Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship
Experience the business of racquet sports with the best in the industry and grow your career
Program at a glance:
Earn and Learn: $75,000 per year paid apprenticeship with benefits
Immersive Training: 20+ hours weekly on-court + 15-20 hours weekly classroom instruction
Two-year curriculum with 3 semesters and elective options
Succeed in the Racquet Sports Industry through Practical Application
The USTA’s Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship is a two-year immersive program. Taking place at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida, the program provides the opportunity to develop essential skills for a career as a racquet sports leader and offers exposure to industry experts. Enjoy hands-on learning, networking, and career development opportunities.
Merging theory and practice, the program’s coursework will focus on business aspects of racquet sports, such as financial management, marketing, branding, leadership, culture and more, combined with on-court training. Apprentices will complete three semesters and finish with a digital portfolio to prepare candidates for a leadership role in racquet sports management.
Who should apply?
Ideal candidates should have 5+ years of racquet sports experience, with supervisory experience preferred. However, if you have experience and feel passionate about becoming a leader in racquet sports but don't quite meet these qualifications, we still encourage you to apply!
After program completion, you will:
- Elevate Your Career: Become a polished racquet sports leader.
- Develop Others: Join the USTA Coach Developer Academy and mentor future coaches.
- Advance Your Career: Receive job placement support and transition into a leadership role.
Explore a Q&A with program leaders Jason Allen, Ed.D. and Simon Gale, or email us at rsma@usta.com.
Leadership Team
Dr. Jason Allen, Director, Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship
Dr. Jason Allen is a leader in racquet sports with over 25 years of experience in research, education and sport management. Currently the Director of the Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship at the USTA National Campus, he previously served as Director of Racquet Sports at Midtown Athletic Club and Manager of Wheelchair Tennis for the USTA, leading Team USA at multiple international competitions, including the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. He also developed coaching curriculum for USTA University. Dr. Allen's experience includes roles as Tennis Director and Executive Director, and has published research in numerous journals and contributed to the American Development Model. He is a dedicated coach developer, conducting over 100 workshops, and continues to research racquet sports leadership and coach development.
Simon Gale, Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development
Simon Gale is an experienced leader and coach with a successful track record of working in the Tennis and Racquet Sports facility management industry. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, FL., he oversees five head professionals, a team of 35+ teaching professionals and nearly 100 courts across the campus including Tennis, Pickleball and Padel. Prior to joining the USTA, he was the Managing Partner and Director of Racquets at the Taconic Sport & Racquet Club in Hopewell Junction, N.Y. Prior to that, he worked at Yonkers Tennis Center in Yonkers, N.Y., for 12 years, where he had multiple leadership roles including Director of Tennis and General Manager.
Shelby Baron, Manager of Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship
Shelby Baron brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the program, currently serving as the Manager of the Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship. She most recently held the position of Coordinator, Coach & Player Services with USTA Player Development and participated in the USTA Fellowship in Tennis Coaching & Leadership program in 2022. She won four consecutive national championships at the University of Alabama as a player and three consecutive national championships as Assistant Wheelchair Tennis Coach, while pursuing a Master's degree in speech therapy. She is a two-time Paralympian, competing in singles and doubles in both Rio De Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020. She represented Team USA at 10 World Team Cups and achieved a world ranking of 24 in singles and 20 in doubles. Shelby also has an extensive volunteer background, having served on the USTA National Wheelchair Tennis Committee.
Rob Husby, Coordinator of Racquet of Sports Management Apprenticeship
Rob Husby is currently serving as the Coordinator for the Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship at the USTA National Campus, he has over three years of experience working with the USTA since 2021. He brings over two years of experience developing racquet sports programs at the Campus. He began his career journey with the Campus at the Welcome Center Front Desk. Rob holds a Bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing his MBA with the university.
APPLICATION TIMELINES
APPLICATION TIMELINES
Stay tuned in June 2026 as the application period for Cohort 3 will open.
Want more information regarding the Apprenticeship Program? Watch here!
