Game, Set, Chat! Career Stories with RSPA Master Professionals

Master Professional A.J. Pant joins Kevin Theos, RSPA National First Vice President, to discuss his career in racquet sports leadership and consulting. Pant shares insights on coaching development, the importance of feedback and self-reflection, and why growth happens outside the comfort zone. He also offers a deep look into racquet sports business models, including the evolving role of tennis and pickleball in club operations.

In this episode, industry leader Scott Mitchell joins us to share insights from over 35 years in racket sports development, club operations, and community building. From launching one of Tennessee’s first dedicated padel clubs to leading national club operations for emerging organizations, Scott breaks down what it truly takes to build sustainable, people-centered sports communities.

Listeners will hear Scott’s perspective on the rapid growth of padel in the U.S., effective revenue models, staff development strategies, and why relationship-building—not just programming—is the key to long-term player retention. He also reflects on leadership, mentorship, and lessons he wishes he had learned earlier in his career. Whether you’re a club operator, coach, investor, or simply curious about the future of racket sports, this episode offers practical wisdom and forward-thinking insight.

Master Professional Dave Porter joins Kevin Theos, RSPA National Vice President, to reflect on his historic career as one of the most successful collegiate tennis coaches in NCAA history. Porter shares how he got his start in coaching, his unique path combining exercise science and high performance tennis, and the principles that guided more than four decades of success.

He discusses recruiting athletes with heart and foot speed, using sports science to enhance development, and creating competitive practice environments that prepare players for pressure. Porter also reflects on mentoring athletes beyond the court, avoiding burnout through continuous learning, and the life lessons he hopes players carry long after their playing days end.

Master Professional Bill Riddle joins Kevin Theos, RSPA National First Vice President, to discuss his 35‑year career as a coach, media personality, and international presenter. Riddle shares how he got his start through the RSPA Speakers Contest, what makes a great presentation, and how he built a unique path combining college coaching, club leadership, broadcasting, and global education. He also reflects on developing meaningful connections, avoiding burnout by diversifying his work, running successful charity events, and the lessons that shaped his coaching philosophy and career longevity.

Master Professional Pat Whitworth joins Kevin Theos, RSPA National First Vice President, to discuss his long career, presentation philosophy, and decades of contributions to racquet sports. Whitworth shares insights on creating impactful drills, engaging high school coaches, adapting to players of all ages, and developing practical, effective coaching tactics. He also reflects on volunteer leadership, avoiding burnout, and the relationships and memorable moments that have shaped his approach to teaching, mentoring, and serving the RSPA community.

Master Professional Dave Moyer joins RSPA National Vice President Kevin Theos to discuss his career, leadership philosophy, and the growth of racquet sports at the Country Club at DC Ranch. Moyer shares insights on building thriving programs, developing staff, adding pickleball, and creating strong member experiences. He also reflects on career lessons, mentorship, and the moments that shaped his approach to coaching and club management.

In this episode, Master Professional Simon Paek shares his journey in racket sports, beginning with his RSPA certification in 1993 and early coaching at Cypress College. His career grew through strong mentors, continuous education, and the power of networking. Simon describes how volunteering with the association became a natural extension of his team‑sport roots and why passion—not personal agendas—defines great volunteers.

He opens up about experiencing burnout at a previous club and making the difficult but necessary decision to step away for his health. Time off and helping his daughters’ tennis team reignited his love for coaching. Simon also explains how pickleball revitalized engagement at his current club, driving facility improvements and broadening member participation. Above all, he says the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing students’ breakthrough “light‑bulb moments” and being able to make a positive impact through sport.

In this episode, RSPA National Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with Master Professional and Director of Sports, Paula Scheb, of the acclaimed Bonita Bay Club. With more than 30 years of leadership, Paula shares how she helped transform racquet sports into one of the club’s most impactful and valued departments. Paula opens up about:

• Building a thriving sports community of more than 1,300 players
• The essential collaboration between fitness and racquet sports
• Strategies for gaining facility upgrades and elevating the value of programs
• Lessons learned from managing tennis, pickleball and fitness operations
• How certification, continuing education and lifelong learning shaped her career
• What rising professionals should ask during job interviews
• The mindset behind becoming a Master Professional
• How she approaches leadership, personal growth and serving her team

This conversation is filled with practical insights, leadership wisdom and inspiration for every racquet sports professional looking to grow their career and impact.

In this new interview, RSPA National Vice President Kevin Theos reconnects with Master Professional Sean Sloane, whose legacy in tennis spans decades of coaching, officiating, and mentoring. From working alongside legends like Rod Laver and Roy Emerson to coaching at Williams and Haverford Colleges, Sean shares timeless lessons on sportsmanship, leadership, and the power of presence.

