How to get recruited
While around 11,000 women are rocking the college tennis scene, less than 1% of them are US athletes scoring spots in NCAA Division 1 programs. The limited Division 1 opportunities play a part, but here’s the twist: international recruiting is spiking the competition. In 2017, a whopping 35.4% of women’s NCAA Division 1 tennis players came from across the globe, making it the most internationally recruited NCAA sport. So, just having killer tennis skills won’t cut it. To swing onto a college tennis roster, recruits need to serve up their A-game in the recruiting process. So, it takes more than just talent for a chance to compete on a college tennis roster. Recruits must put their best foot forward during the recruiting process, with a strong StudBud Recruiting Profile and video, clear and consistent communication with college coaches and high rankings in tournaments. In this section, we look at all aspects of recruiting to help athletes get recruited for college tennis.
Is It Hard to Play Tennis in College? How Good Do You Have to Be ?
If you’re aiming for the big leagues in women’s college tennis, here’s the inside scoop: coaches are scouting for stars on Tennisrecruiting.net with top 50 rankings and that sought-after “Blue Chip” status for Division 1 programs. For international recruits, it’s important to be ranked at the very top in their country for college coaches to even consider recruiting them. Because international recruiting plays such a large role in women’s college tennis recruiting, one way that athletes can stand out is with a strong academic record. When it comes down to making the team and receiving a scholarship, coaches are more likely to recruit a well-rounded athlete over an athlete who is only talented on the court. With international recruits in the mix, having a solid report card can be your secret weapon.
Click here to see what college coaches look for in recruits.
Path to Get Recruited to Play Women’s College Tennis
Be Ready to Make Contact: Here’s the play: College coaches can’t officially reach out until June 15 of your sophomore year, but that doesn’t mean you should keep quiet. Take the lead and give those coaches a ring! Leave a voicemail introducing yourself, showing that you’re game for their program. Now, coaches can hit you back after June 15 of your sophomore year, so be ready for the call. If they pick up, it’s your time to shine. Get set to answer their questions and show them why you’re the ace they’ve been waiting for. It’s not just about the serves; it’s about making the call that could serve up your future on the court.
Get Your Game Plan Ready: Set a goal to shoot an introductory email to a college coach every week. Craft a template that introduces yourself, sprinkle in a bit of personal touch, and send it away. In your email, express your genuine interest in their tennis program, give them a heads-up on your tournament schedule, and share your contact info for your high school or club coach. It’s not just about the racket skills; it’s about making connections and putting yourself on the coach’s radar.
Write a Letter of Recommendation: pinpoint your top five dream programs, then reach out to your high school and club coaches with a request for a letter of recommendation. These letters will serve as your secret weapon, giving college coaches a firsthand account of your skills and character. Be sure to convey your gratitude and provide the coaches with any necessary details they might need to highlight your tennis skills and overall potential. It’s more than just a letter; it’s a powerful serve that could make you stand out in the recruitment game. So, rally those recommendations and let your coaches paint a vivid picture of why you’re the ace they’ve been waiting for.
Gear Up For the Recruitment Journey: By hitting the My Progress tab on your StudBud Recruiting Profile you’ll find the recruiting questionnaires waiting for you to dive into. This isn’t just a form-filling mission; it’s your chance to give college coaches the first sight on your skills, ambitions, and what makes you a good recruit prospect. Think of it as your virtual spotlight – the more you shine, the more coaches will take notice.
Level up Your Recruiting Game With Social Media Platforms: Twitter and YouTube are not just about posting your latest personal lifestyle; use these platforms strategically to showcase your athletic journey. Keep college coaches in the loop with regular updates on your progress, whether it’s conquering a tough match or hitting a personal best. Don’t shy away from sharing highlight videos on YouTube, letting coaches witness your skills in action. Your social media can be your digital highlight reel, making it easier for coaches to see why you’re the player they’ve been searching for.
Will Playing Club Tennis Help My Recruiting Process?
