2021 Nomination Committee Slate of Nominees for the 2021-2022 Term | Page 1
2021 Nomination Committee Slate of Nominees for the 2021-2022 Term
Christine Costamagna
Tennis Background Sectional/National Adult League (Player and Captain) and Tournament Player
Branson School Boy’s and Girls’ Varsity Tennis Coach (2019 - present)
Northern California Special Olympics (Head tennis coach since 2000)
Adult Competition Committee–5th term beginning 2013; Vice Chairman-2015 to 2018; Chair–2019 to 2022
Sr. International Cup Selection Committee – 2 terms (2015–2018)
Assisted the National Adaptive Committee to create and assist at the Unified Doubles National Championships which launched in December 2018
Marin Championships National Cat II tournament–served as referee/head referee from almost 20 years ending in 2014; beginning in 2015 became Tournament Director;
Member of the Board of Directors since 2009 – 2019, currently serving as Advisory Director
Currently serving as Chair of the Leagues Committee, ED Search Committee, ERC and Adaptive Committee;
member of Governance and Sportsmanship
Served on the following Committees: Adult Tournament (as Chairman and Vice Chairman), Sportsmanship, Sanction & Schedule, Budget, Community Tennis, Adaptive, Constitution & Rules, ERC
Personal Statement
Tennis is my passion whether it’s playing or volunteering. I have hit a lot of milestones playing but the volunteering side has been so fulfilling because it is an opportunity to give back. In terms of USTA NorCal, I have been involved for at least 2 decades. I have dedicated a lot of time and effort in many different capacities to grow the game of tennis. In the upcoming term, I want to focus on what NorCal does well around programming so that we can provide a variety of play opportunities for our existing playing population while providing opportunities and a pathway for those players we gained during the pandemic. Also, one of my most fulfilling experiences is my involvement with Special Olympics. It allowed me to share my passion for tennis with a very special population. I have been able to create opportunities beyond just the local tennis program. Also, I was recently asked to be the Special Olympics Program Manager for the Disability Awareness Network for Bank of America at the enterprise level.
Education
University of California Davis - BA English; Minor in Political Science, French (1988)
St. Mary's College - Paralegal Certificate (1989)
San Francisco State University - HR Certificate Profession
Bank of America - Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary
Michelle Nicholson
Tennis Background High school tennis my junior and senior year
D3 College tennis at Rochester Institute of Technology all four years
USTA tennis from 2010 - present
2021 Nomination Committee Slate of Nominees for the 2021-2022 Term | Page 2 Personal Statement
Tennis has been an integral part of my life for the past 20 years. I love the way it brings people together and forms life long bonds. From going to college through moving to different states a few times since graduating, tennis is the one thing that has stood out the most. It's a great way to meet people and network, especially when you're in a new place. Through tennis I've built such strong friendships and am continuously meeting and developing new ones all thanks to a shared love of tennis. I think tennis is one of the few sports that you can play and be involved with throughout your life and am so glad to have found this sport.
Education
MBA - Rochester Institute of Technology
BS New Media Publishing - Rochester Institute of Technology Profession
Lead Technical Solutions Consultant/Technical Program Manager at LinkedIn
Andrea Norman
Tennis BackgroundMy background in tennis started when I began playing at the age of 8. As the daughter of a USTA Certified Official and a tournament director I grew up around the sport and when I joined an active club in the early 1990s, it that gave me the opportunity to volunteer. My USTA/NorCal experience includes: 3 terms on the NorCal Board, 1 year as Secretary and Executive Committee member; 2 years as Advisory Director, 7 terms on the USTA Junior Competition Committee including 3 terms as Vice Chair and 2 as Chair; 7 terms as a member of the USTA Constitution & Rules Committee; 2 terms as a USTA Council Chair; 18 years as a Friend at Court editor; 13 years on NorCal Junior Council, 10 as Chair; service on additional NorCal Committees: Sanctions & Schedule, Constitution & Rules, Ad Hoc
Sportsmanship, Governance & Ombuds; 23 years as a tournament director, including USTA Junior National
Championships. I am currently on the USTA Nominating Committee. In recognition of my service, I am a NorCal Hall of Fame inductee, I received the 2017 Barbara Williams Service Award and the 2012 USTA NorCal Lifetime
Achievement Award, and I am a USTA National Blue Ribbon Tournament Director.
