Serve Your Way To College: A Guide To Getting Recruited For Tennis

As a tennis player, you already know the sweat and grind that goes into achieving success. Playing tennis in college is a dream for many players, and for good reason – college tennis offers an incredible opportunity to develop your skills, compete at a high level, and take your game to new heights. But the journey to getting recruited for college tennis can be daunting, and it’s easy to get lost in the process. Don't worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, I’ll share some important tips to help you get recruited for tennis in college.

It can be worthwhile and meaningful to play for college.

Start The Process Early

If you’re serious about playing college tennis, start the process early. This means putting in the effort and time to research the schools and programs that offer tennis scholarships or have a good tennis team. Attend tennis camps, visit college campuses, and meet with college tennis coaches. Don’t forget to check out the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) website to become familiar with the rules and guidelines for college tennis recruitment.

Build Relationships With College Coaches

Developing a relationship with college tennis coaches is key to getting recruited. Coaches are always on the lookout for talented players who will make their team stronger, and you can start by emailing or calling coaches and introducing yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and be sure to attend the tournaments where you know coaches will be present. Show them what you’ve got on the court, and get feedback on what you need to improve on.

Stay Focused On Academics

College tennis coaches are not just looking for the best players, but also the most well-rounded student-athletes. So, don’t neglect your academic studies. Grades matter when it comes to college tennis recruitment, and you need to maintain a GPA that meets NCAA standards. Study hard, and if you need extra help, consider getting tuition classes.

Create An Impressive Tennis Resume And YouTube Videos

Your tennis resume and YouTube videos are your chance to showcase your game and make an impression on college coaches. Make sure to include your contact information, academic achievements, and a list of your tennis accomplishments. When creating your video, make sure the footage is clear and steady, and highlight your best shots, footwork, and court presence. Keep it short and sweet – coaches won’t have time to watch a ten-minute video.

Be Patient And Persistent

Getting recruited for college tennis is not a sprint, but a marathon. It takes time, energy, and dedication. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back from coaches right away. Keep reaching out, keep practising, and stay focused. Keep in mind that not every coach is going to be interested in you, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a school out there that will be the perfect fit for you.

Due Diligence

Finally, it is essential to do your due diligence when applying for college tennis. Inquire about the college's athletic program and evaluate if the program suits your goals and aspirations. Ensure that the program is financially sustainable. You can also reach out to alumni of the college to get a better understanding of how the program has helped them.

In conclusion, getting recruited for college tennis can be a long and challenging process. However, with the right preparation and strategy, you can make your dream of playing in college come true. Start early by researching schools that offer tennis scholarships or have strong teams; build relationships with coaches through emailing, calling and attending tournaments; stay focused on academics to maintain NCAA eligibility standards; create an impressive resume/video that showcases your skillset; be patient and persistent when applying for colleges – don’t get discouraged if some coaches won’t respond right away. Finally, do due diligence before committing to a school so that it fits both your academic goals as well as athletic ambitions. With these tips in mind, good luck in achieving success on the court!