SHONA KERR
Middletown,CT
Summary
Seasoned racquet sports executive with nearly 20 years of experience in leadership roles. Led the development of nationally recognized programs and high-performing teams while managing national championships and innovative programming. Fostered inclusive communities through sport across collegiate athletics, national sports administration, and multi-sport programming, enhancing experiences for athletes and members.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Austin Ignite
Austin, Texas
03.2023 - Current
- Built and helped lead one of the MLP Champions Series founding teams while promoting team culture, athlete development, and community engagement.
- Developed organizational identity and strengthened team culture.
- Collaborated with players, coaches, and league leadership.
- Contributed to strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives.
- Activated sponsorships and executed marketing initiatives.
- Supported league operations and enhanced media initiatives.
- Participated in events for National Pickleball League
Physical Education Instructor
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT
07.2005 - Current
- Instructed students in tennis, pickleball, squash, badminton, table tennis, golf, and sailing to promote physical fitness.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored for diverse student groups.
- Facilitated skill enhancement through structured physical education activities at local sports facility.
- Created a supportive environment to encourage participation in various sports.
Head Squash Coach
Wesleyan University
07.2005 - Current
- Led program for 19 seasons, becoming longest-tenured coach in school history.
- Named NESCAC Men's Coach of the Year twice for outstanding achievements.
- Coached multiple All-Americans and conference champions, enhancing program visibility.
- Cultivated inclusive culture that prioritized personal growth and competitive excellence, enhancing team cohesion and performance.
- Recruited internationally and managed program operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and enhancing recruitment outcomes.
- Oversaw budgets, scheduling, travel, alumni engagement, fundraising, and event management, optimizing resources and strengthening program sustainability.
- Collaborated with university departments to enhance student-athlete experiences across campus.
- Provided executive leadership for premier collegiate squash program, fostering excellence and accountability.
National Events Fundraiser, Wales
Barnardo's
Cardiff, Wales, UK
09.1999 - 06.2001
- Coordinated 20-mile bike ride, firewalking event, and marathon, generating essential funds for community support programs.
- Organized fundraising events across Wales, raising awareness and support for vulnerable children and families.
- Organized fundraising events to engage community support and encourage donations.
- Developed promotional materials to raise awareness about Barnardo's mission and programs.
- Collaborated with volunteers to coordinate outreach efforts and maximize participation.
Assistant Tennis Coach
Wesleyan University
2005 - 2007
- Coached players during intercollegiate matches, providing strategic insights to optimize individual and team performance.
- Partnered with head coach to design and implement targeted practice sessions, improving athlete readiness.
- Developed and delivered focused drills and feedback, fostering skill advancement and confidence in athletes.
- Promoted positive team environment through effective communication and encouragement.
- Coordinated logistics for team travel and competition schedules.
President
College Squash Association
- Led organization through significant growth, enhancing national presence and engagement.
- Provided strategic leadership for the national governing body of intercollegiate squash.
- Directed governance initiatives and strategic planning.
- Managed relationships with coaches, athletic directors, committees, and institutional leaders to foster collaboration and support for collegiate squash.
- Oversaw national championships involving approximately forty men's and women's teams competing simultaneously across multiple venues.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to enhance collegiate squash experience, resulting in improved satisfaction and participation.
Founder
USA Racketlon
- Founded national governing organization to promote and develop racketlon across the United States.
- Developed organizational structure and governance frameworks to support growth of racketlon in the U.S.
- Coordinated national competitions, increasing visibility and participation in racketlon.
- Led American teams at world championships while actively competing.
- Built relationships with international governing bodies to strengthen collaboration and support for racketlon.
Education
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CTBachelor of Music - Music
Cardiff University
Cardiff, WalesSkills
- Event management
- Budget and operations management
- Strategic planning
- Growth initiatives
- Racket Sports Programming
- Junior and Adult development programs
- Team leadership
- Recruitment and mentorship
- Engagement strategies
- Relationship management
- Community building efforts
- Brand development
- Executive communication
- Public speaking
- Content creation
- Athlete development
- Performance coaching
- Luxury member experience
Selected Career Accomplishments
Nearly twenty years leading nationally recognized collegiate athletics., Former President of the College Squash Association., Founder of USA Racketlon., Longest-tenured Head Coach in Wesleyan program history., Directed and managed National Championships, Conference Championships, Junior Events, Recruiting Events, Professional Clinics, Member Programs, Team Competitions, Fundraising Events, Competitive and coaching experience in Tennis, Pickleball, Squash, Badminton, Table Tennis, Racketlon, Entrepreneur and program developer., Experience creating new programming and member engagement initiatives., Marketing, branding, sponsorship, and media experience., Podcast host and content creator., Passionate about innovation and the future of racquet sports.
Playing Achievements
- World No. 11 — Racketlon
- Founder, USA Racketlon
- USTA Tournament Champion
- Professional Squash Competitor
- Represented England in Squash
- National Pickleball League Competitor
- Scottish Open Pickleball Champion
Leadership Philosophy
Great racquet programs are built on relationships, not simply courts. My goal has always been to create environments where every member, athlete, guest, and staff member feels welcomed, valued, challenged, and inspired. Excellence is measured not only by championships and participation, but by the community we build together.
Relocation
Vero Beach, FL
Additional Coaching Experience
- Assistant Tennis Coach, Wesleyan University
- England Level III Squash Coach
- University Physical Education Instructor, Tennis, Pickleball, Squash, Badminton, Table Tennis, Golf, Sailing
Executive Strengths
- Leadership & Team Development
- Luxury Member Experience
- Hospitality & Relationship Building
- Racquet Sports Programming
- Tournament & Event Management
- Staff Recruitment & Mentorship
- Strategic Planning
- Member Engagement
- Pickleball Growth Strategy
- Tennis Programming
- Junior Development
- Adult Programming
- Budget & Operations
- Community Building
- Business Development
- Marketing & Brand Development
- Public Speaking
- Executive Communication
Timeline
Owner
Austin Ignite
03.2023 - Current
Physical Education Instructor
Wesleyan University
07.2005 - Current
Head Squash Coach
Wesleyan University
07.2005 - Current
National Events Fundraiser, Wales
Barnardo's
09.1999 - 06.2001
Founder
USA Racketlon
President
College Squash Association
Assistant Tennis Coach
Wesleyan University
2005 - 2007
Master of Arts - Liberal Studies
Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Music - Music
Cardiff University