A group of Ferris State University Professional Tennis Management students attended
the United States Professional Tennis Association World Conference in Orlando, Florida,
this fall.
Student initiative and departmental preparation aided an elite learning experience for four Ferris State University Professional Tennis Management students attending the United States Professional Tennis Association World Conference in Orlando, Fla. this fall.
Zachary Fink, of Milan; Sydney Patin, of Sand Lake; Aiden Ray, of Atlanta, Ind.; and Alyssa Zellers, of Warsaw, Ind.; were the first Ferris State students to attend the conference, PTM assistant director Mike Janz said.
“All those interested in going had to apply with an impartial field of tennis professionals assisting us by judging their entries,” Janz said. “We had already raised approximately $2,000 through Ferris’ One Day for Dawgs annual appeal to fund the students’ necessary fees to participate in the USPTA Conference.”
Janz and PTM director RJ Tessier said they were impressed by the students’ focus and accomplishments at the World Conference.
“A key consideration for our students was attending networking opportunities with influencers in the pro tennis field, club professionals from the USPTA Midwest Division and others from operations across the country,” Janz said. “Ferris has a special place with the association, in that our bachelor’s degree program was the first to receive their accreditation and the USPTA takes pride in the range of connections that can be made in this week-long event.”
Janz added that the PTM students could choose from seminars led by world-class coaches and professionals to build on their experience.
“The topics included on-court instruction, being a tournament administrator, proper court maintenance, club management and caring for one’s physical and mental health,” Janz said. “These students should come away with valuable opportunities in internships and leads on full-time positions, along with a great deal of knowledge, thanks to this experience.”
Patin is president of the PTM Student Association and a junior in the program who was among the Ferris students attending the USPTA World Conference.
“It was an awesome experience to be around so many people who are leaders in the industry, showing a real interest in meeting with us,” Patin said. “They were so caring and genuine, which was great to find that they want to help us become established and successful as the latest generation of professionals.”
More information is available about Ferris’ PTM program.