Agenda

Summit Agenda

*Schedule subject to change; continue to check back for updates. 

Day 1 - Friday, June 23, 2023

12:00pm: Check in & Networking Lunch 

Location: USTA National Campus, Welcome Center Classroom

12:45pm: Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Andrea Snead, USTA Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

1:00pm: What Drives Winning: Building Character Through the Sport Experience

Sports can be instrumental in building a person's character and coaches play a critical role in that experience. In this session, former soccer coach Becky Burleigh, shares how she developed her players' character in her program at University of Florida and how the emphasis on Person > Player helps create a collaborative and thriving team culture. Becky will also share the foundational building blocks of the book, "What Drives Winning."  

• Becky Burleigh, Professor, University of Florida, Sports Management and High Performance Consultant; Co-Founder, What Drives Winning

2:00pm: The Conflict Toolkit by True North Sports

Conflict is a BIG part of coaching and coaches have to be able to move through it in a productive and healthy way. In this session Celia Slater and Becky Burleigh of True North Sports will share some basic skills when approaching conflict and share tools you can use when moving through conflicts on the job. 

• Celia Slater, CEO, True North Sport Founder, Coach Development Academy

• Becky Burleigh, Professor, University of Florida, Sports Management and High Performance Consultant; Co-Founder, What Drives Winning

3:30pm: An Introduction to Blind & Visually Impaired Tennis 

Tennis is a sport that is open to all - any age, any background, any ability. Coaching tennis to those without a disability can be challenging when dealing with different levels, age groups and skill sets. It can be even more challenging for coaches who don't have experience working with athletes who have a social, intellectual, or physical disability, including those who are blind or visually impaired. In this session, coaches will learn about the key elements and fundamentals of teaching Blind & Visually Impaired (BVI) tennis, with proven methods that enable coaches to help their BVI students have fun and thrive on the court.

• Samir Mahir, President, International Blind Tennis Association (IBTA)

4:00pm: Fireside Chat: Featuring Tennis Pioneer Rosie Casals

Join us for an intimate fireside chat with a true tennis icon as she shares her remarkable journey in the world of tennis. In this engaging session, our esteemed guest will delve into her experiences as a player, shedding light on the challenges she faced, the triumphs she celebrated, and the lessons she learned along the way. With authenticity and candor, Rosie will discuss the hurdles she encountered both on and off the court, sharing her strategies for overcoming adversity and staying motivated during tough times.

• Moderated by: Gina Suarez - Malaguti, Associate Head Coach, Women's Tennis - University of Virginia 

5:00-7:00pm: Networking Reception

Come meet and greet your fellow Summit attendees, as well as USTA and tennis industry leaders! Drinks and light hors d'oeuvres will be served. 

Location: TA Building Rooftop Lounge - USTA National Campus

Day 2 - Saturday, June 24, 2023

8:00am: Breakfast & Networking

Location: USTA National Campus, Welcome Center Classroom

*Safe Play compliance must be up to date in order to participate in any of the on court workshops.* For any questions or concerns please email gabriella.castaneda@usta.com. 

*Attire: Activewear required, the on-court workshops are interactive.*

9:00am: Concurrent Sessions 

Summit participants will be divided into two groups - Group A and Group B - for the morning sessions. 

GROUP A - On-Court Workshops

Location: Indoor Tennis Center & Team USA Courts 15 & 16

Workshop #1 - Intro to Wheelchair Tennis

The USTA is dedicated to providing programming and developmental opportunities to wheelchair athletes of all ages and backgrounds. The goal, above all else, is for the athletes to learn the sport of tennis and have fun. In this on-court workshop, participants will gain an understanding of the history, playing pathway, and unique components of wheelchair tennis. We will discuss why "integration" is important for the sport, and how including wheelchair and other forms of adaptive tennis, including military programming, can be a boost to your club, park district, or city's tennis offerings.

• Jason Harnett, USTA Director, Wheelchair Tennis

Workshop #2 - Demonstrating Blind & Visually Impaired Tennis 

In this on-court workshop, participants will receive comprehensive training on various facets of BVI tennis, ranging from the layout of the court to distinguishing between equipment and balls. We will explore the different BVI classifications and how they can influence instruction, discuss how to understand a BVI athlete's learning and movement patterns, and demonstrate BVI swing techniques, including ground strokes and serves, as well as the essential skill of prediction development. Finally, participants will have the chance to participate in unsighted play.

