Connections and Conversations Northern Road Trip

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USTA Northern's goal has always been to build and foster relationships with the people who make an impact on the game in their local communities. After all, they know tennis in their area best! In a section spanning all our part of four states, staying connected has always presented a challenge. Usually, technology helps bridge the gaps but sometimes the old ways work best.

At the end of January, four members of USTA Northern's staff (Chief Program Officer Pat Colbert, Manager of Junior Tournaments and National Teams Katie Bergmann, Tennis Service Representative Mya Smith-Dennis and Manager of Junior Team Tennis Zeny McCoy) took a weeklong road trip through North and South Dakota to introduce new staff members, put names to faces and continue building the relationships with facilities, Community Tennis Associations and school districts that help grow the game. Meetings took place at facilities, coffee shops, hotels and more. The Northern section may cover a huge area of land, but making sure everybody is included is a central pillar in its collective success.

Despite brutally cold weather during their swing through the Dakotas, Northern staff took away plenty of positives from the trip.

"We heard a lot of best practices that we can bring to other communities. Sharing what works best is a huge part of building long-term success and that's what we're after to it's really good to hear," Mya Smith-Dennis said. "And we know that something that works for one community might not work for another one so it's great having more ideas and more things to try."

The personal touch of meeting people face-to-face has Katie Bergmann ready for another trip soon.

"It was honestly amazing to meet people in person and spend time talking to members of our section like this. I'm in contact with everyone over email and over the phone but having an opportunity to sit down and chat is unique and we all really appreciate them taking the time to share their thoughts and hear from us."

The Route

January 26

2:00 p.m. - Choice Health and Fitness, Grand Forks

January 27

10:00 a.m. - Courts Plus Community Fitness, Fargo

January 28

1:00 p.m. - Capital Racquet and Fitness Center, Bismarck

4:00 p.m. - Mandan Community Tennis Association, Bismarck

January 29

12:00 p.m. - West River Community Center, Dickinson

January 30

9:00 a.m. - Tennis Center of the Black Hills, Rapid City

10:30 a.m. - Arrowhead Country Club, Rapid City

12:00 p.m. - Rapid City Park and Recreation, Rapid City

2:30 p.m. - Rapid City Area Schools, Rapid City

5:30 p.m. - Rapid City Park and Recreation, Rapid City

January 31

2:30 p.m. - Sioux Falls Sports Authority, Sioux Falls

February 1

9:00 a.m. - Huether Family Match Pointe, Sioux Falls Country Club, GreatLIFE Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Tennis Association