Any Advice on Getting a Tennis Scholarship?

I'm a high school junior hoping to earn a tennis scholarship for college. I've been playing competitively for a few years now and I'm really passionate about the sport. I'm curious about what college coaches are looking for in a scholarship recipient.

How do I get on their radar, and are there certain tournaments or showcases that are important? Also, would it be beneficial to reach out to coaches, and if so, what's the best way to do that? Any advice or personal experiences would be super helpful!

First and foremost, it's good to hear about your interest in continuing competitive tennis in college. To give you some general advice:

When it comes to getting a tennis scholarship and the attention of college coaches, being proactive is key. Start by making a list of schools you're interested in, and do research to see whether they offer tennis scholarships.

Competing in tournaments is an excellent way to showcase your skills on the court. National and regional tournaments (USTA tournaments, for example) can be especially beneficial as they often attract tennis scouts or coaches. Whether or not a particular tournament or showcase is important largely depends on where it's located and who’s watching, so it's worth investigating who's likely to be in attendance.

As for getting on a coach's radar, yes, reaching out to them can definitely be a good idea. An initial email where you introduce yourself, express your interest in their program, and highlight your experiences and achievements in tennis can be effective. You could also include a link to a highlight reel or game footage, if you have it.

Keep track of the correspondence; it’s important to maintain communication with these coaches. This can be as simple as updating them about your latest tournament outcomes, improvements in your game, or your academic achievements.

Remember that while your tennis skills are necessary, your academic performance matters as well, as most athletes are considered “student-athletes” at colleges. Keep up your grades to ensure you meet the academic requirements for scholarships at your prospective colleges.

Also, consider consulting a coach or hire a consultant who specializes in tennis recruitment. They can guide you through the process, from filming a recruitment video, reaching out to coaches, and negotiating the offer.

Lastly, keep in mind that Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, although they may offer funding based on academic merit and financial need. If a DIII school is an ideal fit for you in other ways, explore all potential sources of funding with the financial aid office.

This process might seem overwhelming at times, but step by step, you'll get closer to your dream of playing college tennis. Good luck!