Tennis Weekend Speakers & Sessions

Session Description

In order to grow tennis participation, we need to introduce youth to the sport and meet them where they are - in schools. This interactive session will take place "on-court" at the hotel to demonstrate how we can transform a gym, a parking lot or hotel ballroom into a space to play tennis. Participants will discuss how to build and strengthen partnerships with schools and take part in activities and games from USTA’s schools curriculum.

About the presenter

Tony Stingley: Tony has been with the USTA since 2017, and his current role is Senior Manager, Community Outreach. Tony’s responsibilities include creating the resources and training to assist physical educators to expose their students to tennis. Tony is also responsible for creating resources and training to assist communities in introducing tennis to all ages, kids and adults.

Prior to joining the USTA National team, Tony worked for the USTA Northern Section as the Section School Coordinator, and Section Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for 20 years. Tony is certified with the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) as a professional in Adult Development, 10 and Under, 11-17, and Performance categories. Tony is also wheelchair tennis certified through the PTR. Tony also has an Elite Professional certification through the United States Professional Tennis Association. Tony is a member of the USTA’s On-Court Faculty and is a Level One Tennis Trainer for the Special Olympics.

Additional affiliations include Advisory Board Member to Inner City Tennis, Minneapolis MN and St. Paul Urban Tennis, St. Paul MN. Tony is also a life member of the Martin Luther King Tennis Buffs Minneapolis/St. Paul MN.

Session Description

Disability Inclusion is EVERYONE’s responsibility. Give yourself the tools needed to welcome, engage and support players, staff members, volunteers and peers with intellectual or developmental disabilities or neurodiversity to be successful in your existing programs and work settings. With simple strategies and creative approaches, these players (or peers) can flourish allowing their talents and abilities not their differences to shine. This session includes a basic introduction to inclusion philosophies, proper terminology and disability etiquette, and concludes with best practices on communication, working with families and creating a culture of inclusion.

About the presenter

Lisa Drennan, MERGE Consulting: Lisa has a long career dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities to be active and engaged within their community. She teaches our community how to become more inclusive in their practices. Starting as a direct support worker at New England Village, a residential community for persons with developmental disabilities, she climbed the ranks and expanded her experience to be named the Director of the Sollar Wellness Center, a first-of-it-kind building offering aquatics, fitness, sports, arts and education specifically designed to meet the needs of persons with diverse abilities. As the Director of Inclusion for her local YMCA, she created an array of recreation, wellness and sport opportunities using varying inclusion models. At her company, MERGE, she provides comprehensive consultation, and staff training to community recreation, camp, & sport program providers to help them meet their inclusion goals.

Session Description

Season calendars are short for high school tennis - players need to learn the five major shots in a very limited time. In addition, coaches are often navigating large rosters with a wide range of playing ability. This session will showcase tools to help set up practices and the season for middle school, JV and high school varsity players including hand/eye coordination, stroke development and consistency, adapting to different skill levels all while making it fun to learn.

About the presenter

R. Gary Pina: Gary is a lifelong teaching professional certified by the PTR. He has coached college, high school, community tennis, he's a high school ambassador, pickleball ambassador. He is also a USTA New England Past President. Gary serves and has served on numerous USTA National Committees, including: Multi-Cultural-Diversity, Junior Team Tennis, Schools, High School, Nominating and Presidents Committee.