How a Shared Passion is Different for Everyone  

This Article was written by USTA Florida Board President, Phil Girardi 

The first year of my term as president saw a lot of work being done by the volunteers and the staff here at USTA Florida. I cannot say enough about my team and the team leaders of this organization. Together, we have made great strides in the areas of coaching, infrastructure, advocacy, and working on how our volunteer structure needs to evolve with the current times. If I had a dollar for every time the word “advocacy” was said, I could retire.  

I want to share something that I’ve learned this first year. I’ve seen it throughout my tennis and volunteer career, but it didn’t hit home until recently. The game of tennis is fundamentally the same for all of us but how we SEE tennis is unique to everyone. Players, coaches, providers and volunteers of all levels see tennis differently. 

For myself, tennis started as being an outlet to get exercise, blow some steam off, and compete. It then took on another meaning when I started teaching and coaching. I now make my living with tennis and feel I can help change lives by taking people through the process. I also try my best to help other players by volunteering. That’s how I see tennis through my eyes. 

In a competitive player’s eyes, their needs are far different than a social player’s. Their needs are centered on finding the right playing opportunities; tournaments and practice matches that fit their needs and schedules. Not only do they need to play, but they need to train. Decisions on coaching are being made constantly, not only by the player, but also sometimes by the parents. One of the biggest challenges for these players is how to balance tennis with school, family, and their social life. Courts are needed to hold the events along with tournament directors, league coordinators, captains, and officials to run the competition.  

Casual or social players have a lot of the same needs, they just see things differently. These players want to know if they can find the courts needed to play. Playing is more of a fun competition that’s done for exercise, fresh air, friendship, and their health. Coaches are still needed to learn skills and to keep their players healthy and safe. A lot of times volunteers step up to keep play organized and engaging.  

What is tennis like through YOUR eyes? What are your needs in tennis and are they being met?  

At USTA Florida three key areas in our strategic plan are Tennis Management, Coaching, and Volunteer Structure. These are areas that all of us need no matter what eyes we see tennis through.  

I am happy to say that we’ve made progress in all areas this year. The facilities management team made strides in understanding the needs of public tennis facilities and working on keeping tennis infrastructure that can support our players. In coaching, we have trained over 200 grassroots coaches, we are also working closely with our partners PTR and USPTA Florida in replenishing and developing our coaching structure. Finally, on the Volunteer Structure side we are set to start rolling out a new program with a huge emphasis on advocacy (yes, I said it again) in 2024. There is even more to come. 

I will spend my second and last year as president working hard with the volunteers and staff to make the Florida Section the best it can be. 

I challenge you all to do your best in tennis, have fun and be nice to each other. Especially those who see tennis differently than you.