Beyond the Baseline: Michael Scalera

As USTA Southern California’s Event Production Coordinator, Michael Scalera is the force behind the section’s wide range of in-person experiences—including Adult League Sectionals, the SoCal Pro Series, junior tournaments, and community events. Rarely in the spotlight, his work shapes nearly every event, creating moments that resonate with players and spectators alike.

Intuitive, resourceful, and nimble, Michael handles setup, equipment, and on-the-fly problem-solving behind the scenes, making a visible impact on the atmosphere and quality of each event. What may go unnoticed by many is deeply appreciated by those who understand the scale of staging events across more than 20 venues in Southern California.

Beyond the professional skill set, colleagues often point to Michael’s personal qualities. Known for his kindness, humor, and easygoing nature, he naturally draws people in, whether it’s chatting about sports, sharing a meal, or simply offering good company. Beyond work, Michael is the kind of friend and colleague everyone can rely on. 

At just 26, Michael has already left a transformative mark on the organization. His position, which did not exist before he joined, has quickly become indispensable. From managing the section’s warehouse to transporting and setting up equipment across hundreds of miles of Southern California, he has redefined what’s possible. 

A Childhood Shaped by Family

A Southern Californian through and through, Michael was born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Fernando Valley. The youngest in his family, he developed a strong bond with his mother, Elizabeth, his late father, Ron, and his older sister, Rachel, who also works for USTA SoCal. Creativity and production were woven into daily life through the family’s deep ties to the entertainment industry. Ron served as president of promotions for CBS, playing a key role in launching and sustaining hit shows such as CSI, Survivor, The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, and Person of Interest, while Elizabeth built her career at E! News as a producer and interviewer.

Family experiences shaped Michael’s early years, with travel at the heart of it. Whether retreating to cabins in Montana, relaxing at resorts in the Bahamas, visiting landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore, or exploring abroad in the United Kingdom, France, and Greece, the Scaleras made it a priority to see the world together.

Michael attended Oakwood Elementary School, where he discovered a love for learning and formed lifelong friendships. He also explored athletics in search of his true passion, playing soccer, basketball, football, and baseball, additionally diving into karate. 

“At this time, I was really trying to figure out which sport I was most passionate about, so I tried them all,” Michael said. “I played Little League baseball all throughout my childhood, mostly as a first and third baseman, and I loved every second of it. I was also doing karate every week, which was an amazing experience—not just learning self-defense, but getting to do it alongside my best friend, Griffin. We trained together for 13 years, eventually earning our black belts.” 

Beyond sports and school, Michael developed a fascination with cars, a passion he shared with his father. Together, they attended shows at the Petersen Automotive Museum, explored the LA Auto Show, and made regular visits to Supercar Sunday in Woodland Hills. What began as a simple admiration soon evolved into a full-fledged hobby, as Michael started collecting model cars. That enthusiasm grew into collecting basketball and football memorabilia and trading cards, a hobby that connected him with friends old and new.

Discovering Tennis

Family strongly influenced Michael’s hobbies and interests, and tennis eventually became part of the mix—though later than for most players. His mother, an avid fan who played Adult Leagues for years, first sparked the interest in both him and his sister. Rachel, being older, started first, and soon Michael followed. The siblings began at Mulholland Tennis Club before moving to Braemar Country Club, where supportive coaches deepened their love for the game.

Michael enjoyed the sport but didn’t truly develop until age 10 or 11, when he began training with coach Gerald Matthews, who ran clinics on the Scalera family’s home court. What started as lessons for Michael and Rachel soon expanded into group sessions with friends, family, and local high-level players. The motivating atmosphere of those gatherings—some of Michael’s most cherished memories—deepened his love for both the sport and the thrill of competition.

As Michael’s commitment grew, Gerald intensified his training with weekly lessons during the school year and daily summer sessions. By ages 12 to 14, he was fully immersed in tournaments, with early wins fueling his drive to compete. 

“I remember a friend telling me I had cracked the top 100 in Southern California at 14, and that really fired me up. From that point on, every tournament, every week, every day—win or lose—I just wanted to compete,” emphasized Michael. “Tennis became everything I did.”

