CourtReserve Unscripted with Ashley Owens

From player highlights to sponsor placements, court recording technology is opening up new possibilities for racquet sports facilities.In this episode of Unscripted, we sit down with David Fox, Founder and CEO of Save My Play, to break down what their camera system does and how racquet sports clubs are putting it to work.Whether you're looking to improve the player experience, create content for social media, or build out a sponsorship program, court recording is a topic worth understanding. David walks us through how Save My Play approaches installation, AI features, monetization, and what's on the roadmap.What You'll Learn:✅ Why Save My Play prioritizes easy installation — no contractor, no wiring, setup in minutes✅ How their CourtReserve integration lets players pre-schedule recordings before they arrive✅ What clubs are charging for recorded footage (pickleball: $5–$10/hr) and how cameras can support additional revenue✅ How AI gesture recognition automatically creates highlight clips courtside — no editing required✅ Why multi-angle instant replay is gaining traction at modern facilities✅ What's coming next: real-time AI features, security monitoring, and automatic camera misalignment alerts✅ How facilities are managing custom sponsor overlays directly in the admin panelPro Tip for Club Operators:Pair Save My Play with CourtReserve's Public Booking feature to give players a modern, connected experience. Players can browse open courts and events, book, pay, and schedule their match recording — all before they arrive.Resources and Links: Read more about the Save My Play x Court Reserve Integration: https://courtreserve.com/announcing-save-my-play-integration/ Explore CourtReserve’s NEW Public Booking feature: https://courtreserve.com/public-booking/ Learn more about CourtReserve: https://courtreserve.com/

Mike Manzella, founder of ProServe Solutions, has spent the better part of his career figuring out what makes racquet sports clubs work. After more than two decades running clubs and a stint in corporate marketing and tech consulting, he went all in on building a business to help clubs do it better. In this Unscripted conversation with Ashley Owens, Mike talks about what clubs at every stage need to be thinking about, from filling courts in year one to maximizing profit density at a mature facility. He also gets into the staffing challenges facing the industry, why he hires for character over credentials, and what he thinks clubs need to do right now to stay competitive.What’s Covered: Mike Manzella is the founder of ProServe Solutions and spent 20+ years running and operating tennis and pickleball clubs before transitioning into corporate marketing and tech consulting.After missing the racket sport industry, he launched ProServe Solutions about nine months ago and has been working with clubs full time ever since.Even well-established clubs are still operating on pen and paper or disconnected systems, and a big part of his work is helping operators understand what technology can actually do for them.He reframes the AI conversation with legacy-minded operators by calling it digital transformation instead, since the term AI carries negative connotations for some.It's YOUR club's season growing! Schedule a demo with us here and see how we can grow your club- https://courtreserve.com/schedule-a-call/Learn more about ProServe here https://proservesolutions.info/

What if success in sports wasn’t just about winning, but about character, leadership, and impact?In this episode of Unscripted, Ashley sits down with Brady Kellogg, Mountain Region Director at Positive Athlete, a free, nomination-based program celebrating high school student-athletes and coaches for character, leadership, and community impact.From tennis and pickleball to squash, badminton, and beyond, Positive Athlete is redefining what it means to be a standout athlete, focusing on integrity, resilience, and giving back to the community. Brady shares how coaches, club directors, and Athletic Directors can nominate a deserving athlete in under 5 minutes, and why it matters more than most people realize.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How Positive Athlete is recognizing and empowering high school student-athletes across the country✅ Why character matters more than stats — and how this program proves it✅ How coaches, parents, and clubs can nominate athletes in under 5 minutes✅ The real benefits for nominees: confidence boosts, leadership development, career resources, and scholarships✅ Inspiring stories of athletes overcoming adversity and making a difference — on and off the courtWith an estimated 143,000 high school tennis players in the U.S. and only 152 nominations to date, the opportunity for coaches, clubs, and ADs to step up and spotlight their athletes has never been clearer.Nominate a student-athlete today: https://positiveathlete.org

Crush Yard went live with CourtReserve's Public Booking feature and saw 200+ reservations in just a few weeks — with fuller courts, longer waitlists, and a measurable shift in how players book.In this episode, Ashley sits down with Evan Addington, Director of Pickleball at Crush Yard, to break down exactly how removing account-creation friction transformed court utilization across their Orlando and Charleston locations — and what that means as they scale to new locations.What you'll learn:✅ How eliminating signup and booking friction drove immediate, trackable revenue growth✅ Why Public Booking performs differently across markets (Orlando vs. Charleston) — and what that tells you about your own✅ How a $48 player pass + Public Booking creates a sustainable pay-to-play model without member pushback✅ Why public demand is now changing pass holder behavior — members are booking days ahead instead of waiting for last-minute $5 courts✅ How Crush Yard is using Public Booking as a growth engine for new franchise locations from day oneWhether you run a pickleball club, tennis facility, or racquet sports club, this is a must-watch for any club looking to maximize court utilization and grow revenue without adding friction to the player experience.Subscribe for more real stories from club operators using CourtReserve to grow their business.View more about Crush Yard here – https://crushyard.com/orlando/Learn more about Public Booking – https://courtreserve.com/public-booking/

Chris Olson has tested more pickleball paddles than most players will ever own — and they just keep coming. 🏓In this unscripted conversation, we sit down with Chris Olson, host of The Pickleball Studio Podcast and full-time paddle and gear reviewer, to talk about what it really takes to build a paddle review channel from scratch and where the racquet sport is headed.

