Wesley Chapel, FL – February 25, 2025 – The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) is proud to announce Kim Bastable as the recipient of the Professional of the Year Award, the organization’s highest honor. This award recognizes Bastable’s immense contributions to the tennis industry, her leadership in professional development, and her impact on the future of racquet sports.
“I was surprised and humbled – and inspired,” said Bastable. “It felt really good to realize that PTR believes my work is making a difference and helping in the industry.”
Brian Parkkonen, Chief Operating Officer of PTR, praised Bastable’s impact: “The PTR Professional of the Year is our most prestigious award. When selecting the recipient, we consider their impact on PTR, the industry as a whole, and the unique qualities that make them truly special to the organization. Kim was an easy choice. Her role within the University of Florida’s Professional Racquet Management (UF-DORS) Program is a piece of it, but her influence extends far beyond that. She has consistently provided industry insights that strengthen the sport, business, and leadership aspects of our field. Her work has positioned PTR members to take on premier leadership roles through innovative educational avenues.”
Parkkonen also highlighted Bastable’s Racquet Fuel podcast, which offers a fresh and engaging way for coaches to receive mentorship on topics they might not typically explore. Additionally, he recognized her as a trailblazer for female coaches, inspiring many by exemplifying strength, competence, empathy, and engagement.
A Lifetime of Tennis Excellence
Bastable has spent over 50 years in the sport, first as a player and later as a coach and educator. A Kansas City native, she attended the University of Florida, where she earned NCAA All-America honors as a Gator and graduated with a B.S. in Finance.
Her professional journey began outside of tennis, including work in banking and journalism as a sportswriter for the Kansas City Star. However, her passion for the sport led her back to coaching, where she spent 25 years developing players and programs at multiple levels, from 10U to high performance, and in club, park, and high school settings. She also served for 10 years as the Director of the Kansas City Junior Tennis League.
Bastable’s dedication to coaching coaches has been central to her career. As the Director of the University of Florida’s Professional Racquet Management Program, she has expanded the program to 65 graduates and 170 students. She holds a Master’s in Education and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri, specializing in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership. Additionally, she holds certifications in Mental Toughness, Executive Leadership, and Athletic Coaching from various prestigious institutions.
Beyond her work at UF, Bastable consults with youth athletic programs, conducts one-on-one mental performance coaching, and teaches courses on athlete-centered coaching and leadership. When she’s not developing curriculum or mentoring the next generation of coaches, she cherishes time with her 15 grandchildren.
PTR is honored to recognize Kim Bastable’s contributions and her unwavering commitment to the growth and professionalization of racquet sports.
For more information about PTR and its awards program, visit www.ptrtennis.org.
About Professional Tennis Registry (PTR): PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals in 127 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of any such organization. PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying, and servicing tennis teachers and coaches worldwide to grow the game. Learn more at www.ptrtennis.org.
Media Contact: Caitlyn Fries
Email: caitlyn@ptrtennis.org
