Racquet Fuel

Athlete+
  • 4.8 (20)
  • TENNIS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 1D AGO

    Building the Next 100 Years of Racquet Sports Leadership - with Brian Dillman

    What if the future of racquet sports leadership depends less on titles and more on advocacy, early identification, and building a profession people are proud to choose? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Brian Dillman, CEO of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), to unpack one of the most significant leadership transformations in the industry. Brian shares the thinking behind the transition from United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) to RSPA, and what it takes to rebrand not just a name, but a culture. This conversation matters for anyone invested in building sustainable careers, recruiting the next generation, and elevating racquet sports as a legitimate, long-term profession.  What You’ll Learn  Why rebranding is a cultural shift, not a cosmetic changeHow early identification can shape future leaders long before collegeWhat “advocacy” really looks like at the facility, city, and industry levelWhy racquet sports must be positioned as a profession, not a side jobHow managing up, sideways, and down strengthens leadership impactThe risks and rewards of making big decisions with collective buy-inWhy “we, not me” leadership builds trust and long-term momentumResources & Mentions  Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA)Hugh O’Brien Leadership SeminarHosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guest: Brian Dillman - CEO RSPA 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

    35 min
  2. From Grand Slams to Giving Back: Gigi Fernandez on Leadership, Legacy, and Building Tennis for Hope

    12/18/2025

    From Grand Slams to Giving Back: Gigi Fernandez on Leadership, Legacy, and Building Tennis for Hope

    What happens when a Hall of Fame career ends and the real leadership work begins? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Gigi Fernandez, Hall of Fame tennis player, Olympic gold medalist, and founder of Tennis for Hope, to explore what leadership looks like after elite performance. Gigi shares her honest transition from individual excellence to collaborative leadership, including lessons learned running major programs like Chelsea Piers and launching a mission-driven foundation after personal loss. This conversation matters for anyone navigating the shift from being great at something to leading others with humility, purpose, and impact. What You’ll Learn Why elite performance does not automatically translate to effective leadershipHow Tennis for Hope was born from personal adversity and community responseThe importance of surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than youHow ego can limit leadership growth and what it takes to dismantle itWhy networking is a long-term leadership skill, not a transactional oneHow tennis uniquely teaches resilience, failure, and emotional regulationWhat legacy-driven leadership looks like beyond wins and titlesHosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guest: Gigi Fernandez – Founder & President, Tennis for Hope; Tennis Hall of Famer & Olympic Gold Medalist 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

    37 min
  3. Leading Gen Z: Shaping the Future of Work with Tim Elmore

    12/04/2025

    Leading Gen Z: Shaping the Future of Work with Tim Elmore

    What’s Really Going On with Gen Z in the Workplace? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with leadership expert and author Tim Elmore to unpack the realities of Generation Z and how they’re reshaping the workforce. Tim breaks down insights from his new book, The Future Begins with Z, explaining what makes Gen Z tick — their mix of high agency, high anxiety, and a craving for authenticity. The conversation hits work-life balance, purpose-driven motivation, four-day workweeks, and how connection is vital. What You’ll Learn: Generation Z is rapidly becoming the core of the workforce.They bring strong agency but also elevated anxiety to the job.The Peter Pan paradox captures their tension between maturity and authority.Leaders must start with belief and understanding instead of frustration.Onboarding is a make-or-break moment for Gen Z belonging.Meaningful work and work-life balance drive their decisions.Gen Z is motivated by a blend of money and mission.Entrepreneurial, flexible environments keep them engaged.Connection > control when it comes to leading younger employees.Gen Z’s preferences will heavily shape the future of work.Hosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guest: Tim Elmore – Author of The Future Begins with Z, Leadership Expert, Founder of Growing Leaders 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

    47 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    Pickleball & Padel Growth with Industry Pioneer David Johnson

    What’s Driving the Explosion of Pickleball and Padel? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale talk with industry pioneer David Johnson about the massive growth of pickleball and the rising momentum of padel in the United States. David shares his early journey co-founding Pickleball Central in 2006, what he’s learned watching the sport scale, and why participation curves are now shifting as the market matures. The conversation breaks down the real data behind growth trends, why multi-sport facilities are becoming the new norm, and what operators need to know before adding padel. They dig into staffing needs, leadership skills, membership models, and how hospitality ultimately determines whether a facility thrives. Hosts:Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guest:David Johnson – Co-Founder of Pickleball Central, Pickleball Consultant 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 racquet 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