Course of Study Overview
Candidates will spend three months getting used to the size and scope of working at the USTA National Campus. They will work with USTA leadership, the Director of the RSMA, Directors of Racquet Sports, and Head Tennis Professionals of the following programs: Junior Tennis, High-Performance, Adult Tennis, Pickleball, and Padel.
Future leaders will take four courses to develop a comprehensive view of the racquet sports industry. These courses will finalize with a project to develop a mission, philosophy, core values, and developmental pathways for tennis and two other complementary racquet sports. This project is the first of three core projects that will help to finalize your business plan.
This unit of four courses will delve specifically into the financial management aspects required of leaders in the racquet sports industry. Covering budgeting, marketing, brand management, and technology, it culminates with a project to create a marketing plan for a facility.
Here is where the magic happens as candidates complete all coursework and develop a final business plan. These four courses primarily cover people management, culture, and leadership skills.
These projects will allow future leaders to learn more about a specific space based on their needs. Students will be able to choose three from a myriad of topics that align with their interests. After, students will engage in the compilation of evidence to produce a portfolio that can be sent to prospective employers.
Admission Requirements
Admittance will be based on each candidate's experience. Ideally, a suitable candidate will have been in the racquet sports industry for at least five years, with some experience in a supervisory role. Each applicant will be screened and, if successful, will be invited to the USTA National Campus for an in-person interview including on-court lesson delivery.
What will you need to apply?
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Resume and Cover Letter
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A letter of recommendation from a racquet sports leader
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3-5 minute video presentation
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Complete Application
Elevate Your Career
Meet the Apprentices
- 2026-2027
- 2025-2026
With a proven record of leadership and excellence both on and off the court, Chris served as Site Director at the George Washington University Tennis Center, where he oversaw operations, programming, and player development. A seasoned racquets professional, he has held key leadership roles including Director of Racquets at Cattail Creek Country Club, Head Tennis Professional at the Elkridge Club, and Assistant General Manager and Head Tennis Professional at the Rock Creek Tennis Center. His strategic vision and ability to build cohesive teams have consistently elevated player experiences and strengthened the programs he leads.
A former USTA championship-level league captain and United States Army Corporal, Chris brings a disciplined, service-driven approach to leadership. His blend of military precision, professional expertise, and passion for mentorship fosters an environment of accountability, teamwork, and continuous growth. Dedicated to developing both players and professionals, he exemplifies leadership grounded in integrity, excellence, and the pursuit of peak performance.
Keri Frankenberger, born and raised in Gainesville, Florida, most recently served as the co-head professional at Ace Tennis Academy in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. She is both the Director of Kids Academy and Co-Director of the junior competitive and Elite Academy groups. She also serves as the head professional for both the junior and adult ALTA teams. Keri started playing junior tournaments at 8 years old before being recruited to play college tennis on scholarship at Louisiana State University. While at LSU, she earned ‘Louisiana Player of the Year’, an All-SEC accreditation, and a national doubles ranking. She was the community service leader for the team, leading all off-court service ventures throughout the community. Keri was a volunteer assistant coach for Georgia Tech women’s tennis, coaching on-court and mentoring female players. She began coaching high performance at her previous academy, where she was able to mentor prospective college players. She prides herself on mentoring junior tournament players and helping them develop life skills.
Larry Holmes joins the program as the Head Tennis Professional of the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield, Missouri. Prior to his most current role, he has held several leadership positions including Director of Junior Tennis at Towpath Tennis Center in Akron, Ohio, Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Tennis at Norfolk State University, Assistant Coach at Virginia Tech, and Head Coach at Bethany College, and was the Head Coach at Benedictine University Mesa. Larry was the first black high school coach in the state of Arizona when he was hired at Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix. His first professional coaching job was at Kiwanis Tennis Center in Tempe, Arizona. He has been coaching since he was 14 years old, when he became the youngest camp instructor at the Love-15 program in his native Rochester, New York. He has been playing tennis since he was 8 years old.
Liz Bogarin is a dedicated tennis professional with experience coaching athletes of all ages and levels. Known for her leadership, creativity, and ability to build strong player relationships, she blends technical skill with an encouraging coaching style. Originally from Brazil and now based in Minnesota, Liz is passionate about growing the sport and creating positive learning environments on and off the court.
