enthusiasm for tennis. As the
“Official Practice Partner,” the Slinger Bag
will be introduced throughout Chicago-
land and its 500+ clubs, courts and tennis
facilities with media and demo days.
The USTA Foundation has granted 46
high school students a variety of college
scholarships totaling $435,000. Each year,
8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
PLAYER TRAINING
Fast Track Tennis Training
System Hits the Market
F
ast Track Vision LLC, a
startup in Hartford, Conn.,
has launched its first
product, Fast Track Tennis.
The patent-pending training system
includes a portable net and ball feeder
that sets up in any small space, inside
or out, for real ball hitting—no court
or partner needed. Requiring only
three balls, users can hit a continuous
loop without ever having to stop for
ball pickup, says the maker. In addi-
tion, an iPhone app tracks shot speed,
spin and landing position.
the USTA Foundation awards scholarships
to youth who have participated in USTA
and other organized youth tennis pro-
grams such as the National Junior Tennis
and Learning (NJTL) network, have demon-
strated high academic achievement and
require financial assistance for college.
USA Pickleball and OnCourt OffCourt
have signed an exclusive co-branding
deal for all OnCourt OffCourt patented net
systems. Visit www.USApickleball.org or
www.OnCourtOffCourt.com.
The Fast Track Tennis
training system can set
up in virtually any size
space, indoors or out.
“Fast Track Tennis makes learning
and practicing easier, less expensive
and more fun,” says CEO & Founder
John Davey. “The system can be used
anytime, anywhere—like in a drive-
way, garage or basement—and lets
beginners through advanced players
get as many repetitions as they want
along with performance metrics on
their iPhone.”
After extensive R&D, says Davey,
the company is marketing its product
in limited quantities, at $299.99. Visit
FastTrackTennis.com.
MDE Sports announced that Citi will con-
tinue its title sponsorship of the Citi Open
Tournament, held annually in Washington
D.C.'s Rock Creek Park, through 2023.
C O U RT E S Y FA S T T R A C K V I S I O N L L C
Roy Barth’s book, Point of Impact, is now
in the permanent collection of the library
at the International Tennis Hall of Fame
in Newport, R.I. The hardcover edition is
available for purchase at kiawahresort.
com. It's also available at barnesandnoble.
com and amazon.com in hardcover,
paperback and ebook versions.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
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IndustryNews
APPAREL
Lasso
Compression
Socks Are
Official Gear
of USAP, PPA
Lasso, a high-performance apparel
brand, designs and manufactures
proprietary patented support and
compression garments that provide
joint stability and circulation im-
provement to advance how the body
moves, says the company.
The company was founded in 2018
by Partha Unnava, a Forbes 30-un-
der-30 recipient with a biomedical
engineering degree from Georgia
Tech. After undergoing 12 months
of intense rehab and recovery for
Starting at $590 USD (Includes mainland USA shipping + 3 year warranty)
10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
a broken ankle, he used his biomed
engineering background to create the
made-in-America Lasso Compression
Sock, which uses patented technol-
ogy. It’s the official sock for both USA
Pickleball and the PPA Tour, and the
company works with top pickleball
pros, not to mention pros in other
sports, including the NFL. For more
information, visit lassogear.com.
PPTR, Viking Sign
3-Year Partnership
The Professional Platform Tennis Reg-
istry (PPTR) and Viking signed a three-
year partnership agreement for Viking
to be the “Official Platform Tennis Paddle
and Ball of the PPTR.”
“Viking has been the leader in the
platform tennis industry for many
years,” says PPTR President/CEO Dan
Santorum. “PPTR is thrilled to be part-
nering with such a successful and iconic
brand.” In addition to partnering with Vi-
king, PPTR partnered with the American
Platform Tennis Association (APTA), and
now all three brands are working togeth-
er to grow the game, says the PPTR.
“We look forward to getting Viking
paddles and balls into the hands of PPTR
pros,” says Alex Bancila, managing
partner & CEO of Viking. The company
recently came out with a new line of
paddles for the 2021-2022 season.
PPTR is striving to reach the
500-member mark and plans to conduct
20 certification workshops this season.
C O U RT E S Y L A S S O, P I C K L E B A L L - P R I N T S. C O M
www.tennisindustrymag.com
 IndustryNews

Tennis Racquet Performance ITA Announces Alliance With

at Specialty Stores
Jan.-June 2021, vs. 2020 and 2019
Units 2021 248,079
2020 112,514
% change vs. ’20 120%
% change vs. ’19 27%
Dollars 2021 $40,708,000
2020 $18,049,000
% change vs. ’20 126%
% change vs. ’19 22%
Price 2021 $164.09
2020 $160.42
% change vs. ’20 2%
% change vs. ’19 -4%
Top-Selling Racquets
at Specialty Stores
By year-to-date dollars, Jan.-June 2021
Best Sellers
1. Babolat Pure Drive 2021 (MP)
2. Wilson Clash 100 2019 (MP)
3. Babolat Pure Aero 2019 (MP)
4. Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13 2021 (MP)
5. Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V7 2020 (MP)
Pickleball-Prints.com
Shows Pickleball Pride
Looking for products that show pickleball
pride for your members, players, teams
and others? Check out Pickleball-Prints.
com, a new website that offers fun and
whimsical original pickleball designs on
tank tops, T-shirts, bags, mugs and other
swag. The site also allows you to create
custom designs.
Ground Rule for Facility Services
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association
(ITA) and Ground Rule have a new partner-
ship in which Ground Rule will be recog-
nized as the Preferred Facility Services
Agency of the ITA.
Ground Rule (groundrule.com) offers
a wide range of facility project manage-
ment, planning, building and funding
services, and has been committed to serv-
ing college tennis programs through col-
laboration with the ITA. From the planning
stage to completion of a facility project,
the Ground Rule team conducts feasibility
studies, market analysis, forecasts finan-
cials, advises on facility design, oversees
risk management, and advises on spon-
sorship and fundraising campaigns.
“Quality facilities are a critical part of
the success of every college tennis pro-
gram and to the sport as a whole,” says ITA
CEO Tim Russell. “They play an important
role in a program’s ability to engage the
community, which is why we are so ex-
cited to partner with Ground Rule. Their
team will provide invaluable resources to

“Hot New Racquets”

(introduced in the past 12 months)
1. Babolat Pure Drive 2021 (MP)
2. Wilson Pro Staff 97 V13 2021 (MP)
3. Wilson Pro Staff 97 RF V13 (MP)
4. Babolat Pure Drive Team 2021 (MP)
5. Babolat Pure Aero Rafa 2021 (MP)

Top-Selling Tennis Shoes

at Specialty Stores
By year-to-date dollars, Jan.-June 2021 PICKLEBALL
TUTOR PLUS
1. K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 from $1,049 Topspin
& Underspin
2. Asics Gel Resolution 8’20 PICKLEBALL TUTOR SPIN
3. Nike Zoom Cage 4 2020 Side Spin

PICKLEBALL
4. K-Swiss Hypercourt Supreme
5. Nike Zoom Vapor X 2020

Top-Selling Strings
at Specialty Stores
TUTOR
By year-to-date units, Jan.-June 2021 BYWorld’s
SPORTS#1TUTOR
selling
pickleball machines
1. Babolat RPM Blast
2. Wilson NXT
3. Wilson Sensation SPORTS
4. Solinco Hyper G
5. Luxilon Alu Power
TUTOR
PICKLEBALL TUTOR MINI The Sports Machine Company
the most compact MULTI-TWIST
(Source: Tennis Industry Association)
from $699 sportstutorinc.com for beginner players
(800)448-8867 $299

www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

IndustryNews
coaches and athletic departments on reno-
vations, new builds and how to maximize a
facility for all-around success.”
USPTA Hires Kraft as
Platform Tennis Head Tester
The USPTA has hired Whitney Kraft as its
new National Head Tester for Platform Tennis.
A lifelong racquet sports aficionado, Kraft
currently serves as the managing director of
All Racquet Sports. Prior to that, he served as
director of tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King
National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY. He is
a certified coach and competitive player in
tennis, padel, pickleball, platform tennis and
beach tennis, and has been a USPTA Elite
Professional since 1983. He was previously
the head tennis tester for the USPTA Eastern
Division.
USTA Foundation 20th Gala
Raises More Than $2 Million
The USTA Foundation raised more than
$2 million during its 2021 gala—a record-
breaking night—after surpassing the $1.4
million raised in 2018. The gala was at the
12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
Premium hydration brand HALO has
expanded its range with the launch
of HALO On-The-Go, electrolyte
powder sticks that allow players to
hydrate anywhere. Each stick is a
blend of natural electrolytes and
minerals from the Great Salt Lake
of Utah along with 10 times more
vitamin C than the market leader,
says the company, with only 1gram
of sugar and 15 calories per stick.
Tennis champion Andy Murray is an
investor in the product and a brand
HYDRATION
ambassador.
HALO “HALO is on a mission to
revolutionize hydration and is driven
Hydration by our consumer’s wants and
needs,” says CEO and co-founder
Expands Anshuman Vohra. “In response to
the popularity of our drinks, it was
important for us to offer another
with On-the- delivery system for people to have
access to HALO anytime, anywhere.”
Go Powder
HALO On-The-Go comes in vari-
ous flavors, for $19.99 for a pack of 12.
Sticks Visit halosport.com.
C O U RT E S Y H A L O
www.tennisindustrymag.com

People
Watch
The Houston Tennis Association
has named Emily Schaefer as its new
executive director. She succeeds Cheryl
Hultquist, who has volunteered and
worked for the nonprofit for more than
40 years. Schaefer, who recently retired
from the City of Houston Parks & Recre-
ation Department after 22 years as its di-
rector of tennis, brings a lifetime of tennis
involvement to HTA. She currently serves
on the USTA national board of directors.
Former USTA President Katrina Adams
was inducted into the Chicagoland
Sports Hall of Fame in October.
Dr. Pardis Sebati, an alumnus of MIT,
Oxford University and Harvard Univer-
sity, received the 2021 ITA David A Benja-
www.tennisindustrymag.com
min Achievement Award in late August. The
honor, in its 27th year from the Intercolle-
giate Tennis Association, pays tribute each
year to past varsity tennis players who have
achieved excellence in their chosen careers.
Reunion Resort & Golf Club in central
Florida has partnered with USPTA Elite Pro-
fessional Marcelo Gouts and his company,
MG Tennis of Orlando, to provide tennis and
pickleball clinics and one-on-one lessons.
Gouts, a native of Buenos Aires, has been a
part of the central Florida tennis community
for more than three decades and is a true
icon and ambassador of the game.
Devin Crotzer has been hired as the USTA
Southern Tennis Service Representative for
Tennessee. Crotzer, who played collegiate
November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
IndustryNews
tennis at Cumberland University, is a
USPTA- and PTR-certified teaching pro,
holds certifications as a tennis perfor-
mance trainer (TPT) with the ITPA and is
recognized as a high-performance coach
by the USTA.
USTA Eastern and the Junior Tennis
Foundation recently inducted tennis icons
and trailblazers Billie Jean King and Ilana
Kloss, entrepreneur Freddie Botur, tennis
historian and former USTA Eastern presi-
dent Dr. Dale Caldwell, former Eastern
Men's No. 6 player Dr. Harold German, and
youth tennis advocate and activist Dr. Em-
ily Moore into its Tennis Hall of Fame.
Force Grip has an endorsement deal with
world No. 4 player Elina Svitolina.
13
IndustryNews
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis USRSA Names New MRTs, CS
Center during US Open opening night, Master Racquet Technicians
and co-chaired by sports broadcaster • Justin Metcalf, Ferntree Gully, Victoria,
Bill Macatee and Tatiana Cancro of Jer- Australia
sey Mike’s. The gala, co-hosted by actor • Nursharneem Shamsuddin, Banner Elk, N.C.
Alec Baldwin and ESPN anchor Hannah • Jeremy O’Neill, Alexandria, Va.
Storm, was attended by celebrities and • Paul Swink, San Francisco
longtime supporters of the Foundation, • Richard Tom Sing, Markham, Ontario,
including Mike Tyson, Anna Wintour, Canada
Vera Wang, Gayle King, Lindsey Vonn, Certified Stringer
Billie Jean King and Tiki Barber. • Levi Le, San Jose, Calif.
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14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
Slinger Announces Partnership
With the Mouratoglou Academy
Slinger Bag has entered into a partner-
ship with the Mouratoglou Academy, one
of the most successful and recognizable
brands in tennis. Its flagship academy
situated in the French Riviera has 30
tennis courts, world-class training
facilities and is regarded among the
top tennis academies in the world.
Recently, Mouratoglou has been ex-
panding globally, opening tennis centers
in Dubai at the world-famous Jumeirah
#1
chain, and in Costa Navarino, Greece.
Mouratoglou is also known as the train-
ing home to some of the biggest names
in the sport, including Serena Williams,
Coco Gauff and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Slinger will become an integral part of
the coaching culture within the academy
and has already been adopted by the
coaches to support their training and
programming. Mouratoglou and Slinger
are working together to create quarterly
workshops across the three different
academy locations.
Nike, Serena Williams Design
Program Debuts Collection C O U RT E S Y S L I N G E R , F R A S U R E R E P S S P O RT S L I G H T I N G
In 2019, Nike and Serena Williams part-
nered to create the Serena Williams Design
Crew (SWDC), an apprenticeship program at
Nike created to promote diversity in design
and establish a new generation of design
talent at Nike and beyond.
In January 2020, Nike welcomed the first
SWDC to Nike's World Headquarters, where
the 10 apprentices spent six months work-
ing to produce a Serena-inspired footwear,
apparel and accessories capsule collection of
women's performance and lifestyle product.
Now, Nike has introduced the first collec-
tion from the inaugural SWDC cohort, which
connects sport and culture while drawing on
www.tennisindustrymag.com
 IndustryNews

