In this edition of our “Voices of RSPA” series, Cathy Thomas, a 41‑year Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) member, reflects on her many areas of participation in the industry, the importance of certification, and the numerous relationships that have shaped her career. Longtime RSPA member John Weil sits down with Cathy to explore her story. John is a 15‑year teaching professional, a 46‑year RSPA member, a Midwest Division Hall of Fame inductee, and has spent 33 years in the tennis industry in sales.
John Weil: As we start, Cathy, give me your name, where you are, your current position, and what level RSPA professional you are.
Cathy Thomas: I live in Mason, Ohio. I’m an Elite Professional in the RSPA. My current position is running the after‑school program at Mason City Schools, and I also run an adult and junior program contracted through Harper’s Point.
John Weil: And how long have you been an RSPA member?
Cathy Thomas: I have been a member for 41 years. I took my test and joined in 1985.
John Weil: Thinking back as a long‑time member, what motivated you to become a member of the RSPA?
Cathy Thomas: My boss at the time, Roy Kiesling, told me that he needed all the pros at Camargo Racquet Club to be certified. Before I took the test, I learned that certification would give me opportunities for engagement, education, and networking. Hearing that convinced me that joining the RSPA would be an important step in my professional development.
“Get involved and stay involved. The knowledge, the networking,
and the relationships you gain are always worth the investment.”
– Cathy Thomas
John Weil: During your membership, what do you see as the best benefits you’ve received?
Cathy Thomas: he biggest benefit has been the education. Being around like‑minded professionals at conferences has always helped me grow, and I learn at least two or three new things every time I attend. Over the past 15 years, RSPA has offered more webinars and online learning opportunities, which has made it easier than ever to stay engaged. Beyond education, the friendships I’ve built are invaluable. Through networking, I’ve met so many people from around the country. Knowing their names and faces has created a sense of community, and I can reach out to them anytime for ideas, advice, and support.
John Weil: Summarize your involvement in the organization — board positions, division or national conventions, testing, seminars, anything you’ve done with the RSPA.
Cathy Thomas: began as our division’s secretary back in the ’80s, then served as RSPA Vice President of Ohio, and later as RSPA Ohio President, with each term lasting two years. I’ve helped at conferences throughout the years and have taken a leadership role working with the Ohio High School Athletic Association. We partner with high schools for our conferences, and I’ve spearheaded that collaboration for many years. When you’re in a board position, you have responsibilities to fulfill, and I’ve always tried to make sure I contributed meaningfully.
John Weil: We talked about networking earlier. Have you met individuals through the RSPA who remain in your network, and how have they inspired you? And what goals do you have going forward?
Cathy Thomas: Yes, absolutely. Kirk and Carol Anderson were some of my first RSPA connections beyond Roy Kiesling and the people at Camargo Racquet Club. I always paid my own way to attend conferences because I believed investing in my education was important. Carol took me under her wing, and attending Kirk’s seminars was eye‑opening. It meant a lot knowing we could email or call each other when I needed guidance. Locally, Steve Contardi and Geoff Crawford were incredibly supportive, as was Greg Aten in Northern Ohio. I always felt comfortable asking them questions about junior programming or interclub teams. I’ve stayed in touch with all of them—and with you and Bob Kust as well—because I know I could reach out anytime if something wasn’t going right.
Going forward, I want to continue teaching at Mason City Schools through the after‑school enrichment program I run independently. I see so much improvement in the kids, and helping them keep tennis in their lives means a lot to me. I also want to continue working with adults—many of whom have been with me for 15–20 years—which brings me great joy. If the need arises, I’d like to introduce more pickleball. Ultimately, I want to keep introducing people to tennis and to other racquet sports such as pickleball and padel.
John Weil: In closing, what advice would you give to a prospective or new member about the RSPA?
Cathy Thomas: Get involved—whether your club asks you to or not. Don’t be afraid to request time off for conferences or educational events. Everyone sacrifices something when they attend, and I realized long ago that even though it’s money out of my pocket, the knowledge, networking, and professional connections are absolutely worth the investment. Engage at the state, division, or national level. Be part of a community of like‑minded professionals who share ideas, drills, and stories. Listening to others helps you shape your own path and grow your career. My advice is simple: get involved and stay involved. Be as active in the RSPA as you possibly can.
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations in our “Voices of RSPA” series.