Now 82, Sean continues to coach and compete, proving that passion for the game never fades. He reflects on his journey, the importance of using players’ names, how to build trust with athletes, and why standards matter—on and off the court. This episode builds on a previous conversation with Sean and offers fresh insights into what it means to coach with integrity and heart.

In this episode, RSPA National Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with Master Professional Jay Bewley, a tennis industry leader with more than 30 years of experience. From directing over 75 USTA tournaments to earning a PhD in marketing, Jay shares his insights on player development, event strategy, and the evolving landscape of racquet sports.

Tune in to hear Jay’s take on the value of tournaments, the rise of pickleball, and how education and volunteering have shaped his career. Plus, hear the heartwarming story that reminds us why tennis is more than just a game - it is a way to make a lasting impact.

In this episode, RSPA National Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with Master Professional Ken McAllister, who shares highlights from his 50-year journey in tennis. From coaching high school teams to leading USTA Texas for 24 years, Ken shares his passion for grassroots tennis, and his work with public parks and recreational organizations.

Tune in for insights on community engagement, leadership, and how tennis professionals can make a lasting difference beyond the court.

RSPA’s Kevin Theos sits down with Master Professional Fernando Velasco for a conversation about legacy, mentorship, player development, and finding purpose through sport. From Bolivia to becoming a leader in U.S. tennis, Fernando shares his coaching philosophy and timeless advice for the next generation of pros. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about racquet sports and personal growth. 

Join RSPA’s Kevin Theos as he chats with Donato Campagnoli, an RSPA Master Professional and a leading figure in tennis coaching and sports consultancy. Donato discusses his extensive experience shaping the future of tennis and padel through education, research, and player development across five continents. He worked as a traveling coach for professional players and in a long-standing advisory role with the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation.

Donato also goes in on customized strategic plans for consulting and offers invaluable insights on integrating technology with the essential human touch in coaching.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of racket sports and effective player development.

🎙️ Join RSPA’s Kevin Theos as he interviews RSPA Master Professional Len Simard, a leading expert in racquet sports recruiting, consulting and club management. Learn how Len transitioned from a top director of racquets to a national executive recruiter with Kopplin, Kuebler and Wallace, the largest hospitality recruiting firm in the United States.

With more than 35 years of experience in private club consulting, Len shares insights on career pivots for tennis professionals, executive search strategies and the importance of curiosity and relationship-building in the racquet sports industry. Discover how he has mentored hundreds of professionals and helped shape the future of club leadership nationwide.

🎧 A must-listen for tennis coaches, club managers and anyone interested in career development, sports industry leadership and the evolving world of racquet sports careers.

Join RSPA’s Kevin Theos as he interviews RSPA Master Professional Ty Fuller, a true pioneer in youth tennis development. Discover the inspiring origins of Tennis for Tykes, a program designed for children under 10, and Tennis Eurythmics, an innovative blend of music and tennis strokes created to help kids with coordination challenges.

With a teaching journey that began in the 1960s in New England and took him as far as West Africa in 1971, Ty’s 50-year career is a testament to passion, creativity, and inclusivity in tennis. By the mid-1990s, he had earned the prestigious title of Master Pro.

🎧 A must-listen for coaches, players, and anyone passionate about making tennis more accessible and fun for all ages.

Join RSPA’s Kevin Theos as he sits down with Master Professional Brenda Mertz. Brenda, born in Raleigh, North Carolina, and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, has excelled in numerous sports, including ice skating, golfing, bowling, ballet dancing, and tennis. After a successful career in dance, Brenda became an RSPA tennis professional in 1989, launching her tennis career. Her most rewarding triumph occurred in 2010 when she was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Madison High School in Fairfax, Virginia, for coaching the first undefeated girls' team to win state championships. In 2024, she became an RSPA master professional. Tune in to hear Brenda share her journey and insights on the relationship between dance and performing.

Join RSPA’s Kevin Theos as he sits down with Master Professional Marcos del Pilar, the godfather of padel in the USA. With over 30 years of experience, Marcos has been a driving force in the sport's expansion, particularly in the United States since 2017. Recognized as one of the top 50 most influential persons in the new padel world, Marcos shares his journey from tennis to padel and his vision for the future of the sport.

Tune in to hear his inspiring story and insights!

Join RSPA’s Kevin Theos as he sits down with Master Professional Ed McQuillen, a legend in American tennis development. From his early days under the mentorship of Eve Kraft to directing programs at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Ed shares powerful insights on coaching, leadership, and growing the game. Discover how he helped shape national tennis initiatives, mentored hundreds of pros, and why passion and community are the keys to a lasting career in tennis. A must-listen for tennis professionals and enthusiasts alike!

Join RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos as he sits down with RSPA Master Professional Marc Blouin.