Nick Dunivant is a passionate coach and program leader who believes in the power of tennis to inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Before joining the USTA National Campus, Nick spent several years at InnerCity Tennis in Minneapolis, where he led all junior tennis programs. Nick's leadership helped grow participation, strengthen community partnerships, and create a positive environment where players and coaches alike could thrive. Nick takes pride in fostering meaningful relationships - with players, families, and colleagues - and in helping each athlete find joy and purpose in their development journey.
Throughout his career, Nick has guided players to success at the collegiate and national levels while promoting inclusivity and sportsmanship on and off the court. In recognition of his impact, Nick received the Nick Bollettieri Memorial Award in 2023 and was honored as the USTA Northern Section Junior Development Coach of the Year in 2025. He brings to the USTA National Campus a deep commitment to excellence, integrity, and creating pathways for every player to reach their full potential.
Russell Alger has been a teaching professional in Southern California for over 20 years, working with local industry leaders such as Simon Paek, Pam Austin, and Don Henson. Russell began his career working for his family’s tennis contracting company, where he had the opportunity to work in several different Orange County recreational programs. His family operated a 12-court public facility in Fountain Valley, California, where he first learned how to operate this type of facility. He was tasked with training operations staff, coaching staff, managing on-court schedules, and developing on-court curriculum for junior staff pros. This was the first public facility in Southern California to reopen following the COVID-19 pandemic. In his most recent role, Russell has served as the Director of Junior Programming at Mission Viejo Country Club. In this role, he has created a junior program from the ground up and now includes two full competitive JTT teams. He also helps manage women’s tennis leagues and has helped develop a growing men’s tennis program.
Warren Robinson is a racquet sports professional with more than 15 years of experience in tennis and pickleball instruction, program development, and facility operations. A former collegiate player and current 5.0 tennis/5.8+ pickleball competitor, he has held leadership roles including Director of Tennis & Pickleball, Director of Adult Tennis, and Junior Player Development Coach for USTA Southern and USTA Georgia. Warren is PTR, USPTA, and PPR certified, and has a strong record of building high-retention programs, growing participation, and leading productive adult and junior training environments. Alongside his coaching career, Warren serves as a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, bringing disciplined leadership, teamwork, and operational expertise to every role he undertakes. With a passion for player development and community engagement, he is dedicated to delivering exceptional instruction and helping athletes of all levels achieve their goals at the USTA National Campus.
Wilbur “Kenny” Callender, born and raised in Clinton, Maryland, has been a performance coach at Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in Washington, D.C. for over 10 years. Through the years Kenny has coached junior varsity teams to conference titles. He has coached varsity teams to multiple conference titles. He has been an assistant college coach. He even coached a kid who got to number 1 in the U.S. en route to winning several super nationals as well as becoming an Eddie Herr finalist and junior Orange Bowl Quarterfinalist. As a Davis Cup coach, his team was a set away from advancing up to group 3. Kenny also, was fortunate enough to coach a men’s and women’s team at the Pan American games. He earned a tennis scholarship to the University of Louisville then Howard University. He was a top junior player in his section and was nationally ranked in the United States. Kenny has also played in satellite tournaments, big money open tournaments, Davis Cup, and the Pan American games.
Abdul Jordan, a skilled tennis professional, has joined the USTA National Campus staff, bringing extensive experience and expertise. As the Owner and Manager of Jordan Athletics Tennis & Sports LLC and the Founder of Serve First Education & Tennis Foundation Incorporated, he has demonstrated visionary leadership, making significant contributions to the tennis community in North Carolina (NC) and the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section which includes DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV). As a Brand Manager with Volkl Tennis, Abdul managed relationships with tennis accounts and clubs across the DMV and NC, expanding his business management skills, tennis network, and the Volkl brand's reach. As a player, he earned a full tennis scholarship to North Carolina A&T State University and continues to compete in tournaments and USTA Leagues. Abdul is a USPTA Elite Tennis Professional, a PTR Organizational Member, and inductee into the J.H. Rose High School Sports Hall of Fame in Greenville, NC. He is the first male tennis player to receive this honor. Abdul now begins this new chapter at the USTA National Campus. During this time, he will focus on expanding his professional network, further developing his leadership and business acumen, and continue contributing to the growth of tennis and racquet sports.
