Applying for a Tennis Scholarship for College?

I play tennis competitively and am thinking about a college scholarship in it. What should I do to make myself a standout candidate for college coaches? Any specific competitions or ranking goals?

Competing for a tennis scholarship can be an excellent strategy if you're a talented player. There are some things you can do to make your candidacy more compelling:

1. Play in Ranked Tournaments: Participating in and performing well in regional, national, or even international competitions can significantly raise your profile. If you're in the U.S., consider registering for USTA (United States Tennis Association) tournaments.

2. Increase Your UTR: The Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) is a global rating system used in recruitment. Colleges often evaluate scholarship candidates based on their UTR, so advancing this score can increase your competitiveness.

3. Achieve a High School Ranking: If your high school has a tennis team, excelling within this setting can also demonstrate your abilities and dedication to the sport.

4. Create a Highlight Reel: Prepare a compelling and well-edited video of your tennis skills. Include a variety of shots and match plays, preferably from different angles, to show the breadth of your capabilities.

5. Contact Coaches Directly: Based on where you want to apply, email the coaches to express interest and send your athletic resume and highlight reel. Remember to follow up!

6. Training & Conditioning: Demonstrating that you are not only a good player but also a healthy athlete is important. Exhaustive conditioning and strength training regimens can help avoid injuries and improve your overall playing strength.

In terms of specific competitions and ranking goals, it's beneficial to target a UTR of at least 11.5 for Division I men's teams and 9 for women's teams. For Division II, men should aim for an 8, and women should target at least a 6. That said, reaching for a higher UTR score will make you even more compelling to college coaches.