Racquet Fuel provides insights into the best practices and innovations of racquets industry business leaders.
Co-hosts Kim Bastable, Director of Professional Tennis Management at the University of Florida, and Simon Gale, Senior Director Racquet Sports Development at the USTA National Campus, help racquets leaders in your ability to grow the game and to improve the experiences you offer to both your staff and players by talking to industry leaders, including USTA executives, authors and innovators. If you are on a career path in racquet sports or already a racquets business leader and you want to stay up to date on ideas and innovations in racquets industry business and leadership, this podcast is for you.
Presented by the Athlete+ Podcast Network at the University of Florida Institute for Coaching Excellence.
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 22/09/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
From Coach to Director: Preparing for Leadership in Racquet Sports
Season 6 · Episode 11
Monday, September 21, 2026 • Duration 32:46
What does it take to move from being a successful coach to becoming an effective racquet sports director?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with Diego Leal Reyes, a member of the inaugural USTA Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship class. Diego shares how his journey took him from collegiate tennis and an intended career in finance to coaching, club operations, and preparation for a leadership role in the racquet sports industry. His experience offers aspiring leaders an honest look at the many responsibilities that come with becoming a director. From managing staff and communicating with members to maintaining facilities, working with stakeholders, and making difficult decisions, Diego explains why leadership requires much more than strong on-court skills.
This episode is essential listening for coaches and racquet sports professionals who want to advance their careers. Through Diego’s experiences with mentorship, failure, emotional intelligence, networking, and personal well-being, the conversation demonstrates that leaders may never feel completely ready for their next position—but they can prepare themselves to make good decisions, seek support, and continue learning.
What You’ll Learn:
Why being a successful coach does not automatically prepare someone to become a successful director
How Diego transitioned from studying finance to pursuing a career in racquet sports
Why performing less glamorous club responsibilities can provide valuable leadership experience
How the USTA Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship combines education, practical experience, and industry exposure
Why directors must be prepared to manage people, facilities, members, and organizational stakeholders
How mentors can adapt their leadership approach to different personalities and individual needs
Why aspiring leaders may never feel completely ready for their next position
How Diego learned from a difficult employee conversation that did not go as planned
Why emotional intelligence, professional networks, and personal well-being are essential for long-term leadership success
Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.
Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off
Inquiries: Contact: UFDORS@.ufl.edu
From Click to Court: Making Tennis Easier to Join from a Parent's Perspective
Season 6 · Episode 10
Thursday, August 27, 2026 • Duration 36:36
What if the biggest barrier to growing tennis isn’t getting families interested, but making it easy enough for them to actually sign up?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale examine the tennis registration process through the eyes of a busy parent who wanted to introduce her children to the sport. Despite her interest, confusing program descriptions, unclear skill levels, membership requirements, and a difficult registration process ultimately caused her to walk away.
Her experience offers racquet sports leaders a rare look at the customers they often never hear from: those who are interested in playing but leave before ever stepping onto the court. From simplifying industry jargon and improving facility websites to offering free assessments and shorter beginner commitments, the conversation reveals how seemingly small points of friction can become significant barriers to participation.
This episode is essential listening for any director, coach, or facility leader responsible for attracting and retaining new players. As Simon points out, a club’s biggest competition may not be another tennis facility, but rather, it may be the sports and activities that are simply easier for families to understand, access, and join.
What You’ll Learn:
Why confusing websites and registration systems can cause potential players to give up before ever reaching the court
How industry language like red, orange, green, and yellow ball can overwhelm parents who are new to tennis
Why age-based pathways don’t always provide clear answers for older beginners entering the sport
How a free 30-minute assessment can give families the confidence and clarity they need to get started
Why parents increasingly expect registration to be simple, immediate, and available online
How clearly communicating what to wear, bring, and expect can reduce anxiety for first-time families
Why shorter introductory sessions may make tennis feel more approachable than a long-term commitment
How AI and online search are changing the way parents discover and evaluate local racquet sports programs
Taking a Look Back: Is Tennis Endangered by the Rise of Pickleball and Padel? - Featuring Mike Barrell
Season 6 · Episode 9
Thursday, July 23, 2026 • Duration 35:42
Taking a look back at one of our favorite conversations from the Racquet Fuel Podcast, we’re republishing this episode featuring Kim Bastable and Simon Gale’s engaging discussion with Mike Barrell on the evolving landscape of racquet sports.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the tennis industry, Mike explores the impact of pickleball and padel on traditional tennis, the economic considerations reshaping racquet facilities, and the importance of social engagement in building lasting communities. This conversation remains highly relevant as tennis continues to innovate, adapt, and learn from the success of complementary racquet sports while staying true to its core identity. They discuss the economic considerations that are reshaping tennis facilities, the importance of fostering social engagement in sports, and how coaches play a crucial role in building a thriving tennis community. Throughout the discussion, the focus remains on the need for tennis to innovate and adapt while staying true to its core identity.