1990s nostalgia. The collection explores USTA Foundation Awards on Sept. 2 when they joined the sports
Serena’s lineage and legacy through her $60,000 to Youth Players icon for a day of tennis at the US Open.
past and present as well as the future The USTA Foundation, the charitable arm This year’s regional winners of the
she’s influencing. Visit Nike.com. of the USTA, is awarding $60,000 in Novo Novo Nordisk Donnelly Scholarship are
Nordisk Donnelly Scholarship funds in Alyssa Mitchell of Duncan, Okla.; Autumn
Universal Tennis Launches 2021, comprised of two $10,000 awards Harmon of Hanover, Ind.; Frances Laurent
Junior National Pathway and eight $5,000 regional scholarships. of Los Alamos, N.M.; Henry Gallagher of
Universal Tennis has created the Uni- The $10,000 national winners are Ivy Ephrata, Pa.; Jared Lucas of Fairfax, Va.;
versal Tennis Junior National Pathway, Wilson of Jenks, Okla., and Leena Ben- Sylvie Heriza of Pendleton, Ore.; Jack
consisting of eight regional events netto of Vernon, British Columbia, who Levin of Glen Head, N.Y.; and Jake Rogers
for junior players 17U, 15U, and 13U received their awards from Billie Jean King of Mount Pleasant, N.C.
across eight designated regions. The
tour began in September.
"We are very excited to launch
this innovative program," says Mark
Leschly, chairman and CEO of Universal
Tennis. "We repeatedly hear about the
need for more opportunities to play
high-level tournaments and increase
college exposure. The Universal Tennis
Junior National Championship Path-
way fills the gap in a new and exciting
way."
Universal Tennis plans to expand
the program in 2022 with additional
regional events where players can
qualify for expanded national champi-
onships.

Pavilion of Pickleball
Opens Outdoor Courts

Originally the first dedicated indoor

pickleball facility in Knoxville, Tenn., the
Pavilion of Pickleball opened seven out-
door pickleball courts in June 2021. The
court construction was completed by
Baseline Sports Construction of Knoxville.
A major component of the new outdoor
courts is the lighting system with LSI In-
dustries’ LED Zone Large product, which
features industry-leading efficiency, a
wide range of lumen outputs and silicone
optics. LSI Industries is the sponsored
lighting supplier of USA Pickleball. Fra-
sure Reps Sports Lighting (frasurereps.
com) is the exclusive sports lighting
representative of LSI Industries.

www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15


INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
The Weakest Links
Global supply chain issues require new
strategies and a lot of patience.
By Judy Leand
T
hroughout the Covid-19
pandemic, and now with
the Delta variant, supply
chain problems have
continued to snowball
for retailers, court-products suppliers
and others in this industry. Although
racquet sports participation remains
on an upward trajectory, the increas-
ing popularity means more players are
seeking out new gear, exerting addi-
tional pressure on manufacturers and
retailers to deliver goods which are,
and will continue to be in the months
ahead, in short supply.
John Swetka, owner of Swetka’s
Tennis Shop in Mountain View, Calif.,
says two of his major racquet brands
can’t get him product, and one major
shoe brand hasn’t sent him new shoes
in six months. “There are no women’s
size 8 shoes [of any brand] anywhere
in the store,” he says.
“Supply chain issues are going to kill
me! I’m in the most frustrating part of
this right now,” Swetka said in mid-
September. “For the rest of the year, I’ll
be chasing products and I won’t be able
to sell my customers a pair of shoes.
We’ve been busy, so we’ve sold out. It’s
16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
Supply Chain
a new ball game that I’m not used to
dealing with. Prices are going up and
shipping costs are rising—it’s not a
pretty picture for the rest of the year.”
On a global scale, the snarled supply
chain has resulted in raw materials
and inventory shortages and extensive
shipping delays. For example, a recent
surge in Covid-19 cases in Southeast
Asia—notably Vietnam and Malaysia—
has throttled ports and locked down
plantations and processers, sparking
extended disruptions of raw materi-
als. Port congestion plus a lack of
warehouse workers and truck drivers
are adding to the logistical nightmare,
and many experts believe the pain will
continue well into the second half of
2022 and perhaps into 2023.
As Bloomberg.com reported, “The
It’s great that our sport
is growing and thriving,
but we need more product
delivery to keep people
in the game.
system underpinning globalization—
production on one side of the planet,
connected to consumers on the other
by trucks, ships, planes, cranes and
forklifts—is too rigid to absorb today’s
rolling tremors from Covid-19, or to
recover quickly from the jolts to con-
sumer demand or the labor force.”
So, how can the racquet sports
industry contend with such a hairball
of a situation? “I think everyone is
doing what they can to secure product,
which means using new partners, new
vendors and thinking outside the box,”
says Mickey Maule, managing director
of Engagement and Services for the
USTA. “We [USTA] have communi-
cated to providers and key partners
to pre-book product if you haven’t
already done so to avoid shortages and
plan out your business for the year.”
While Maule doesn’t believe supply
chain issues are impacting the types
and numbers of programs being of-
fered by racquet sports associations,
he does point to shortages in certain
areas, such as specific grip sizes
and SKUs. Finding the right prod-
uct “takes a bit more effort than in
previous years when the market was
oversaturated with product,” he says.
“I think this has been a wake-up call
to retailers who do not plan out their
business, and likewise for manufac-
turers that may not have seen this
type of demand before. Forecasting/
planners are now critical to success.”
On a brighter note, Maule says, “The
good news is that the demand contin-
ues and we expect it to remain well
beyond 2022. I think it will be a steady
improvement through 2022 and SHUTTERSTOCK
www.tennisindustrymag.com
I’m sure we’ll see product allocated
throughout distribution channels.”
He expects that in the back half of
2022, pre-booked orders will begin to
align with production and demand as
logistics and port issues smooth out.
But sometimes no amount of plan-
ning can get retailers what they need
in a timely manner. “Reps are saying
to order big and you might get the
product,” says Swetka. “It’s also frus-
trating that some manufacturers are
making product available to consum-
ers online, but are not making that
product available to retailers.”
Brad Blume, managing partner of
Tennis Express in Houston, is also
upset. “The next 12 months will be diffi-
cult because the issue won’t be resolved
short-term. It's impacting sales and our
ability to meet our customers’ expecta-
tions. It’s a complex situation and it
seems to have spiraled out of control.”
THERE IS ALWAYS TIME TO PLAY.
iGENIE Ball Machine
Stan Oley, Product Marketing Specialist
HalfPage-InsideTennis.indd 1
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Blume observes that shipping prices
have gone up five- to tenfold due to
overseas container shortages, and
manufacturers are increasing prices
as a result. Even the most basic items
are becoming more difficult to pro-
cure—Blume and many other retailers
cite a worldwide tennis ball shortage
as being particularly aggravating.
“At this moment, we’re out of tennis
balls,” exclaims Mark Mason, owner of
New York City-based Mason’s Tennis.
“In my 46 years in business, we’ve
never been out of balls. We’re close to
2019 regarding momentum, and the
only thing that can stop us is a lack of
product. I’m now spending half the
day searching for things.
“We’ve always valued our ability
to have what the customer wants,”
Mason continues. “Our credo is, ‘If we
don’t have it, we can get it for you.’ But
now this is next to impossible. We rely
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November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
on our service, so this is a very difficult
situation.”
Mason is looking to vendors to
provide a more concrete idea of what’s
happening. “I write a lot of futures
orders to protect myself, but orders
are still not coming in. There’s still a
lot of uncertainty in the market. It’s a
crazy, crazy time.”
Blume has a similar strategy. “I try
to communicate with manufacturers
to understand what products will be
delayed and on backorder,” he says.
“We ordered more than we antici-
pate that we can sell because we need
product on the shelves. It might take
longer to sell through, but we’re hop-
ing that with the surge in players, we’ll
be in a great situation.”
Simply put, he says, “It’s great that
our sport is growing and thriving, but
we need more product delivery to
keep people in the game.” 
(800) 776-6770
11/17/19 2:19 PM
17

EMBRACING CHANGE
Adapt to Survive
The last big game-changer, the
internet, packs lessons for our future
in the tennis industry.
By Liza Horan
I
t was October 1991 and I
had just accepted the role of
production assistant on the
tennis publications owned by
The New York Times Com-
pany. Though my sights were set on
being editor of a health magazine one
day, I figured the chance to work for
the illustrious Gray Lady would stand
out more on my resume than the
fact that I had switched from edito-
rial to production after getting laid
off from a daily newspaper. Plus, I’d
played tennis since I was 8 years old,
and a highlight of my life was getting
Martina Navratilova’s autograph after
a Wightman Cup match in 1984.
18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
Your Business
What I couldn’t know then was that
this move was more than a job—I was
joining a company that provided the
opportunity to learn, grow and in-
novate; an exciting industry that deliv-
ered a rewarding career; and a tennis
community that felt like a family.
Six months later I switched back
to editorial on Tennis USTA maga-
zine until 1995, when the stars truly
aligned for me. I was asking the right
questions to the right people at the
right time to score the chance to bring
Tennis Magazine online. The initial
launch happened with the debut of
the MSN (Microsoft Network) online
service, which led to my founding and
The increase in the use of technology
and the internet means you should
be investing in software or apps that
will help your business.
running Tennis.com through 2005.
It was the kind of break that rarely
arises. The internet was a real game-
changer in tennis and in society. With
many unknowns about this new media
platform, I spent many years cham-
pioning its merit within the company
and across our industry among loads
of friction—and even resistance.
On my 30th anniversary of joining
the tennis industry, it struck me that
certain values from that transforma-
tive experience can power our indus-
try’s future.
Caveat: The pandemic changed
the landscape. The 2020 goldrush of
7 million new and returning play-
ers handed us a two-set lead in a
marathon match, but it’s no walkover.
The pressure is now on to retain
those players and encourage them to
upgrade their gear, book clinics and
reserve court time.
That’s not all—tennis has to adapt to
the wider societal shifts that outlasted
lockdowns. Specifically, the uptake in
the use of technology and the inter-
net means you ought to invest in that
facility/retail management software
or that app you’ve shelved. Lockdowns
restricted our physical activity and
social interaction, and our mental and
physical health suffered. Tennis has a
solution that boosts both, and we need
to trumpet that.
Finally, the slower, home-based
lifestyle of lockdowns and the increase
in remote working caused people
to reprioritize. Many are question-
ing how they spend their precious
resources of time, money and energy,
and their environmental impact. Ten-
nis is a joyful pursuit that’s affordable
and local. We need to make it easy for
those new and returning players to
choose “the sport for a lifetime.”
SHUTTERSTOCK
So, how do we answer the demands
of business now and for the future?
Consider what worked during the
last big game-changer: the internet as
mass medium.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Be open. The president of our maga-
zine division didn’t have a computer
in his office and discarded the whole
internet revolution as a “fad.” Thank-
fully, HQ didn’t hold that view. Change
is always coming, and there’s a balance
between honoring the history of the
game and adapting to survive and,
hopefully, thrive.
You may not know where the next
big idea or innovation is coming from,
but your customers do. Their needs
and preferences are constantly evolv-
ing, so they’re best suited to tell you
where to invest your resources. Talk
to your customers and really listen.
Feedback ratings and surveys have
limits; digital analytics are indicators.
Ask, how can their tennis experience
be made easier and more enjoyable by
what you do?
Think different. The greatest strength
www.tennisindustrymag.com
of this industry is its weakness: Every-
one knows everyone, and a majority
are “lifers.” This helps us collaborate
and achieve great things fast. How-
ever, at worst, it makes for an insular
industry and tolerates herd mental-
ity. I’ve seen common business sense
abandoned in the name of friendship
or “not rocking the boat,” as I’m sure
you have. Everyone needs to feel free
to use their head, heart and soul in this
business without prevailing influence
from others.
That means investigating new ways,
applying critical thinking, and reflect-
ing on that. Then consider your feel-
ings on the matter for your business
and for the sport. Check in with your
gut, too. Then voice it with confidence.
Have guts. What’s your risk toler-
ance? Can you afford a little experi-
ment for a potential big pay-off ? The
November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
tournaments willing to credential
online journalists before others got
tons more news coverage. Photogra-
phers who were first to learn digital
photography made more money than
their colleagues. It’s not just about
technology; it’s about adopting a cycle
of test-learn-adapt to find the sweet
spot for product-market fit at your
organization.
Perhaps the pandemic lockdown
was just the adrenalin shot the tennis
industry needed. You’ve got the lead
on this changeover. How will you
play it? 
Liza Horan, former longtime president
of the U.S. Tennis Writers Association,
was the first online journalist to be
credentialed by Wimbledon. She
consults on digital strategy and com-
munications from her base in Edin-
burgh, Scotland. Visit LizaHoran.com.
19