In this episode of Unscripted, Ashley sits down with David Mullins, CEO of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), to talk about the real forces reshaping college tennis — from enrollment declines and athletic department cuts to college-trained players making noise on the pro circuit.We caught up with David just before the inaugural ITA College Tennis Weekend powered by CourtReserve kicks off March 27–29, where nearly 700 matches will take place at college programs across the country. Find out more at the links below!In this episode:✅ Why college tennis players consistently post the highest GPAs in athletics✅ How NIL, conference realignment, and declining university enrollment are reshaping the college athletics landscape✅ The momentum college tennis is building globally — and why pro commentators can't stop talking about it✅ Electronic line calling, streaming, and sports wagering — what technology could mean for college tennis revenue✅ The coaching pipeline challenge: how the ITA is working to connect with 20,000 college tennis student athletes to build the next generation of tennis coaches and professionals✅ Why international student athletes are a critical part of growing the coaching workforcePlus: Insights into College Tennis Weekend, building sustainable programs, and what it takes to keep the sport thriving for years to come.Whether you're a college coach, club operator, facility manager, or lifelong tennis player — this conversation is essential listening for anyone invested in the long-term health of the sport.🎾 Learn more about ITA College Tennis Weekend and find a match near you: wearecollegetennis.com/college-tennis-weekend 🎾 See how CourtReserve and the ITA are teaming up: https://courtreserve.com/courtreserve... 🎾 Learn more about CourtReserve: https://courtreserve.com Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations shaping the future of racquet sports.

What if success in sports wasn’t just about winning, but about character, leadership, and impact?In this episode of Unscripted, Ashley sits down with Brady Kellogg, Mountain Region Director at Positive Athlete — a free, nomination-based program celebrating high school student-athletes and coaches for character, leadership, and community impact.From tennis and pickleball to squash, badminton, and beyond, Positive Athlete is redefining what it means to be a standout athlete, focusing on integrity, resilience, and giving back to the community. Brady shares how coaches, club directors, and Athletic Directors can nominate a deserving athlete in under 5 minutes — and why it matters more than most people realize.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How Positive Athlete is recognizing and empowering high school student-athletes across the country✅ Why character matters more than stats — and how this program proves it✅ How coaches, parents, and clubs can nominate athletes in under 5 minutes✅ The real benefits for nominees: confidence boosts, leadership development, career resources, and scholarships✅ Inspiring stories of athletes overcoming adversity and making a difference — on and off the courtWith an estimated 143,000 high school tennis players in the U.S. and only 152 nominations to date, the opportunity for coaches, clubs, and ADs to step up and spotlight their athletes has never been clearer.Nominate a student-athlete today: https://positiveathlete.org

What happens when you let players book a court or event in 60 seconds — with no account setup required?In this conversation, Christy Howden, Co-Owner & CEO of Wolverine Pickleball Club shares her real-world experience as a beta tester for CourtReserve's Public Booking feature and what it's meant for her clubs from day one.Here's what CourtReserve’s Public Booking feature delivered:✅ Immediate bookings — with zero promotion on launch day✅ Increased court utilization during early mornings, late nights & off-peak hours✅ Generate new leads from visitors & players outside their member ecosystem✅ Boosted event registrations for pickleball, curling & more✅ Reduced booking friction with a simple click-to-book link✅ Created additional revenue almost immediately✅ Helped control skill-level access while maintaining high-quality play✅ Converted one-time visitors into full member accountsEven without promoting the link, bookings started rolling in immediately. From traveling players to locals who want fast, hassle-free reservations, CourtReserve Public Booking is filling courts that would've otherwise gone empty.If you manage a pickleball or multi-sport facility and want to: ✅ Increase court bookings ✅ Drive new member leads ✅ Grow non-member revenue ✅ Simplify event registration ✅ Reduce reliance on paid adsThis is the feature your club has been waiting for. Watch to see real-world results from a club owner seeing measurable growth through streamlined public court reservations.Watch to see how one simple booking link is generating leads, filling courts, and driving club growth.Learn more about Public Booking here - https://courtreserve.com/public-booking/ See more about Wolverine Pickleball here - https://wolverinepickleball.com/