What You'll Learn:
How the rise of pickleball and padel presents both opportunities and challenges for tennis
Economic viability and how clubs can balance costs with offering complementary racquet sports
Why social engagement is key to retaining tennis players and how programming can support this
The crucial role of coaches in connecting players and fostering community in tennis
The 'leaky bucket' problem in tennis retention and how to address it
Pickleball's success in accessibility and social play - what tennis can learn
The need for tennis to innovate and compete with pickleball's marketing success
Hosts:
Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management Simon Gale— USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development
What Can Racquet Sports Leaders Learn from Gen Z? Bridging the Gap Between Today's Directors and Tomorrow's Leaders
Season 6 · Episode 8
Thursday, June 25, 2026 • Duration 34:57
What if the key to attracting and retaining the next generation of racquet sports professionals is simply listening to them?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale turn the microphone over to the next generation of racquet sports professionals. Joining them are Christian Cannon, University of Florida Director of Racquet Sports master's student, and Ethan Patrick, a Racquet Sports Management student at Hope College. Instead of talking about Gen Z, this conversation gives Gen Z the opportunity to speak for themselves. Together, they challenge common stereotypes, discuss what motivates young professionals, and share how today's directors can better attract, develop, and retain the next generation of racquet sports leaders. From technology and social media to leadership, mentorship, and career development, this episode provides valuable insight for club owners, directors, and managers preparing for the future of the industry. If you're wondering how to engage young staff members, empower future leaders, and build stronger teams, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.
What You'll Learn:
Why Gen Z values purpose, trust, and growth opportunities just as much as compensation
How giving young professionals a seat at the table builds confidence, ownership, and leadership skills
Why understanding the "why" behind decisions increases engagement and motivation
How fresh perspectives and inexperience can become a competitive advantage for organizations
Why social media, short-form video, and digital storytelling are becoming essential marketing tools for clubs
How directors can better challenge Gen Z employees without creating unnecessary friction
Why diversified job responsibilities beyond coaching help improve retention and professional development
What today's young professionals are really looking for in racquet sports careers—and why many stereotypes about Gen Z don't tell the whole story
Building Human Connection Through Pickleball, Hospitality, and Community - with Chicken N Pickle President Kelli Alldredge
Season 6 · Episode 7
Thursday, May 28, 2026 • Duration 35:48
What happens when you combine pickleball, hospitality, entertainment, and community into one experience-driven business model?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Kelli Alldredge, President of Chicken N Pickle, to explore how one of the most recognizable names in pickleball entertainment grew from a bold idea in Kansas City into a nationally recognized hospitality brand with 13 locations across the country. Long before pickleball exploded during the pandemic, Chicken N Pickle saw the sport’s unique power to bring people together. Kelli shares the story behind the company’s early vision, how she went from customer to president, and why the organization’s real success comes not from pickleball itself, but from creating meaningful human connection through food, celebration, and shared experiences. This conversation matters for anyone leading a racquet sports business, operating a facility, or trying to build community around sport. Whether you manage a tennis club, pickleball venue, or multi-sport facility, you’ll gain valuable insight into hospitality-driven business models, experiential programming, and how to create spaces people genuinely crave returning to.