THE MENTAL GAME
Influence vs. Control
How can you help your players
move forward when things seem
out of their grasp?
By Coach Pete Scales, Ph.D., USPTA
H
ow can we let go of situa-
tions that are not in our
control? For example, one of
the things that is so stressful
about Covid-19 is the uncertainty of when
our lives will return to “ normal,” and
what that might look like. This can be
especially worrisome for those of us who
are used to planning out our days, weeks,
months and even futures very precisely.
How can we be OK with losing a little
control over our lives, and trusting that
everything will turn out OK anyway?
20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
The Bench
A. One important mindset switch is to
remember that having control in life
often is an illusion in the first place. The
old joke is, want to make God laugh? Tell
God your plans!
Much of life, especially on the tennis
court, is out of our control. I recently
discussed this with a college tennis team,
which I was helping deal with the impact
of the pandemic on their lives, on and off
the court.
There is a difference between having
an influence on things and having con-
There is a difference between
having an influence on things
and having control. The primary
thing you can truly control is
your reaction to events.
trol. For example, as a student, you can
influence your grades by how hard you
work, but you don’t control the grades
you get. You can influence your career
path by how many connections you make
with people who can help you, but you
don’t control whether you get hired, or
whether you stay hired. You can influ-
ence whether people like you, but you
don’t control whether they do.
So, part of it is just reframing all this as,
what is it that matters to me? And, what
of that can I still influence somewhat
today, forgetting about “control?”
It’s just a variation on the thought, I
will play the best I can with the game I
brought to the court today. I can influence
what game I bring by my preparation,
but I can’t control what game unfolds
once I’m playing with my opponent. I can
control my effort, my attitude, whether
I have a plan, whether I keep moving,
whether I stay hydrated, and how much
I’ve prepared.
The primary thing you can truly
control is your reaction to events. Do you
look at adversity and disappointments,
on or off the court, as challenges and
opportunities to adjust, adapt, learn and
get better? Or do you give up or not give it
your best shot? Are you patient with the
process of trying, failing and trying again,
or are you impatient and in a hurry?
Feeling loss of control is hardest on
those who are impatient, whether to
suddenly play better under pressure, or
for some semblance of larger pre-pan-
demic normal to return, and easier for
folks who say, “OK, this truly sucks but
this is reality, so let's get on with figuring
out what I can do with this hand that's
been dealt.”
At a basic level, on the court, it can be
as simple as saying “OK” as your positive
or at least neutral response after every
point. It doesn’t mean you like how the
SHUTTERSTOCK
point played out; it means you accept
that it happened, it’s over and you can
learn from it. Remember, what you con-
trol is how you react.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
 What you’re trusting is not so much that your life will be OK in terms of what happens,
but that your reaction to what life throws at you will be OK, because you have and continue
to build personal, social and spiritual strengths to draw on.

Finally, appreciating the difference
between influence and control doesn't
require trusting that everything will
work out OK, in a match or life beyond.
Everything might not. As life unfolds, on
the court and off, some of us are going to
have more than our share of disappoint-
ments, losses and tragedies, and some of
us are going to have an embarrassment of
riches and good fortune.
What you’re trusting is not so much
that your life will be OK in terms of
what happens, but that your reaction
to what life throws at you will be OK,
because you have and continue to build
personal, social and spiritual strengths
to draw on. So, even if you’re put in a
situation that sucks, on or off the court,
you’re going to do your darndest to
figure out the best things you can do,
alone and with others, to make it as
good (livable, productive, contributing,
fair, enjoyable) as possible. You’re not
going to give up.
You may have to modify your game
plans and goals, and how you pursue
them, but you’re still going to take posi-
tive steps to keep moving forward, in a
match and in life.
That you can control!  game, check out Coach Pete’s podcasts
Got a question for Coach Pete? Email him
at info@tennisindustrymag.com and put
“The Bench” in the subject line.
Peter C. Scales, Ph.D., USPTA, is an
internationally known developmental
psychologist specializing in positive
youth development, USPTA tennis
teaching pro, high school tennis coach,
and mental strength consultant to
college tennis teams. He’s the author
of the award-winning book Mental
and Emotional Training for Tennis:
Compete-Learn-Honor (Coaches
Choice, 2019), available on Amazon.
For more information on the mental
on USTA’s Compete Like a Champion,
EssentialTennis.com, WeArePickleball.
com, Way of Champions.com, Parenting-
Aces.com and TennisFiles.com.

www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21

 PICKLEBALL
GEAR
2021 GUIDE

PADDLES AND BALLS

Answering the Call

By Kent Oswald
Two years ago, the TV game show
Jeopardy had this answer: “What’s the
dill, yo? The USAPA promotes this
racket sport, one of the USA’s fastest-
growing sports.”
Today, a Jeopardy answer might be:
“From 2019 to 2020 this sport grew by
20-plus percent and desperately need-
ed hundreds of thousands of these for
enthusiasts.”
The question, of course, would be:
“What are pickleball paddles and
balls?”
Year-over-year growth—expected to
be matched and most likely exceeded
when the Sports Fitness Industry
Association releases 2021 figures—
highlights the opportunities for the
racquet sports industry. The leap in
participation to 4.2 million pickleball
players includes 1.4 million “core”
players, and a lowering of the average
player age as younger pickleballers
continue to enter the game. Plus, Adidas Babolat
the pandemic did not slow pickleball allracquetsports.com babolat.com
court and facility construction, as 971-234-2300 877-316-9435
nearly 10 percent more locations were
brought into play.
So, a relatively new game. Expo- • The Adipower Ctrl ($189.99) is a 16 • Aptly named, the MNSTR Power
nential growth of new players. More by 8-inch, 8.2-ounce paddle built for ($139) is 16-1/10 by 7-4/5-inches and
playing opportunities. Back to our comfort and designed for aggressive 8.11 ounces, and features a propylene
Jeopardy questions: “What is new and hitters and performance-level play. honeycomb core with an EVA foam
noteworthy for novice and seasoned It features a high-density, propyl- layer and a graphite skin. Vibration-
pickleball players?” The “answers,” ene honeycomb core and carbon- reducing interior technology and an
from leading manufacturers, are on aluminized face, as well as an EVA oversized sweetspot complement the
the following pages. inner layer and perforated grip to play of advanced, offensive-minded
(Prices are suggested retail.) wick away moisture. Also bringing the players. The MNSTR Touch ($139)
force, but balancing that with excep- is a tad lighter at 7.2 ounces, allow-
tional touch, is the Essnova Carbon ing for quicker response and greater
Attk ($149.99). The 16-1/2 by 7-1/2- maneuverability.
inch, 8.2-ounce paddle has a low-den-
sity polypropylene honeycomb on the
inside and a carbon face with unique
resistance, durability and power.

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 Manufacturers continue to gear up to provide pickleball
players with paddle and ball options.
Gamma
gammasports.com
800-333-0337
• The robust sweetspot of the
P H O T O S C O U RT E SY O F T H E M A N U FA CT U R E R S
middleweight Typhoon ($149.99)
brings extra energy and control to
shots thanks to a head designed with
additional hitting area at the top. The
paddle is available in two colorways,
weighs 7.75 ounces and plays at 16-
1/8 by 7-5/8 inches. The extra-thick
polypropylene core and composite
surface combine for both power
and response, and the honeycomb
cushion grip guarantees long-lasting
comfort.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Head
head.com
800-289-7366
• The two most recent additions to
the Gravity performance paddle
series are the Gravity LH and SH
(both $154.95), adding long- and
short-handled versions. Both are
15-3/4 by 8-1/10 inches, with the
LH—designed for two-handers—
at 7.9 ounces and the SH—with its
increased sweetspot—at 7.8 ounces.
The Margaritaville series includes
the Key West ($124.95), with its large
sweetspot, Island Reserve ($124.95),
delivering extra control, and Island
Life ($124.95), providing both power
and enhanced dampening.
November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
Onix
onixpickleball.com
866-467-8973
• Onix enlisted national champions
Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova
in the development of the Evoke
Premier ($149.99). The paddle is 16
by 8 inches and available in three
weights and two colorways, each with
a polypropylene core and composite
face with a finish that provides soft-
ness while still letting the texture do
its work with spin, and a core coming
through with pop on all shots.
Dedicated players will also be
interested in the Outbreak ($129.99),
featuring superb touch and control
from the 15-1/2 by 8-1/8-inch middle-
weight paddle.
23
 PICKLEBALL
GEAR
2021 GUIDE

The leap in pickleball participation to 4.2 million players includes

1.4 million “core” players, and a lowering of the average player age as younger
pickleballers continue to enter the game.

Paddletek ProKennex Selkirk

paddletek.com prokennex-pickleball.com selkirk.com
866-972-3353 800-832-9887 800-759-4326

• To supply outstanding power
and control, the Tempest Wave Pro
($179) relies on a composite poly-
mer honeycomb core and a textured
graphite face. Paddles are 15-7/8 by 8
inches and available in six colorways,
with two handle width options. The
balance and weight allows for easy
movement and the ability to gener-
ate impressive head speed, says the
company.
• The new, lightweight Flight series
delivers power and spin and includes
technology to minimize shock and
vibration. The Pro ($189) has the more
traditionally shaped body at 15-5/8
by 8 inches, while the Flight ($189) is
more oval in its 15-5/8 by 7-5/8-inch
frame, which moves the sweetspot
more to the paddle’s center. Both have
polypropylene, honeycombed cells in
the core and a carbon face with a mi-
cro texture coating, developed in con-
junction with pros Jennifer and Steve
Dawson. Performance paddles in
the line include the Ovation Speed II
($169.95) and Pro Speed II ($169.95).
• Similar to its deep pro team roster,
P H O T O S C O U RT E SY O F T H E M A N U FA CT U R E R S
led by four-time Grand Slam Gold
Medalist Tyson McGuffin, Selkirk
provides numerous options in its
performance Vanguard series. The
polypropylene honeycomb core syn-
ergizes with a carbon-fiber technol-
ogy both stiff and light in the face to
deliver power with enhanced wicking
and tackiness. All are available at
$200 and customizable through mul-
tiple colorways and with weight and
handle-length options.