Join RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos as he sits down with RSPA Master Professional Mike Van Zutphen — a world-class coach with decades of experience training ATP and WTA players, mentoring coaches and competing at the highest levels of team tennis.

In this episode, they dive into the art of coaching, developing staff, avoiding burnout, and what it takes to build champions both on and off the court.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Randy Stephens, who spent 35 years of service with the USTA Southern and coached the Georgia Junior Davis Cup Team to two Southern championship awards.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Guy Parks! He is a former president of the Midwest Division, a recipient of Pro of the Year - Midwest in 2008 and one of the first professionals to receive the Master Professionals status.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Jim Krimbill, general manager at DC Ranch Village Health Club with years of experience in the racquet sports industry.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Jorge Andrew. He is a former Venezuelan Davis Cup captain and player, as well as a recipient of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Education Merit Award.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Stewart Russell. He is junior and adult program director at the James Creek Tennis Center, a USTA National junior development coach and former men's college coach.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Rich Slivocka. He's a former RSPA President, and earned three USTA Gold Balls, along with various association awards.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Jo Ann Kurz! She is a former All-American at the University of Texas, as well as a trainer for athletes to qualify in the 1988 Canadian Olympics and a current competitor in the USTA tennis league.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Bruce Lipka, who's Penn State's mens tennis coach and co-founder of Rwanda Childrens Foundation.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Brett Schwartz, who's the USTA Southern president, creator of the NJTL Blueprint for Success and recipient of RSPA Southern Industry Excellence Award.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Lorenzo Beltrame who is founder of LB Performance Solutions, former director of athletic performance coaching at Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute and vast knowledge in mental toughness training for athletes.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Jenny Gray who's the director of tennis in San Antonio, TX, RSPA national vice president and 2020 Alex Gordon Professional of the Year.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Dave Dvorak who is a master racquet technician, a wheelchair tennis teacher and a Hall of Famer with multiple inductions.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Levander Kelley, a South Carolina native with an extensive tennis playing background and experience in coaching.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Bob Anderman, who is the director of a tennis teaching school, former high-school and college teacher, as well as the Mid-Atlantic and Maryland Pro of the Year.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Chuck Kuhle who currently serves as the vice president of the USTA Midwest board of directors, RSPA Midwest and Illinois Professional of the Year, and RSPA Midwest Hall of Fame inductee.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Howard Chodak, a seasoned RSPA tester and former director of tennis for Special Olympics Florida with 40+ years of teaching experience.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Kirk Anderson, author of various tennis books and articles, former USTA director of coach development and held the position of sitting the Royal Box for the 2024 Wimbledon men's final match.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Barry Goldsmith who is a USTA high performance coach, training with high school and college players for over 50 years and inducted into the NJCAA Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Will Hoag, who's the former RSPA National and Florida president, an RSPA Florida Division Hall of Fame inductee and the 2002 Alex Gordon Professional of Year.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Tom Sweitzer, who spent 30 years in the fields of marketing, promotions, and business management as a speaker and publishing professional.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Sean Sloane who started playing tennis at 16, coached at the high school and college level, and is the director of adult tennis camps and tournaments.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Lee Adams, who is former president of Mid-Atlantic division, has spent 40 years at Chevy Chase Club, and ranked in doubles and single with the USTA.

RSPA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA Master Professional Stan Oley, who has 38 years of tennis teaching experience, is the founder of Fit By Tennis in 60 Days and 2016 Florida Pro of the Year.

USPTA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with RSPA, Master Professional Jack Groppel, who has trained numerous professional athletes, coaches, etc. and is co-founder of the Human Performance Institute in 1992.

USPTA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with USPTA Master Professional Kelly Marshall who is the RSPA Texas Pickleball Coach Developer, has been captain of D1 tennis team all four years and has coached for over 35 years.

USPTA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with USPTA Master Professional Mark McMahon, who's the current founder and president of McMahon Careers since 2008, and the former USPTA Florida Division president.

USPTA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with USPTA Master Professional Bruce Gullikson, who's the current Northern Division coach developer, holds numerous certifications and has been a member since 1991.

USPTA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with USPTA Master Professional Alan Cutler, former USPTA national vice president and SoCal Division's past president, recipient of the 2022 USPTA Lifetime Achievement Award, and frequent presenter at numerous USPTA conferences.

USPTA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with USPTA Master Professional Ian Griffin, who graduated from the University of Toronto, spent some of his career at public facilities, and played varsity and squash, winning numerous awards at his level.

USPTA Vice President Kevin Theos sits down with USPTA Master Professional Jason Hazley, who played tennis at LSU with a career high NCAA ranking of #7 from 2001-2005, has worked at New Orleans Lawn and Tennis Club, and is a former hitting partner for Tommy Haas, the Williams Sisters and others.