In this episode of Unscripted, we sit down with RacquetX’s Marketing Director, Luca Giberti, and Director of Brand Strategy and Design, Mary Budwick, to go behind the scenes of RacquetX and talk about how the festival has grown into a must-attend event for players, brands, coaches, club operators, and sports technology partners.From rapid growth in sponsors and attendance to expanded on-court experiences and industry education, this conversation highlights why RacquetX is gaining momentum across the racquet and paddle sports ecosystem.Hosted in Fort Lauderdale, RacquetX brings together pickleball, tennis, padel, table tennis, badminton, squash, platform tennis, and more — all under one roof.In this video, you’ll learn:✅ How RacquetX has expanded in sponsors, booths, and overall attendance✅ What first-time attendees can expect (on-court demos, gear testing, coaching, networking, and education sessions)✅ Why industry adoption across pickleball, tennis, and padel continues to grow✅ How technology platforms and brands show up within the racquet sports ecosystem✅ What goes into building and executing a large-scale, multi-sport festival✅ Why events like RacquetX matter for club operators, brands, and racquet sports professionalsWhether you’re a club owner, program director, coach, brand partner, or racquet sports professional, this episode offers insight into where the industry is headed — and why in-person events still matter.Subscribe for more conversations on club growth, racquet sports programming, pickleball, tennis, padel, and sports technology.Learn more about RacquetX here: https://theracquetx.com/

Looking to combine your love of pickleball with unforgettable travel experiences? In this episode of Unscripted, Ashley sits down with Gary Zins, Founder of Pickleball Travel, to explore the fast-growing world of pickleball vacations, cruises, destination resorts, and international tournament experiences.Gary shares how he built a niche travel agency focused entirely on pickleball — helping players book all-inclusive resorts, coordinate international play, and experience the sport in unforgettable locations around the world.You’ll hear insights about:✅ Pickleball travel and how players are building trips around the sport✅ What pickleball travelers look for when planning trips (court time + sightseeing)✅ Booking pickleball cruises, including Holland America and Royal Caribbean✅ All-inclusive pickleball resorts (including Sandals) and why they’re growing in popularity✅ The rise of international pickleball tournaments✅ Why Europe is one of the most unique places to play pickleball internationally✅ The growing world of sports tourism and destination-based pickleball experiences✅ The connection between mental health and pickleball (and why Gary wants to explore it further)✅ How destination pickleball experiences are changing the way people travelAlong the way, Gary shares what inspired the pivot from mental health work to creating a travel brand built around the fastest-growing sport in the world.If pickleball and travel are your two favorite things, this episode is for you.Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs growing the game of pickleball worldwide.Learn more about Pickleball Travel here- https://pickleballtravel.com/pages/contact

Racquet sports leagues and tournaments are changing fast — and the clubs that modernize their programming are seeing higher participation, stronger member engagement, and more revenue.In this episode of CourtReserve Unscripted, Ashley Owens, Co-Founder of CourtReserve, sits down with Mark Tenney, Founder of Swish, to break down what’s working right now in pickleball league programming, tournament formats, and club-run competitive events.They also dive into the growing demand for shorter league seasons, creative tournament experiences, junior programming opportunities, and what’s next for international pickleball competition — plus how the Swish + CourtReserve integration is helping clubs simplify league registration and player management.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How the Swish Interclub Championship works✅ What makes a pickleball tournament a “fan favorite” (prizes, formats, experience)✅ Why 5-week leagues are outperforming long seasons✅ Pricing trends for pickleball leagues (and what clubs are charging today)✅ The future of international pickleball tournaments and travel-based competition✅ Why junior + homeschool programming is a growing opportunity for clubs✅ How clubs are using Swish + CourtReserve integration to automate league signups and simplify tournament player management✅ How pickleball, tennis, and padel programming are starting to convergeWhether you manage a pickleball club, tennis facility, or multi-sport racquet sports operation, this conversation is packed with tactical ideas you can use to improve your leagues, tournaments, and player experience.🏆 Swish + CourtReserve Integration:This integration allows clubs to auto-sync CourtReserve event registrants into Swish with just a few clicks. Once synced, Swish handles real-time match scheduling and score tracking, supports team-based formats with custom partner fields, and more — making it easier to run dynamic leagues and events with less admin.Subscribe for more conversations on club growth, pickleball, tennis, padel, and racquet sports technology.Learn more about Swish here: https://swishsportsapp.com/

Padel is booming worldwide, but does that mean it’s right for every club? And how does it really compare to pickleball and tennis from a business and operations standpoint?In this episode of Unscripted, we sit down with Ben Nichols, Founder & CEO of Padel 22, a global PR and marketing agency dedicated to the growth of padel and racquet sports. Joining us from the UK, Ben shares a grounded, global perspective on padel’s rise, how its U.S. growth differs from Europe, and what club owners should actually consider before adding another racquet sport to their facility.This conversation covers:✅ Padel vs pickleball vs tennis: key differences for clubs and players✅ The true cost of building padel courts and common operator misconceptions✅ Why padel is currently positioned as a premium sport in the US✅ How pickleball, padel, and tennis can coexist within multi-sport clubs✅ The crossover between squash, tennis, pickleball, and padel players✅ Why racquet sports are booming in the post-pandemic era✅ Ben’s career journey from Wimbledon’s press office to global padel marketing✅ Why Charleston, South Carolina is emerging as a growing hub for racquet sportsWhether you’re a club owner, investor, operator, or coach, this episode offers a realistic look at the future of racquet sports — and why understanding your audience, costs, and market positioning matters more than chasing trends.👇 Subscribe for more conversations on pickleball, padel, tennis, club operations, and the business of racquet sports.Learn more about Padel 22 here: https://www.padel22.com/