24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com


Vulcan
vulcansportinggoods.com
800-826-6373
• Each paddle in the new V700 series
features a propylene honeycomb core
with carbon fiber bands, as well as a
seven-layer face to provide dynamic
response and precise play. The V710
Max ($199.99), at 8.2 ounces, has a
teardrop silhouette and delivers abso-
lute power. The V720 Max ($199.99)
plays lighter than its 8.4-ounce,
traditional look would suggest and
provides the most forgiving sweetspot
for aggressive players. The V730 Max
($199.99), Tyler Loong’s signature
model, is 8.0 ounces and has an elon-
gated face for control and power.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Photo
Unavailable
Wilson
wilson.com
773-714-6400
• Debuting at the 2021 Margaritaville
USA National Pickleball Champion-
ships will be the enhanced Juice Car-
bon ($119), Juice Carbon XL ($119) and
Echo Carbon ($119), each with a fiber-
glass composite face offering a soft feel
and vibration dampening. The Juice
features a wide body and woven carbon
fibers with a polypropylene honey-
comb core for power and feel. The
lightweight Juice Carbon XL generates
controlled power and optimizes reach
at 17 inches. The Echo Carbon, with
an angled throat and extended handle,
delivers for those whose game depends
on touch without sacrificing power.
November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
Balls:
Gamma
gammasports.com
800-333-0337
•A great option for practice balls
comes in two varieties of two-tone
orbs. For training or recreational play
indoors, there is the 26-hole purple/
pink variety, and for outdoor recre-
ation or play there are the 40-hole
versions. Both are $9.99 for a 6-pack
and $14.99 for a dozen.
Onix
onixpickleball.com
866-467-8973
• The official ball of the APP and PPA
tours, the Dura Fast 40 ($12.99/4-
pack) are heavier, thick-walled balls
playing “faster” and designed for
tournament play outdoors, available
in yellow or neon green. The Fuse G2
Outdoor ($8.99/3-pack) is a highly
durable ball with a consistent bounce
and small holes to reduce interfer-
ence from the wind.
Selkirk
selkirk.com
800-759-4326
• The SLK Competition Outdoor
($19.99/6-pack) is a 40-hole ball
providing long-lasting, consistent,
outdoor play for competitive players.
25
 PICKLEBALL
GEAR
2021 GUIDE

ACCESSORIES

Added Value
As pickleball continues to grow, players
are looking for accessories geared
specifically for their sport. Onix
By Kent Oswald onixpickleball.com
866-467-8973

Unsurprisingly, as pickleball grows in popularity, both its casual and commit- • Whether hitting dinks or drives,
ted players desire not just paddles and balls, but accessories styled specifically for the black or white Paddle Overgrip
the sport. These range from replacement grips or customized paddles to practical ($7.99), delivers a secure, comfortable
and stylish needs of adornment from toe to head. The range of options is wide and feel with its tacky surface.
growing; here are a few new and notable accessories. (Prices are suggested retail.) The lightweight Owl Eyewear has a
light, impact-resistant frame for pro-
tection and durability. Lens options
include clear, smoke and blue tint, all
with 99.9% UV protection and anti-
scratch, anti-fog coatings. Enhanced
fit and comfort is provided by the soft
non-slip nose piece, molded ear pads
and adjustable elastic head strap.

Head
head.com
800-289-7366

• Helping to maintain a grip are the

Airflow Tour ($17.95) and WEB ($12.95)
gloves. The Airflow is made from pre-
mium, perforated Cabretta leather and
provides robust flexibility and comfort
by incorporating spandex. The WEB’s
pattern on the palm increases gripping
power, and the microfiber mesh deliv-
ers cooling and comfort.
The Raptor Eyewear ($30.95) with
anti-scratch, anti-fog lenses with
clear, amber and dark options, offers
99.9% UV protection. The specs fea-
ture an impact-resistant frame and a
soft, non-slip nose piece and rubber
inlay at the temples for comfort.

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 The range of options for pickleball accessories continues to grow, from replacement
grips, to gloves designed for the sport, to stylish eyewear and more.

ProKennex Acacia
prokennex-pickleball.com acaciasports.com
800-832-9887 951-296-1100

• Keeping your hand in control but • Performance pickleball ankle

never tense or worn out, the Com- socks ($14.99/3 pack) deliver all the
fort Cushion Grip ($6.99) delivers extras. The breathable mesh pro-
with a non-slip, absorbent surface. motes dryness, the plush material
This replacement grip is the same as brings comfort and the “invisa-seam”
the one that comes standard on all construction eliminates friction. The
ProKennex paddles. The Wet Wrap manufacturer says the anti-roll tab
Overwrap Grip ($6.99), available in makes for easy adjustments, the cush-
pink, white or black, offers a touch ioning comforts during extended play,
more comfort and security while and the copper-ion infused fibers aid
minimizing the addition of signifi- circulation and offer anti-microbial
cant bulk to the grip. protection to minimize odor.
P H O T O S C O U RT E SY O F T H E M A N U FA CT U R E R S

www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27

 PICKLEBALL
GEAR
2021 GUIDE
BALL MACHINES
Pickleball Pals
Manufacturers are churning out—and
improving—ball machines to help
pickleball players of all levels.
By Kent Oswald
Playmate
playmatetennis.com
800-776-6770
• This commercial-grade machine
($3,495) is designed to stand up to the
rigors of an institutional environment.
The user-friendly controller offers
five-direction programmable oscil-
lation or random delivery. From the
150-ball tub, the machine shoots out
dinks, flat and fast or topspin/back-
spin shots, all arriving with a variety
of elevations and at speeds up to a
ball a second. Prior to purchase, the
company offers facilities the option of
an on-site demo. After purchase, ongo-
ing maintenance support is provided
through 11 countrywide Playmate
authorized sales and service centers.
28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
Simon
pickleballmachine.com
859-380-8969
• The Simon X ($2,295), built to last
with stainless steel and heavy-duty
aluminum, throws from its 120-ball
tub (an extra 60-ball hopper is
optional) at speeds as soft as 5 m.p.h.
and as challenging as 70 m.p.h. Dinks,
topspin, backspin and flat balls all
shoot out every 1.5 to 10 seconds, ei-
ther programmed in a specific direc-
tion or from different heights, or via
an oscillation that provides no hint
which direction the ball is headed.
The super stable machine, with eas-
ily cleanable pitch/throw wheels, is
easily transportable around the court,
and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Although the heart of pickleball’s
popularity is its social nature, that
doesn’t mean practice alone or as a
doubles team is not important—or
can’t be fun. Today’s ball machines
can be programmed to provide a wide
variety of shots and pacing, offering an
excellent workout while building mus-
cle memory. Top-of-the-line machines
with their base retail prices are noted
below, as well as key accessories to
speed up the chore of picking up balls.
Lobster
lobstersports.com
800-210-5992
• The Pickle Two ($1,509) enhances
singles or doubles training with
random oscillation, as well as a two-
line oscillation feature delivering
shots to alternating pre-set spots on
the court. From the 135-ball hopper
comes shots delivered at speeds up
to 60 m.p.h. and with heavy topspin
or backspin, as a dink, lob or ground-
stroke. Options for the easily ma-
neuverable machine include battery
or AC/DC model (allowing you to
charge and play at the same time),
and various remotes, including an
Apple iPhone app. Also available is
the original Pickle ($989).
www.tennisindustrymag.com
 Sports Tutor
sportstutorcompany.com
800-448-8867
• Easy maneuverability and versatility
are the hallmarks of both the Pickle-
ball Tutor Plus and Tutor Spin (both
$1,049). From the 110-ball hopper
on the former and 125-ball tub of the
latter come the full variety of shots at
speeds up to 65 m.p.h. (for the Spin,
which also offers left or right sides-
pin balls) and 60 m.p.h. (for the Plus,
which lets you set topspin and back-
spin) every 1 to 6 seconds and either in
the same spot on the court or via ran-
dom oscillation. Added convenience
can be found in two other models:
the Pickleball Tutor Mini ($699) and
Pickleball Multi-Twist ($299).
P H O T O S C O U RT E SY O F T H E M A N U FA CT U R E R S
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Tourna
Uniquesports.us
770-442-1977
• The lightweight Pickleball Deluxe
Caddy with Wheels picks up all sizes
and styles of pickleballs, even as the
hopper gets filled to the brim. When
used as a feeder, the patented locking
system provides complete stability
and the 33.5-inch height offers easy
access for teaching pros.
With room for 17 pickleballs, the
Pickleball Tube simplifies the chore
of gathering balls and is durable
enough to be left outside hooked to
the fence. Press down on any size ball
to easily suck it up. Emptying is just
as simple: Turn it over and balls roll
into the container.
November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29
 DISTINGUISHED
FACILITY-OF-THE-YEAR
2021 AWARDS

Building Blocks
COURT CONSTRUCTION

Pickleball facilities continue to grow around the country, and

these seven are excellent examples of quality construction.

T S TA N D I N G
OU

F TH EAR
OUTD OR PIC

EY
O

L
YO

LE
BA L L FAC I LIT
K

ast year, there were seven The six other “distinguished” facility A
pickleball facility win-
ners in the Racquet Sports
winners for 2020 all are public venues
or facilities open to all—acknowledg-
PGA Village Verano
Industry/American Sports ing the growing popularity of the Pickleball Center
Builders Association sport, and the demand that players are Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Facility-of-the-Year Awards program. making on towns and sports commis-
One project, the PGA Village Verano sions for dedicated pickleball courts.
Pickleball Center, was named the “out- And, continuing a trend that is a good Nominated By: Welch Tennis Courts Inc.
standing” winner for 2020. That new sign for this industry, all seven winning Specialty Contractors: Welch Tennis
Port St. Lucie facility, with 27 courts projects used a Certified Tennis Court Courts Inc., Big D Paving Co. Inc.
(including a championship court), is the Builder to ensure quality construction Number of Courts: 27
largest private pickleball complex in and design (for more on the CTCB pro- Surface: California Sports Surfaces
South Florida. gram, visit sportsbuilders.org). Lighting: Frasure Reps/LSI Sports Lighting
Certified Tennis Court Builder: George
For information on the annual Outstanding Facility-of-the-Year Award Program, visit Todd Jr.
www.sportsbuilders.org or contact info@sportsbuilders.org. Winners are honored each Completed: November 2019
December at the ASBA’s annual Technical Meeting, which this year will be in Orlando.

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 B

C D

ER AWAR
I LV D
S

F TH EAR
OUTD OR PIC

EY
O

YO
LE
BA L L FAC I LIT
K

B C D

Bois D’arc Park Green Valley Recreation Opelika Pickleball

Lenexa, Kan. Pickleball Center Facility
Green Valley, Ariz. Opelika, Ala.
Nominated By: McConnell & Associates
Corp.
Architect/Engineer: Stantec’s Sports Group Nominated By: Renner Sports Surfaces Nominated By: Lower Bros. Co. Inc.
Contractor: McConnell & Associates Corp. Architect/Engineer: KWS Engineering General Contractor: Lower Bros. Co. Inc.
Number of Courts: 8 Number of Courts: 24 Number of Courts: 12
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y A S B A

Surface: McConnell & Associates Corp.
Lighting: Musco Sports Lighting
Nets, Posts: Douglas Sports
PT Cables: Tech Con Systems Inc.
Certified Tennis Court Builder: Mike
Mehaffey
Completed: June 2020
Surface: Renner Sports Surfaces
Nets, Posts: Douglas Sports
Certified Tennis Court Builder: Colin
Donovan
Completed: January 2020
Surface: Lower Bros. Co. Inc., California
Sports Surfaces
Nets, Posts: Putterman Athletics
Certified Tennis Court Builder: Linn
Lower
Completed: July 2019

www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31

 DISTINGUISHED
FACILITY-OF-THE-YEAR
2021 AWARDS

F G

N Z E AWAR
RO
D
B

F TH EAR
OUTD OR PIC

EY
O

YO

LE
BA L L FAC I LIT
K

E F G

Oak Crest Cove North Valley Park Kino Sports Complex

Pickleball Courts Pickleball Complex Tucson, Ariz.
Sandwich, Mass. Inver Grove Heights, Minn.

Nominated By: General Acrylics Inc.

Nominated By: Stantec’s Sport Group Nominated By: Fred Kolkmann Tennis & Contractor: General Acrylics Inc.
Architect/Engineer: Stantec’s Sport Group Sport Surfaces LLC Number of Courts: 20
General Contractor: R.A.D. Sports Consultant: Fred Kolkmann Surface: General Acrylics Inc.
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y A S B A

Specialty Contractor: Cape and Island General Contractor: T.A. Schifsky & Sons Inc. Nets, Posts: Douglas Sports
Tennis & Track Number of Courts: 6 Certified Tennis Court Builder: Jonnie
Number of Courts: 6 Suppliers: Laykold, Armor Crack Repair, Deremo
Suppliers: Laykold, Douglas Sports Douglas Sports, Peterson Companies Inc. Completed: December 2019
Certified Tennis Court Builders: Jim Certified Tennis Court Builder: Fred
Doherty, David Moore Kolkmann
Completed: June 2020 Completed: August 2019

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 APPAREL
2022
2022

COURT WEAR

Time
1

for
a Lift
Lively colors and
vivid patterns make
this on-court 2
wear stand out.
By Cynthia Sherman

Energizing, vibrant colors and

patterns that pop are operative trends
for spring and summer, reflecting
positivity and optimism. As consumer
demand grows for technical perfor-
mance wear made from sustainably
sourced materials, manufacturers
continue to respond. (Prices are
suggested retail.)

