Racquet Fuel

What does it take to move from being a successful coach to becoming an effective racquet sports director?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with Diego Leal Reyes, a member of the inaugural USTA Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship class. Diego shares how his journey took him from collegiate tennis and an intended career in finance to coaching, club operations, and preparation for a leadership role in the racquet sports industry. His experience offers aspiring leaders an honest look at the many responsibilities that come with becoming a director. From managing staff and communicating with members to maintaining facilities, working with stakeholders, and making difficult decisions, Diego explains why leadership requires much more than strong on-court skills.This episode is essential listening for coaches and racquet sports professionals who want to advance their careers. Through Diego’s experiences with mentorship, failure, emotional intelligence, networking, and personal well-being, the conversation demonstrates that leaders may never feel completely ready for their next position—but they can prepare themselves to make good decisions, seek support, and continue learning.What You’ll Learn:Why being a successful coach does not automatically prepare someone to become a successful directorHow Diego transitioned from studying finance to pursuing a career in racquet sportsWhy performing less glamorous club responsibilities can provide valuable leadership experienceHow the USTA Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship combines education, practical experience, and industry exposureWhy directors must be prepared to manage people, facilities, members, and organizational stakeholdersHow mentors can adapt their leadership approach to different personalities and individual needsWhy aspiring leaders may never feel completely ready for their next positionHow Diego learned from a difficult employee conversation that did not go as plannedWhy emotional intelligence, professional networks, and personal well-being are essential for long-term leadership successResources & Mentions:USTA Racquet Sports Management ApprenticeshipUSTA National CampusHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports ManagementSimon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuest:Diego Leal Reyes — USTA Racquet Sports Management ApprenticeLearn 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 and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.Learn more here:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS       - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: [email protected]

What if the biggest barrier to growing tennis isn’t getting families interested, but making it easy enough for them to actually sign up?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale examine the tennis registration process through the eyes of a busy parent who wanted to introduce her children to the sport. Despite her interest, confusing program descriptions, unclear skill levels, membership requirements, and a difficult registration process ultimately caused her to walk away.Her experience offers racquet sports leaders a rare look at the customers they often never hear from: those who are interested in playing but leave before ever stepping onto the court. From simplifying industry jargon and improving facility websites to offering free assessments and shorter beginner commitments, the conversation reveals how seemingly small points of friction can become significant barriers to participation.This episode is essential listening for any director, coach, or facility leader responsible for attracting and retaining new players. As Simon points out, a club’s biggest competition may not be another tennis facility, but rather, it may be the sports and activities that are simply easier for families to understand, access, and join.What You’ll Learn: Why confusing websites and registration systems can cause potential players to give up before ever reaching the court  How industry language like red, orange, green, and yellow ball can overwhelm parents who are new to tennis  Why age-based pathways don’t always provide clear answers for older beginners entering the sport  How a free 30-minute assessment can give families the confidence and clarity they need to get started  Why parents increasingly expect registration to be simple, immediate, and available online  How clearly communicating what to wear, bring, and expect can reduce anxiety for first-time families  Why shorter introductory sessions may make tennis feel more approachable than a long-term commitment  How AI and online search are changing the way parents discover and evaluate local racquet sports programs  Why racquet sports leaders need to think about the customers who disappear without ever telling them whyResources & Mentions:Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller — Covers the importance of removing industry jargon and communicating in language customers can immediately understand.Red, Orange, Green, Yellow (ROGY) Pathway — Tennis development pathway discussed throughout the episode and the challenges it can create for parents unfamiliar with the sport.Hosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports ManagementSimon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentLearn 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 and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.Learn more here:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS       - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: [email protected]

