WCRS

July brought continued momentum in building opportunities for Love Serving Autism. 💙

With support from the Gusman Network, LSA submitted $70,000 in new grant requests, with an additional $110,325 in pending requests supporting programs and expansion efforts.

We’re grateful for the continued work behind the scenes to help expand access and create more opportunities for individuals with autism and unique abilities.

Together, we’re building toward greater impact.

WCRS SPOTLIGHT: MILLIE DIDIO

Leadership. Experience. Service. Advocacy.

This month, WCRS is proud to celebrate Millie Didio—an accomplished coach, former WTA/ITF professional player, educator, leader, and passionate advocate for women in racquet sports.

An Racquet Sports Professionals Association Elite Certified Tennis Professional, certified pickleball and padel professional, and former two-time WTA/ITF Tour player, Millie brings a wealth of experience and passion to everything she does.

Her impact extends far beyond the court. As a former USPTA/RSPA Eastern President and current Immediate Past President, Millie continues to champion female coach development, education, mentorship, networking, and leadership opportunities.

Her dedication has been recognized with the 2021 USPTA Eastern Major Contributor Award and 2022 USPTA Eastern Pro of the Year Award.

Beyond racquet sports, Millie is also a longtime humanitarian, supporting initiatives focused on education, women, youth, and community development—including helping bring tennis opportunities to communities and schoolchildren in Ghana.

Millie’s leadership is a reminder that true impact is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the people we inspire, the opportunities we create, and the legacy we leave behind.

WCRS is proud to celebrate Millie Didio and her continued commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for women to lead!

Congratulations, Shimwe Sentya!

WCRS proudly celebrates PTM alum Shimwe Sentya (2024) on receiving the RSPA Midwest Division Next Generation Award!

This well-deserved honor recognizes your passion, dedication, and bright future in the racquet sports industry.

Congratulations, Shimwe! Keep inspiring, leading, and making your mark!

Her Serve is HERE!

WCRS is excited to bring our next Her Serve educational & networking event to the historic West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills!

A great day of networking, meaningful conversations, sharing ideas, and discussing the issues shaping women in racquet sports.

Grateful for the opportunity to connect, learn, and continue building a stronger future for women in our industry!

✨ Women Coaching Racquet Sports Spotlight: Jill Victoria Rokuskova✨

At WCRS, we are proud to celebrate the women who are making a lasting impact on and off the court. This month, we are honored to spotlight Jill Victoria Rokuskova, whose journey reflects the power of resilience, leadership, and community.

Growing up in Germany and traveling to the Czech Republic to train and compete, tennis became Jill's second home. The sport taught her resilience through challenges, confidence through growth, and the importance of meaningful connections lessons that continue to shape her life more than 18 years later.

After completing the USTA Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship at the USTA National Campus, Jill now serves as the Operations Manager at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center, where she is passionate about creating welcoming experiences for players of every age and ability.

Throughout her career, Jill has coached players of all levels, coordinated youth programs, served as both a USTA and ITA certified official, and volunteered with Love Serving Autism. She believes the greatest victories happen beyond the scoreboard when a player gains confidence, discovers a sense of belonging, or realizes they are capable of more than they imagined.

As a leader in racquet sports, Jill hopes to inspire others to embrace opportunities, continue learning, and recognize the incredible influence coaches have in shaping lives. She believes success is measured not by trophies, but by the people we encourage, empower, and inspire every day.

✨ Inspiring Excellence. Building Confidence. Creating Community. ✨

Fun Fact: Jill is an avid traveler who loves exploring new cultures through food, enjoys kayaking, snorkeling, and collecting seashells, and is already planning her next adventure to Japan.

(WCRS) Women Coaching Racquet Sports Spotlight: Lori Burdell
Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Tennis Leadership

Women Coaching Racquet Sports (WCRS) is proud to spotlight Lori Burdell—a respected leader, coach, mentor, and advocate whose passion for growing the game continues to create meaningful opportunities throughout the tennis community.

As the Director of Provider Development and Support for USTA Florida, Lori leads initiatives that support public tennis park directors, coaches, and community play facilitators across the state. Through her leadership, she continues to strengthen professional development and create pathways for the next generation of tennis professionals.

Lori's impact on the sport spans decades. Her distinguished career includes serving as the Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach at the University of Central Florida (UCF), in addition to teaching positions at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Racquet Club, Lake Buena Vista Resort, and numerous tennis facilities throughout Florida.

A passionate advocate for women and girls in sport, Lori has dedicated her career to expanding access, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. From supporting middle and high school tennis programs and all-girls camps to leading Women in Tennis workshops, her work continues to inspire more women to pursue meaningful careers in racquet sports.

For Lori, tennis is more than a game it is a platform for connection, growth, and empowerment. She finds tremendous fulfillment in mentoring others, sharing her knowledge, and helping create opportunities for future leaders in our industry.

At (WCRS) Women Coaching Racquet Sports, we celebrate Lori Burdell for her unwavering commitment to growing the game and developing the next generation of coaches and leaders. Her story is a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, we create lasting impact both on and off the court.

Thank you, Lori, for your leadership, mentorship, and dedication to making our sport stronger for all.

Two more incredible additions to the tennis coaching world. Alisia and Cate. RSPA professionals and soon to be Elite.