1 /Sofibella 2 /Bluefish Sport 3 /EleVen

sofibellawear.com bluefishsport.com elevenbyvenuswilliams.com
(877) 696-0424 561-231-1846 855-880-7777
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y O F T H E M A N U FA C T U R E R S

• White Racquet is Sofibella’s homage
to classic tennis whites, but with a flash
of aqua that pops on the court. Featur-
ing a moisture-wicking nylon blend
with a UPF 50+, the full-back tank
(without bra) ($68) and the 13-inch
notch-hem skort ($72) pair perfectly
for spring and summer.
• Bluefish Sport brings in some new
looks for spring, including the Exotic
line, which puts the tropics front and
center in a violet-and-shock pink digital
print in a UPF50 poly/lycra blend. The
fitted top vest is full coverage with high
neck and front zipper, with a built-in bra
($88). The full print skort features built-
in pocketed compression shorts and a
3-inch band for tummy control ($88).
• EleVen by Venus is known for on-
trend colors and styles, and spring will
be no exception as this sunny coral
Hummingbird dress with princess
seams debuts with flutter details on the
sleeves and hem ($98). Made from a
sustainable proprietary poly-spandex
blend, it’s ready to dazzle on the court.

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

 3 4
4 /Lotto
lottob2b.sportlife.us
484-261-2100
• The Lotto brand is becoming more
visible in clubs around the U.S., as top
pros have been wearing outfits from the
Italian sports-apparel staple. A popular
Miami/Indian Wells color combo, this
eco-friendly outfit highlights the ocean
vibe of navy and blue atoll in a built-in-
bra tank, featuring recycled poly mesh
on the upper back with contrasting de-
tails along the neck and 13-inch skort.
Each piece retails for $55.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
5 /Lucky in Love
shopluckyinlove.com
305-638-5484
• Innovative designs coupled with
comfort and breathability are
hallmarks of Lucky in Love outfits.
Spring ushers in the serene Mediterra-
nean Sea blue pairing from the Playing
in Paradise collection. The flattering
Licensed-To-Chill tank ($60) features
net mesh inserts in a performance
jersey. The fashion-forward Long
Dreamin’ smocked waist skirt flows out
in an array of airy stripes ($72).
November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
6
6 /Tail
tailactivewear.com
888-906-1341
• Welcoming spring in a big way, Tail’s
splashy Fun in the Sun collection, with
UPF 50+ protection, highlights a
pink-red cerise zip-neck Glamor Jersey
with a stylish curved hem, in a poly-
spandex blend ($72). The accompany-
ing poly-spandex Levitate skort ($72)
in a tropical “pina colada” print sports
inner shorties with ball pockets. 
35
 FOOTWEAR
2022

COURT SHOES

Moving Targets
Shoe sales are outstripping pre-pandemic
levels, and manufacturers are responding
with new and improved models.
By Kent Oswald

While certain discretion-

ary spending has been
impacted by the pandemic,
the upswing in tennis play
and explosion of interest in
pickleball has been a posi-
tive development for sports
footwear. Sports Marketing
Surveys reports that com-
pared to 2020, tennis shoe
sales (SMS does not break
out a pickleball category) for
the first half of 2021 are up
63 percent in terms of units
sold, and 74 percent with
respect to dollars. Noting
that 2020 was something
of a down year, if 2021 sales
are compared to 2019, sales
are higher by 22 percent in
terms of units and 28 percent Acacia Adidas Babolat
in dollars. Specific to tennis acaciasports.com adidas.com babolat.com
specialty shops (i.e., not 951-296-1100 971-234-2300 877-316-9435
including big box retailers
or many internet sales), the
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y O F T H E M A N U FA C T U R E R S

projected result for 2021,
says SMS, is $114 million in
shoe sales, and well over
one million pairs sold.
To meet the need, manu-
facturers have continued to
bring technological innova-
tions to court footwear, while
continuing to explore a range
of creative ways to dress up
feet. Some visions for the
future are highlighted here.
(Prices are suggested retail.)
• The Tyler Loong-endorsed
ProShot ($129, M/W) for
pickleballers is available in
two colorways and features a
wide toe box and high-abra-
sion outsole. Honeycomb
gel insoles provide comfort;
the antimicrobial lining of-
fers cushion, shock absorp-
tion and odor control. The
uppers are flyknit nylon for
support and breathability.
• The Barricade ($140, M) is
available in a new royal blue/
cloud white/silver metallic
colorway with a durability to
take on tennis hard courts.
Features include a high-
performance upper that is
50 percent recycled content.
The Court Team Bounce
($90, W) is well-suited to
pickleball play, with a sock-
like feel to the shoe due its
weight and construction.
•The Jet Mach 3 All Court
($140, M/W) has a new col-
orway option, but no change
to how it delivers comfort
and durability in an ultra-
light shoe, with EVA foam
providing cushion and sup-
port in the heel. Babolat and
the Jet series are mainstays
of the tennis world, and it’s
now the footwear choice for
pickleballers Ben Johns and
Catherine Parrenteau.

November/December 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 37

Fila
fila.com
800-845-FILA
• Balancing fashion and
function, the Axilus 2 Ener-
gized ($115, M/W) will debut
new colorways in conjunc-
tion with the WTA and ATP
Tour finals, and as part of the
Baseline Collection to be un-
veiled at the Australian Open
and sported by Fila pros. The
performance pickleball shoe
Volley Zone ($110, M/W)
provides exceptional trac-
tion and durability.
Lotto
lotto.sportlife.us
484-261-2100
• The Lotto Raptor 100
Speed ($150, M/W) is built
to overcome all the chal-
lenges a hard court offers,
with an outsole that pro-
vides formidable wear-
resistance and increased
traction in high-wear areas.
Of interest for the new year
for pickleballers will be the
Mirage 300 ($99.95, M/W),
with its construction based
on a slightly wider last.
38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
Head
head.com
800-289-7366
• In first quarter 2022, Head
will be rolling out updates to
the Sprint and Revolt series
with appeal for competi-
tive players of both tennis
and pickleball, including
the lightweight Sprint Pro
3.5 ($129, M/W) and the su-
premely comfortable Sprint
Pro 3.5 ($159, M/W). Also
updated are the Revolt Pro
4.0 ($129, M/W) and Revolt
Evo 2.0 ($109, M/W).
Mizuno
mizunousa.com
800-392-9899
• With technology tested in
its running shoes, 2022 will
see incorporation of Enerzy
into the tennis and pickle-
ball lines. The durable mid-
sole material features extra
cushioning and rebound
with less weight for the high-
performance Wave Exceed
Tour 5 AC ($130, M/W), as
well as the Wave Exceed
Light ($105, M/W).
K-Swiss
kswiss.com
800-938-8000
• The new Ultrashot Team
($100, M/W) will dawn in
the new year. This latest ad-
dition to the line of durable,
comfortable and supportive
shoes should interest both
tennis and pickleball players,
with a new, light and breath-
able upper as well as superior
energy return. For summer
and fall, expect a new Speed
line shoe for tennis and El-
evated shoe for pickleball.
Tyrol
tyrolpickleball.com
519-835-0339
• The entire line of
pickleball-specific shoes
is developed around the
concept of providing a stable
playing platform. In 2022,
the Velocity V series will
be joining shoes already in
the line, including the Pro
Series Drive V ($139.99,
M/W) and Striker Pro V
($139.99, M/W). For indoor
play, there’s the Striker Pro
V ($129.99, M/W).
Lacoste
lacoste.com
800-452-2678
• The AG-LT 21 Ultra ($175)
is a completely non-leather
option, featuring a breath-
able mesh upper, polymer
foam midsole and Goodyear
treaded outsole, providing
both exceptional durability
and energy return.
Wilson
wilson.com
773-714-6400 P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y O F T H E M A N U FA C T U R E R S
• Advances for the new year
include the all new Rush
Pro line, which includes
the Rush Pro Surge ($180,
M/W), Rush Pro 4.0 ($135,
M/W) and Rush Pro 4.0 QL
Jr. ($109). The Rush Pro
Ace ($99, M/W) and Pickler
Ace ($99, M/W) feature an
inner-sleeve construction.
New colorways will be un-
veiled throughout the year
for the Kaos line. 
 AskTheExperts
Grip Stapler
Q: For more than 30 years, I owned a
staple gun (Hansco Tacker) that used
very small staples and was perfect
for attaching a replacement grip to
the racquet handle. After thousands
of uses, it finally gave out, and the
company that made it went out of
business. Since then, I’ve purchased
several staple guns, but none do the
job like my old gun did. Do you know
if there is a staple gun that would
secure a grip to a racquet handle?
A: Yes, it’s unfortunate that the Hansco
Tacker is no longer available. I do not
know of anyone making or selling a
similar gun.
Most technicians seem to be using
electric or air compressor-powered
guns that shoot narrow crown staples.
These are primarily used for carpet
installation and are available wherever
professional tools are sold. It’s overkill
compared to the manual device you are
used to, but they are more powerful,
and can also resecure butt caps on
racquet handles.
Narrow crown staples, the smallest
type of crown, are generally used
for finish and trim applications
because the smaller crowns are
less noticeable.
40 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
Stringing Methods —
Consistency
Q: I’m new to stringing tennis rac-
quets and am enjoying it very much.
Currently, I’m stringing for other
residents in my community and hop-
ing to branch out as I get better.
I was reading an article about the
differences between constant-pull
machines and lock-out machines;
I have a lock-out machine. While
stringing, I start pulling string just
prior to the machine locking, hesitat-
ing for a couple of seconds to let the
string stretch and then completing
the pull. It seems to give better ten-
sion. What are your thoughts on this?
A: First, congratulations on your
stringing—it sounds as though you are
enjoying it and are off to a great start,
looking to get better and keep learning.
If you’ve read through the “USRSA
Racquet Professional Study Guide,”
you’ll see the one thing that is empha-
sized the most is consistency. Often,
stringers stress over this or that in the
process of stringing, but consistency
in what you do and how you do it will
result in consistent outcomes for your
customers, and that is most important.
Your client will notice consistent—and
We welcome your questions. Email them to bob@racquettech.com.
also inconsistent—results. Obvious-
ly, you need to do things correctly,
and often there are many different
ways or techniques to accomplish-
ing a task, but being consistent is
important.
I am not sure I fully understand
your description of “hesitating for a
couple of seconds” before complet-
ing the pull. Most professional lock-
out machines are all designed the
same way. Once the set reference
tension is reached, the spring acti-
vates and stops the pull and holds
the string until you clamp and
release. Your slight hesitation will
likely lead to inconsistencies, which
you do not want. Different strings
elongate, or stretch, at different
rates. Pausing for two seconds on
one may have different results than
two seconds on another. Even if you
feel it helps, is that pause consis-
tent? Is it exactly two seconds? All
these things end up affecting the
final result. I see no benefit to the
hesitation, and I see the possibility
of several negative effects.
For the best and most consistent
results, your pulls should also be
consistent. That means getting the
tension head as close to the frame
as possible or a very consistent
distance (some lock-out machines
have a stop button on the rail to
make a consistent starting point).
Then you should secure the string
in the pulling jaws and rotate the
tension head crank in a smooth and
consistent manner until it locks
out, and then secure your clamps as
quickly as possible and release the
tension head.
Making sure your clamping is
correct (placement and secureness)
and timely will be a key factor in
consistent results. The actual pull
should also be consistent in length
and speed, and it is crucial to clamp
immediately. Hesitating or leaving
the string in the tension head after
your pull will result in inconsisten-
SHUTTERSTOCK
cies. With practice, this method will
become second nature. 
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Tennis is
LETSTENNIS.COM

always open
for everyone.
All ages. All grunts. All zip codes.
All across America. On all sides of the net.
Singles. Doubles. Newbies. Pros.
Forehands. Backhands. Everyone. Every background.
Every story. Every hairstyle. Even the mullet.
From hardcore athletes to lazy athletes alike.
(Don’t tell anyone, but there’s a tiny tennis court
hidden inside every regular tennis court.)
If you can smash things, you can tennis.
So what are you waiting for?

Let’s Tennis.