Academic Journey

While competing as a junior, Michael played four years at Chaminade College Preparatory, holding top singles spots and No. 1 doubles against California’s strongest talent. 

After graduating in 2017, Michael left California for the University of Oregon, drawn by its athletic prestige, academics, and vibrant campus life. He majored in General Social Science with a focus in Applied Business and Economics, and while not on the varsity team, stayed active through Tennis on Campus and intramurals, winning back-to-back doubles titles with former USTA SoCal employee Josh Klugman.

Beyond tennis, Michael built lasting friendships and joined Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, where he served on the Executive Board. He graduated in 2021 with more than a degree, carrying lessons in networking, balance, and commitment that continue to shape his outlook.

“The biggest lesson I learned was about people,” Michael stated. “The relationships you build and the network you create while you’re in school are your most valuable assets. The material you learn can always be reviewed or relearned, but the people you meet can’t always be re-met.” 

Early Career Adventures

Emerging from college in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael faced a challenging job market. While his career path did not initially lead him to tennis, the sport remained in the back of his mind. He initially took positions involving manual labor, and then, following in his parents’ footsteps, transitioned into the entertainment industry, applying the effort and networking skills he had honed in college.

“It was tough coming out of the coronavirus years,” Michael expressed. “At first, while applying for jobs left and right, I spent a lot of days doing manual labor, building projects, and helping people move for about two to three months. Soon after, I had the opportunity to work in TV as an on-set production assistant. After my first time on set, I really enjoyed the experience. There were a lot of ups and many more downs, but either way, there was so much to learn. I soon began networking and gaining traction with other producers and directors. From then on, it seemed like every week I had a new job, a new set, a new project. I got to work on Barbie, Batman, Tacoma FD, and some other smaller TV shows and movies that aren’t so mainstream.”

After more than a year and a half in that role, Michael’s path shifted when the Directors Guild and Screen Actors Guild went on strike, leaving him unemployed for eight months. Confronted with uncertainty, he sought a new direction and discovered an opportunity with USTA SoCal that would redefine his career.

In February 2023, still seeking work, Michael learned about USTA SoCal’s inaugural Summer Associate program, a new internship designed to provide hands-on experience and assist with the organization’s busy, event-driven summer months, with the possibility of transitioning to a full-time position afterward.

“The Summer Associate program really sparked my interest because it centered around one of my other passions, tennis. I thought it was the perfect fit for me,” added Michael. “Both my friend Josh Klugman and my sister were working at the company, so I reached out to them to learn more about the program. They each encouraged me to apply, so I submitted my resume and cover letter for the internship. I was accepted shortly after and worked my first event at UCLA’s Relay for Life in early May.” 

Discovering tennis from a behind-the-scenes perspective, Michael was immediately drawn to both the company culture and the work that goes into creating events. He quickly developed a strong interest in event production and tournament operations, fascinated by the logistics. The process reminded him of being on set, with countless moving pieces working in perfect harmony.

By the end of the program, Michael expressed his desire to remain with the company, emphasizing that his professional background in production made him eager to take ownership of this side of USTA operations. The interest was mutual, and he was brought on as a full-time employee that August, taking on the newly created role of Event Production Coordinator.

Running the Show: A Full-Time Role at USTA SoCal

Spanning a wide range of responsibilities, Michael’s role is vital to the organization’s success. 

“In my role, I have a lot of responsibilities and I wear many hats. I generate, update, and maintain the schedule for my team, operate and manage our office and warehouse space, and produce and order customized USTA-branded equipment and signage for on-site installations,” commented Michael. “I also transport all equipment, signage, and gear to and from tournaments in the USTA truck and van, install signage, and set up everything from easy-ups to tables and chairs, making sure each site looks presentable. It’s important that our brand is visible in every corner and that the tournament feels enjoyable and appealing for everyone. For many players, even smaller tournaments feel like their ‘Super Bowl,’ so it gives me great fulfillment to create that experience.”

“The biggest event we manage is the SoCal Pro Series, where I spend most of my time ensuring it’s a great experience for players and fans. I also focus on major events like the Billie Jean King Girls’ Nationals and the Tri-Level Nationals. These are large-scale events where my creativity, production experience, and logistical skills really come into play. I hear from participants how much they enjoy the atmosphere, and for me, it’s about creating that immersive experience rather than just putting up a banner.”

