📧 Your Monthly Shot with SETS: August Edition

👋 From the SETS Desk

Your monthly strategy session from the desk of Kyle LaCroix

August marks a turning point — we’re halfway through the back half of the year, and for many of us, this is when real traction starts to show. At SETS, we’re seeing more clubs rethink how they hire, train, certify, and retain staff — and more coaches and directors owning their development like true CEOs of their careers. That’s the work we’re here to support.

Our strategic systems and deep mentorship are helping industry professionals just like you lead smarter, serve better, and create true community. That’s what SETS is all about — and I’m honored to be in it with you.

📩 Request a Discovery Call | 🔗 Follow SETS on LinkedIn

⚡ Existing Clients Shoutout

We love our clients. The time and money invested in their success and careers would be hard to fathom if we didn’t. A SETS client is more than a customer; they are an extension of our family and brand. It’s about creating a lasting impact and legacy on and off the court. Big thank you to some of our OG Clients!

• Dan Beedle of Memphis, TN - View Dan’s LinkedIn

• Venton Lee of Matawan, NJ - Follow Venton on LinedIn

• SMASH Tennis Academy of Singapore - See SMASH Tennis on LinkedIn

Thinking about partnering with SETS? Want someone to invest in your education and career? Let’s talk. (Fill out this application to see if you qualify!)

🚀 Directors Club of America: Automatic Membership

We are committed to the growth and improvement of our Industry. When you become a client, SETS will cover the cost of your Directors Club of America membership for the first full year.

🌟 Client Spotlight: Leslie Banks
Founder & Executive Director, Serve The Future 501(c)(3) - Phoenix, AZ

We’re proud to spotlight professionals who elevate the racquets industry through their dedication to growth and leadership…

Leslie Banks is a force in youth sports, blending servant leadership with visionary impact. As Executive Director and Lead Coach of Serve the Future, Leslie sets ambitious goals rooted in access, equity, and long-term player development. Her work goes far beyond the baseline—designing innovative summer programming, weaving social-emotional learning into tennis, and mentoring the next generation of certified coaches.

📖 Follow Leslie’s Success on LinkedIn

♥️ Learn More and Support Serve The Future 501(c)(3)

📅 On the Calendar: Coaching Workshops and Events featuring SETS

• August 9th - SETS Masterclass (Online)

• August 17 – 19 – RSPA Level 2 Tennis Workshop, Boynton Beach, FL

• August 29 – 31 – Love Serving Autism Kids Clinic - US Open, New York, NY

🛫 Business travel this month: Miami → Boca Raton → Boynton Beach → Sarasota → New York City.

Want to meet?
🗓️ Hit reply if you're in the area and want to connect.

🗣️ SETS Tip of the Month

"We are kept from our goal not by obstacles, but by a clear path to a lesser goal."

👉 Most people in our industry maximize their ability but sadly never come close to maximizing their potential. Want to find out more?

🔗 See our most popular posts on LinkedIn

🎾 On Kyle’s Mind: Principles and Podcasts

📘 Required Reading: “Principles: Life and Work” by Ray Dalio – Required reading for any individual who seeks the most effective ways for individuals and organizations to make decisions, approach challenges, and build strong teams. Click here to get your copy.

🎧 The Power Players Podcast presented by The Directors Club of America – GM/COO of North Hills Club in Raleigh, NC John Wilkening gives an amazing masterclass on how GMs should think, behave and invest in their club’s racquets programs. Catch up by visiting The Power Players Podcast. And if you're not already, follow John on Linkedin here.

🎧 It was great to put my tennis coach hat back on and be a guest on the very popular tennis instructional podcast Baseline Intelligence with Jonathan Stokke. Give this episode a listen: Kyle LaCroix: Baseline Intelligence Episode

🎧 Another podcast where we get a bit personal: The Holistic Tennis Performance Podcast with Gira Schofield. We discuss my early days, success, failure and everything in between. Please give it a listen, and watch HTP Podcast.

✍️ Thank You

This work matters — and I’m grateful to be doing it alongside people who care about coaching, culture, and continuous growth. If you know a coach or club that’s ready for their next step, forward this newsletter to them. Your introduction could change the game for them.

With Purpose,
Kyle LaCroix