In this episode of Unscripted, we sit down with RacquetX’s Marketing Director, Luca Giberti, and Director of Brand Strategy and Design, Mary Budwick, to go behind the scenes of RacquetX and talk about how the festival has grown into a must-attend event for players, brands, coaches, club operators, and sports technology partners.From rapid growth in sponsors and attendance to expanded on-court experiences and industry education, this conversation highlights why RacquetX is gaining momentum across the racquet and paddle sports ecosystem.Hosted in Fort Lauderdale, RacquetX brings together pickleball, tennis, padel, table tennis, badminton, squash, platform tennis, and more — all under one roof.In this video, you’ll learn:✅ How RacquetX has expanded in sponsors, booths, and overall attendance✅ What first-time attendees can expect (on-court demos, gear testing, coaching, networking, and education sessions)✅ Why industry adoption across pickleball, tennis, and padel continues to grow✅ How technology platforms and brands show up within the racquet sports ecosystem✅ What goes into building and executing a large-scale, multi-sport festival✅ Why events like RacquetX matter for club operators, brands, and racquet sports professionalsWhether you’re a club owner, program director, coach, brand partner, or racquet sports professional, this episode offers insight into where the industry is headed — and why in-person events still matter.Subscribe for more conversations on club growth, racquet sports programming, pickleball, tennis, padel, and sports technology.Learn more about RacquetX here: https://theracquetx.com/

What makes racquet clubs unforgettable? It’s memorable, high-impact experiences that build community and drive engagement.In this in-depth conversation, Ashley from CourtReserve sits down with Chris Bouza, CEO & Founder of Pickleball Pros, to break down how clubs are using professional pickleball players, clinics, exhibitions, and custom events to create standout experiences that engage members and differentiate their clubs in competitive markets.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How bringing pro pickleball players into clubs creates unforgettable player experiences✅ Why access to touring PPA & MLP pros is a unique opportunity in pickleball’s current growth phase✅ How clubs can stand out in crowded markets with custom pickleball events, exhibitions, round robins, and multi-day clinics✅ How pro clinics support member engagement, retention, and long-term club value✅ How recap emails, drills, and follow-up education help players improve long after the clinic ends✅ How clubs can design custom events based on their market, skill levels, and member demographicsChris also shares his personal journey into pickleball, the mission behind Pickleball Pros, and why growing the professional game is essential to getting more players off the couch and onto the court.Whether you’re a pickleball club owner, racquet sports operator, general manager, or program director, this episode offers real-world insights into event strategy, club marketing, and experience-driven growth.👉 Learn more or book a pro appearance: Pickleball Pros https://pickleballpros.com/👉 Discover how clubs manage clinics, events, and memberships with CourtReserve https://courtreserve.com/Email- [email protected]: @thepickleballpros

In this episode of Unscripted, Ashley sits down with Joni Hannah, Executive Director of RSPA Mid-Atlantic, to discuss what’s ahead for racquet sports professionals in 2026 and beyond.Joni shares how the USPTA’s transition to the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) reflects the evolution of today’s multi-sport landscape, including tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, and padel. The conversation also explores how RSPA Mid-Atlantic is building momentum leading into the organization’s 100-year anniversary in 2027.From upcoming conferences and certifications to the value of in-person networking, career longevity, and expanding opportunities for women in coaching, this conversation covers it all.Topics covered in this episode:✅ RSPA Mid-Atlantic Annual Conference in Vienna, Virginia✅ Tennis, pickleball, platform tennis, and padel certifications through RSPA✅ Coaching education and professional development for racquet sports professionals✅ Why in-person conferences and networking matter for career growth✅ The evolution of racquet sports beyond tennis, including pickleball and padel✅ How equipment technology is impacting performance and coaching✅ Encouraging more women in tennis and racquet sports coaching✅ Career paths in racquet sports beyond traditional on-court coaching rolesWhether you’re a tennis pro, pickleball coach, club director, or racquet sports professional, this episode offers valuable insight into where the industry is heading and how you can stay ahead.Upcoming events:RSPA Mid-Atlantic Conference – February 27–28, Vienna, VASubscribe for more conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of racquet sports.Visit the RSPA website here: https://rspa.net/mid-atlantic-division-conference/Learn about upcoming industry events here: https://courtreserve.com/events/