ADAPTIVE TENNIS
Serving the Next Boom?
Adaptive Tennis is a huge untapped
opportunity for the tennis industry.
By the USTA National Adaptive
Tennis Committee
I
f the sport of tennis were to
expand its base to include more
programs specifically designed
for adaptive athletes with dis-
abilities, the result would be a
substantial increase in players, diversity,
and business for the industry.
Adaptive tennis players face one or
more of the following challenges:
• A neurodevelopmental disability
such as autism, Down Syndrome or
other intellectual deficit.
• A physical disability such as cystic
fibrosis, spinal cord injury or stroke,
hearing, sight or orthopedic impairment.
• A social/emotional disability such as
PTSD.
In the U.S., about 90 million adults
and 14 million children have a neuro-
developmental, physical or emotional
disability. According to the International
Tennis Federation Global Tennis Report,
42 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2021
YourServe
in 2021, about 24.8 million (10.8 percent)
of the non-disabled population played
tennis, while about 60,000 people (.0057
percent) with a disability played the
sport. However, about 600,000 adap-
tive athletes are playing other sports,
including water, ski and mountain
sports—that's 10 times more than those
who play tennis! This large discrepancy
represents a huge pool of potential play-
ers waiting to be asked to participate.
Data shows athletes with disabilities
who play tennis benefit immeasur-
ably. Just like the general population,
the fitness and social benefits of tennis
produce healthier lives for those with
disabilities. The game of tennis leads to
self-discovery, increased self-confidence
and an enhanced ability to deal with
obstacles. The friendships, camaraderie
and fun that tennis provides cannot be
understated for the adaptive population.
The USTA does not currently offer
programs specifically for adaptive play-
ers. However, there are more than 350
adaptive tennis programs registered
with the USTA that reach about 30,000
adaptive athletes across the country.
These programs were founded by those
who have a passion for helping people
with a disability, and the broader com-
munity—families, teachers, local tennis
players—are extremely supportive of
them. Many have never played tennis
themselves, but once they are intro-
duced to the sport through an adaptive
program, they become avid players, too.
The USTA can lead the way in serving
more players with disabilities by offering
play and competitive opportunities. New
adaptive coaching pathways, social media
recognition and continuing education
can further the development of adaptive
tennis, resulting in a more diverse ten-
nis-playing population and generating
revenue for those in the industry. With
more access to tennis for people with
disabilities, there will be new income
streams through teaching opportunities,
court fees, leagues and tournaments de-
signed for the adaptive population, along
with retail and equipment sales.
If the USTA made an investment in
adaptive tennis by improving access
and marketing its health and lifestyle
benefits, adaptive tennis could be the
next boom in this sport. Reaching just 10
percent of the entire adaptive popula-
tion would serve about 1 million players!
A conservative $50 in revenue per player
(lessons, tournaments and leagues)
would result in a robust increase in rev-
enues for the entire industry.
Approximately one-third of the U.S.
population lives with a disability, and
on any given day, anyone can join this
group. Tennis is such a wonderful sport;
let’s give the adaptive athlete an
opportunity to play, creating a win-win
situation—for the individual, the growth
of the sport and the bottom line. •
Adaptive programs interested in registering
with the USTA and having access to
newsletters and grants should visit www.
C O U RT E S Y U S TA
usta.com/adaptivetennis
We welcome your opinions and comments.
Email info@tennisindustrymag.com.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
 November-December 2021

Fromuth Tennis
Tribute
45

Some Things
Don’t Change
49

Lane Evans:
USPTA
Professional
of the Year
51

Ken DeHart:
USPTA Lifetime
Achievement
Award
53

USPTA
Hall of Fame
55-59

USPTA Master
Professionals
61

USPTA 2021
Award Winners
64
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8 From the CEO USPTA
A Tribute to Fromuth Tennis
I t is with bittersweet emotions that
I announce our endorsement for
footwear and apparel with Fromuth
Tennis and Nike will be expiring in
November. I say bittersweet because, on
the one hand, I am sad to see this 10-year
relationship coming to a close. But, on the
other, I am grateful that this partnership
not only lasted as long as it did (a decade
of joint support is almost unheard of in
our industry), but it proved to be so very
beneficial for our membership.
It is one thing to be affiliated with the
premier footwear and apparel brand
globally (Nike), but it is another to have
a distribution partner as competent and
as customer-friendly as Fromuth Tennis.
During my entire career in this sport,
Fromuth Tennis has had a reputation for
being the absolute model for exceptional
customer service and friendliness. They set
Fromuth Fromuth
@Fromuth @Fromuth
/21 1:44 PM
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
the bar, and that bar is exceptionally high.
From the early days with Jim Fromuth
(himself ) and Annette Vail to the current
team headed up by Pat Shields (owner), the
Fromuth staff went out of their way to take
care of their customers — our members.
It is a reputation that takes time to build
and is often as difficult or even harder to
maintain. Yet, Fromuth Tennis was able
to — and continues to sustain a level of
excellence that is hard to beat.
As the global leader in tennis-teaching
professionals and coaches, the USPTA
needed to be affiliated with a leading
footwear and apparel brand. For those of
you who have been around a long time, you
will remember the days when the USPTA
was endorsed by Prince apparel, Lotto,
Asahi Footwear, Wilson (through Athco),
Pro Penn shoes, Converse shoes, etc. While
these were undoubtedly good products in
their day, nothing
can compare with
the global reach
and iconic status
that Nike has
achieved. And
there were many
years throughout
our long history
where we had
no footwear
and apparel
partnership
whatsoever.
For our
membership
to be able to
merchandise
November-December 2021
Nike in their pro shops or to wear Nike
products at their facilities each day, it
made a statement to consumers and
their respective clients that USPTA
professionals were the best — are the
best. And with Nike’s changing business
strategies and distribution policies, we
always had confidence that Fromuth Tennis
would have the product our pros wanted
when they needed it. There was such
comfort knowing Fromuth Tennis would
supply us with the latest and greatest Nike
offerings, and they did so with incredible
efficiency and an engaging smile!
Finally, there was such a great sense of
pride when we donned Nike clothing and
slipped on a pair of Nike kicks with the
iconic swoosh. For years, we enjoyed the
creative advertising campaigns that Nike
aired across the globe, knowing that the
USPTA was a part of that family. “Just Do
It” will forever be inscribed in the lexicon
of our modern-day world. It is, after all,
more than just an ad slogan.
But as the saying goes, all good things
do come to an end. On behalf of all USPTA
members, I wish to extend my sincerest
gratitude to Pat Shields and everyone on
the Fromuth Tennis team who positively
impacted our association. The tennis world
is small, and our paths will cross many
more times in the future. They will remain
friends of the USPTA long after our official
agreement concludes.
Meanwhile, we are in the process of
seeking a new endorsement agreement
that should be announced before year-end.
But, Fromuth Tennis with Nike won’t be
easy to replace. *
ADDvantage Magazine - 45

