What if the key to attracting and retaining the next generation of racquet sports professionals is simply listening to them?

In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale turn the microphone over to the next generation of racquet sports professionals. Joining them are Christian Cannon, University of Florida Director of Racquet Sports master's student, and Ethan Patrick, a Racquet Sports Management student at Hope College. Instead of talking about Gen Z, this conversation gives Gen Z the opportunity to speak for themselves. Together, they challenge common stereotypes, discuss what motivates young professionals, and share how today's directors can better attract, develop, and retain the next generation of racquet sports leaders. From technology and social media to leadership, mentorship, and career development, this episode provides valuable insight for club owners, directors, and managers preparing for the future of the industry. If you're wondering how to engage young staff members, empower future leaders, and build stronger teams, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

What You'll Learn:

• Why Gen Z values purpose, trust, and growth opportunities just as much as compensation
• How giving young professionals a seat at the table builds confidence, ownership, and leadership skills
• Why understanding the "why" behind decisions increases engagement and motivation
• How fresh perspectives and inexperience can become a competitive advantage for organizations
• Why social media, short-form video, and digital storytelling are becoming essential marketing tools for clubs
• How directors can better challenge Gen Z employees without creating unnecessary friction
• Why diversified job responsibilities beyond coaching help improve retention and professional development
• What today's young professionals are really looking for in racquet sports careers—and why many stereotypes about Gen Z don't tell the whole story

Resources & Mentions:

Racquet Fuel: Leading Gen Z: Shaping the future of work with Tim Elmore— Leadership insights from Dr. Tim Elmore on leading and developing Generation Z

Hosts:

Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management
Simon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development

Guests:
Christian Cannon - University of Florida Director of Racquet Sports master's student
Ethan Patrick - Racquet Sports Management student at Hope College

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:
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 Code:
Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off

Inquiries:
Contact: UFDORS@.ufl.edu

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 experiences

Hosts:

Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management
Simon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development

Guest:

Kelli Alldredge — President, Chicken N Pickle

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:

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 Code:

Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off

Inquiries:
Contact: UFDORS@.ufl.edu

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 system

Hosts:

Kim Bastable — Professor of Practice and UF Director of Racquet Sports Management
Simon Gale — USTA Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development

Guest:

Holly Rivera — Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator

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:

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 Code:

Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off

Inquiries:
Contact: UFDORS@.ufl.edu