Free In-Person Workshop for New Members in May
Lynne Rolley, PTR Board Chair
I urge each of you to spread the word about this fantastic opportunity. Encourage your colleagues, friends, and fellow tennis enthusiasts to join PTR and take advantage of this free workshop offer. Let’s work together to promote the significance of coach education and certification within our community and beyond.
CLICK HERE to join PTR and register for a workshop. Remember to use promo code FREEWORKSHOP during registration to claim your free workshop.
Thank you for your dedication to the sport of tennis and for being valued members of PTR. Together, let’s make National Tennis Month a celebration to remember!
Lynne Rolley
PTR Board Chair
Get Ready to Serve - National Tennis Month is Upon Us
It’s that time of the year again – National Tennis Month is upon us! This May, the tennis community comes together to celebrate our beloved sport, its rich history, and the joy it brings to players of all ages and skill levels.
As part of this nationwide celebration, we want to hear from you, our dedicated members, about how you’re getting involved and promoting tennis in your communities. Whether you’re hosting tournaments, clinics, open houses, or other exciting events, we want to know about it!
Share your stories, events, and initiatives with us by emailing ptr@ptrtennis.org. Your contributions will not only inspire others but also help showcase the incredible impact our community is making during National Tennis Month.
Unlocking Versatility - Multi-Sport Certification
In the ever-evolving world of sports coaching, versatility is the key to success. With the increasing popularity of racquet sports like tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, and padel, coaches are seeking ways to expand their expertise. Our organization offers a gateway to multi-sport certification. By embracing this holistic approach, coaches can enhance their skill set and cater to a diverse range of athletes. Let’s delve into the benefits and opportunities that come with embracing multi-sport certification through our organization.
Gone are the days when a coach’s expertise was confined to a single sport. Today’s athletes crave diversity and innovation in their training regimes. By obtaining certifications in tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, and padel, coaches open doors to new possibilities. Whether it’s mastering the finesse of tennis, the agility of pickleball, the strategy of platform tennis, or the dynamic nature of padel, multi-sport certification equips coaches with a comprehensive skill set.
Each racquet sport brings its own unique set of challenges and techniques. Multi-sport certification empowers coaches to adopt a holistic coaching approach. Drawing from a rich reservoir of knowledge, coaches can tailor their teaching methods to suit individual athletes’ needs.
Athletes come from various backgrounds, each with their own preferences and aspirations. With multi-sport certification, coaches can cater to this diverse clientele with ease. Whether it’s coaching juniors aspiring to become tennis prodigies, seniors looking for recreational pickleball fun, or enthusiasts eager to conquer the padel court, multi-sport
certified coaches stand ready to guide athletes on their journey to success.
One of the most significant advantages of multi-sport certification is the sense of community it fosters. Through PTR, coaches connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for racquet sports. Whether it’s exchanging coaching tips, sharing success stories, or collaborating on innovative training programs, the PTR community provides a supportive environment for professional growth and development.
In the realm of sports coaching, adaptability is the name of the game. By embracing multi-sport certification through PTR, coaches arm themselves with a versatile skill set that transcends boundaries. From tennis to pickleball, platform tennis to padel, the opportunities are limitless. So, why limit yourself to one sport when you can unlock a world of possibilities? Join PTR’s multi-sport certification program today and embark on a journey of endless growth and exploration.
Member Spotlight - Hernan Hatem
Hernan Hatem has a career in racquet sports decorated with notable achievements and a reputation for excellence. As a PTR Level 2 Certified Tennis Professional, Level 1 PPR Certified Coach, and PPTR Professional, Hernan recently enhanced his expertise by graduating from the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Course which is PTR’s Official Education Partner. He is now a PTR-Certified Director of Racquet Sports.
Hernan’s journey through the Director of Racquet Sports course was transformative, to say the least. “This comprehensive program has equipped me with advanced skills in racquet sports management and a deep understanding of leadership and strategic business planning,” Hernan reflects. His favorite module, managing a budget, proctored by PTR Board Member Doug Cash, underscores the crucial balance between fiscal responsibility and quality service delivery—a skill he expertly applies in his current roles.
At Chevy Chase Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Hernan serves as the Director of Ladies Interclub and Director of Adults. His adept conflict management skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to build excitement for club services and programs make him a pivotal figure in the club’s operations. His approach has energized and streamlined the club’s offerings, particularly noted in the thriving Ladies Interclub Team program and a vibrant junior tennis segment.
Hernan’s resume is a testament to his dedication and skill. With over fifteen years of national and international experience, he is a strong, charismatic leader focused on the growth of racquet sports. His career highlights include significant roles at Summit Chase Country Club and Wicosuta Summer Camp, where his initiatives significantly increased participation and revenue, showcasing his ability to drive growth and foster community through sports.
