In this edition of our “Voices of RSPA” series, 52-year Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) member Rod Schroeder shares reflections from his five-decade journey in the racquet sports industry. From mentorship to Midwest leadership, Rod’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
RSPA member John Weil joins the conversation to explore Rod’s legacy. John is a 15-year teaching professional, a 46-year RSPA member, a Midwest Division Hall of Fame inductee, and a seasoned veteran of 33 years in tennis industry sales.
John Weil:Rod, tell me your name, where you are, and your current position.
Rod Schroeder: I’m Rod Schroeder. I live in Highland Park, Illinois, and I work at the Racquet Club Lake Bluff. I’ve been there for over 20 years and teach about 20 hours a week.
John Weil: What’s your current level at RSPA?
Rod Schroeder:I’m an Elite Professional.
John Weil: How long have you been a member of the RSPA?
Rod Schroeder: Since 1973 – so 52 years.
“Creativity keeps you fresh as a teacher. If you don’t try new things,
you get stale – and that’s why you go to conventions to pick up ideas.”
– Rod Schroeder
John Weil: What motivated you to become a member of the RSPA?
Rod Schroeder: I had a great mentor named Dave Muir, who’s in the USPTA Hall of Fame. He influenced me in high school and through college. I worked for him during the summers, and he was a past national president. His mentorship was so strong that I knew early on I wanted to make tennis my career.
John Weil: What benefits have you gained from your membership?
Rod Schroeder: The camaraderie and competition were huge in the early days. We had the Midwest Indoor Circuit, where we competed against other USPTA pros. The education from conventions – both Midwest and National – was also incredibly valuable. I gained a lot of knowledge through those events.
John Weil:Tell me about your participation in the organization – board positions, testing, conventions?
Rod Schroeder: I graduated college in ’72 and joined the RSPA in ’73. I started attending board meetings right away and was very active for about 10 years. I held positions as secretary, treasurer, vice president, and eventually Midwest Division President from 1981 to 1983. During that time, we won Division of the Year several times and even hosted the National Convention in Chicago in the early ’80s. That involvement helped establish me in the business and earned respect from other pros. Dave Muir really encouraged me to take on those roles.
Later, I started a couple of tennis businesses, including Rod Schroeder Tennis. In the ’80s, when clubs started losing members, I became independent and focused on juniors. In 1990, I bought the Stapp National Tennis Camp and ran it for nearly 30 years. After my presidency, I attended some national conventions but haven’t been as active since.
John Weil: Did you meet many people through the RSPA who are still in your network?
Rod Schroeder: Absolutely. Your closest friends are often your teammates at your club, but I’ve kept in touch with many contacts from the past and continue to build new ones.
John Weil: Are you still actively teaching? What are your goals moving forward?
Rod Schroeder: My goal is to keep teaching as long as I’m healthy. I love what I do. I’m 75 now, and I know everyone at the club. It’s easy for me to stay motivated, and I’ll keep going as long as I can.
John Weil: What advice would you give to a prospective or new member of the RSPA?
Rod Schroeder: It’s a great starting point because of the networking and instruction. But you have to be committed. We need more people who want to make tennis a career. That passion is essential. New members should get involved, share their experiences, and build relationships. It’s a relationship business, but it’s also about communication. You have to adjust your personality to each student and find ways to connect. Creativity is key. If you don’t try new things, you get stale – and that’s why conventions are so important.
“Creativity keeps you fresh as a teacher. If you don’t try new things, you get stale – and that’s why you go to conventions to pick up ideas.”
Rod’s journey is a powerful reflection of what it means to stay passionate, curious, and committed in racquet sports. His decades of experience remind us that growth doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing it with purpose. Whether mentoring juniors or leading from the court, Rod continues to inspire through connection, creativity, and a love for the game that never fades.
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations in our “Voices of RSPA” series.