Are there scholarships for college tennis players?

I'm a high school junior aspiring to play tennis in college. I'm wondering if there are scholarships available for college tennis players and how competitive they might be. Any advice on how to secure one?

Yes, there are definitely scholarships available for tennis players! These scholarships come primarily from two sources: Individual colleges and organizations like the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Colleges: Many universities across the country offer tennis scholarships. These scholarships can be very competitive depending on the school and the athletic division. For example, NCAA Division I and II schools (but not Division III schools) can offer "full ride" and partial scholarships to athletes. To improve your chances of securing such a scholarship, focus on improving your tennis skills, and make sure college coaches know who you are! You can do this by emailing them about your interest, sending them a skills video, and using recruiting platforms like Next College Student Athlete (NCSA).

Organizations: Some external organizations, like the USTA, offer scholarships for tennis players. The USTA provides scholarships to young athletes who have exhibited talent, good sportsmanship, and who demonstrate financial need.

The best advice to secure a scholarship would be to start early, put effort into getting seen by coaches and scouts, and apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for. It's also good to remember that athletic performance isn't the only thing that matters - maintaining good grades and high standards in your character can also be major factors, especially for certain academic or character-based awards. Good luck!