By Andrew Minnelli
Racquets programs are no longer peripheral amenities in private clubs. They have become central to member engagement, community culture and generational relevance. As demand for tennis, squash, pickleball and paddle continues to evolve, so does the need for strategic leadership in your racquets program.
All too often, we see clubs focus on immediate needs rather than approach racquets hiring holistically. A racquets director should be more than a department head. At many clubs, they are the face of programming, the curator of energy and a key driver of member retention. Identifying the right leader is not about filling a vacancy; it is about aligning personality, vision and experience with the future of the club.
For years, racquets professionals were seen primarily as instructors — technical experts who ran clinics and kept programming running. That model no longer fits the scale or complexity of what today's members expect. Directors of racquets oversee teams, manage capital projects, lead member engagement strategies and shape the brand experience of the club.
They are not just professionals with strong forehands. They function as C-suite executives. Clubs that recognize this and hire accordingly build racquets programs with staying power.
The traditional checklist of certifications, years of experience and playing background only take you so far. The critical element is how a candidate aligns with the club's culture: its membership profile, leadership structure, pace of change and openness to innovation.
What works at a large, multi-generational club in the Northeast might not succeed in a smaller, golf-forward property in the Southeast. Without that contextual understanding, even the most qualified candidates can miss the mark. Process and patience are essential.
Pickleball has grown by over 150% in three years, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, and private clubs are adapting at speed. Members now expect racquets offerings that are inclusive, multi-generational and flexible across seasons.
The most effective directors today are multi-dimensional leaders. They manage operations, mentor staff and design experiences that create lasting member value. The ability to scale across disciplines, not just coach, is now a baseline requirement.
Rushing to fill a role often leads to greater cost over time. The most effective racquets hires are made when clubs take the time to align the candidate's approach with their long-term vision. Settling for the available choice rather than the right one often results in turnover, disengagement or missed opportunity.
When racquets leadership is given the same strategic consideration as general management, finance or food and beverage, the results are more lasting and the programs more dynamic.
Executive search in the racquets sector is about understanding fit, not just qualifications. Fit is rarely obvious on paper. It is revealed through dialogue, discretion and a sharp understanding of where the club is headed.
For clubs investing in the future, racquets leadership is a lever that should not be underestimated. Hired well, this role becomes a cornerstone, not just for programming, but for culture.
Andrew Minnelli advises private clubs on racquets executive leadership, partnering closely with Boards, Club Presidents and General Managers to connect the right talent with long-term club vision. Known for a strategic, thoughtful approach that balances tradition with modern club needs, he can be reached at andrew@gsiexecutivesearch.com or 310-740-4488.