Personal Statement
My primary focus is junior tennis - growing the game at the entry level, providing competitive opportunities for players of all skill levels, and ensuring that our policies and programs are communicated clearly and effectively to our stakeholders.
I have an interest in the overall governance of our association and our ability to work together to achieve the mission. During my previous terms on the Board and on NorCal committees, I have tried to promote clear policy- making and the establishment of pathways for better communication and improved volunteer-staff cooperation. I believe that effective and clear communication, cooperation, and governance are foundational to NorCal working together to grow the game.
I am also interested in promoting an environment of fair play in USTA NorCal - not just out on the tennis courts, but in fostering a positive working environment of our staff and volunteers in the office, committee meetings, and the boardroom. Encouraging new people to become involved with NorCal and providing a pathway to leadership for those who are interested is an important part of ensuring a solid future our Section - one that is open to new people and new ideas to grow the game.
I have enjoyed serving NorCal as a Board member in the past, and I look forward to the challenge of the next 2 years if given the privilege of serving on the Board for a 3rd term.
Education
Bachelor of Arts with High Honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara Profession
Volunteer
2021 Nomination Committee Slate of Nominees for the 2021-2022 Term | Page 3
Craig Pasqua
Tennis Background USPTA Professional since 2003
20 years - High School Tennis coach, DeAnza College coach,
USTA Certified Official - 5 years
JTT coach and organizer - 15 years
Taught tennis on 40 Indian Reservations in 10 states
NAITA National Champion 2004 Personal Statement
After years of volunteering with the USTA and working in the industry, I feel I have a solid understanding of the role the USTA plays in promoting the game. I hope to bring a voice that has not found a place on this board before.
The voice of a minority person of color, not representative of a private club and one who is representative and comfortable with the section's changing demographic.
Education
AB Psychology, Stanford Univeristy, Stanford CA
Professional Certificate Oracle 9i, San Jose State University Extension, SJ CA
United States Professional Teaching Association Professional Certification, USPTA, Orlando, FL Profession
Owner Four Directions Tennis
Co-host Native Voice Television
USTA Official
Pamela Sloan
Tennis BackgroundPamela Sloan has 30+ years of devoted and successful experience within the tennis community. She is a strong advocate for grassroots tennis and has assisted many community tennis organizations in growing and promoting the game of tennis. She began her tennis adventure with the Kansas City, MO Parks and Recreation by offering tennis lessons, NJTL and tournaments to over 1,200 youth. In addition, she had oversight of Ashe-Bollettieri
“cities” tennis program that grew to over 1,000 registered players.
Pam previously served in the USTA Missouri Valley Section as a volunteer, tournament director, tennis advocate and section leader. She held various positions within the USTA Missouri Valley Section (Vice President, First Vice President, President (two terms) and Delegate. She chaired numerous Committees.
In 2004 Pam moved to northern California as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Stockton, CA and quickly connected to Northern California Section to volunteer and to get involved with the Section. As a result, she has served on several committees and currently on the NorCal Board seeking a second term. Most recently she served as the Chair to the League Fee Task Force and is Chair of Community Tennis.
On a USTA National Level, she served on many committees, task forces and special projects over the past 25+
years (Chair of Section President’s, Vice Chair of Section Delegates, Schools, NJTL, CTA, Parks, Strategic Planning, Nominating Committee, etc.. Pam also was on the USTA Board of Directors and USTA Serves (Foundation).
Summer of 2015 she worked with the Mylan WTT “California Dream” as an Outreach Coordinator where she promoted the team and Mylan WTT through a variety of activates for youth and adults. She helped establish the Stockton Junior Tennis Patrons and promote 10 & U and continues to volunteer. Pamela also serves as a consultant to the USTA Facility Assistance Program. Today she continues to serve on many sectional committees and USTA National Public Parks Vice-Chair and continues to assist CTA’s and Parks and Recreation agencies in growing tennis.
