The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Florida Division Convention was held at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, FL on June 1- 4, 2022. USTA Florida board members and staff were in attendance to meet with USPTA Florida to sign an updated partnership agreement going into 2023, support and celebrate coaches who were recognized at the USPTA Florida Awards Dinner and host this year’s USTA Florida Leadership Academy graduation ceremony.
USTA Florida and USPTA Florida division signed a new partnership agreement.
As an outcome of a joint Board meeting, USTA Florida and the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Florida Division have reached a new partnership agreement. This will serve as notice that both groups are committed to growing the game of tennis together. The two sides believe that this can be achieved at the local and grassroot levels, through certified teachers, providers, organizers, and more.
As part of this agreement, both parties will support new and existing USTA Florida Programs and initiatives. These include Safe Play, Youth and Adult Play, and Community programs like adaptive and wheelchair tennis. They will also continue to grow and embrace diversity, equality, and inclusion within the tennis community.
Other elements that were outlined in the agreement involve USTA Florida collaborating on projects and promoting USPTA Florida conferences, meetings, and events, as well as committing funding to specific initiatives.
USTA Florida’s Community Coach Program is one way we are committed to growing tennis.
This joint agreement includes the expansion of educational opportunities for anyone within the community. USTA Florida’s Community Coach Program is one of the ways the organizations are committed to expanding educational opportunities.
The Community Coach Program, piloted in 2021, focuses on teaching people how to become great coaches for any level of tennis. Participants receive on-court mentorship and experience. In March of 2022, the program was expanded to include more industry partners, locations, and training options for all levels of play.
As a way of celebrating the talented membership, USPTA Florida held an awards dinner at their convention which recognized specific individuals who have gone above and beyond for growing the game of tennis within the community. USTA Florida staff member and head pro at Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center, Travis Tressler, received the “Elevate Professional of the Year” for his work on increasing opportunities for people to participate in tennis, showcasing core values such as sportsmanship and individual achievement, while also being committed to expanding grassroot tennis. USTA Florida was proud to be in attendance to support his achievement.
The Leadership Academy hosted their 2022 graduation ceremony.
To capitalize on the tennis professionals that the USPTA Florida Convention brought to Bonita Springs, USTA Florida chose to host their 2022 Leadership Academy graduation ceremony in tandem to the event.
This year, 15 people graduated from the program and are now eligible to serve as volunteers on the USTA Florida Board, Project Teams, and more. The goal of the USTA Florida Leadership Academy is to bring new, diverse leaders into the organization. The graduates will take part in conversations on how USTA Florida can improve tennis at every level. Each individual brings a special connection to the sport and with their experience can deliver ideas that power USTA Florida for the years to come.
