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Positive Impact

I enjoyed “Our Guiding Lights” in the January 2015 issue (“Our Serve”). It made me think about the numerous people who have had an influence on my life and career. I can only hope that I can have some positive impact on some of the younger pros and students in this great game of ours.

Jerry O’Hara, USPTA
Mount Lebanon, Pa.

Well-Deserved Award

I read with great interest your article about Shima and Joe Grover winning Tennis Industry’s “Tennis Advocate of the Year” award (January). I know it’s well deserved.

I have known Shima and Joe since 1962, when they were sophomores and I was a freshman at Alma College in Michigan. In the small-world department, Joe was my “dad” in the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. In those days, I don’t think we knew a tennis ball from a baseball.

We fell into the sport as adults, myself while being a sports writer and editor for the Miami Herald, and I believe Shima and Joe through their kids taking up the sport in Midland, Mich. A few years ago, when Joe was on the USTA Board of Directors, I spend a wonderful day with him at the US Open.

Jim Martz
Editor, Florida Tennis

Moving On

I appreciate Mark Rearden’s honesty and words of encouragement (Your Serve, “Fifty and Fired,” January). I too received the shock of a midday firing and was extremely hurt by the people in the small town that I had dedicated my time and passion to for five years. I am still jaded and have left the industry that I love. I am an Elite Professional and have been with the USPTA for over 20 years, and I miss teaching and coaching. Mark’s article reminded me of what I truly love to do and my 2015 goal will be to fight my way back into the tennis industry.

Grace Mehrizi
Easton, Md.

Great article and insight. A great reminder for all of us teaching professionals — both young and older

Nigel O’Rourke
Director of Tennis, Toscana Country Club
Indian Wells, Calif.

Racquet Blast from the Past

Dunlop is marketing its new iDapt frame as "the first tennis racquet with interchangeable parts.” Those of us old enough can remember that in 1973 Tretorn, in Sweden, came out with a steel racquet with a replaceable head and grip pallet. This was, arguably, the heaviest and worst-playing racquet ever produced.

Philip Blackwelder
USPTA Professional

From the March 2015 issue
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