What does the future of racket sports really look like for coaches, club operators, and industry leaders?In this episode of CourtReserve Unscripted, we’re joined by Shaun Boyce, CEO of the American Racket Sports Association (ARA), Co-Founder of GoTennis, and Host of the GoTennis Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on how tennis, pickleball, and multi-sport careers are evolving — and what clubs and professionals need to do to keep up.Shaun shares the story behind the transformation of the Georgia Professional Tennis Association (GPTA) into the American Racket Sports Association (ARA) — a nationwide professional networking organization built to support tennis coaches, pickleball professionals, club managers, and racquet sports leaders across the country.In this episode, we cover:Why tennis and pickleball coaching is no longer a side gig, but rather a real, high-earning career pathHow coaches transition into club management, leadership, marketing, and technology rolesThe growing demand for multi-sport certifications and cross-discipline experienceWhat professional networking actually looks like in modern racquet sportsWhy many clubs still struggle with outdated processes — and what’s changingThe role of CourtReserve and other modern club management software in improving operations and creating frictionless player experiencesWhat 2026 and beyond looks like for tennis clubs, pickleball facilities, and coaching careersWhether you’re running a club, building a coaching career, or evaluating technology to modernize your operation, this episode offers practical insight into where the racket sports industry is headed — and how to prepare for what’s next.Learn about the ARA here: https://americanracketsportsassociati...Listen to the GoTennis podcast: https://letsgotennis.com/gotennis-pod...

In this episode of CourtReserve Unscripted, Ashley Owens talks with Jack Davis, former University of Washington NCAA tennis player and Portfolio Operations Manager at (CourtReserve investment partner) Mainsail Partners (https://mainsailpartners.com/team-member/jack-davis/), about the real path from junior tennis to college competition — and what today’s tennis and pickleball boom means for clubs, coaches, and players.Jack shares what it really takes to become a college tennis player: early development, multi-sport training, the recruiting process, navigating junior tournaments, and the mental side of competing at a high level.The conversation also tackles some of the biggest questions in today’s racquet-sports world:✅ Will tennis or pickleball be more popular in 5 years?✅ Should juniors specialize early — or play multiple sports?✅ How does pickleball help (or irritate!) lifelong tennis players?✅ Why red ball, adult beginner programs, and community-focused clubs matter more than ever.Ashley and Jack also chat about coaching, club culture, player development, and how platforms like CourtReserve help. Learn how racquet clubs thrive as the industry transforms.Topics Covered:✅ Life as a University of Washington NCAA tennis player✅ Singles vs doubles development and team environment✅ Considering pro tennis vs. college tennis✅ Pickleball growth and how it intersects with tennis✅ How CourtReserve supports clubs, coaches & players✅ The future of multi-sport racquet clubsWatch now and join the conversation!www.courtreserve.com

In this episode, Ashley chats with Jonathan Fralick, VP of Racquet Sports at Invited — one of the largest owners and operators of private clubs in the U.S.— to talk about all things pickleball, tennis, and the fast-evolving landscape of racquet sports.Jonathan shares how Invited grew from 7 pickleball courts to 400+ in four years through building and converting courts, why pickleball now takes up most of his day-to-day focus, and what he enjoys about mentoring racquet sports directors.He also encourages young pros to learn the business side of racquet sports. From understanding participation and revenue to managing court sheets, payroll, and the pro shop, Jonathan explains why those skills matter if you want to lead a program long-term.Featured Topics:✅ Building vs. converting courts: how Invited reached 400 pickleball courts✅ Why pickleball became a major focus for private clubs✅ Pickleball players vs. tennis players: lessons, spend, and social behavior✅ What’s next: private club strategy as pickleball growth levels out✅ The evolution of pickleball play style — and his concern about it becoming more “baseline-driven”✅ Tennis outlook + concerns about college tennis changes impacting junior pathways✅ Career advice for young pros: business acumen, forecasting, and leadershipLearn more about Invited here: https://www.invitedclubs.com/

In this episode of Unscripted, Ashley sits down with Club Pickleball USA and Club Mastermind Founder Devan Egan to break down what’s actually happening in the pickleball club business.They dig into the uncomfortable truth behind recent club closures, the revenue mistakes new operators keep repeating, and the models that help thriving facilities scale sustainably. If you’re opening a pickleball facility, expanding locations, or trying to stabilize margins, this conversation is for you.This conversation is especially relevant if you’re planning a new pickleball facility, running an existing club, or evaluating how to scale without relying on assumptions.What you’ll learn:✅ The current state of pickleball growth (players, money, and market shifts)✅ Why so many new pickleball clubs fail—and what successful clubs do differently✅ The surprising range of pickleball player types and why “one-size-fits-all programming” doesn’t work✅ Annual vs. monthly memberships: why annual pricing often wins for long-term revenue stability✅ How top operators build break-even models around court utilization, not memberships✅ What attendees really learn at Club Mastermind (and why clubs keep coming back!)✅ How CourtReserve helps racquet sports facilities scale with automation, reservations, and paymentsLearn more about Club Mastermind: https://www.clubpickleballmastermind.com/joinLet CourtReserve help you with all your racquet sports club needs: https://courtreserve.com