What You’ll Learn:
Why Chicken N Pickle views itself as a hospitality and human connection business—not just a pickleball company
How “owning celebrations” became a core part of the organization’s business strategy
Why food, entertainment, and dwell time are critical to long-term facility success
How Kelli Alldredge evolved from customer to president by leading with passion and adaptability
Why inclusive programming and community impact are essential to the future of pickleball
The importance of creating experiences that make guests want to stay for hours—not just play and leave
How Chicken N Pickle balances growth, hospitality, and operational complexity across multiple locations
Why racquet sports leaders should think beyond court revenue when building sustainable businesses
Leadership, Hospitality, and Career Pathways: What Racquet Sports Leaders Can Learn from Chick-fil-A’s People-First Success Model - with Holly Rivera
Season 6 · Episode 6
Thursday, April 30, 2026 • Duration 33:20
What can racquet sports leaders learn from one of the world’s most admired service organizations?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Holly Rivera, Chick-fil-A owner-operator in Orlando, to explore how one of the most recognizable brands in customer service develops leaders, builds intentional career pathways, and creates a culture where hospitality becomes a competitive advantage. From hiring for humility and soft skills to designing structured growth plans that start on day one, Holly shares how Chick-fil-A transforms part-time employees into future leaders through clear systems, personal investment, and purpose-driven leadership. Her insights offer a unique perspective for racquet sports directors, facility managers, and business owners seeking to improve staff retention, customer experience, and leadership development within their own organizations. This conversation matters for anyone building teams, managing people, or trying to create exceptional customer experiences. Whether you lead a club, operate a facility, or manage a growing business, you’ll gain practical strategies for developing talent, retaining staff, and building a service-first culture.
What You’ll Learn:
Why hiring for character, humility, and soft skills often matters more than experience
How structured career pathways improve retention and long-term employee growth
Why leadership development should begin at orientation, not promotion
How lateral growth opportunities can keep team members engaged without burnout
The importance of promoting employees only after they’re already demonstrating leadership readiness
How consistent retraining and coaching maintain elite service standards
Why purpose-driven leadership helps teams make better decisions than fear-based management
Storytelling, Strategy, and the Future of Racquet Sports - with Ben Nichols
Season 6 · Episode 5
Thursday, April 9, 2026 • Duration 35:47
What if the future of racquet sports leadership depends not just on understanding the game, but on knowing how to tell its story, build belief, and lead through change?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Ben Nichols, founder of Padel 22, to explore how communication, strategy, and storytelling are shaping the next chapter of racquet sports. With a background spanning Wimbledon, the Australian Open, Formula One, and global sport communications, Ben brings a wide-angle view to one of the industry’s fastest-growing conversations: how leaders should think about padel, pickleball, tennis, and the evolving racquets landscape.
This conversation matters for directors, coaches, club leaders, and anyone trying to navigate growth in a changing industry. Whether you are deciding whether to add a new sport, trying to influence boards or investors, or learning how to lead a team beyond on-court expertise, this episode offers practical insight on what modern racquet sports leadership requires.
What You’ll Learn:
Why storytelling is no longer just a marketing skill, but a leadership skill
How padel -- whether you pronounce it "pa-DEL" or "PAD-dle" -- is growing internationally and what that means for the U.S. market
What directors should consider when balancing tennis, pickleball, and padel
Why great coaches do not automatically become great business leaders
How clubs can think more strategically about programming, pricing, and participation
Why qualitative stories and quantitative data both matter when influencing decision-makers
How racquet sports can create community, belonging, and long-term engagement
Why the leaders who succeed next will be the ones looking ahead, not standing still
Resources & Mentions:
Padel 22 — Communications and storytelling consultancy focused entirely on padel — Global racquet sports booking and technology platform — International professional padel tour — Professional team padel competition — Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for tennis and padel in Great Britain — National governing body supporting padel growth in the United States
Building a Sustainable Tennis Business: Lessons from Australia’s Victorian Tennis Academy - Tina Keown & Jack Glennane
Season 6 · Episode 4
Thursday, March 19, 2026 • Duration 32:58
What does it take to build a successful tennis academy that not only develops players, but also develops people?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale speak with Tina Keown and Jack Glennane, directors of the Victorian Tennis Academy. Operating four venues and 24 courts just minutes from the Australian Open grounds, VTA has become one of Australia’s leading tennis organizations, earning multiple Tennis Australia awards along the way. Tina and Jack share how they’ve built a thriving multi-venue tennis business by focusing on people first. From implementing a seven-tier career pathway for coaches to shifting toward more sustainable employment models, they discuss how leadership, culture, and long-term thinking can help clubs retain great staff and deliver exceptional experiences for players. They also reflect on their own journeys from casual coaches to directors and the lessons learned while balancing leadership, operations, and growth.
This conversation matters for anyone managing a tennis program, leading a racquet sports department, or trying to create a sustainable coaching workforce. Whether you run a single facility or oversee multiple locations, you’ll gain practical insight into building strong teams, empowering staff, and evolving from working in the business to leading it strategically.
