Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship

Who We Are

 

We are Tennis! The USTA (United States Tennis Association) is the national governing body for the sport of tennis and the leader in promoting and developing the sport’s growth on every level in the United States, from local communities to the crown jewel of the professional game, the US Open.

 

Why Work for the USTA?

 

We are a passionate team of staff and volunteers focused on growing the sport of tennis and making it accessible to all. We are committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities for ALL to participate. 

The Role

The goal of the RSMA is to cultivate industry-leading experts capable of overseeing racquet sports in all facets of the industry; the RSMA prepares participants to stand out as exceptional Racquet Sports Leaders.

 

Through an intensive two-year curriculum, apprentices are immersed in racquet sports-specific leadership training, enabling them to emerge as top-tier professionals who not only possess business expertise but also visionary leadership qualities.

 

This is a full time, salaried position, designed to fulfill the needs of the RSMA education requirements as well as servicing the campus program teaching demands. The Full Time RSMA will:

• Complete the course of study requirements to include onboarding, twelve courses, six projects, and a final project comprising an evidence-based portfolio to present to future employers. 

• Teach an estimated 20 hours per week. Plan, organize, and implement high quality lessons, clinics, camps, courses, drop-ins, and other tennis programs. 

• Establish a fun, energetic and engaged on court experience for all players. 

• Work with the Director of RSMA, Director of Racquet Sports and Head Professionals to identify areas of growth, options for increased revenue, or issues that need resolution. 

• Use self promotion and networking to increase client engagement. 

• Attend local trainings or meetings as approved by head professionals and Director. 

• Teach clinics, group lessons, private lessons, organize round robins, and assist with any programs, events, or intern training as needed.

• Assist with promotion of programs.

• Teach in camps including summer camps.

• Assist with tennis events as needed.

• Other duties as assigned by the Director RSMA and Director of Racquet Sports.

• Remain in good standing academically by passing all courses and projects with a 70% or higher grade. Remain in good standing with coursework by maintaining 70% or higher in assessments.

• Maintain a growth mindset.

• Demonstrate a high level of communication skills, friendliness, and teaching competency.

• This role is a two year position, commencing January 2026 and concluding December 2027.

Who You Are

• Available to work a 5 day, full schedule year round, special events and weekends as needed.

• RSPA or PTR Certified (or willing to become and maintain either certification).

• Competent playing skills in tennis or a complementary racquet sport. 

• Organized, highly motivated, prompt, entrepreneurial and enthusiastic.

• Proficient computer skills and willingness to learn other technology tools. 

• A customer-focused attitude, and a passion for working with people.

• Willing to align with the USTA National Campus Teaching Philosophy.

• Ability to attract clients and build a teaching portfolio with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Attend professional development trainings & meetings.

• Willing to receive CPR, AED certifications, and undergo a background check.

• Able to start something new, grow an existing program, manage other coaches, train and develop other coaches. 

• Ability to serve as a USTA coach Developer. 

Leadership

• Qualified candidates must have, at a minimum, five years of full-time racquet sports teaching experience.

• At least two years prior experience in a racquet sports leadership role is required for the apprenticeship.

• Ability to lead multiple courts and a group of pros is a must.

• Highly motivated to pursue leadership and culture studies and apply those principles every day.

 

Additional Coaching Qualifications

• Fluent in the use of modified equipment, age and stage-based learning, and a tactics-based (games-based) approach.  

• Ability to w