In this episode, we sit down with Whitney Wofford, Senior Director of External Engagement at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), for an inside look at the upcoming ITA Coaches Convention in Tempe, Arizona.Whitney walks through what college coaches and programs can expect at this year’s event — from on-court training to education sessions, networking opportunities, and how the ITA supports college tennis year-round. We also touch on how CourtReserve fits into the college tennis space — helping campuses manage public play, faculty rentals, and simplified court scheduling.In this conversation, we cover:✅ What the ITA is and who it serves: 3,000+ college tennis coaches across D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO✅ Event details: December 5–7 in Tempe, hosted at Arizona State University.✅ Convention schedule highlights: on-court coaching sessions, classroom education, vendor showcase, and evening events✅ How the ITA governs college tennis, including rankings, rules, and tournament oversight✅ Who typically attends the convention: a mix of newcomer coaches and seasoned leaders across divisions✅ Community-building events: prize money tournament, happy hour, pickleball, pints & pizza, and more✅ How college programs use CourtReserve to manage faculty clubs, community access, and public court reservations✅ Examples of schools using CourtReserve, including ‪@dukeuniversity‬ Faculty Club, @universityofutah , @idahostateu and @universityofwyomingWhether you’re a college coach, athletic department leader, facility director, or connected to the college tennis space, this episode gives a clear, practical overview of what the ITA Coaches Convention offers and how it brings the tennis community together each year.Learn more about this event here: https://wearecollegetennis.com/ita-co... See other events CourtReserve is attending: https://courtreserve.com/events/

The business of pickleball is booming — and so is the need for better club management.In this episode, CourtReserve’s Ashley Owens sits down with Josh from the International Association of Pickleball & Padel Facilities to talk about how the game has evolved from neighborhood courts to global facilities — and what’s next for the industry.They dive deep into: How pickleball transformed CourtReserve and inspired the creation of Old Coast Pickleball in St. Augustine, FL. Why IAPPF added Padel to its mission and what that means for the future of racquet sports.The real challenges facing modern club owners — people, management, culture, and creating community.The importance of employee development, hospitality, and customer retention tools like Patch.How the industry is expanding internationally — from the U.S. to Vietnam, Europe, and beyond.Whether you’re a pickleball facility owner, club director, or just a passionate player who loves the sport’s story about growth - this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and practical advice on how to build a successful racquet sports business.Visit CourtReserve.com today to help with all your racquet sports club needs. Learn more about IPPF here https://iappf.org/

After nearly a decade of being proudly bootstrapped, CourtReserve is taking the next step in its journey. In this episode of Unscripted, CourtReserve Founders Tim Owens and Ashley Owens discuss the company’s new partnership with a growth investor and what it means for the future of club management software.Tim shares a transparent look into how CourtReserve is fueling growth while protecting the people-first culture that defines the brand. He also talks about the lessons learned from nearly 10 years of leading a fast-growing tech company, building community in the racquet sports industry, and maintaining trust with customers every step of the way.In this candid and unscripted conversation, Tim opens up about:✅ What it means to take on a growth partner after 9.5 years bootstrapped✅ How CourtReserve plans to scale while protecting its people-first culture✅ Insights into the future of pickleball, tennis, and racquet club technology✅ How Tim and Ashley balance marriage, leadership, and company growth✅ Why listening to customers and creating “raving fans” remains at the heart of their successWhether you’re a club owner, racquet sports director, or tech founder, this conversation delivers authentic insights on leadership, growth, and staying true to your values as you scale.Subscribe for more Unscripted stories from the people shaping the future of racquet sports.Read about CourtReserve’s new partnership with Mainsail Partners: https://courtreserve.com/scaling-courtreserve-with-mainsail-partners/ Learn more about CourtReserve: https://courtreserve.com

In this episode of Unscripted, Ashley sits down with Adam Howe, Director of Product Enablement at GoTab to explore how flexible point-of-sale technology is helping pickleball, tennis, and padel clubs simplify food & beverage operations and deliver smoother guest experiences.Adam shares his journey from managing large brewery and entertainment venues to joining GoTab, where he now helps operators unlock new ways to serve guests — from QR/mobile ordering to RFID-enabled tabs and integrations with CourtReserve for tennis, pickleball, and padel clubs.Learn how GoTab’s customizable POS system is transforming guest experiences across hospitality, breweries, and sports venues. Plus, get a sneak peek at new features like on-premise servers for uninterrupted service and RFID technology designed to simplify group ordering and payments.In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How GoTab’s flexibility empowers unique hospitality and racquet sports venues✅ Why RFID tabs and mobile ordering are the food and beverage experience✅ The story behind Adam’s transition from operator to GoTab innovator✅ Real-world examples of GoTab integrations at breweries and pickleball clubs✅ A fun “lightning round” featuring $400 cheesecakes, favorite venues, and dream doubles partnersWhether you’re in hospitality, tech, or racquet sports club management, this conversation offers inspiration and practical insights into how GoTab and CourtReserve are helping operators do more — with less stress.Learn more about the CourtReserve + GoTab integration here: https://courtreserve.com/gotab-with-courtreserve/ Read how Pickleball Zone improved experience and efficiency with the GoTab integration: https://courtreserve.com/case-studies/gotab-courtreserve-integration-case-study/