Taking a look back at one of our favorite conversations from the Racquet Fuel Podcast, we’re republishing this episode featuring Kim Bastable and Simon Gale’s engaging discussion with Mike Barrell on the evolving landscape of racquet sports.Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the tennis industry, Mike explores the impact of pickleball and padel on traditional tennis, the economic considerations reshaping racquet facilities, and the importance of social engagement in building lasting communities. This conversation remains highly relevant as tennis continues to innovate, adapt, and learn from the success of complementary racquet sports while staying true to its core identity. They discuss the economic considerations that are reshaping tennis facilities, the importance of fostering social engagement in sports, and how coaches play a crucial role in building a thriving tennis community. Throughout the discussion, the focus remains on the need for tennis to innovate and adapt while staying true to its core identity.What You'll Learn:How the rise of pickleball and padel presents both opportunities and challenges for tennisEconomic viability and how clubs can balance costs with offering complementary racquet sportsWhy social engagement is key to retaining tennis players and how programming can support thisThe crucial role of coaches in connecting players and fostering community in tennisThe 'leaky bucket' problem in tennis retention and how to address itPickleball's success in accessibility and social play - what tennis can learnThe need for tennis to innovate and compete with pickleball's marketing successHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports ManagementSimon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuests:Mike Barrell - Executive Director of Tennis, Sportime Clubs NYLearn 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 and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.Learn more here:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS       - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: [email protected]

What if the key to attracting and retaining the next generation of racquet sports professionals is simply listening to them?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale turn the microphone over to the next generation of racquet sports professionals. Joining them are Christian Cannon, University of Florida Director of Racquet Sports master's student, and Ethan Patrick, a Racquet Sports Management student at Hope College. Instead of talking about Gen Z, this conversation gives Gen Z the opportunity to speak for themselves. Together, they challenge common stereotypes, discuss what motivates young professionals, and share how today's directors can better attract, develop, and retain the next generation of racquet sports leaders. From technology and social media to leadership, mentorship, and career development, this episode provides valuable insight for club owners, directors, and managers preparing for the future of the industry. If you're wondering how to engage young staff members, empower future leaders, and build stronger teams, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. What You'll Learn: Why Gen Z values purpose, trust, and growth opportunities just as much as compensation  How giving young professionals a seat at the table builds confidence, ownership, and leadership skills  Why understanding the "why" behind decisions increases engagement and motivation  How fresh perspectives and inexperience can become a competitive advantage for organizations  Why social media, short-form video, and digital storytelling are becoming essential marketing tools for clubs  How directors can better challenge Gen Z employees without creating unnecessary friction  Why diversified job responsibilities beyond coaching help improve retention and professional development  What today's young professionals are really looking for in racquet sports careers—and why many stereotypes about Gen Z don't tell the whole story Resources & Mentions:Racquet Fuel: Leading Gen Z: Shaping the future of work with Tim Elmore— Leadership insights from Dr. Tim Elmore on leading and developing Generation ZHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports ManagementSimon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuests:Christian Cannon - University of Florida Director of Racquet Sports master's student Ethan Patrick  - Racquet Sports Management student at Hope CollegeLearn 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 and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.Learn more here:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS       - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: [email protected]

What happens when you combine pickleball, hospitality, entertainment, and community into one experience-driven business model?In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Kelli Alldredge, President of Chicken N Pickle, to explore how one of the most recognizable names in pickleball entertainment grew from a bold idea in Kansas City into a nationally recognized hospitality brand with 13 locations across the country. Long before pickleball exploded during the pandemic, Chicken N Pickle saw the sport’s unique power to bring people together. Kelli shares the story behind the company’s early vision, how she went from customer to president, and why the organization’s real success comes not from pickleball itself, but from creating meaningful human connection through food, celebration, and shared experiences. This conversation matters for anyone leading a racquet sports business, operating a facility, or trying to build community around sport. Whether you manage a tennis club, pickleball venue, or multi-sport facility, you’ll gain valuable insight into hospitality-driven business models, experiential programming, and how to create spaces people genuinely crave returning to. What You’ll Learn: Why Chicken N Pickle views itself as a hospitality and human connection business—not just a pickleball company How “owning celebrations” became a core part of the organization’s business strategy  Why food, entertainment, and dwell time are critical to long-term facility success  How Kelli Alldredge evolved from customer to president by leading with passion and adaptability  Why inclusive programming and community impact are essential to the future of pickleball  The importance of creating experiences that make guests want to stay for hours—not just play and leave  How Chicken N Pickle balances growth, hospitality, and operational complexity across multiple locations  Why racquet sports leaders should think beyond court revenue when building sustainable businesses Resources & Mentions:Chicken N Pickle— Hospitality and entertainment brand combining pickleball, dining, and community-driven experiencesHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports ManagementSimon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuest:Kelli Alldredge — President, Chicken N PickleLearn 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 and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.Learn more here:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS       - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: [email protected]