In this edition of our “Voices of RSPA” series, former President of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) and 50-year member Gordon Collins reflects on his journey within the association, his goals for certification, and how relationships have influenced his career. Longtime RSPA member John Weil sits down with Gordon to explore his 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: Gordy, my first question for you is, give me your name, where you are, and your current position in the business.
Gordon Collins: I’m Gordon Collins, and I’m Racquet Sports Director at Bay Club Courtside in Los Gatos, California. I’m also Vice President of Tennis and Pickleball for the Bay Club Company.
John Weil: How long have you been a member of the RSPA?
Gordon Collins: This month marks my 50th anniversary as a USPTA/RSPA member.
John Weil: As a long-time member, what motivated you to join the RSPA?
Gordon Collins: My story started when I was a junior at UCSB. After a shoulder operation ended my competitive tennis career, I found myself with extra time and a desire to stay connected to the sport. I created my own “master’s in tennis,” researching the best professionals in California. I discovered four mentors—all USPTA members—and attended a local meeting in San Mateo. I took the test, asked a lot of questions, and was invited to join the board. That was the launching point for my career in the industry.
John Weil: What do you see as the benefits of being a member of the RSPA?
Gordon Collins: The biggest benefit has been the relationships. Getting to know professionals like you and others who are passionate about growing the game. I’ve always believed that local pros should work together, not compete. Collaboration strengthens tennis in our communities. One great pro can’t do it alone—it takes a network of clubs, pros, volunteers, and families.
John Weil: You’ve been involved in a lot. Can you share more about your participation—board positions, conventions, and leadership roles?
Gordon Collins: I started on the NorCal board at 22 and worked under Andy Bryant at Pebble Beach Resort. I became NorCal president at 26 and served on the executive committee for nearly 20 years, including 14 years on the national board. I was USPTA National President from 1992 to 1994. I’ve always appreciated the camaraderie—disagreements were about ideas, not people. We’d debate, then go play tennis and have dinner. That mutual respect made the experience incredibly rewarding.
John Weil: You’ve met many individuals through RSPA. How have they inspired you?
Gordon Collins: The people I’ve met through USPTA/RSPA are always evolving, always striving to improve. Even if they’re no longer active, they’re still thinking about how to grow the game. That mindset keeps them vibrant. It’s a brotherhood—like you and me, we may only talk every few years, but the connection is lasting.
John Weil: So Gordy, tell me a little about what you’ve been doing to ”Grow The Game” in your area?
Gordon Collins: Back in December of 2023, while looking for a toy for Bay Club’s “Toys for Tots” campaign, it occurred to me that we should be doing something to help get kids into our beautiful game. I came back and met with my long-time partner at Courtside, Tim Sunderland, and we devised a quick plan. I then reached out to Kevin Young, our Dunlop rep, who was also on RSPA Committee
The plan was to see how many racquets/balls we could get into the hands of NorCal kids, especially those from low-income neighborhoods. Dunlop gave us some excellent pricing, and we were able to package a Jr Racquet and two transition balls. Tim & I then reached out to friends, students, tennis partners, and others, and were able to purchase 1,000 sets (wrapped in a bow) to donate to TFTs and other local groups supporting youth programs.
This year, we are on track to purchase well over 2,000 units. One of the beautiful features of this program is that it is so simple! Our donors feel great about supporting youths with these tennis gifts. We also aligned ourselves with a local 501c3, which specifically supports kids’ tennis. Now, our donors are able to get a charitable tax deduction, and we do not have to pay sales tax on the product.
Our families have been so blessed in so many ways from this wonderful sport! (Tim and I both married USPTA/RSPA Pros, Tricia & Kat). Tim’s mom, Marion, led the way for us many decades ago in reaching out to kids and assisting them in finding this sport; we are just passing her message on.
John Weil: Tell me about your current involvement in teaching and the industry.
Gordon Collins: After serving as National President, I became the national tennis advisor for Club Corp, overseeing 90 clubs. Later, I managed tennis for both Club Corp and Western Athletic Clubs. Now, I’m Vice President of Tennis for Bay Club, supporting 15 tennis operations. I’ve learned that hiring great people is key. When you find someone with drive, kindness, and a servant’s heart, you know the club is in good hands. That’s been my focus for the past seven years—and it’s been incredibly fulfilling.
Gordon’s story is a testament to the power of vision, mentorship, and collaboration in racquet sports. His legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to building community through tennis.
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations in our “Voices of RSPA” series.