2021 Nomination Committee Slate of Nominees for the 2021-2022 Term | Page 4 Personal Statement
For years I have been a big advocate for the game of tennis and its contribution to diversity, socialization, fitness and wellness and quality of life. Grassroots tennis is critical to the growth of tennis and introducing young people and adults to tennis will continue the growth. My experience in community tennis is a valuable attribute for NorCal. I am grateful for what tennis has brought to my life and thrilled to be able to give back to this great sport.
From my first job in the 1970s as a Director of Youth Sports, right through my current role as a consultant to communities, I truly believe sports – and especially tennis – is a key to an incredible quality of life. I love volunteering with the USTA. There are so many valuable resources that help a community and its residents get engaged in tennis – one of the healthiest and most fun activities. As a Certified Park & Recreation Professional, the USTA has for many years been a terrific platform to help me introduce tennis into the community.
Education
B.A. – Health & Phys. Educ. And Psychology – Southwest Baptist University – Bolivar, MO
M.Ed. – Administration and Supervision of Athletics and Physical Education – Univ. of MO., Columbia
Ed.S. – Educational Administration in Higher Education – University of Missouri – Kansas City, MO Profession
Pamela Sloan, C.P.R.P (Certified Park and Recreation Professional), currently is a Principal Consultant with Municipal Resource Group, LLC (MRG). Pamela Sloan has over 37 years’ experience in the Public Park, recreation and community service area. Consulting has afforded her the opportunity to promote tennis to park and recreation agencies. Sloan’s expertise is in organizational management and operational assessment (strategic planning; organizational evaluation and development; consensus building; leadership development;
staff development, etc. She, too, was a former member of the Board of Directors for the National Recreation and Parks Association.
Jack Walker
Tennis Background
I am an avid tennis player and enthusiast. I have been active in USTA League Tennis for more than 20 years and have captained many teams. My 2014 Men’s 55 9.0 team captured the National Championship in Surprise, AZ. As Chief Financial Officer for the Spare Time Sports Clubs in the Greater Sacramento Area, I am a key executive of an organization that offers and promotes one of the most active tennis programs in the country.
Personal Statement
I have been an active tennis player for more than 50 years and have worked in the tennis industry for 45 years with the Spare Time Sports Clubs. The USTA Northern California plays a critical role in promoting the growth of tennis in our communities. Serving on the Board as Treasurer from 2014-2017 and again from 2020-2021 has given me a keen appreciation for the volunteer work that is critical to the success of the organization. I would like to continue my contribution to tennis as a Board Director and active committee member, and look forward to further advancing the goals of USTA Northern California to grow tennis as an inclusive and lifetime activity.
Education
University of California, Davis BA in Economics
California State University, Sacramento Completed Masters in Accounting Program
Passed Uniform Certified Public Accountants exam Profession
Chief Financial Officer Spare Time Sports Clubs, Gold River, CA
2021 Nomination Committee Slate of Nominees for the 2021-2022 Term | Page 5
Other Nominees
Mary Ryniewicz
Tennis Background Competed in USTA Leagues 4.5, 5.0
Coached at UCSC - Women’s head coach 1989-1996
Ran an Open-pro event (a tournament for wildcard entry into the Challenger event at Seascape)
Ranked in the top 10 nationally in the seniors
Ran and competed in Community tennis leagues
Represented Team NorCal in competition in Florida and Texas
Teach private lessons
Tennis Camp for 5-12yr. Olds
Taught Cardio Tennis
Help with jr. league for my 12 year old.
Personal Statement
I am dedicated and goal oriented, positive and of course a team player. I am honest and compassionate which allows me to help in many diverse situations. I believe in tennis, particularly for kids, as a way to learn life skills. I also believe in doing the best job possible whatever that may be. Thank you for the opportunity for this position!
Education
BA in Psychology - UCSC -1988 Profession
On hold Tennis Service Representative
Private Tennis Instructor