Never Stop Learning 10/26

"Racquet sports create communities, and with that comes an opportunity to make those communities more inclusive," said Cassandra Toroian, co-founder of Volleybird. "We didn't want to simply write a check; we wanted to build a relationship that can grow, generate sustainable support, and open doors."

"This year marks our 10th anniversary, and this partnership couldn't come at a better time. Volleybird's support helps us reach even more families as we grow into new regions, including the Mid-Atlantic, and gives more neurodivergent children and adults the chance to build confidence and connection through therapy racquet sports," said Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, founder of Love Serving Autism.

Aaron Rusnak: Before I leave Chicago for Dallas and the RSPA World Conference, I wanted to share something a little different. Something personal. Learn to clap for yourself.

We are incredibly fortunate when we have people around us who believe in us, encourage us, and pick us up during difficult moments.

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About Volleybird

Volleybird is a premium sport discovery company serving tennis, pickleball, padel, and golf players across North America.

Founded by athletes Tracy Thomas and Cassandra Toroian, Volleybird hunts down the gear, apparel, and lifestyle products that most players would never find on their own, from established brands to emerging makers redefining the sport.

Victor Bergonzoli: Brazil. England. Argentina. They lead this list in all-time national team victories. But the more interesting question isn’t who has won the most. It’s WHY some countries remain competitive generation after generation.

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Fabian J. De Rozario, NSHSS Foundation Executive Director, writes, “What sets this book apart is D.A. himself: someone who has spent decades walking the talk, building a life of purpose, relationships, and health, and who now gives you a clear, actionable framework to do the same.

Whether you’ve never picked up a racket or you’re looking for a reason to get back on the court, this book will meet you exactly where you are. It’s part manifesto, part playbook, and entirely worth your time.”
(NSHSS stands for National Society of High School Scholars.)

Espen Foss: TENNIS HAS A PROBLEM: WE ARE GETTING TO KIDS TOO LATE.

While tennis clubs are waiting for kids to be “old enough” to start…

⚽ Football has them.
🤸 Gymnastics has them.
⛷️ Skiing has them.
🏊 Swimming has them.

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Kim Bastable: I loved seeing Roger Federer inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this weekend. I have always loved Roger. He was already one of the greatest players in history, and he was still willing to change his game. Try something different. Listen to coaches. Add new shots and tactics.

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But longevity is only the beginning. This deceptively simple game simultaneously strengthens your cardiovascular system, protects your brain from cognitive decline, regulates emotional stress, builds authentic community, and creates the kind of purposeful daily structure that transforms the second half of life from gradual decline into vibrant renaissance.

In NE1410IS, drawing on rigorous neuroscience, cardiology, and psychology research, alongside his own decades of personal experience in the sport, D.A. Abrams makes the definitive case that tennis is not merely recreation. It is a comprehensive operating system for health, discipline, resilience, relationships, and purposeful living.

Victor Bergonzoli: PRIVATE EQUITY HAS DISCOVERED YOUTH SPORTS.

And the money is moving fast.
PE and VC investment in amateur sports reached $2.11 billion in just the first five months of 2026, compared with $550 million in all of 2025.

Why?

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