• David Dilettuso, United States Blind Tennis Association (USBTA)

GROUP B - Tennis Talks 

Location: Welcome Center Classroom 

Session #1 - The Value of Coaching Certification

More details coming soon! 

• Marc Stingley, Professional Tennis Registry (PTR)

Session #2 - Understanding the USTA's Teaching & Coaching Philosophy

First a Teacher, second a Coach. The USTA's Coaching Philosophy is based on teaching and developing the fundamental skills that enable a player to have the most complete game possible. We believe that successful players never stop learning skills and developing their game. In this session, we will explore the five principles that guide this coaching philosophy, and how they are instrumental in the long-term development of outstanding tennis players and individuals.

• Martin Blackman, General Manager, USTA Player and Coach Development

10:45am: Concurrent Sessions 

Group A and Group B will rotate for the sessions described above. 

12:45pm: Lunch & Networking

Location: USTA National Campus, Net Post Grill

2:00pm: Leadership, Self-Care, and Building Community

Leadership, Self-Care, and Building Community

Learners in this space will engage in an opening conversation about leadership, its importance, and their connection to coaching tennis. After setting this foundation, they will reflect on their individual experiences in coaching and in tennis, especially when they comprise an underrepresented group. The learners will explore the importance of belonging and the impact that having, or not having, a sense of belonging can have. We will discuss the concept of community and the power that can exist in a community created among people in this space, especially when intersecting identities are considered.  

• Brandi Stuart & Kyler Hall, Institute for Sport & Social Justice

3:30pm: Game, Set, Coach: Exploring Diverse Career Opportunities in Tennis 

Tennis coaching is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that offers a wide range of career paths and opportunities. In this panel discussion, we'll hear from a group of experienced tennis coaches with different backgrounds and career paths, who will share their unique perspectives, experiences, and best practices for building a successful career in coaching tennis.

Panelists:

• • Rita Dotson, President, Tennis-4-Everyone

  • Jon Glover, National Coach, USTA Player ID & Development

  • Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, Founder & CEO Love Serving Autism, Speech-Language Pathologist, USPTA & PTR tennis professional

  • Frank Adams, Head Tennis Professional, Highland Ranch Community Association, Colorado

5:30pm-8:00pm: Tennis is a Vibe Networking Event

Get ready to mix and mingle at our Tennis is a Vibe networking event! Join us for an evening of fun, laughter, and connections with fellow professionals in a relaxed and casual setting. Come as you are, bring your business cards, and get ready to make some new friends! 

Location: Beer Garden Pavilion, Boxi Park

*Please refer to shuttle schedule for more transportation details, shuttle provided for summit attendees only.*

Day 3 - Sunday, June 25, 2023

8:00am: Breakfast & Networking

Location: USTA National Campus, Welcome Center Classroom

9:00am: Wellness Within Reach: Mental Health Strategies for Coaches 

Coaching can be mentally and physically exhausting, and taking care of your own health and well-being directly impacts your ability to support your athletes and give them your best. In this panel of industry professionals representing sport psychology, mental performance and overall well-being, we will discuss some of the challenges coaches often face, and the tried and true ways of overcoming those obstacles to stay at peak mental performance. Panelists will also share ways that coaches can support their athletes in maintaining their own health and mental well-being.

Panelists:

• Devi Brown, Master Well-Being Educator & Healer, Advisor, Storyteller and Founder of Devi Brown Well-Being

• Dr. Tiffany Jones, Owner & President, X-Factor Performance Consulting, Mental Performance Coach (CMPC)

• Oscar Gutierrez, Latin American Mental Skills Coordinator, Boston Red Sox 

• Dr. Larry Lauer, USTA Director, Mental Performance 

10:00am: Wellness Activity

10:15am: Serving Up Success for the Tennis Entrepreneur 

Running a tennis business as an entrepreneur can be an exciting and profitable venture for those with a passion for the sport and a sound understanding of business principles. In this session, we will explore what it takes to run a tennis business off-court, and how you can set yourself up for success. 

• Toni Wiley, CEO, Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment Center

11:30am: Closing Remarks

• Marisa Grimes, USTA Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer