Two Earn USPTA Master Professional Distinction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Poornima S. Rimm
3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One
Houston,
(713) 978-7782
pr@uspta.org

09/22/06 - Two tennis professionals recently earned recognition as Master Professionals in the United States Professional Tennis Association, the highest professional rating within the tennis profession. They are:
• David Hagler, Los Angeles – independent contractor
• Alan Cutler, Whittier, Calif. – head tennis coach for Whittier Union High School District and an independent contractor
Only about 1 percent of USPTA’s 14,500 members worldwide have achieved the Master Professional designation. The two honorees were recognized last week during the USPTA’s annual awards breakfast at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
Members must hold USPTA’s highest certification rating (Professional 1) for more than 10 years before becoming eligible for the Master Professional designation. Then, each must fulfill a broad spectrum of requirements, including making significant achievements in areas such as tennis teaching and coaching, business, education and volunteer work.
“Becoming a Master Professional requires meeting a variety of personal and professional challenges,” said USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. “Those who accomplish it acquire a set of skills that can set them apart in tennis operations and programming.”
Biographies of the new USPTA Master Professionals follow.

Founded in 1927, USPTA strives to raise the standards of the tennis profession while promoting greater awareness of the sport. USPTA offers more than 30 professional benefits to its 14,500 members worldwide, including certification and professional development. With more than 300 days of educational opportunities throughout the year, USPTA offers the most comprehensive continuing education program in the tennis industry. For more information, call (800) 877-8248 or visit www.uspta.com.

– Biographies –

David Hagler, Los Angeles – Master Professional
David Hagler is an independent contractor who has worked with and developed numerous sectionally and nationally ranked junior players. He holds USPTA specialist certifications in competitive player development and sport science. Hagler was a USPTA national tester from 1996-2005. He has been a head college coach and the coach of USTA Competition Training Center and zonal teams. He has been a speaker at several Southern California tennis conventions and has taught a variety of specialty courses for the USPTA. In addition, Hagler has written articles for ADDvantage and www.tennisplayer.net. He currently serves on the HEAD/Penn national advisory staff. He has received honors for his community service work and as USPTA Los Angeles District Pro of the Year. He is married to Vilma Hagler, who has been integral to his success.

Alan Cutler, Whittier, Calif. – Master Professional
Alan Cutler is the head tennis coach for Whittier Union High School District and an independent contractor. He has served on the USPTA California Division board of directors in various capacities and is currently the division president. Cutler helped coordinate the requirements and training for the USPTA’s computer specialist degree. He has been a speaker at several of USPTA’s California and World Conferences. In addition, Cutler has had articles published in international, national and regional tennis magazines. He currently serves on the HEAD/Penn national advisory staff. Some of his previous honors have included USPTA Industry Excellence Award and USPTA California Division District Teaching Pro of the Year.

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