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

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

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