Board Spotlight: Michael Pavlides
The USTA Eastern Board of Directors is composed of individuals from all different backgrounds who are singularly committed to making tennis as accessible as possible for anybody who wants to reap the benefits of the world’s healthiest sport. With this recurring feature, we aim to spotlight those who make up our governing body: Why do they love this game so much—and why are they so passionate about getting even more people to love it?
In this installment, we speak to Michael Pavlides, who recently celebrated his 250th win as the head coach of the boys and girls tennis teams at Massapequa High School on Long Island. Pavlides tells us about the many different hats he’s worn throughout his life in the sport, competing in the “Ego League”—and how his first time picking up a racquet had nothing to do with tennis at all.
When did you first pick up a racquet? How did you first engage with the sport?
PAVLIDES: I first picked up a racquet in my teens. But it wasn't to play tennis. We used to use them as bats to play a baseball/stickball type of game. I started taking tennis seriously when I took a beginner class at Nassau Community College as part of my P.E. requirement.
What made you want to keep playing?
PAVLIDES: I love the social aspect of it, as well as playing outdoors on a warm, sunny day. I also love the fast pace of play. I don't know another sport where you can be serious during one point, then laugh on the next one because you made…or missed…a crazy shot. Regardless of that moment, you play the next point right away.
Pavlides (first from right, middle row) poses at the USTA League National Championships with his league team.
What are some of your favorite memories being on a tennis court over the years?
PAVLIDES: When I started taking the game seriously, I was asked to play in a Sunday morning group. We called it the Ego League. What made this group memorable was that we would play from 8-10, and then we’d have bagels and coffee…each week one of us would be assigned to bring the bagels! This allowed us to be competitive for two hours and then social afterwards. We talked about tennis, dissecting each other's game, [but also] about other things. That group eventually expanded to over 40 people at three different locations. Many great friendships that still exist to this day were formed, as well as many USTA teams. [Another] favorite tennis memory is being on a team that won USTA Eastern's League Sectional Championships. Going to the National competition was always big bucket list item of mine, and it was an experience that I will never forget…regardless of the fact that we didn’t win. [Laughs.]
What inspired you to take on a volunteer role with USTA Eastern?
PAVLIDES: I initially got involved with the USTA serving as a high school liaison for the local USTA Long Island Region. Eventually I became that region’s vice president and then I was asked to apply for a position with the USTA Eastern Board of Directors because by that point I had a good working knowledge of the responsibilities involved. This gave me the opportunity to continue and advocate for high school tennis initiatives that I thought were important. Also, being the Massapequa high school boys and girls tennis coach for 30 years, as well as a USTA League team captain, a USTA League player and a social player, I feel that I’ve seen tennis through many different lenses.
Why has it been meaningful to you to serve in this capacity?
PAVLIDES: We have the ability to reach and support so many different tennis constituencies. That ranges from giving grants out to those who are trying to grow the game in their local communities, to recognizing player accomplishments at our Long Island awards ceremony, to sponsoring the Long Island Special Olympics.
Pavlides has coached the Massapequa high school tennis teams for 30 years.
As a coach, high school tennis is particularly important to you. What’s a project you’ve worked on in that space as a board member that makes you particularly proud?
PAVLIDES: I'm most proud of the sportsmanship award plaque we extend to each Long Island coach that they then present to one player on their respective teams. I find that the coaches will usually not recognize their top player, but the one who works hard, is a great teammate and exemplifies good sportsmanship.
Why should others consider applying to serve on the USTA Eastern board or other volunteer leadership positions within the Eastern tennis community?
PAVLIDES: If you love tennis and what it provides…friendships, fun, good health…please consider [applying] and giving back so that we can continue to grow the game and pass on those benefits to the next generation.
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