In the offseason, hitting the tennis courts for tournaments isn’t just a workout—it’s a strategic move. Elevating your ranking becomes a game-changer in catching the eye of college coaches, who often turn to Tennisrecruiting.net for recruiting. If Division 1 is your goal, you’ve got to aim for the top 50 on the rankings; for Division 2, the magic number is within the top 200. These rankings act as your tennis resume, and coaches pay close attention to that.
Level of Tennis Criteria Analyzed by College Coaches
When it comes to sizing up potential recruits, college coaches dive deep into more than just flashy shots. They look for fundamental skills, tennis rankings, and level of tournaments played. The division level sets the stage for specific criteria, including playing experience, Universal Tennis Rating, and Tennisrecruiting.net ranking. As coaches analyze match footage and highlight reels, their eagle eyes are on the lookout for a recruit’s grasp of the basics—shot proficiency, reaction time, agility, endurance, and footwork. It’s not just about the dazzling moves; it’s about showcasing the core skills that can make you a standout player on the college tennis scene.
What Other Skills Are College Tennis Coaches Looking in a Player?
Being a good tennis player is just one side of the game; academics play a crucial role in catching the eye of college coaches during the recruitment process. Even if a recruit has a killer backhand, coaches won’t overlook academic strength. To truly stand out, recruits need to pay attention to NCAA eligibility requirements from the get-go. Starting in freshman year, it’s all about digging into the academic standards of target schools and setting goals aligned with both institutional and NCAA eligibility criteria. It’s not just about acing exams; it’s about ensuring you’re ready to bring your A-game both on the court and in the classroom when the time comes.
How to Relate My Level Of Tennis With The Right Level of Competition?
Unraveling the perfect match in college tennis starts with sizing up your competition level, and the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) is your playbook. By checking out the UTRs of athletes holding spots in your dream schools, you get a clear view of where you stand. If your rating aligns with those on the current rosters, you’re likely in the sweet spot. Also, your high school or club coach can help finding out where you should aim for. Their direct involvement with student-athletes and insight into various competition levels makes them a goldmine of information. Collaborating with your coach, who knows your skills inside out, can guide you in finding the perfect match in terms of competition levels. So, step onto the UTR court, connect with your coach, and let the game of finding your ideal competition level begin.
Rankings for Women’s Tennis
Stepping onto the court for tournaments, especially those backed by the USTA helps with rankings. Wondering how it works? Each tournament dishes out points based on its size, and athletes earn these points by not just participating but making waves through the competition. As they progress, the points stack up. Now, these rankings are the holy grail for college coaches scouting for talent. But here’s the spin: rankings are like a tennis rally, constantly changing week to week. The top spot isn’t a permanent address, given the regular competitions. And hey, don’t get it tangled with tennis ratings, which reflect personal playing ability. The Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) is the college tennis playbook, and a key factor in the coach’s recruit evaluation game.
Importance to Playing at National Tennis Tournaments
Getting a college coach attention involves stepping onto the national stage of tennis tournaments, a vital move for recruits. These tournaments, happening year-round, act as a magnet for college coaches scouting talent nationwide. To pinpoint the perfect matches, recruits need to align with tournaments matching their skill level and those that have history with college coaches. Once the tournament lineup is locked in, the next move is to shoot that schedule over to coaches at their dream schools. Post-tournament, it’s game time. Crafting an email showcasing your achievements and tournament highlights becomes the ace up your sleeve.
Build a Recruiting Highlight Video with Your Best Moments
In the competitive world of college sports recruitment, where time and resources are limited, a recruit’s initial impact on a coach often hinges on their recruiting video. This visual resume serves as a critical introduction, and given that coaches frequently turn to highlight reels to identify potential talent, crafting an impactful video is key. To ensure a coach sees their skills firsthand, athletes should directly email their recruiting video, keeping it concise at three to four minutes. This timeframe allows for a dynamic showcase of approximately 20–30 clips, spotlighting the athlete’s prowess through rally and match footage. Emphasizing fundamental shots, precise footwork, and on-court presence is crucial. Moreover, strategically commencing the video with the most impressive clips within the first 30 seconds significantly enhances the likelihood of capturing the coach’s attention from the outset. This proactive approach not only leverages recruiting databases like StudBud but ensures a direct and compelling introduction that can make a lasting impression on potential recruiters.