In the USPTA, Some
Things Don’t Change
Gary Trost, USPTA Immediate Past President
Since I started serving and volunteering
with the USPTA many years ago, some
things have not changed. And with this
being my final column while on the
National Board, I’m compelled to shine
a light on our “stars” that sometimes get
overlooked, but I know every president
values. I am amazed at our membership’s
passion, knowledge, and work ethic
every day at their own jobs and with the
volunteers within the USPTA.
Great volunteers run our governance
at the National Board, division presidents
and vice presidents, division board
members, and district boards (in the larger
divisions). These people give their time and
effort to run the best division conventions
for delivering education, meetings, and
networking every single year. I’ve always
believed that when I was vice president or
president of the Missouri Valley Division,
that is when I made the most significant
difference in our association. Many of
these same people serve on or chair a
national committee thaty they are super
passionate about. My hope is that each of
our members will try to serve on at least
one of our national committees.
So how do you do that? It’s simple. Ask
a divisional board member or apply for a
national committee, look for applications
in ADDvantage Magazine, and apply for
the committees that interest you.
There are a couple of groups that I want
to thank for their time and commitment.
The executive directors of each division
work tirelessly to welcome new members,
Vice President’s Message USPTA
educate attendees at conferences, answer
any and all questions, and keep us all in
line. They are the glue that makes the
association run smoothly, and some of
them have served over 30 years! I’d also
like to cheers all the testers that welcomed
and certified thousands of new applicants
over the years. These testers are often the
first interaction that new members have
with the USPTA. This group possesses
so much knowledge and passion — it’s
contagious. I initially became a tester to
help out the Missouri Valley and found the
job more invigorating with each test that
came. Thank you, testers — and anyone
who ever hosted a test!
The National Headquarters staff is truly
amazing! I mean, they have to look after
15,000 members! The volume of work
they do is abundant — and many of them
help out in departments other than their
own. Just think of the effort to collect
dues, take care of members’ inquiries, or
November-December 2021
publish the award-winning ADDvantage
Magazine? How about organizing and
staffing the annual World Conference
or producing great educational videos!
USPTA leadership has always been strong
and worked tirelessly to make us all look
great. Indeed, our current and past staff
deserve all the accolades that we can send
their way.
During my time, WE have found a new
innovative CEO, a spectacular home for
our World Headquarters, and a plethora of
staff. In addition, we weathered more than
a few hurricanes and a global pandemic.
Yet all of this is part of our journey and
makes us stronger.
Without naming names — to all my
mentors, everyone I served on a board with,
committee and staff members that made
me look good, and all those along the way, I
thank you. I know the association is in great
hands with the future volunteers and staff
of OUR terrific organization. Cheers! *
Photo Credit: Siam Pukkato
ADDvantage Magazine - 49
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Alex Gordon Professional
of the Year: Lane Evans
Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications
T he USPTA is proud to announce
Lane Evans as the 2020 Alex Gordon
Professional of the Year. In a most
challenging year, Lane put together one
of the most productive and recognizable
years of his career.
As a member of the USPTA for nearly 35
years, he completed his career-long dream
of becoming a USPTA Master Professional.
Lane finished his first year as Vice
President of the USPTA National Board of
Directors and took on the Chairmanship
of the National Pickleball Committee,
where he put together a comprehensive
plan to add a new pickleball certification
and educational platform for the USPTA.
Lane is also Chairman of the Past
Presidents Committee, a
group that maximizes
the value of division
past presidents to help
younger professionals
with career
development. He was
also the Chairman of
the USPTA National
Fitness & Wellness
Committee, which
developed a specialty
course in Tennis Fitness.
Lane also helped fulfill
the race to get USPTA
applicants over the year-
end finish line
Professional of the Year Award USPTA
by performing many tests on the road in
Oklahoma and Kansas.
Lane once again closed out the year with
one of the highest continuing education
totals in the nation with 304.5 credits.
He also presented a national webinar and
wrote two national USPTA ADDvantage
Magazine articles. In addition, Lane
continued his service to Moore High
School as the assistant tennis coach,
where the team had a banner year. He also
successfully worked with players from
Norman, OK, and Yukon, OK high schools.
Lane took on a new role as a Tennis
Professional at Westwood Tennis Center
also located in Norman. In April, Lane
began teaching beginner and
intermediate clinics, lessons
of all ages and abilities,
and USTA League
players and teams.
Interest proliferated,
and over the rest of
2020, 100-plus new
players were brought Lane Evans in action, 1976
into the programs at
the Westwood Tennis City program, and is a Tennis Thanks
Center. the Troops ambassador, raising funds for
Despite pandemic military family education needs.
restrictions, Lane Lane’s past awards include the 2015
continued to work with USPTA National Industry Excellence
kids from First Serve of Award and the USPTA Missouri Valley
OKC, the First Tee Educational Merit Award for 2018 & 2019.
of Oklahoma Lane played college tennis at High Point
University in North Carolina, was on
the professional tour from 1981-83, and
achieved national rankings in men’s ’40s,
‘45s, and ’50s in both singles and doubles.
He was a 3-time Northern California
Senior Player of the Year, the Walt
Stamer Senior Player of the Year, and
the USPTA Professional of the Year for
North Carolina in 2011 and 2012. *
November-December 2021 ADDvantage Magazine - 51
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George Bacso Lifetime
Achievement Award: Ken DeHart
Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications
K en DeHart has been bestowed
the 2021 USPTA George Bacso
Lifetime Achievement Award. A USPTA
Professional for over 40 years, Ken was
certified by former USPTA President Bill
Tym. A USPTA Master Professional, Ken
has received the Career Development
Award for most continuing education
points during a three-year span. He has
served on USPTA boards in the Southwest
and NorCal, has presented at the USPTA
National Executive Committee meetings
and USPTA SoCal Conference, and is a
two-time speaker at the USPTA Texas
High School Coaches Conference at
Horseshoe Bay.
A two-time Southwest and NorCal
USPTA Pro of the Year, Ken has been
published in Tennis Industry Magazine,
TennisPro, Tennis Magazine, ADDvantage
Magazine, and many other publications.
Ken has also received the
NorCal Diversity
Lifetime Achievement Award USPTA
Award and is currently a NorCal Diversity
and Inclusion Committee member. In
addition, he has been heavily involved in
running USTA programs, including adult
leagues and Junior Team Tennis, sending
a coed 14 and Under team to Nationals two
years in a row.
Having worked with Wilson Tennis
for over 30 years, he is currently on
their National Advisory Staff as a
National Product Tester. He also serves
on the advisory staff for Tennisdrills.
tv, OnCourtOffCourt, and other tennis
industry companies. In addition, Ken is a
member of the Antique Racquet Collectors
and Benchmark Tennis, a non-profit
organization serving tennis in NorCal that
offers scholarships and free lessons.
During his extensive career,
November-December 2021
Ken has served as Director of Tennis at
Los Gatos SRC and Director of Tennis at
Mission Hills Tennis Club, where they
won NorCal Club of the Year. He has
also been the Director of Tennis at San
Jose Swim and Racquet Club, Director of
Tennis at AVAC, and Director of Tennis
at Silver Creek Valley Country Club. At
Silver Creek for the past three years, Ken
has been active in recycling tennis balls
via recycleballs.com. His staff has recycled
over 27,000 balls during his tenure.
As a player, Ken won a gold medal in the
Huntsman World Senior Games in both
‘50s and ‘55s singles, a silver medal in the
Nike World Senior Games in singles, a
bronze in doubles, and two gold medals in
the Bay Area Senior Games.
Ken is proud to live in NorCal with,
what he calls, “an amazing collection of
tennis professionals who all love tennis
and serve the tennis community.”*
ADDvantage Magazine - 53
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Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award:
John Wilkerson
Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications
B orn in San Antonio, TX, John
Wilkerson had a late start compared
to most tennis players — not picking up a
racquet until his senior year of high school.
After winning district and state singles
and doubles titles in 1957, he received a
tennis scholarship to Prairie View A&M.
However, Wilkerson left college for the
Airborne 8th Brigade, spending two and a
half years in Germany.
Nevertheless, after his time in the
service, John had a better sense of
direction and planned his future with
education first and tennis second.
Wilkerson returned to Texas Southern
University in 1972, winning the
Southwestern Athletic Conference singles
and doubles championships and the
American Tennis Association national
championship before graduating.
Soon after, he found his passion for
coaching and mentoring young people.
John became the tennis director at
MacGregor Park (1974-1983), where he
“He loved teaching everyone the game of tennis, and it didn’t
matter who you were.”
HOF Award USPTA
would eventually introduce 11-year-old
Zina Garrison and Lori McNeil to tennis.
MacGregor Park has long been the heart
of the Historic Third Ward and Sunnyside
communities. The park is where many of
Houston’s most successful athletes and
business leaders, including NBA Hall of
Famer Clyde Drexler, and singer & actress
Yolanda Adams, spent their youth. With
a primarily Caucasian client base, John
started a free children’s tennis program to
help grow diversity and inclusion.
Under John’s tutelage, Garrison
became the first African American to win
Wimbledon and US Open Junior titles. In
addition, McNeil reached a career-high
singles ranking of No. 9 in the world in
1988, while Garrison reached No. 4 in 1989.
McNeil, a US Open semifinalist in 1987,
won 10 singles titles and was ranked No. 9
in 1988.
In 1993, Garrison founded the Zina
Garrison Academy alongside her mentor,
intending to provide Houston’s youth with
-Zina Garrison
November-December 2021
the same opportunity McNeil and she were
afforded over 40 years ago. John currently
serves as the Tennis Director Emeritus at
the Zina Garrison Academy. In this role,
he has helped more than 100 youth receive
college scholarships.
For all his efforts, John has received
countless awards. In 1979, he won the
Lloyd Sessions Educational Merit Award
and the Eve Kraft USTA Community
Service Award for his contributions to
tennis development both in Texas and
nationally. He’s also been bestowed the
Arthur Ashe Safe Passage Award, the
Lloyd Sessions Educational Merit Award,
and was inducted into the Texas Tennis
Museum and Hall of Fame in 2002 and the
Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
In 2014, he was honored as a Team USA
Coaching Legend by the USTA.
A USPTA Elite Pro since 2005, it’s an
honor to enshrine John Wilkerson into the
USPTA Hall of Fame, class of 2021. *
ADDvantage Magazine - 55
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Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award:
Trish Faulkner
Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications
T rish Faulkner is currently Tennis
Professional Emeritus at BallenIsles
Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
She served as tournament chairperson
for the 2014 ITF Senior World
Championships in Palm Beach County,
one of the world’s largest international
Amateur Tennis Events. Previously,
Faulkner worked as head tour director
and marketing director for the WTA and
formed a sports marketing and special
event corporation operating four of the
Virginia Slims Women’s Professional
Tour events.
Trish wrote “The Complete Idiot’s
Guide to Tennis” and produced a
teaching manual for the ITF Middle
East with an accompanying slide show.
As a player, she won multiple titles on
ON
Trish Faulkner playing on grass early in
E ST here professional career.
RT S
ERS
HOF Award USPTA
the Women’s Tour, including the British
Indoor Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
She’s also scored countless victories as a
high-level senior player and was ranked
No. 1 in three senior age divisions – ‘50s,
‘55s, and ‘60s – and has won 36 USA
national senior titles. In addition, Trish
is an ITF World Singles Champion and
a US team member, winning four ITF
World Team Championships.
The recipient of the WTA Special
Service Award and the Margaret M.
Russo National Sportsmanship Award,
Trish previously earned special
recognition when she
was voted as the
2018 USPTA
November-December 2021
Florida Professional of the Year before
being inducted into the USPTA Florida
Division Hall of Fame in 2019.
She has also served as the WTA
Tour liaison for the USPTA Women’s
Committee and was named the USPTA
national women’s 45 & Over Player
of the Year in 1998 and 2001. Trish
currently serves on the USPTA National
Board of Directors.
Trish Faulkner is a USPTA Master
Pro and has been a member of the
association since 1968. She is much-
deserving of the Tim
Heckler Hall of Fame
Award, class of
2021. *
ADDvantage Magazine - 57
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Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award:
Stan Smith
Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications
A former No. 1 world and US player,
Stan Smith, won the US Open in 1971
and Wimbledon in 1972. He represented
the US in 10 Davis Cups, winning the
coveted championship seven times.
All told, he won 39 singles titles and 61
doubles titles, most recently the 55 &
Over title at the 2004 US Open. Stan
was director of coaching for the USTA
Player Development Program, working
r with Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer
Capriati, Todd Martin, Chandra Rubin,
Mal Washington, and Chris Woodruff,
among others. In addition, he was the
coach of the 2000 US Olympic Men’s
Tennis team in Sydney, Australia.
Stan is known for his ability to
clearly communicate how
to improve technique,
strategy, tactics, and
mental approach to the
game through his legacy
of sportsmanship and
s
courtesy.
A contributing editor
of “TENNIS Magazine”
since 1986, Stan has a
syndicated column
with King
Features
0 November-December 2021
HOF Award USPTA
since 1985. He is also the author of “Inside
Tennis,” co-authored “Modern Doubles,”
and wrote “Winning Doubles.”
Smith has been inducted into the
University of Southern California Hall
of Fame, the South Carolina Tennis Hall
of Fame, the Southern Tennis Hall of
Fame, the Intercollegiate Hall of Fame,
and the International Hall of Fame, which
he has served as President of since 2011.
Stan is currently the touring professional
and founder of Smith Stearns Tennis
Academy at Sea Pines Racquet Club in
Hilton Head, SC.
The all-time best-selling Adidas tennis
shoe that bears his name was initially
launched as the “Adidas Robert
Haillet” in 1965. Following
several design revisions,
in 1973, it was renamed icon, appearing on runways, sparking
the “Adidas Stan Smith.” collaborations, and inspiring numerous
The white leather shoe variations on the theme.
with green trim around According to “Sneaker Report,” the
the heel featured Smith’s deal between Adidas and Smith is in
portrait and autograph 13th place of the 50 most influential
on the tongue. Today, sneaker sponsorships in sports history.
more than 50 versions of In addition, Neal Heard, the author of
the shoe are available. the sneaker cultural history “Trainers,”
Their appeal is ranked the shoe No. 6 on his list of the top
now a fashion 10 sneakers ever. The sneaker’s success is
so widespread that a younger generation
is often unaware that the all-time great
tennis player actually endorses the shoe.
In 2018, Smith wrote a book titled “Some
People Think I’m a Shoe!” with chapters
enhanced by Smith’s recollections along
with anecdotes from style influencers,
designers, sports legends, and fervent
sneaker fans.
Stan Smith is a USPTA Elite Pro and
has been a member of the association
since 1985. And so, it is only fitting that
he is bestowed the Tim Heckler Hall of
Fame Award. *
ADDvantage Magazine - 59
 New Master Professionals USPTA
New Master Professionals:
Scott Mitchell & Bruce Gullikson
Mike Calendrillo, USPTA Communications
U SPTA members consistently strive to elevate their tennis-
teaching standards and develop as professionals — and
that’s why they are the very best at what they do. However,
becoming a USPTA Master Professional takes years of dedication
and patience. Indeed, to even apply for such prestigious status,
a member must hold an Elite Professional rating for 10 years,
complete continuing education requirements, and fulfill a broad
spectrum of service to our sport.
The following two members have not only met the
requirements for becoming a Master Professional, but they are
prime examples of going above and beyond the call of duty —
exceeding expectations while providing fantastic service and
teaching ability to their students.
Scott Mitchell
Scott is an executive director of racquets and court sports
with 30 years of experience at private clubs, public facilities,
and resorts. Scott has overseen some of the nation’s largest and
most active facilities, with revenues reaching over $2 million
annually. As the CEO of Premier Tennis International, Scott
has been involved in some of the largest and most prestigious
facilities in the US and many of the worlds’ leading professional
tennis events.
In addition, Scott oversaw all operations as tournament
director of the premier $100k Dow Tennis Classic. During his
tenure, the DTC
received four straight
years of Gold Star
Standard by the USTA
and has become the
benchmark of all
pro-circuit events.
Scott has won many
awards over his career,
including the 2016
USPTA Midwest
General Manager of
November-December 2021
the Year, 2013 USTA Georgia Director of Tennis of the Year, and
2011 USPTA Georgia Professional of the Year. Scott’s coaching
background is extensive. He won a National Championship as an
assistant coach at Georgia Perimeter College, is a USTA National
Zonal Coach working with many of the nation’s top 15 & 16-year-
olds boys and girls, and has coached over 50 league champions.
Bruce Gullikson
Bruce has dedicated his life to playing, teaching, and growing
tennis. He currently serves as the assistant tennis department
head pro at Life Time Bloomington South and has worked there
for 16 years — teaching full-time since 1989.
He also currently serves as the president of the USPTA
Northern Division, having previously served as regional vice
president. In addition, Bruce has been a Northern Zonal Coach
for 20 years. He’s
also acted as an
area training center
coach working with
the best players in
their age division to
supplement coaching
that they may already
be receiving — and is a
High Performance and
Etcheberry certified
coach. To further
promote tennis, he
has produced five different instructional DVDs. Bruce is also a
published columnist in Northern Exposure, USTA Northern’s
print publication. He is a longtime supporter of — and participant
in the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic that benefits children’s
cancer research, raising thousands of dollars supporting that
cause. In 2009, Bruce received the USPTA Northern Service
Award. Among other accomplishments and accolades, Bruce
has won multiple Pro of the Year awards and has served USPTA
Northern in a leadership capacity for more than a decade. *
ADDvantage Magazine - 61
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Three Important Mental Skills
Players Should Work On
Meike Babel, USPTA Certified Professional
T hink back to your last close match.
What were some of the things you
experienced both mentally and physically?
If you’re like any other human being facing
adversity in a highly evaluative situation,
you probably encountered rising blood
pressure, shallow breathing, heart racing,
and maybe even tightness. Mentally, you
possibly experienced negativity, poor
decision making (bad shot selection), loss of
focus, and a sense of being rushed or wanting
to rush
These are typical signs we humans
experience when stressed — and can be
summarized as Fight, Flight, or Freeze
Response. This response is hardwired into
our brains, and at many points in history,
has helped people stay alive. For example,
redits when a predator jumped out from behind
a rock, we needed our brain to kick into
autopilot and decide which action would
help us survive. If we had engaged in a
lengthy debate about whether we could fight
off the predator, run away, or if freezing
would leave us undetected, well, then we
would have most likely ended up as lunch.
Unfortunately, however, what helped us in
an evolutionary sense billions of years ago is
no longer helpful. Our brains have yet to get
the memo that a tennis match is not a life-
threatening event. Knowing that this is what
we’re facing when we compete, I believe that
the three most important mental skills that
players should work on are:
1. Breathing
2. Perspective Change
aching
3. Self-kindness
USPTA
Member Feature USPTA
1.I experienced it many times in close
matches — feeling like my heart was
about to leap out of my chest. I could
barely breathe. However, intentional
deep breathing will get as much oxygen
as possible into your lungs and the
crucial part of the brain responsible for
rational decision-making. It also gives you
something to focus on if you count along
to your in and out-breaths. For example,
breathe into a count of four and release
the breath to a count of five. Practice this
first at home and then on court.
2.When I competed, I often had more
difficulty dealing with my own negativity
than anything that my opponent threw
at me. Our self-talk can be so abusive and
unfair! I mean, we would never dare speak
to anyone else in that way. But for some
reason, we think it’s OK and “helpful”
if we do it to ourselves. The controlled
breathing, as mentioned earlier, creates
the space necessary in which we can
use the skill of perspective change. You
simply check your own thoughts with the
question “Is this really true?” when you
go on about how bad your serve, forehand,
etc., were. The next step is to reframe the
negative thought into a more positive and
actionable one. Go from “my forehand is
terrible” to “on the next forehand, I will
extend through the ball.” Again, you have
to practice this change in perspective
every single day.
3.Lastly, the most significant help I could
have offered myself would have been to be
kinder to me. And I mean A LOT kinder.
Instead of weighing every single shot as
“make or break” for my career, I would
November-December 2021
have done much better to recognize that
I’m human. That I will experience fear,
anger and frustration, and I’m doing
the best I can with the tools I have at
this moment. No, it’s not about making
excuses. Instead, it helps to recognize that
tennis is an incredibly tough sport to play
and that I need to be my own best friend.
I now ask my clients if they can give
themselves as much credit for every point
they win compared to when they tear
themselves down for each one lost. It’s so
easy to lament shots we miss, but praising
yourself for the many points won seems so
incredibly hard. We take them for granted
and often forget that forcing errors equals
hitting winners. “I should be making these
shots” is what comes up a lot, but in my
(now kinder mind), recognize that no
one-shot is the same as any other before.
If I stop comparing the ball I just missed
with the one I made in practice two days
ago, I can forgive myself for mistakes so
much easier.
I know that I would have had a more
successful career had I learned these skills
early on — and worked on them continually.
But I pieced together many of these things
throughout my career. Even still, I must have
done a lot right to make it to the WTA Top 30.
However, I did feel helpless and frustrated
at times when I was out there by myself. And
now that we know most top athletes regard
mental skills training as essential as their
athletic, technical, and tactical development,
there is no reason why recreational players
shouldn’t work on cognitive skills as well. I
guarantee that if you put in the work, it will
pay big dividends. *
ADDvantage Magazine - 63
USPTA WC21 Award Winners

