All Racquets Welcome: RSPA’s Evolution from USPTA

Florida Tennis Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman sat down with Brian Dillman, CEO of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), for an exclusive interview at the organization’s offices in Orlando. Dillman reflected on one of the most significant milestones in the association’s history — the decision to rebrand the USPTA after 97 years to become the RSPA.

The change, announced last year, marked a broader commitment to represent not only tennis professionals but also those working across the expanding racquet sports landscape. Dillman explained that the mission of the RSPA is to support career professionals in every stage of their development. This includes education, job placement, and professional growth as the industry evolves.

Photo courtesy of RSPA.

Dillman highlighted how the racquet sports environment has shifted in recent years. Pickleball’s rapid growth, the rise of padel, the presence of platform tennis in certain regions, and squash’s inclusion as an Olympic sport have reshaped the industry. Today, more than 70% of facilities in the United States offer more than one racquet sport. “You can’t ignore what is happening with reality and you can’t ignore the consumer,” Dillman noted.

The RSPA continues to emphasize professional standards through its certification and training programs. The association has 17 divisions and a growing roster of coach developers across tennis, pickleball, padel, platform tennis, and squash. According to Dillman, the aim is to ensure consistency and high-quality coaching nationwide.

Photo courtesy of RSPA.

Of course, maintaining standards across so many sports, regions, and formats is no small feat. “We have 17 different divisions… But then we also have coach developers… tennis coach developers, pickle coach developers… We're growing our padel, platform, and squash coach developers.” Dillman added, “They’re in the middle of a call right this minute—a three-hour training session—to make sure we are delivering consistency, highest standards.”

If there’s one state leading the way, it’s Florida. “Florida is our biggest division and it is one of our most professionally run, professionally active, and influential… Pedel started here as well… and the National Pickleball Campus in Naples… Florida is not only the catalyst in the center of the rackets universe, it clearly has a head start.” The pipeline of pros, players, and academies—from Saddlebrook to Sanchez—is nonstop. “I think because of the accessibility of tennis in Florida, and especially here in Orlando, I’ve renewed my love for it.”

Looking ahead, Dillman says RSPA is evolving with its members in mind. “We have a brand new pickleball workshop… just finished a new Padel certification… and then we're really looking at upgrading all of our other certifications to make sure they’re current, they're relevant, and they're best in class.” All with one goal: “It’s a mindset of how can we help them grow their business, grow their income, grow their clients.”

Photo courtesy of RSPA.

RSPA’s “network is your net worth” approach stands out. “We really encourage people the minute they join to get involved with their local division, get involved with the district, engage.” Dillman recalled how top coaches mentored him. “I would pick up the phone, I'd call Jack Rapple, I'd call Jim Lair… they would talk to me for hours.” And the next generation is already showing up. “We’re already at the number this year of new applicants and new members that we were all of last year.”

The RSPA is preparing for its upcoming World Conference in Hawaii and looking ahead to its 100th anniversary celebration in 2027. Dillman described the theme of the next conference as “rebranding you,” focused on helping professionals shape their personal and professional identity in an evolving industry.

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Written by Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Top photo courtesy of RSPA.