His role as the Director of Junior Tennis at Chevy Chase Club particularly highlights his leadership, having grown the program from 400 to 530 juniors through innovative programming and events. Hernan has also mentored a dozen staff members, including the Assistant Director of Junior Tennis, enhancing the club’s teaching philosophy and operational efficiency.
Hernan’s educational background with a Master of Business Administration from Southwestern College and a BBA in International Business from Kennesaw State University provides a strong foundation for his administrative and operational roles. His multilingual proficiency in English, Spanish, and working knowledge of Italian further enables him to connect with a diverse membership base and international colleagues.
Awarded the Mid-Atlantic Professional of the Year 2023, Hernan continues to excel in a competitive and fast-paced industry. His story is not just one of personal achievement but also of profound contributions to the racquet sports community. Hernan Hatem is truly a leader whose passion and expertise continue to elevate the standards of excellence at Chevy Chase Club and beyond.
We are proud to have him as a member of the PTR/PPR/PPTR family!
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernan-hatem/
Meet the Team - Paige Payne
Meet Paige Payne: PTR’s Education Coordinator
PTR is proud to introduce you to one of our valued team members, Paige Payne, who has been an integral part of our organization since May 2012. As our Education Coordinator, Paige brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, ensuring that PTR’s educational programs continue to excel.
Paige’s journey with PTR began after she graduated with a degree in marketing from Ashland University. During her time at Ashland, she not only dedicated herself to her studies but also showcased her talent on the tennis team, demonstrating her commitment to both academics and athletics.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Paige is a person of diverse interests and experiences. Here’s a glimpse into her personality through a fun Q&A session:
1. What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks. It’s a special song for me because it was my dad’s favorite to sing at karaoke.
2. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Steak. There’s just something about a perfectly cooked steak that I can never get enough of.
3. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Flying, definitely. It would make traveling so much easier and more enjoyable.
4. If you could switch jobs with any other colleague for a day, whose job would you choose? I’d choose Inaki’s job so I could experience the thrill of visiting different countries and cultures firsthand.
5. What are a few of your favorite things to spend your time on outside of work? Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my kids. Whether it’s going to the beach, swimming in the pool, or watching them play sports like wrestling and football, those moments are priceless to me.
Paige’s dedication to PTR’s mission and her vibrant personality make her an invaluable asset to our team. We’re grateful to have her on board, driving our educational initiatives forward with enthusiasm and expertise. Join us in thanking Paige for her contributions to PTR and wishing her continued success in her role as Education Coordinator.
Serving Up Success - Strategies to Grow Tennis Participation
We recently asked PTR coaches to brainstorm innovative ways to make the sport more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. From grassroots initiatives to strategic partnerships, the responses were diverse and forward-thinking. Here’s a look at some of the standout ideas shared by the community:
- Make more courts available: One recurring theme was the need for increased access to tennis courts. Expanding the number of public courts or repurposing underutilized spaces could make it easier for individuals to pick up a racket and start playing.
- Make tennis more accessible for all: Addressing barriers to entry, such as cost and location, emerged as a priority. By offering affordable options and ensuring facilities are located in diverse communities, tennis can become a sport for everyone.
- Create a better pathway for introducing tennis to kids: Many suggested forming partnerships with school districts to integrate tennis into physical education programs or after-school activities. By introducing the sport at a young age, we can cultivate a lifelong love for tennis.
- Create more grassroots, well-organized leagues: Building organized leagues specifically tailored to new adult players, utilizing Orange and Green balls, could provide a welcoming environment for beginners to develop their skills and connect with others who share their passion.
- Make group clinics more fun and engaging: Injecting a sense of enjoyment into group clinics can be key to retaining players. By incorporating interactive drills, friendly competitions, and social elements, participants are more likely to return for future sessions.
- Simplify teaching methods for beginners: Recognizing the importance of easing newcomers into the sport, suggestions were made to streamline teaching methods. By breaking down the fundamentals into digestible segments and focusing on building confidence, beginners can progress more effectively.
- Offer free clinics in rural areas: Extending outreach efforts to rural communities can spark interest in tennis where access may be limited. Hosting free clinics periodically provides individuals with the opportunity to experience the sport firsthand without financial barriers.
- Provide great experiences: Ultimately, creating memorable experiences on and off the court emerged as a recurring theme. Whether through well-organized events, supportive communities, or engaging coaching, prioritizing the overall experience can foster a deeper connection to tennis.
Incorporating these suggestions into broader initiatives can pave the way for increased participation and sustained growth in the world of tennis. By embracing inclusivity, innovation, and a passion for the sport, we can ensure that tennis continues to thrive for generations to come.
