Leadership changes, league expansion, and professional development headline this week’s RADL Wire as racquet sports continue to accelerate into 2026. US Squash has named Mollie Marcoux Samaan as its next CEO, bringing proven executive leadership from the LPGA and Princeton Athletics, while emerging pro tennis league INTENNSE builds momentum with the announcement of its first head coaches ahead of a major 10-team expansion and March draft. The industry spotlight then turns to Orlando, where the 2026 PGA Show will feature its largest-ever Racquet Sports presence—complete with full pickleball and padel courts, celebrity events, business education, and hands-on demos from leading brands.  Also this week, the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) Padel.

• New CEO at US Squash

• INTENNSE new tennis league

• Racquet Sports at The PGA Show

• All-new Padel Certification

NEW LEADERSHIP

US Squash Appoints Mollie Marcoux Samaan as Chief Executive Officer

US Squash recently announced that Mollie Marcoux Samaan has been appointed as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective February 2, 2026.

Marcoux Samaan brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience in sports administration, athlete development and commercial growth. Most recently, she served as Commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), where she oversaw the largest period of growth within the organization’s 75-year history.  Prior to her time at the LPGA, Marcoux Samaan spent seven years as the Ford Family Director of Athletics at her alma mater Princeton University, guiding one of the nation’s most successful collegiate athletic departments and championing excellence in coaching, facilities enhancement, innovative fundraising strategies and athlete performance initiatives. 

Marcoux Samaan succeeds Kevin Klipstein, who has served in the role for over two decades.

INTENNSE Announces First Group of Head Coaches Ahead of Second Season and March 13 Draft

INTENNSE announced the hiring of head coaches for six of its 10 teams as the league continues to build momentum toward its second season and its upcoming March 13 draft. In December, the league announced it will expand to 10 professional teams in 2026, all based in the Atlanta area, up from three in 2025. The inaugural group of coaches—Marcelo Ferreira, Tim Siegel, Amy O’Connell, Jim Harp, Torrey Hawkins, and Sofia Rachi—brings a combined track record spanning ATP and WTA pathways, high-performance academies, and successful collegiate programs.

INTENNSE is entering its second season with a planned expansion from three to 10 professional teams. The league features a fast-paced, team-based format designed to elevate both player performance and fan engagement. With simplified scoring, nonstop action, and an immersive environment, INTENNSE is bringing new energy and a new narrative to tennis. 

PGA Show 2026: Racquet Sports Take Center Stage

The PGA Show returns to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, January 20–23, with its largest-ever Racquet Sports presence. Debuting as a fully integrated “show within a show,” Racquet Sports at the PGA Show features 60+ brands, live demos, coaching clinics, and full pickleball and padel courts.

Highlights Include:

• Celebrity Pickleball Pro-Am (Jan. 21, 5–7 p.m.) with NFL legends Calvin Johnson & Eric Decker, tennis star Jesse Levine, and more.

• Complimentary Business Programming on facility design, revenue strategies, and multi-sport engagement.

• Hands-On Experiences with leading brands like adidas, JOOLA, Selkirk, Mizuno, and Vulcan.

Industry partners include USTA, PTR, RSPA, and RADL Wire. Key sponsors: adidas Racquet Sports, JOOLA Pickleball, Selkirk, and AMET International.

Learn more

PADEL

RSPA Launches All-New Padel Certification Led by Marcos del Pilar

The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) has launched its all-new Padel Certification, a comprehensive program designed to prepare coaches and professionals to succeed in the world’s fastest-growing sport. Led by Marcos del Pilar, RSPA Head of Padel and Master Professional, the certification combines modern coaching methodology with practical, real-world application. Del Pilar brings deep experience spanning national team development, elite training programs, and academic research, positioning the course as a leading pathway for those looking to teach padel at a high level or build a career in the sport.

The updated curriculum introduces new modules in tactics, business, leadership, and feeding, along with expanded technical instruction and a step-by-step guide on how to run effective lessons and clinics. Coaches gain immediate, usable tools—from drill libraries and advanced shot development to business templates designed to help monetize programs from day one. LEARN MORE