In an effort to put quality assurance at the forefront in 2020, USTA Florida has announced Lori Burdell will join the Tennis Management Division as its new Training and Quality Assurance Manager.
A Pittsburgh, Pa. native, seasoned tennis instructor and USPTA professional, Burdell brings with her more than 15 years of professional tennis teaching experience and an eye for innovation. She most recently served as Senior Recreation Coordinator at the Henry McMullen Tennis Complex in Clearwater, where she oversaw facility operations for the city while creating new tennis programs for the community.
“I enjoy developing and growing tennis businesses at every level,” explained Burdell when asked why the position with the USTA Florida Tennis Management Division appealed to her. “Whether it be a new club starting from the ground up or an old facility floundering and in need of an overhaul, helping facilities and bringing them back to life is very gratifying.”
The Training and Quality Assurance Manager is a new addition to the Tennis Management Division. Burdell will coordinate and administer staff, professional and facility training, remain educated and current on developments in the tennis and racquet sports arena, present planning and support as needed in the temporary absence of a site professional, provide leadership to foster positive innovation, and above all implement and ensure quality assurance standards. According to Frank Swope, the Director of Tennis Management for USTA Florida, the division wants to set the standard with excellence of programming and quality of facility.
“Lori’s addition to the Tennis Management team will enhance the consumer experience at our existing facilities’ day to day operations and allows us to have options available when special circumstances and new opportunities occur,” said Swope. “It will be great to have such an experienced professional and administrator on board to continue our mission to ‘Promote and Develop Tennis for All’.”
Burdell is no stranger to USTA Florida’s mission; she carries a strong belief that tennis does not need to be classified as “low demand” and feels the game needs to be reintroduced as a fun sport for all ages, abilities, and lifestyles. Her background includes competing for West Virginia University in the 1980s (and being its first female to receive a full tennis scholarship), serving as a tennis instructor at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Racquet Club for eight years, coaching the University of Central Florida’s men’s and women’s teams and teaching at clubs in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
“I have been a student of this sport since I started playing, and continue to learn the latest techniques with equipment, mental and physical training, and nutrition,” said Burdell of her expansive resume.
Burdell will also be the first woman to join USTA Florida’s Tennis Management Division. In an industry where few women are in positions of leadership across the country, USTA Florida actively promotes inclusivity for women through its Pro-Women’s initiative, specifically designed to encourage women with a passion for tennis to pursue leadership positions to help grow the game.
“Lori’s addition to our team is a prime example of how the Pro-Women’s initiative is helping to match talented women with great professional tennis opportunities. It was through the initiative that Lori found out about this new position and was able to make the connection with us to share her experience,” said Laura Bowen, Executive Director of USTA Florida. “Lori is going to enable our facilities to implement a higher standard of quality across the board. There is no question that she will make our team stronger and better in 2020.”
“It takes just one opportunity for a woman to be given a chance to make an impact – and this is mine,” agreed Burdell. “I believe it is important for all companies and organizations to get different perspectives from all kinds of people, in order to encompass and completely cover all aspects of the playing field.”
As far as her future impact on the Tennis Management Division, Burdell believes all her life experiences in the game have led up to this great opportunity with USTA Florida.
“Tennis has and will always be my passion and choice as an occupation, and I am excited to aid in the regrowth of tennis facilities across the state of Florida.”
ABOUT USTA FLORIDA TENNIS MANAGEMENT
The USTA Florida Board of Directors in 2017 unanimously approved the creation of a new Tennis Management Division to promote and develop tennis in Florida. USTA Florida Tennis Management delivers high-quality tennis programs, teaching pros and management, utilizing USTA networks and partnerships to ensure tennis grows in local communities for all ages and demographics. USTA Florida Tennis Management is raising the standards for tennis programming and facility management across the state of Florida. For more information go to ustaflorida.com/tennismanagement