What if the future of racquet sports leadership depends less on titles and more on advocacy, early identification, and building a profession people are proud to choose?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Brian Dillman, CEO of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), to unpack one of the most significant leadership transformations in the industry. Brian shares the thinking behind the transition from United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) to RSPA, and what it takes to rebrand not just a name, but a culture. This conversation matters for anyone invested in building sustainable careers, recruiting the next generation, and elevating racquet sports as a legitimate, long-term profession. 

What You’ll Learn 

• Why rebranding is a cultural shift, not a cosmetic change
• How early identification can shape future leaders long before college
• What “advocacy” really looks like at the facility, city, and industry level
• Why racquet sports must be positioned as a profession, not a side job
• How managing up, sideways, and down strengthens leadership impact
• The risks and rewards of making big decisions with collective buy-in
• Why “we, not me” leadership builds trust and long-term momentum

Resources & Mentions 

• Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA)
• Hugh O’Brien Leadership Seminar

Hosts:

Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports Education
Simon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive

Guest:

Brian Dillman - CEO RSPA

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What happens when a Hall of Fame career ends and the real leadership work begins?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Gigi Fernandez, Hall of Fame tennis player, Olympic gold medalist, and founder of Tennis for Hope, to explore what leadership looks like after elite performance. Gigi shares her honest transition from individual excellence to collaborative leadership, including lessons learned running major programs like Chelsea Piers and launching a mission-driven foundation after personal loss. This conversation matters for anyone navigating the shift from being great at something to leading others with humility, purpose, and impact.

What You’ll Learn

• Why elite performance does not automatically translate to effective leadership
• How Tennis for Hope was born from personal adversity and community response
• The importance of surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you
• How ego can limit leadership growth and what it takes to dismantle it
• Why networking is a long-term leadership skill, not a transactional one
• How tennis uniquely teaches resilience, failure, and emotional regulation
• What legacy-driven leadership looks like beyond wins and titles

Hosts:

Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports Education
Simon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive

Guest:

Gigi Fernandez – Founder & President, Tennis for Hope; Tennis Hall of Famer & Olympic Gold Medalist

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What’s Really Going On with Gen Z in the Workplace?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with leadership expert and author Tim Elmore to unpack the realities of Generation Z and how they’re reshaping the workforce. Tim breaks down insights from his new book, The Future Begins with Z, explaining what makes Gen Z tick — their mix of high agency, high anxiety, and a craving for authenticity. The conversation hits work-life balance, purpose-driven motivation, four-day workweeks, and how connection is vital.

What You’ll Learn:

• Generation Z is rapidly becoming the core of the workforce.
• They bring strong agency but also elevated anxiety to the job.
• The Peter Pan paradox captures their tension between maturity and authority.
• Leaders must start with belief and understanding instead of frustration.
• Onboarding is a make-or-break moment for Gen Z belonging.
• Meaningful work and work-life balance drive their decisions.
• Gen Z is motivated by a blend of money and mission.
• Entrepreneurial, flexible environments keep them engaged.
• Connection > control when it comes to leading younger employees.
• Gen Z’s preferences will heavily shape the future of work.

Hosts:

Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports Education
Simon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive

Guest:

Tim Elmore – Author of The Future Begins with Z, Leadership Expert, Founder of Growing Leaders

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What’s Driving the Explosion of Pickleball and Padel?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale talk with industry pioneer David Johnson about the massive growth of pickleball and the rising momentum of padel in the United States. David shares his early journey co-founding Pickleball Central in 2006, what he’s learned watching the sport scale, and why participation curves are now shifting as the market matures.

The conversation breaks down the real data behind growth trends, why multi-sport facilities are becoming the new norm, and what operators need to know before adding padel. They dig into staffing needs, leadership skills, membership models, and how hospitality ultimately determines whether a facility thrives.

