April Success Stories
Since its inception in 2021, the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Course has operated on a rolling‐admission, self‐paced model that grants professionals up to twelve months to complete its comprehensive curriculum in facilities management, programming, marketing, leadership, and financial oversight . This flexible structure enables working directors to integrate advanced study seamlessly into their existing responsibilities.
In April 2025, two distinguished practitioners—Brian Daniel Pillar and Stefan Riecher—reached this academic milestone, joining three others who earned their certifications earlier this year.
Brian Daniel Pillar
As Director of Racquet Sports at Algonquin Golf Club in Saint Louis, Missouri, Brian Pillar brought a critical eye to the program’s modules on operational efficiency and team leadership. He notes:
“This extensive program has given me the knowledge and confidence to dynamically grow in my leadership position as a racquet sports director in a leading private club setting. I look forward to passing on the skills I have attained from the University of Florida to my club here in Saint Louis and begin to mentor the next generation of racquet professionals.”
Stefan Riecher
At Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains, New York, Stefan Riecher engaged deeply with the course’s leadership and finance components. He reflects:
“With everything I have learned, I feel more confident to run a racquets department or a club and I feel the course has brought me one step closer to following my dream of owning my own club one day.”
Congratulations to Brian and Stefan on their successful completion of this rigorous, year‐long journey. Their achievements exemplify how a self‐paced academic framework can empower busy professionals to advance their leadership capacities and drive innovation in racquet sports. We look forward to their continued contributions, and to celebrating next month’s graduates as they leverage this credential to shape the future of our industry!