    37 min
  5. Business Standards with Consultants Ajay Pant and Doug Cash

    11/06/2025

    Business Standards with Consultants Ajay Pant and Doug Cash

    What standards are necessary to build a successful club? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale talk with Consultants Doug Cash and Ajay Pant about the importance of standards in business, particularly in the context of tennis clubs. They explore how standards define a brand, the necessity of enforcing them, and the challenges of managing high performers who may resist compliance. The conversation also delves into the consequences of lacking standards, the process of building a new culture, and the role of leadership in maintaining quality control. Both Doug and Ajay emphasize the need for transparency, team involvement, and the evolution of standards over time to ensure a consistent and high-quality customer experience. What You’ll Learn: Standards are essential for setting expectations before hiring.The bigger and more corporate the club, the more likely they have written standards.Enforcement of standards is often lacking due to confrontation skills.Standards should evolve as the business improves.Involve the team in developing and agreeing on standards.High performers can be the hardest to manage when they resist standards.Quality control is crucial for maintaining product consistency.Transparency with standards helps in building trust with employees.The culture of a business is reflected in what happens when no one is watching.Hiring for cultural fit is vital for maintaining standards.Hosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports EducationSimon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guest: Ajay Pant - CEO & Owner of Karundy Consulting Doug Cash - CEO & Owner of CashFlowTennis 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

    36 min
  6. Coaching the Coaches: How USTA Is Powering Tennis Growth Nationwide

    10/23/2025

    Coaching the Coaches: How USTA Is Powering Tennis Growth Nationwide

    What does it take to launch a nationwide coaching initiative from the ground up, and make it thrive? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale talk with Megan Rose, Managing Director of USTA Coaching, about how she’s leading one of the most ambitious projects in U.S. tennis history. From crafting the strategy to grow coaching pathways to navigating the gray areas of leadership, Megan shares lessons on adaptability, inclusion, and redefining success when there’s no playbook to follow. What You’ll Learn: How USTA Coaching fits into the “35 by 35” vision to reach 35 million players by 2035The three levers driving tennis growth—and why coaching is the most powerful oneWhat it really takes to build a national initiative from scratchHow to lead with bravery and make tough decisions without losing empathyThe biggest leadership lesson Megan learned from taking things too personallyWhy engagement—not numbers—is the real measure of successHow to attract and retain more diverse and balanced coaching teams across the U.S.Hosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports educationSimon Gale - USTA leader & facility executive Guest: Megan Rose - Managing Director and Head of Business Development and Operations (USTA Coaching) 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

    33 min
  7. The Mindset of Leadership: How Reflection, Mentorship, and Emotional Intelligence Drive Growth with Dr. Larry Lauer

    10/09/2025

    The Mindset of Leadership: How Reflection, Mentorship, and Emotional Intelligence Drive Growth with Dr. Larry Lauer

    What separates a good coach from a transformative leader? Mental performance expert Dr. Larry Lauer says it’s not talent or IQ—it’s reflection, self-awareness, and putting others first. In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Dr. Larry Lauer, Director of Mental Performance at the USTA National Campus and co-host of the Compete Like a Champion podcast. Known for shaping the mental toughness and mindset of America’s top junior and pro athletes, Larry brings a fresh, research-backed lens to leadership in racquet sports. Together, they unpack the psychology of motivation, the power of mentorship, and how emotional intelligence impacts every level of coaching and management. What You’ll Learn: Why true leadership starts with asking, “Am I doing this for me—or for others?”How to develop daily reflection habits that keep you grounded and self-awareThe difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation—and why it matters for long-term successHow emotional intelligence shapes your ability to lead and connect with your teamThe most important skills directors can build to lead people, not just programsWhy mentorship accelerates leadership growth—and how to find and nurture great mentorsThe mindset shift every aspiring leader needs before stepping into a new roleResources & Mentions: Compete Like a Champion podcastDr. Dan GouldDr. Paul LubbersUSTA National CampusJohn Wooden Hosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports educationSimon Gale - USTA leader & facility executive Guest: Larry Lauer - Director of Mental Performance at United States Tennis Association Player 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—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

    34 min

  8. 09/25/2025

    Building Your Coach Pipeline: How to Launch a Coach-in-Training Program

    If you “can’t find good pros,” this episode shows why that’s on us—and exactly how to build a repeatable Coach-in-Training (CIT) pipeline that grows talent and your business.  Hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale make the case for actively inspiring the next generation of coaches—and walk through Simon’s proven CIT framework you can adapt at any club. Kim shares survey data showing only 17% of juniors had considered a racquets career and 60% hadn’t even heard of PTM programs, reinforcing why leaders must make the pathway visible and practical. Simon then breaks down how he formalized CIT—eligibility, responsibilities, and real benefits—so it became a staffed pipeline, not a summer favor.  What You’ll Learn Why “can’t find pros” is a leadership problem—and the mindset shift that fixes it.The one visibility move that instantly grows your coach pipeline.How Simon structures CIT levels so they scale without creating chaos.A simple compensation path that keeps teens engaged from season to season.The culture ritual that turns helpers into role models (and parents into fans).What to put on your website so talent finds you—not the other way around.The single calendar habit Kim uses to make coach development non-negotiable.--> Download the COACH IN TRAINING Resource Hosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports educationSimon Gale - USTA leader & facility executive 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

    27 min
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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Athlete+
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 UF Institute for Coaching Excellence
  • Show Website
    Racquet Fuel

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