Cos, Kevin and Judy
USPTA Middle States Conference
Judy Vogt, Colleen Cosgrove and Kevin Heimann attended the 2016 USPTA Middle States Conference on November 4th and 5th. The workshop featured speakers from across the country and on court and off court topics were presented. Speakers included Allistair McCaw, Michele Krause, Feisal Hassan, Mark O’Neill and Middle States staffers Marlynn Orlando and Michael Kennedy. Randy Jenks presented a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR), which has been adopted by the ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) and top juniors across the country.
There are two teaching certification organizations in the US — the USPTA (Professional Tennis Association) and the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR). Founded in 1927, the United States Professional Tennis Association is dedicated to tennis-teacher certification and professional development. With more than 15,000 members worldwide, the association raises the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches, and promotes a greater awareness of the sport. PTR was founded in 1976, by world renowned coach Dennis Van der Meer. Dennis saw the need to develop a universal language and progressions for tennis teaching. PTR’s mission is to educate, certify and service tennis teachers around the world in order to grow the game.
Judy and Cos have been long time members of both organizations. Teaching professionals at PRC are either certified by one or both organizations. In addition to the initial testing and certification, teaching professionals are required to earn continuing education credits. Recently, courses have been introduced which specialize in topics such as mental toughness, the 10 and under program, junior development, high performance and adult training.
Both the USPTA and PTR are making an effort to attract and certify teaching professionals who are female. We are fortunate at Princeton Racquet Club to have a strong representation of not only women, but a very diverse teaching staff dedicated to being the best to help you be your best.