Ever wonder how new CourtReserve features get built — or how your ideas make it from the official Idea Board to your club’s dashboard?In this episode, Ashley Owens sits down with Kim Lehman, our elite Senior Product Owner, to take you behind the scenes of CourtReserve’s product development process — from brainstorming and prioritizing feature ideas to turning them into the tools that clubs use every day.You’ll get an inside look at how our team:✅ Sorts through 500+ feature requests on the Idea Board to find the most impactful improvements✅ Decides when to build new tools vs. integrate with trusted partners✅ Balances “quick wins” with large-scale launches like the Modern Dashboard and Team Registrations✅ Uses beta releases, testing, and YOUR feedback to continually enhance the platform for clubs and members alikeKim also opens up about:✅ Her experience as a woman in tech and product leadership✅ The most challenging and rewarding parts of developing for thousands of clubs✅ Why checking CourtReserve release notes often helps you uncover hidden “Easter eggs” — small updates that make a big difference in your daily workflow.✅ What’s next for CourtReserve innovation — and why the best is still to comeIf you’re a club admin, tech-minded operator, or racquet sports enthusiast, this conversation gives you an inside look at the strategy, creativity, and care that go into every CourtReserve update.Stay up-to date with CourtReserve’s latest product release notes here: https://courtreserve.releasenotes.io/Learn more about CourtReserve: https://courtreserve.com/

Ever wonder what it’s like to run tennis programs when the US Open takes over your backyard? In this episode of the CourtReserve Unscripted Podcast, host Ashley Owens sits down with Dale Evans, Director of Tennis Operations at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, to talk about what really goes on behind the scenes during one of the biggest events in the sport.In this episode, you’ll hear:What it takes to balance player development and event operations during the US OpenWhy becoming a US Open ball person is more intense than you thinkHow CourtReserve is enhancing player experiences with integrations like SaveMyPlayWhich tennis pro Dale would choose as his dream doubles partnerReal insights from leaders who live and breathe the game, on and off the courtWhether you’re a club operator, tennis director, or pickleball program leader, you’ll get practical insights into how major facilities simplify operations, boost engagement, and bring more players to the court with smarter tools.Subscribe for more insider tennis conversations, industry insights, and tech innovations shaping the future of racquet sports!www. courtreserve.com

What’s driving the future of tennis, pickleball, and padel clubs? In this exclusive interview, Jarrett Chirico, Founder of The Directors’ Club and Director of Racquets at Royal Oaks Country Club, sits down with Ashely Owens from CourtReserve. This conversation offers candid insights on how racquet sports and club leadership are evolving — and what directors, pros, and GMs can learn from it.From the rise of pickleball to the 84% crossover rate between tennis and pickleball at Royal Oaks, Jarrett explains why investing in people, not just facilities, is the key to long-term success.Topics covered in this video:✅ Why The Director’s Club is changing how clubs hire, retain, and empower staff✅ How racquet sport crossover rates fuel member engagement and club revenue✅ How CourtReserve supports directors with technology & innovation✅ The future of education vs. certification in club leadership✅ Why investing in people is the #1 strategy for sustainable successWant more proven strategies on leadership, staff development, and racquet sport growth?📌 Subscribe and explore our channel for more interviews and resources to help you and your team succeed.Links: - https://www.thedirectorsclubofamerica.com/- https://courtreserve.com/

In this episode, DUPR CEO Tito Machado explains the real challenges facing racquet sports ratings, programming, and global growth — and what every club owner, coach, director, or racquet sports enthusiast needs to know.Here’s what you’ll learn:✅ The truth behind DUPR ratings – Why inflation & deflation issues were hurting players and how they fixed it. ✅ UTR vs DUPR – Why UTR’s new scale met pushback, but DUPR built adoption by staying recognizable.✅ Programming over facilities – Why players stay loyal to communities, not just fancy courts.✅ Padel’s rapid U.S. adoption – And how it’s fueling multi-sport clubs.✅ Asia’s racquet sport boom – Rapid growth in Asia (Vietnam, Malaysia, and beyond).✅ Tactical advice for clubs – how to handle certifications, saturation, and keep players coming back.This conversation sheds light on the future of certifications, the evolution of DUPR, and what facilities can do to stand out by building community-driven experiences in today’s crowded market.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts on where you see racquet sports heading next! https://www.dupr.com