Get Started on how to create a good tennis recruiting video.
Craft the Target Schools to Reach Out
To effectively build a target list of colleges aligning with a recruit’s needs, we propose a three-tiered approach. First, consider including 5–10 reach schools, even if they initially seem beyond reach academically or athletically. Opportunities can unexpectedly arise, making it worthwhile to keep these aspirational options on the radar. Next, focus on 10–20 target schools—those where the recruit meets both athletic and academic qualifications, aligning with their expectations. These schools should form the core of potential choices. Finally, incorporate 3–5 safety schools that ensure acceptance and a roster spot regardless of circumstances. This comprehensive strategy ensures a balanced mix of ambitious options, realistic contenders, and dependable choices, offering a well-rounded and strategic approach to college selection.
Check the list of the best colleges to play women’s tennis.
Contact College Coaches from Your Target Schools
Effectively connecting with a college coach to express a recruit’s interest in joining their tennis program begins with a thoughtful introductory email. Commence by articulating the recruit’s genuine interest in the program, providing concrete reasons and examples that highlight their compatibility with the team. Given the coach’s potential unfamiliarity with the recruit, include a link to their comprehensive recruiting profile, encompassing ratings, rankings, and a compelling recruiting video. Ensure the email includes essential information like graduation year, high school, club affiliation, GPA, test scores, sport-specific stats, and relevant measurable, along with the recruit’s contact details. Conclude the email with a clear call to action, suggesting a next step such as scheduling a call with the coach or extending an invitation to witness the recruit in action at a tournament or game. This proactive and informative approach establishes a solid foundation for initiating meaningful communication with the college coach.
Learn more about the other methods to get in contact with college coaches.
High School Coaches Can Help in Your Recruiting Process
The journey of getting recruited for college sports might feel overwhelming, but your high school and club coaches are like your secret weapons to help you navigate through it. First off, they act as your personal guides, breaking down all the confusing stuff about recruiting so that it’s easier for you to understand. They also use their connections and know-how to showcase your skills to college coaches, kind of like your own cheering squad behind the scenes. Not only that, but your coaches are there for you emotionally too, giving you the pep talks and advice you need to stay focused and strong throughout the whole process.
Additional Connections: Your high school and club coaches are like the cool connectors in your sports journey. Imagine them as the ultimate matchmakers who have these awesome friendships with college coaches. This means they can hook you up and introduce you to these college coaches, kickstarting your journey to build connections with them. It’s like having your coach vouch for you to the big players in the game. So, when you’re dreaming of playing in college, your coach becomes your ally, making those first steps smoother by opening doors and helping you get to know the college coaches who could be part of your team. It’s like having a backstage pass to the college sports world, all thanks to your coach’s awesome connections and support.
Necessary Feedback: Since they’re there watching you practice and play all the time, they know your skills like the back of their hand. They can give you the real talk, telling you where you’ll thrive the most in college sports. It’s like having a sports GPS, guiding you to the division level that fits you perfectly. So, when you’re unsure about where you stand, your coaches are the ones with the inside scoop, helping you make those big decisions with confidence.
Suggestions: The NCAA lets college coaches hit up your high school or club coach to get more information about you. They can ask how you handle practices, how hard you work, and of course, how skilled you are on the field. The answers your coach gives can totally shake things up in your recruitment journey. So, here’s the deal: if you’re getting attention from a college team, give your coach a heads-up. That way, if a college coach decides to slide into your coach’s DMs for some info, they’re ready. It’s like keeping your team in the loop so everyone’s on the same page and can help you shine even brighter in the eyes of those college coaches.