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Racquet Fuel: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Athlete+
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.
Latest Episodes
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- 1 weeks ago35 min
Building Human Connection Through Pickleball, Hospitality, and Community - with Chicken N Pickle President Kelli Alldredge
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 Resources & Mentions:Chicken N Pickle— Hospitality and entertainment brand combining pickleball, dining, and community-driven experiencesHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports ManagementSimon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuest:Kelli Alldredge — President, Chicken N PickleLearn 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.Learn more here:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: UFDORS@.ufl.edu
- Apr 30, 202633 min
Leadership, Hospitality, and Career Pathways: What Racquet Sports Leaders Can Learn from Chick-fil-A’s People-First Success Model - with Holly Rivera
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 Resources & Mentions:Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program— Competitive operator and corporate training systemHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management Simon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuest:Holly Rivera — Chick-fil-A Owner-OperatorLearn 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.Learn more here:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries:Contact: UFDORS@ .ufl.edu
- Apr 9, 202635 min
Storytelling, Strategy, and the Future of Racquet Sports - with Ben Nichols
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 stillResources & Mentions:Padel 22 — Communications and storytelling consultancy focused entirely on padel Playtomic — Global racquet sports booking and technology platform Premier Padel — International professional padel tourHexagon Cup — Professional team padel competition LTA — Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body for tennis and padel in Great Britain U.S. Padel Association — National governing body supporting padel growth in the United StatesHosts:Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports ManagementSimon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports DevelopmentGuest:Ben Nichols — Founder of Padel 22Learn 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.Learn more here: Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1 Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS - Course 1 completion is required for course 2Discount Code:Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 offInquiries: Contact: UFDORS@hhp.ufl.edu
- Mar 19, 202632 min
Building a Sustainable Tennis Business: Lessons from Australia’s Victorian Tennis Academy - Tina Keown & Jack Glennane
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 Resources & Mentions: Victorian Tennis Academy — Multi-location tennis academy based in Melbourne, Australia Tennis Australia — Learn more about what Australia has to offer for the racquet sports world Hosts: Kim Bastable — UF Director of Racquet Sports Education Simon Gale — USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guests: Tina Keown — Director, Victorian Tennis Academy Jack Glennane — Director, Victorian Tennis Academy 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. 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
- Feb 26, 202635 min
Designing Tennis for the Modern Family: Innovation, Adaptation & Urban Growth — with Anthony Evrard
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 USTA Ventures (Court 16) — Growth-focused investment arm of USTA Hosts: Kim Bastable — UF Director of Racquet Sports Education Simon Gale — USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guest: Anthony Evrard — Court 16 Co-Founder and CEO 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 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 2 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
- Feb 5, 202631 min
Building the Right Fit: Hiring, Leadership & Balance in Modern Racquet Clubs — with Andrew Minnelli
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 Resources & Mentions GSI Executive Search — Executive recruiting and leadership consulting for clubs BigHorn Golf Club— Boutique, high-touch club model in Palm Desert International POP Tennis Association — Expanding access and innovation in racquet sports Hosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports Education Simon Gale - USTA Leader & Facility Executive Guest: 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
- Jan 15, 202634 min
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 change How early identification can shape future leaders long before college What “advocacy” really looks like at the facility, city, and industry level Why racquet sports must be positioned as a profession, not a side job How managing up, sideways, and down strengthens leadership impact The risks and rewards of making big decisions with collective buy-in Why “we, not me” leadership builds trust and long-term momentum Resources & Mentions Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) Hugh O’Brien Leadership Seminar Hosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports Education Simon 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
- Dec 18, 202537 min
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 leadership How Tennis for Hope was born from personal adversity and community response The importance of surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you How ego can limit leadership growth and what it takes to dismantle it Why networking is a long-term leadership skill, not a transactional one How tennis uniquely teaches resilience, failure, and emotional regulation What legacy-driven leadership looks like beyond wins and titles Hosts: Kim Bastable - UF Director of Racquet Sports Education Simon 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
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About Racquet Fuel
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.
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