USPTA Star Award USPTA Star Award Continuing Education Earner

Rita Gladstone Caitlyn Sagraves Michael Friedman

USTA/USPTA Community Service Award USPTA Elevate Award President’s Paul Waldman Award
Amanda Shaw Ryan Johnson Carol Anderson

64 - ADDvantage Magazine November-December 2021

 WC21 Award Winners USPTA

Bob Ryland Diversity Award USPTA Lessons for LifeTM Award USPTA Tester of the Year
Christine Macur Kevin Pope Mark Centrella

Small Facility Manager of the Year Large Facility Manager of the Year Industry Excellence Award
Brian Darlak Hunter Gallaway Peter Dauphinee

Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year USPTA High School Coach of the Year Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the Year
Jimmy Borendame Ryan Knarr Lucas Regas

November-December 2021 ADDvantage Magazine - 65

 USPTA Member Feature
What’s in a Name? How to Build
Connections with Beginner Youth
Tennis Players
Clayton Vaughters, USPTA Certified Professional
Y ou’re standing there — they’re
standing there. Twelve unknown
faces look up at you, expectant. No one
says a word. You nervously glance down
at them but then look away at your watch.
You’re not wearing a watch. Ugh! Your
pulse races because this is their first tennis
clinic. They can smell fear. How did you get
here? You’re the youngest staff member
at your club, and it’s your job to introduce
tennis to beginner youth players. But you
haven’t been taught what to do. Your head
pro vaguely said something about making
sure they were “engaged.” What does that
even mean?
My advice is to start things off with
the “Circle Name Game.” As soon as I
Photo Credit: ESB Professional
66 - ADDvantage Magazine November-December 2021
approach a group of young people I’m
working with for the first time, I tell them
to form a circle, coaches included. As the
students begin to do this, I make sure I
have one tennis ball in my hand. Once
the circle is formed and I have everyone’s
attention, I introduce myself, saying my
name loud and clear. “Hi everyone. My
name is Coach Clayton, and it’s great to
meet you. I’m excited to play tennis with
you today!” I then tell the students that
for the next few minutes, the only person
other than me in our circle who can speak
is the person holding the tennis ball. When
someone has the ball, I ask them to state
their name as clear as possible into the
center of the circle. I don’t ask them what
their favorite ice cream flavor is. I don’t ask
what’s their favorite color. I simply invite
them to say their name in the center of the
circle. And I remind the students that once
we start, the only person allowed to talk
beside me is the person holding the ball.
I then hand the ball to the student on my
left. Once the ball is in their hands, they
proudly say their name into the center of
the circle. That student then hands the ball
to the student on their left, being sure to
hand it to them, not to toss it. The process
repeats itself. Once the ball has made its
way into the hands of each player (coach
included), it’s back to me. With one round
completed, I quickly and energetically
state, “OK, once again, but faster!” I say
my name into the circle center but do so
fervently, almost instantaneously handing
the ball off to the student on my left. My
goal is to bring energy to the process. As
the second round finishes and the ball
returns to me, I shout “REVERSE” and
repeat the process one last time, but in the
opposite direction. Once the ball makes its

way back to me, the “Circle Name Game” is
finished, having taken all of three minutes
to complete.
I can already hear the proverbial online
comment section blowing up. “Circle
Name Game! That isn’t tennis! What
does this have to do with introductory
tennis?” However, my retort is simple.
Tennis, especially tennis coaching, is
about building relationships. The faster
you can create these bonds — the more
meaningful the impact on your students
and the more likely you’ll keep students
playing the game. By beginning the first
session with a game that centers on the
students themselves, you immediately
emphasize their value to the group and
you, as the coach — how important it is
for you to know their name. The “Circle
Name Game” leads with this vital message
and gets you started in the right direction.
Here are a few pieces of key advice:
1. Do not let students get away with
meekly garbling their names. If a
student does — and then hands the ball
off to the next participant, have the ball
returned to the original student so that
they can say their name with emphasis
to the center of the circle for all to hear.
This cannot be overlooked!
2. As the lead coach, repeat the name of
each student after they say it. If the
student holding the ball says, “My name
is Sierra,” then you as the lead coach
should make eye contact with that
AUTHOR BIO
Clayton Vaughters is the tennis and student services manager at the International Tennis Hall of Fame for NJTL Newport: TeamFAME. Clayton grew
up in Aiken, South Carolina, and began playing tennis at age four, under the guidance of Craig Jones and Ben Cook. Following graduation from the
University of Virginia, Clayton worked with school-age children in academic and athletic settings. He has been at TeamFAME since September 2018
and has a passion for introducing tennis to young people. In addition, Clayton enjoys serve & volley tennis as well as gardening.
Member Feature USPTA
student and say, “Hi Sierra. My name is cannot build connections with anyone if
Coach Clayton. It’s great to meet you.” they don’t at least know someone else’s
Do this for each and every student. And first name. I repeat — relationships CAN
note, this doesn’t have to be rote or NOT be forged if we don’t know each
boring. Mix it up. Mention how much other’s names!
you like their Star Wars t-shirt. Tell Students love, love, love hearing their
them you have a sister with the same own name! Each time we as coaches
name (if you actually do). Whatever it repeat a student’s name, that student feels
is, build an instant connection. recognized and respected. People way
more intelligent than I have done studies
3. Have fun with the process! It’s OK to on this, and activation areas in multiple
goof around a bit with the kids during brain regions immediately kickstart upon
this time. Remember, this is their first hearing our names. An environment full of
interaction with tennis. So they should names creates an energy field of empathy,
have a good time! On occasion, I’ve been trust, and compassion within our circle.
known to say: By remembering a student’s name
• “Hi, Oliver. It’s great to meet you. My and focusing energy on remembering
name is Coach Clayton, which is way it, you as the coach subconsciously tell
less cool of a name than Oliver.” that student that this tennis clinic is not
• “Hi, Sofia. It’s great to have you at a one-off affair. You are in this for the
tennis today. Your orange shirt is way long haul and want them to be as well.
more fun than my plain white one.” If I am willing to learn a student’s name
(which isn’t difficult), that student knows
I play the “Circle Name Game” because I plan to work with them in the future at
the first tennis clinic for young students another tennis clinic — and they will be
starting their tennis journies isn’t encouraged to come back again.
necessarily about tennis at all. It’s about So, the next time you’re sitting in the
beginners building connections with pro shop, fretting over that big group of
coaches and their fellow students. If you, young beginners about to arrive, take a
as the coach, can help institute this process deep breath and remember, start with the
early, students will think of the tennis “Circle Name Game.” It seems small, but
court as a place where they can have fun it very well could be the most important
and interact with people they like. With game you play. It will help you establish
this one game, you can begin to establish meaningful relationships with your
lifelong connections. Your students might students and get the group started on the
even laugh a couple of times during the right foot. “What’s in a name,” you ask? My
game, which is wonderful. New students answer — much more than you think. *
November-December 2021 ADDvantage Magazine - 67
USPTA What’s the Dill?

Membership Department Update

Dillon Chustz, USPTA Director of Membership

W hat comes to mind when you think

of the word “member”? To me,
calling someone a “member” is a way of
with our members that simply can’t be
taught. Transitioning into 2021 would
have been incredibly difficult were it not
for the University of Central Florida. She
grew up training in Slovakia before moving
to the US Linda has an incredible passion
saying, “We’re in this together.” It means for their diligence in providing excellent for sport psychology and serving the game
that you belong to something. We often service to our members. I recently added of tennis behind the scenes.
refer to you all as our “USPTA Family”— two new members to the team, Susan I’m well into working with all four new
and that is precisely what we mean. Many Ruchti and Linda Virgovicova, neither of team members, and I am very excited
of you have dedicated over 30 years of your which are new to the game of tennis. Susan about our department’s direction. I have
professional careers to serving tennis in has served the tennis industry in various found that the best work is done with
the name of the USPTA. As representatives, roles, including working at the USTA the “Three P’s”— Passion, Patience, and
you deserve a Membership Team that National Campus and Spring Break Tennis Persistence. My new team possesses all
supports you, listens to you and believes in here in Orlando, FL. She has the industry these qualities and then some. I am more
you. Simply put, you folks deserve the best! knowledge and the moxie that comes with than confident in their ability to serve
Perhaps the most exciting part of my managing large groups. Linda is a long-time our mission, to continually elevate the
job has been to build a Membership Team tennis player, recently playing club tennis standards of tennis-teaching! *
comprised of passionate, driven, and
focused individuals who serve our members From left to right: Jim Stockwell, Kim Brown, Dillon Chustz, Linda Virgovicova, Susan Ruchti
in the most remarkable capacity possible.
The ever-changing nature of these past two
years has required my team to be adaptable,
knowledgeable, and incredibly patient
when providing solutions to the many
requests made by our members. The role
of a tennis coach has its various challenges,
none of which should include maintaining
your membership and certification with
the USPTA. Our job is to ensure that you all
are capable of being the very best that you
can be.
After countless weeks of recruiting and
interviewing, I finally have my “dream
team” in place. At the end of 2020, we
welcomed two new members of our team,
Kim Brown and Jim Stockwell. Many of
you have already interacted with one or
both when contacting the Membership
Department over the past year. Both
“Kim-n-Jim” have extensive backgrounds
in customer service and have already
displayed a level of patience and empathy

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE

President................................................................. Feisal Hassan Editor...................................................................................... Jim Burke ADDvantage is published monthly by the
Managing Editor......................................................... Mike Calendrillo United States Professional Tennis Association.
First Vice President.............................................Richard Slivocka
Layout/Design.............................................................Kevin Karczewski The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are
Vice Presidents...................................Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner, Editorial Assistance ........................... Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, those of the authors and not necessarily those
Jason Gilbert, Bill Mountford of ADDvantage or the United States
Fred Viancos, Ellen Weatherford, Dillon Chustz Professional Tennis Association.
Immediate Past President............................................ Gary Trost Circulation..................................................................... Trevor Trudelle
USPTA World Headquarters Copyright© United States Professional Tennis
CEO...........................................................................John Embree Association, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved.
11961 Performance Dr. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine
Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell Orlando, FL 32827 is not permitted without written permission
407-634-3050 – www.uspta.com from the USPTA.

68 - ADDvantage Magazine November-December 2021

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