What You’ll Learn:
Why hiring for values first helps build stronger coaching teams
How creating a clear career pathway can turn coaching jobs into long-term professions
Why the tennis industry often loses coaches to other industries—not competing clubs
How owner-operators can balance day-to-day operations with long-term leadership
The importance of empowering staff with ownership and leadership opportunities
Why investing in professional development and education helps retain great coaches
How diverse programming—from court hire to adult leagues—creates a more sustainable business model
Designing Tennis for the Modern Family: Innovation, Adaptation & Urban Growth — with Anthony Evrard
Season 6 · Episode 3
Thursday, February 26, 2026 • Duration 35:00
What if the future of racquet sports growth depends less on tradition and more on designing experiences for beginners, families, and urban communities?
In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Anthony Evrard, Co-founder and CEO of Court 16, to explore how innovation, listening, and purposeful design are reshaping the way families enter tennis. What began in a Brooklyn industrial building with red ball courts has evolved into a multi-location, multi-generational racquet concept backed by strategic partners including Babolat and USTA Ventures.
This conversation matters for anyone building programs, launching facilities, or trying to grow the game in non-traditional markets. Whether you lead a private club, public facility, or are dreaming up your own concept, you’ll come away with practical insight on carving out a niche and staying adaptable.
What You’ll Learn
Why competing for families’ time, not other clubs, changes your programming strategy
How “learn here, play anywhere” creates clarity in junior pathway development
Why niche specialization often beats trying to serve every segment
The power of listening and responding quickly to your community
How engaging the entire family strengthens retention and growth
Why letting players move on can actually build long-term loyalty
What it means to run your business like a “living Google document”
Resources & Mentions
Court 16 — Urban, family-focused tennis clubs founded in Brooklyn
Building the Right Fit: Hiring, Leadership & Balance in Modern Racquet Clubs — with Andrew Minnelli
Season 6 · Episode 2
Thursday, February 5, 2026 • Duration 31:37
What if the most successful racquet sports leaders aren’t the most credentialed—but the most adaptable, self-aware, and committed to culture fit?
In this episode, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Andrew Minnelli, Director of Racquets at Bighorn Golf Club and Consultant with GSI Executive Search, to explore what modern leadership, hiring, and career growth really look like in today’s racquet sports industry. Drawing from his unique dual role, Andrew shares insights from both sides of the interview table: leading a high-level club operation while helping facilities nationwide identify and place top talent. Whether you’re an aspiring director, a seasoned pro, or a club decision-maker, this conversation offers clarity on fit, balance, and building long-term success.
What You’ll Learn:
Why culture fit and passion often matter more than a long list of certifications
How COVID reshaped racquet sports leadership and accelerated multi-sport oversight
Common interview mistakes candidates make—and how to avoid leading with the wrong agenda
Why a strong 90-day plan should focus on listening, not instant solutions
How search firms help uncover a club’s true needs—and prepare candidates for success
What “balance is earned” really means for leaders managing teams, families, and careers
A mindset shift: how being the best part of someone else’s day strengthens leadership impact
Discover shows related to Racquet Fuel, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
Why racquet sports leaders need to think about the customers who disappear without ever telling them why
Resources & Mentions:
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller — Covers the importance of removing industry jargon and communicating in language customers can immediately understand.
Red, Orange, Green, Yellow (ROGY) Pathway— Tennis development pathway discussed throughout the episode and the challenges it can create for parents unfamiliar with the sport.
Hosts:
Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management Simon Gale— USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development
Learn More & Get Certified:
Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.
Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off
Inquiries: Contact: UFDORS@.ufl.edu
Guests: Mike Barrell - Executive Director of Tennis, Sportime Clubs NY
Learn More & Get Certified: Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.
Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management Simon Gale— USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development
Guests: Christian Cannon - University of Florida Director of Racquet Sports master's student Ethan Patrick - Racquet Sports Management student at Hope College
Learn More & Get Certified: Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.
Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.
Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.
Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.
Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.
Learn more here:
Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry — UF PBM Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1 Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS - Course 1 completion is required for Course 2.
Discount Codes:
Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry: Use code “RF25” for $25 off
Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off
Inquiries:
Contact: UFDORS@hhp.ufl.edu
Hosts:
Kim Bastable — UF Director of Racquet Sports Education
Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.
Learn more here:
Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry — UF PBM
Andrew Minnelli — Director of Racquets at BigHorn Golf Club & Consultant with GSI Executive Search
Learn More & Get Certified
Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game. 👉 Learn More & Enroll Here
