Study and play tennis in America – Combine sports and study
Want to take your tennis development to the highest level without the financial pressure of the pro tour? College tennis in the USA is the perfect pathway. It combines an intensive, daily training program with earning a valuable bachelor’s degree, with opportunities for talented players at every level.
On top of everything else, student-athletes learn to work and thrive in a team environment, which alters and shapes them into well-rounded, unselfish, team-oriented, and driven individuals. These qualities will help you be successful, whether on or off the court.
How does a tennis scholarship work?
With over a 1,000 universities offering tennis (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA), the opportunities are immense. Coaches use several metrics to evaluate your level, with your Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) being a crucial factor. A strong UTR is essential, and we help you optimize it. College tennis coaches use the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) system—based on a player’s last 30 matches in the past 12 months—to help decide scholarships. Learn more at https://universaltennis.com
The foundation is the athletic scholarship, which can cover up to the full cost of attendance (‘full ride’). This is often combined with:
- Academic Scholarships: For strong grades (GPA) and test scores (SAT/ACT).
- International Student Aid: Special funds for non-US students.
‘Stacking’ these scholarships to create the best financial package is an art form. This is where our first-hand experience makes all the difference.
What does a tennis scholarship cover:
Tuition
Your scholarship can cover the full cost of tuition, which can range from $10,000 to over $70,000 per year.
Training gear
You will receive complete sets of team apparel, racquets, bags, shoes, and professional stringing services, all provided by the university.
Room&Board
The costs for your room on campus (‘dorms’) and your daily ‘meal plan’ can be fully covered by your scholarship.
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance and some schools require international students to take a school’s policy.
Books
A significant expense that is often included in your scholarship package, saving you between $400 and $1200 annually.
Spending money
With a ‘full ride’ scholarship, you may even receive an extra monthly stipend for personal expenses.
Life as a college tennis player: training & competition
As a student-athlete, you step into a fully professional environment. You’ll be surrounded by a team of experts and have access to world-class facilities. This includes:
A complete coaching staff: Guidance from specialists like a strength & conditioning coach and a mental coach.
First-class facilities: Access to pristine indoor and outdoor courts, elite weight rooms, and video analysis technology.
Expert medical support: Daily access to your own ‘athletic trainers’ (physical therapists) for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Travel through America & battle for the championship
While tennis is an individual sport, the college experience is a true team adventure. A team match consists of three doubles matches followed by six singles matches. You’ll travel, train, and compete together with your teammates, fighting for a spot in the prestigious NCAA National Championships. But the experience goes much further than just the competitions:
- Travel as a team: You travel with your teammates, who quickly become your best friends, throughout the regio, and sometimes the entire country. This means not only competing but also discovering the diversity of America, from long bus rides filled with music and camaraderie to flights for important away matches.
- The dream of “The Nationals”: The ultimate goal of the season is to qualify for the conference tournament and then “The Nationals”: the national knockout tournament. Here, the best teams from across the US compete for the coveted National Championship. This is the ultimate on-stage experience where dreams become reality.
Overview of an academic year
The Fall semester (often referred to as off-season) is used to prepare intensively for the coming Spring season. Unlike most other sports in the USA, you can also compete as an individual in tournaments during the first part of the off-season. From October to December, you will spend a lot of time in the gym and on the court to get in shape for the season.
Showtime! – The season begins with pre-season matches followed by conference matches. During the season, you practice almost every day of the week and play 1 to 2 matches per week. If your team has done well in the regular season, it can qualify for “post-season competition” and continues in tournament mode until the National Championship played in May.
Summer break – There is a possibility to stay in The USA and take summer classes or work in camps. Most students decide to go back to their families to enjoy the 2.5 month break to rest and individual preparation for pre-season.
Day in the life of a college tennis player
Tennis & academics are 100% coordinated, so you have the opportunity to excel on both the tennis court as well as in the classroom.
6:30
Weight/conditioningget ready for the
weight/conditioning training.
7:45
Shower/BreakfastShower and then have breakfast with teammates or friends in one of the dining facilities on the college campus.
8:30
Classes11:45
LunchLunch with teammates and friends, again at one of the various food halls available on campus using your prepaid ‘meal plan’ card.
12:30
Classes14:30
PracticeArrive at the training room to prepare for practice. You may get stretched out or taped by an athletic trainer (physiotherapist)
17:30
Recover/Shower/Dinner19:00
Study/LeisureTime to get some studying or homework done. When other sports teams are in action, a good college athlete supports their fellow athletes! The rest of the evening is your own!
4 unique facts about college tennis
First-Hand Experience Made Scholarships founder Dennis den Boer played college tennis himself. His knowledge and extensive network are invaluable in finding the perfect match for you.
We Are UTR Pioneers Made Scholarships was the first to organize an official UTR tournament in Switzerland. We understand the importance of UTR like no other and help you optimize your rating to get noticed by coaches.
On-Court Coaching is Allowed Unlike the pro tour, on-court coaching is allowed in college tennis. Your coach can help you with tactics and mental support between points, a huge advantage in tough matches.
Individual Tournaments in the Fall Unique to tennis, the fall season allows you to play individual tournaments for your ranking, in addition to team training. It’s the perfect mix of individual and team development.
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