While much of his work may go unnoticed by casual players or spectators, it is consistently recognized and valued by staff, especially tournament directors and department managers. 

“Michael’s work ethic and leadership are apparent in everything he does. Even the biggest events are organized down to the smallest details. He plays a huge role in the success of our program,” said Adult League Manager India Hoffman.

Beyond the logistics and production responsibilities, Michael finds fulfillment in his interactions with players, fans, and coaches. Hearing participants describe events in a positive manner and learning they want to return year after year reinforces the value of his work. Equally meaningful to him is the sense of connection with his coworkers. Collaborating on complex projects and turning professional relationships into friendships has made his role feel less like work and more like spending time with friends enjoying tennis.

As for achievements, Michael’s proudest are overhauling the SoCal Pro Series and relocating to a new, more efficient warehouse.

“For the Pro Series, we worked to make the setup and processing transition between locations as smooth as possible, increased event visibility, and elevated the overall look and feel to be more professional,” said Michael. “As for our storage, we went from being crammed into eight 10×10 units to a beautiful, organized office and warehouse space with thousands of square feet, where everything has its own section. It’s now a true headquarters, which makes operations and event preparation much more efficient.”

Family Ties

Though Michael works with many people across the Southern California tennis community, one of his colleagues is someone he knows all too well, his sister. As a Marketing Coordinator, she and Michael are the only siblings currently employed by USTA SoCal, creating a unique relationship that blends professional collaboration with personal connection.

“Michael has always been outgoing and charismatic. He’s the type who naturally takes charge when problems arise and can navigate a variety of personalities with ease,” Rachel shared. “That’s exactly why he’s such an asset as our Event Production Coordinator. Putting on tournaments and events is a heavy lift (literally and figuratively) and so much of what makes them run smoothly often goes unseen—Michael driving a box truck all over SoCal, creating site plans, and setting up or breaking down multiple sites in a single day.”

Beyond observing Michael’s professional skill, Rachel also has a unique perspective on their sibling dynamic and how it shapes their work together. She mentioned, “As his older sister, I still get a kick out of seeing him in meetings and professional settings. I know for some people the idea of working with a sibling sounds like a nightmare, but thankfully we really get along. What you might not see in his day-to-day work is how creative he is. If you’ve talked to him and know his sense of humor, it won’t surprise you that he writes comedy sketches. But he also has a great eye. I got him a film camera this year, and he’s been taking some really beautiful photos. Even though our roles don’t overlap much, I think it’s pretty cool that we can relate to each other in this way, and I always know there’s someone in the office who has my back.”

Life, Work and Everything In-Between

When he’s not hard at work, Michael makes the most of his personal time, pursuing multiple passions and hobbies. From tennis and travel to film, photography, and spending time with those he cares about most, he embraces a variety of interests that enrich his life beyond the court. 

“When I’m not working in tennis, I spend a lot of my free time with my wonderful girlfriend, Hannah, who keeps me grounded and focused,” Michael said. “We love to travel and explore, which is always a nice break from the day-to-day. I also still enjoy playing tennis, so whenever I get the chance to play, I try to take advantage of it. I’ve always had a passion for film and TV, so I’m constantly discovering new shows and movies to dive into. I also love spending time with my family and my dog, Roger—aka Roger Federer. Even simple outings in the valley for coffee or a meal with my mom and sister are some of my favorite moments. Recently, I’ve developed a passion for photography and just got a film camera, so taking photos has been a fun way to explore new places, capture memories, and create something I can keep forever.”

A man of many talents, some may not know that Michael, in addition to holding a black belt in Shotokan karate, can juggle, a skill he learned in middle school as part of his physical education curriculum.

Looking ahead both personally and professionally, Michael is eager to expand his horizons through travel, seeking opportunities to explore new countries, immerse himself in different cultures, and gain fresh perspectives. On the court, he hopes to reignite his competitive spirit by joining an adult league, playing both singles and doubles, and challenging himself to elevate his game. 

“I want to reconnect with the spirit of the game and continue improving, even at this stage in my life.”