Hosts:
Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports Education
Simon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive

Guest:
David Johnson – Co-Founder of Pickleball Central, Pickleball Consultant

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquet leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What standards are necessary to build a successful club?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale talk with Consultants Doug Cash and Ajay Pant about the importance of standards in business, particularly in the context of tennis clubs. They explore how standards define a brand, the necessity of enforcing them, and the challenges of managing high performers who may resist compliance. The conversation also delves into the consequences of lacking standards, the process of building a new culture, and the role of leadership in maintaining quality control. Both Doug and Ajay emphasize the need for transparency, team involvement, and the evolution of standards over time to ensure a consistent and high-quality customer experience.

What You’ll Learn:

• Standards are essential for setting expectations before hiring.
• The bigger and more corporate the club, the more likely they have written standards.
• Enforcement of standards is often lacking due to confrontation skills.
• Standards should evolve as the business improves.
• Involve the team in developing and agreeing on standards.
• High performers can be the hardest to manage when they resist standards.
• Quality control is crucial for maintaining product consistency.
• Transparency with standards helps in building trust with employees.
• The culture of a business is reflected in what happens when no one is watching.
• Hiring for cultural fit is vital for maintaining standards.

Hosts:

Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports Education
Simon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive

Guest:

Ajay Pant - CEO & Owner of Karundy Consulting

Doug Cash - CEO & Owner of CashFlowTennis

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What does it take to launch a nationwide coaching initiative from the ground up, and make it thrive?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale talk with Megan Rose, Managing Director of USTA Coaching, about how she’s leading one of the most ambitious projects in U.S. tennis history. From crafting the strategy to grow coaching pathways to navigating the gray areas of leadership, Megan shares lessons on adaptability, inclusion, and redefining success when there’s no playbook to follow.

What You’ll Learn:

• How USTA Coaching fits into the “35 by 35” vision to reach 35 million players by 2035
• The three levers driving tennis growth—and why coaching is the most powerful one
• What it really takes to build a national initiative from scratch
• How to lead with bravery and make tough decisions without losing empathy
• The biggest leadership lesson Megan learned from taking things too personally
• Why engagement—not numbers—is the real measure of success
• How to attract and retain more diverse and balanced coaching teams across the U.S.

Hosts:

Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports education
Simon Gale - USTA leader & facility executive

Guest:

Megan Rose - Managing Director and Head of Business Development and Operations (USTA Coaching)

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses—Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance—and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What separates a good coach from a transformative leader? Mental performance expert Dr. Larry Lauer says it’s not talent or IQ—it’s reflection, self-awareness, and putting others first.

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Dr. Larry Lauer, Director of Mental Performance at the USTA National Campus and co-host of the Compete Like a Champion podcast. Known for shaping the mental toughness and mindset of America’s top junior and pro athletes, Larry brings a fresh, research-backed lens to leadership in racquet sports. Together, they unpack the psychology of motivation, the power of mentorship, and how emotional intelligence impacts every level of coaching and management.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why true leadership starts with asking, “Am I doing this for me—or for others?”
• How to develop daily reflection habits that keep you grounded and self-aware
• The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation—and why it matters for long-term success
• How emotional intelligence shapes your ability to lead and connect with your team
• The most important skills directors can build to lead people, not just programs
• Why mentorship accelerates leadership growth—and how to find and nurture great mentors
• The mindset shift every aspiring leader needs before stepping into a new role

Resources & Mentions:

• Compete Like a Champion podcast
• Dr. Dan Gould
• Dr. Paul Lubbers
• USTA National Campus
• John Wooden

Hosts:

Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports education
Simon Gale - USTA leader & facility executive

Guest:

Larry Lauer - Director of Mental Performance at United States Tennis Association Player Development

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses—Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance—and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

If you “can’t find good pros,” this episode shows why that’s on us—and exactly how to build a repeatable Coach-in-Training (CIT) pipeline that grows talent and your business. 

Hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale make the case for actively inspiring the next generation of coaches—and walk through Simon’s proven CIT framework you can adapt at any club. Kim shares survey data showing only 17% of juniors had considered a racquets career and 60% hadn’t even heard of PTM programs, reinforcing why leaders must make the pathway visible and practical. Simon then breaks down how he formalized CIT—eligibility, responsibilities, and real benefits—so it became a staffed pipeline, not a summer favor. 

What You’ll Learn

• Why “can’t find pros” is a leadership problem—and the mindset shift that fixes it.
• The one visibility move that instantly grows your coach pipeline.
• How Simon structures CIT levels so they scale without creating chaos.
• A simple compensation path that keeps teens engaged from season to season.
• The culture ritual that turns helpers into role models (and parents into fans).
• What to put on your website so talent finds you—not the other way around.
• The single calendar habit Kim uses to make coach development non-negotiable.

--> Download the COACH IN TRAINING Resource

Hosts:

Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports education
Simon Gale - USTA leader & facility executive

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses—Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance—and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

Racquet Fuel hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Per Nilsson, head men’s tennis coach at the University of Florida, for a leadership-first conversation about college tennis. Per shares the two cornerstones of his program—deeply individualized player development and a deliberately small, connected roster—and how those choices shape culture, performance, and recruiting. He also unpacks navigating a mid-season transition at UF, why self-care makes you a better leader, and how building a community hub can future-proof the sport on campus. 

What You’ll Learn

• The two cornerstones of Per’s program: maximize individual development while fostering a tight, small roster that pushes each other (think 7–8 players on a mission). 
• How to individualize daily work so every athlete gets what they need (e.g., surplus-one patterns for one player, mental skills for another) instead of rolling out the same plan for all. 
• Leading through a mid-year coaching transition: keep people whole in the moment, make the hard calls later, and align around a new vision. 
• You’re never “ready”—learn faster: over-communicate up/down, ask questions relentlessly, and shape authority with clarity. 
• Why self-care is leadership: turn the phone off, protect family time, then show up better for your team. 
• Future-proofing college tennis: build a campus community hub (donors, fans, shared value) so tennis becomes “untouchable” when cuts are considered. 
• Steal like a coach: Per openly “copies” what works, adapts it to his context, and keeps what produces results. 

Guest:
Per Nilsson - Head Men’s Tennis Coach, University of Florida (Gators Men’s Tennis).
Hosts:
Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports education
Simon Gale - USTA leader & facility executive

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses—Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance—and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.

👉 Learn More & Enroll Here

What happens when a former top-100 player takes her competitive mindset and applies it to managing over 350 event days at the USTA National Campus? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Grace Min—a former WTA top-100 player who retired in 2024 and quickly transitioned into her role as Event Manager at the USTA National Campus. Grace shares how she’s adapted her player mindset into leadership, the surprising similarities between competing on tour and managing large-scale events, and what every director can learn about communication, adaptability, and feedback. Her story is both inspiring and practical for anyone managing programs, tournaments, or teams in racquet sports.

What You’ll Learn

• Why adaptability—learned on tour—may be the most valuable skill in event management
• How to balance fundamentals (scheduling, officiating) with “elevators” that make events memorable
• The role of feedback loops and after-action reports in improving events year over year
• The challenge of moving from giving feedback as a player to receiving it as a manager
• Why effective communication is essential when leading high-performance teams
• How mentorship and process-oriented thinking can help directors avoid burnout
• Grace’s simple mantra for events (borrowed from her coach): Win the last point

Episode Highlights

• Grace’s decision to pivot from playing to management after injury and why events, not coaching, felt like the right fit
• The striking similarities between training for tournaments and planning events
• Why the “pressure is a privilege” at the National Campus and how her team manages expectations
• The unexpected joy Grace found in team camaraderie after years in an individual sport

Connect

• Grace Min – LinkedIn
• Hosts:
  • Kim Bastable – LinkedIn
  • Simon Gale – LinkedIn

Learn More & Get Certified

Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses—Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance—and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.

👉 Learn More & Enroll Here