The Texas Professional Tennis Association (TPTA) was founded on a shared vision to bring together teaching professionals from across Texas, fostering collaboration and advancing the sport of tennis throughout the state. This vision came to life when three influential figures—Clarence Mabry, Bernard “Tut” Bartzen and George Richey—organized a groundbreaking weekend in San Antonio, featuring a doubles tournament, a clinic, and a meeting of minds among Texas teaching pros.

 

The tournament was held at the San Antonio Country Club and was won by the host Mabry and John Newman, who defeated Warren McMillan and Ken Crawford of Fort Worth in the finals.  The clinic was held at San Pedro Tennis Center (now McFarlin Tennis Center). The inaugural meeting was held at the Tropicana Hotel, marking the first formal gathering of teaching pros in Texas.

 

Clarence Mabry was elected as the TPTA’s first president, with Bernard “Tut” Bartzen as vice president and Harry Parten of Houston as secretary-treasurer. Other attendees of this historic meeting included: Bill Bos, Fred Kester, Fred Kniffen, Jimmy Langham, Bob Mapes, Hector Salizar, and Ron Woods.

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​The TPTA’s second meeting, held at the World of Tennis near Austin, marked a significant milestone as attendees were officially recognized as charter members. They included Bernard “Tut” Bartzen, Bill Bos, Ken Crawford, Sammy Giammalva, Fred Kester, Fred Kniffen, Clarence Mabry, Bob Mapes, Charles McCleary, Warren McMillan, Bob Mooty, Harry Parten, Shelby Torrance, Jerry Walters and Ron Woods.

 

Growth and Milestones

1969: TPTA voted to affiliate with the United States Professional Lawn Tennis Association (USPLTA).
 

1970: The TPTA convention was held at the T-Bar-M Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas, pictured below.
 

1979: The TPTA began hosting joint conventions with the Texas Tennis Association, strengthening collaboration within the tennis community.

 

Notable Achievements and Leadership

1982: Texas tennis professional Tim Heckler was named CEO of the TPTA.

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1985: JoAnn Padgett became the TPTA’s first Executive Director, marking the first time any TPTA division appointed an Executive Director.

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1990: TPTA organized its first Tennis Across Texas Day, an initiative that was later adopted nationally as Tennis Across America by USPTA. The inaugural TPTA Southwest Buying Show was held alongside the annual Division Convention.

 

1995: The organization officially changed its name to USPTA Texas Division to align with the broader USPTA brand.

 

2002: Ron Woods was selected as Executive Director in 2002.

 

2008: Loyce Woods took over as Executive Director from 2005-2007, with Ron and Loyce serving as co-directors through 2008.

 

2008: Christy Sobey was appointed as USPTA Texas Executive Director.

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2012: Charlotte Wylie was named USPTA Texas Executive Director.

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2015: USPTA Texas won its 12th consecutive Division of the Year award, a testament to the dedication and involvement of Texas professionals.

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Rebranding for the Future

In September 2024, the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) rebranded as the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA). This strategic transformation reflects the growing scope of racquet sports and supports a wider range of careers across tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and platform tennis.

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The RSPA continues to honor its rich history while embracing the future of racquet sports, fostering growth, excellence, and innovation across the industry.

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