Adam Friel, originally from Bayport, New York, joins the USTA National Campus staff after years of coaching and leadership experience across the tennis industry. Most recently, he served as the Adult Head Tennis Professional with Tennis Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. Adam’s extensive portfolio in racquet sports leadership includes positions such as Assistant Director of Tennis, Director of Junior Development, and Assistant Director of the Diadem Technology Center. His entrepreneurial mindset has driven him to launch several successful programs at clubs nationwide, resulting in increases of over 100 new players per year during his tenure. His passion for leadership and entrepreneurship fuels his excitement to join the USTA team, where he aims to make a positive impact on the tennis community.
A dedicated racquet sports professional with over a decade of experience in tennis coaching and management. During her playing time, she achieved a top 30 ranking in juniors in Mexico and has competed in both professional and junior ITF Circuits, showcasing her skill and commitment to the sport. As a tournament director, Andrea has successfully managed UTR and USTA tournaments, enhancing the experience for both players and fans alike. In her role as league coordinator for the Rio Grande Valley area in Texas, she developed social programs that foster community engagement and growth in tennis. With experience in the retail and wholesale of tennis products at Genesis and The Tennis Depot, Andrea combines her on-court expertise with a strong understanding of the tennis business. Passionate about the sport, she actively contributes to the development of future players and the tennis community.
Auguste Cuchet, originally from Montreal, Canada, joins the USTA National Campus following extensive leadership and coaching experience with Midtown Athletic Club, where he served as a Tennis Coach and Supervisor of New Member Experience. Prior to his role at Midtown, Auguste launched CityCoach Incorporated, an innovative online marketplace connecting sports enthusiasts and businesses with private coaches across a variety of sports in Canada. Beyond the tennis world, he also served in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Infantry Soldier, adding a unique dimension to his skillset. A well-educated and experienced coach, Auguste is excited to bring his business acumen and analytical skills to the USTA National Campus, where he aims to make valuable contributions and advance the sport he loves.
Diego Leal Reyes, originally from Bucaramanga, Colombia, began playing tennis at the age of 9. After collegiate playing opportunities at two universities, Diego transitioned into coaching, starting his career at country clubs and summer camps. His professional experience includes serving as a High-Performance Coach at the Magic Lincer Tennis Academy, where he helped players reach new levels of success. Diego also played a significant role at Gilford Hills Tennis and Fitness Health Club, where he contributed to building the club’s tennis programs. He has leadership experience overseeing adult-related programming as the Adult Tennis Coordinator. Diego brings his high-performance background, passion for learning, and commitment to personal growth as he joins the USTA National Campus team. He is eager to make a lasting impact on the tennis community.
Originally from Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, Jill-Victoria is a seasoned racquet sports professional with over eighteen years of playing and more than four years of coaching experience. A former collegiate player in both Germany and the Czech Republic, Jill-Victoria finds tremendous joy in being on the court while assisting with organizational needs, including programming and marketing. Her passion for teaching and growing the sport has taken her across the globe, where she was the 10U Coordinator and Instructor at the Kingsdale Tennis Center in Bella Vista, Arkansas and Walmart HQ in Bentonville, Arkansas. When she is not coaching, Jill-Victoria travels the country as a certified USTA and ITA official, officiating various events. Jill-Victoria is committed to bringing tennis to as many people as possible - one person, one racquet, and one community at a time.
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, is a racquet sports professional with over ten years of experience in tennis and five years in pickleball. Karrabi aims to create a safe space for her players and coaches, helping them discover their inner strength and enhance their self-awareness skills. Her experience in the industry goes beyond coaching; she has also been involved in pro shop operations, racquet stringing, and court maintenance. Under the Florida Tennis Foundation, she served as a Program Director. Prior to joining the USTA family, Karrabi worked as a Teaching Professional with the John Hudson Teaching Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida. She is passionate about continuing to develop her knowledge and confidence, both on and off the court.