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