What makes a pickleball program succeed—or flop? In this interview with Suzee Anderson, we dive deep into the real strategies behind coaching, programming, and club growth. From learning why some events fail, to creating structured coaching academies, you’ll discover how to build a thriving pickleball community.What You’ll Learn in This Video:How to test, collect data, and adjust your pickleball programsWhy some events flop (like cardio pickleball) while others thriveThe importance of consistency and structured curriculum in coaching academiesHow tennis coaches can successfully transition into pickleball coachingKey steps to becoming a professional pickleball coach (certification, skills, and branding)Modern pickleball teaching methods vs. “old school” coachingWhat clubs should look for when hiring a head pro or directorWhether you’re a pickleball club owner, coach, or passionate player, this video shares insider tips on building successful programs, training coaches, and keeping players engaged.👉 If you want to grow as a pickleball coach or take your club to the next level, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.Links: https://www.suzeeandersonacademy.com/

From opening the first indoor pickleball facility in Maryland to launching over 35 locations nationwide, the story of Dill Dinkers is a masterclass in pickleball business growth. In this exclusive interview, Co-Founder & CEO of Dill Dinkers, Will Richards, shares the proven strategies, systems, and lessons behind their explosive growth:- Building a pickleball franchise & regional developer network- Secrets to delivering world-class customer experiences- Why pickleball is still the fastest-growing sport in America- Tips for new pickleball club owners and aspiring pickleball pros- How The importance of culture, community, and facility design impact profitabilityThis is an essential listen for pickleball club owners, franchise operators, and sports facility managers looking for proven growth strategies in the rapidly expanding racket sports industry.📍 Topics Covered:00:00 Day-to-day life running a pickleball brand01:40 The most exciting part of the business02:50 Advice for young people in tennis & pickleball03:30 Surprising growth trends in pickleball04:15 Key advice for new club owners05:15 Playing mixed doubles with your spouse06:00 Favorite Dill Dinkers locationsLinks: https://courtreserve.com/case-studies/dill-dinkers-case-study/

Join Jorge Capestany — a legend in the tennis and pickleball coaching world and a true authority in racquet sports education — for an exclusive walkthrough of his platforms (TennisDrills.tv and PickleballDrillsHQ.com) transforming how clubs teach, train, and grow.Additional Links: https://tennisdrills.tv/courses/courtreserve/

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Katie Nimitz from My Journey Pickleball to explore how the DUPRCoach app and the My DUPR Coach app are reshaping the pickleball landscape for clubs, coaches, and players everywhere. Discover how pickleball clubs are using coach-assigned ratings to increase player engagement, streamline skill assessment, and grow their community — with tools that work for recreational players, country clubs, and competitive athletes alike. Whether you're a club owner, pickleball coach, or player looking to improve, this conversation is packed with insights to help you succeed in the modern pickleball ecosystem.

In this fun and insightful episode, international tennis coach Bill Riddle sits down with Ashley to talk all things racquet sports, college athletics, and the future of the game. From building successful tennis and pickleball clubs to mentoring the next generation of racquet sports professionals, Bill shares real-world advice, humor, and heart.Topics covered in this video:- Updates from Middle Tennessee and the college tennis scene- The power of mentoring student-athletes toward careers in tennis, pickleball, and padel- Why new facilities should focus on being multi-racquet clubs- Bill’s advice for married couples playing mixed doubles - Reflections on Roland-Garros, coaching mindsets, and finding your “player box” support teamWhether you’re a club owner, aspiring coach, or just a racquet sports enthusiast, this conversation delivers practical tips, laughs, and inspiration.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tennis and pickleball industry insights!View Bill's instagram here https://www.instagram.com/billriddleofficial/

David Johnson (IAPPF) joins Ashley, co-owner of CourtReserve, for an unedited conversation on the business realities of running and growing a pickleball club.In this special edition of CourtReserve Unscripted, they dive into: • Why many pickleball clubs struggle to scale • Common mistakes clubs make when managing operations and member growth • Practical strategies to improve your facility’s success • Trends shaping the pickleball industry todayThey also discuss upcoming pickleball business events you can attend this summer in Boston, Chicago, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as an exclusive, facilities-only conference and expo in Austin, Texas designed to help pickleball facilities thrive.David shares insights from his consulting work with club owners and introduces The Business of Pickleball, his monthly newsletter focused on business intelligence for the pickleball ecosystem.Whether you’re a club owner, tennis or pickleball pro, or an enthusiast interested in the business side of the sport, this conversation will give you practical takeaways to grow your facility and stay ahead in the rapidly expanding pickleball industry.Want to meet up with CourtReserve on our Catalyst Tour? https://courtreserve.com/catalyst-conference/Subscribe for more candid industry conversations that help you run a more successful pickleball or tennis facility.Additional Links: https://pickleballfacilities.org