What does it take to thrive as a young professional in the racquet sports industry, and how can today’s leaders support that journey?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Kyle Pipkin, a recent graduate of Hope College’s Racquet Sports Management program, to explore the early-career experiences shaping the future of tennis leadership. From internships and on-court grind to conferences and career crossroads, Kyle offers a refreshingly honest perspective on what young coaches face as they enter the industry... and what they need to stay in it.

He shares his personal path from a public tennis center in Texas to becoming assistant director of the RSM program at Hope College, and challenges the industry to look beyond hourly tasks and toward long-term development, mentorship, and meaning.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why the right mentor (or the lack of one) can launch or derail a young coach’s entire career trajectory
✅ The real tension between generations in tennis... and what no one’s saying out loud
✅ Why showing up, shaking hands, and being seen matters more to young pros than another bullet-pointed presentation
✅ How to turn “just the new guy” into someone who feels like they belong and have a future
✅ The one thing that keeps Kyle up at night as he steps into leadership: what if they leave because of me?

Whether you’re a seasoned director, a young pro just starting out, or someone looking to strengthen team culture, this episode is a must-listen. Kyle’s insights challenge us to be more curious, more intentional, and more invested in developing the next generation of leaders in racquet sports.

Connect with KYLE PIPKIN on LinkedIn
HOPE College Professional Racquet Sports Management

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

What does it take to land your first Director of Racquet Sports job - and lead with confidence once you do?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Michael Pereira, who shares his honest, inspiring journey from teaching pro to facility leader.

Michael walks us through the hard truths of chasing your first director role - from 23 job rejections to launching his own business managing a city tennis center. Along the way, he shares how earning his Director of Racquet Sports Certificate and Master’s in Sport Management from the University of Florida prepared him not only to get the job, but to succeed in it.

Now nearly a year into leading Querbes Tennis Center in Shreveport, LA, Michael reflects on the challenges of managing people, building systems, and learning that leadership isn’t about getting off the court - it’s about stepping up in new ways.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why getting hired as a first-time director is harder - and more rewarding - than it looks
✅ What it means to lead a team, not just run a program
✅ How Michael used mentorship, networking, and education to break into leadership
✅ Why your resume gets you in the door- but relationships close the deal
✅ The key mindset shifts from coaching players to managing staff
✅ Why directors need systems, not just vision - and how Michael built his from the ground up
✅ What leadership really looks like when you’re working 60–70 hours a week and still excited to show up

Whether you're an aspiring director, a hiring manager, or someone in the middle of the transition from court to office, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now and hear how one coach turned “no” into “now,” and is building something he’s proud of: one system, one hire, and one clay court at a time.

Connect with Michael Pereira on LinkedIn
Connect with Kim Bastable on LinkedIn
Connect with Simon Gale on LinkedIn

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!

What does it take to leave a successful career in club leadership and launch into consulting? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with longtime industry leader Ajay Pant to explore his recent transition into the world of racquet sports consulting.

Ajay shares what prompted the shift, how his consulting practice works, and what clubs should know before bringing in a consultant. From system gaps and professional development needs to the future of industry leadership, Ajay offers an honest and practical look at what it takes to support long-term success in racquet sports.

By the end of this episode, you'll learn:

• Why leaving a high-level leadership role to become a consultant provided perspective on what clubs truly need to grow
• What consultants actually do behind the scenes
• The hidden gaps holding clubs back and how addressing them can unlock major growth
• The most overlooked (and most powerful) tools in leadership today
• How consulting compensation is evolving
• Why leadership is more than a title... it’s a sacred responsibility

Whether you’re a club owner, director, or aspiring leader, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the consulting side of the industry - and how to create stronger, more sustainable businesses.

Connect with Ajay Pant on LinkedIn and for consulting opportunities on his website!

Looking to become a more confident, competent, and clear business leader with a lifelong career in the industry? Become a Certified Director of Racquet Sports. Visit our website to learn more!