Resources for Prospective College Tennis Players
The main hub is https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/college-tennis.html, but it links to a collection of standalone subpages and downloadable items specifically for recruiting. Key ones include:
- When Do I Start? Basic Recruiting Information and Year-By-Year Checklist A detailed guide with a timeline/checklist by grade level. Link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/college-tennis/programs/national/college-tennis-basic-recruiting-information.html
- Recruiting Education Video Series with Coaches A series of short videos (hosted on YouTube) where college coaches cover topics like:
- Parental Involvement
- What Coaches Evaluate
- Recruiting Videos (what to include)
- Contacting Coaches
- A Day in the Life of a Student-Athlete Link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/college-tennis/programs/national/college-tennis-recruiting-education-videos.html
- Sample Email to a College Coach A ready-to-adapt template for introductory outreach. Link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/college-tennis/programs/national/college-tennis-sample-email-to-a-college-coach.html
- College Tennis Glossary Explains key terms (e.g., equivalency scholarships, official vs. unofficial visits). Link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/college-tennis/programs/national/college-tennis-glossary.html
- Choosing a Pathway That Works for You Article comparing divisions (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, NJCAA) and fit factors. Link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/college-tennis/programs/national/college-tennis-choosing-a-pathway-that-works-for-you.html
- Stand Out as a Recruit – Coaches Explain What They Look For Additional coach insights (often ties into videos/articles). Link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/college-tennis/programs/national/college-tennis–what-do-coaches-look-for-recruit.html
- National Showcases for Juniors Calendar and info on USTA/partnered events where coaches scout. Link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/college-tennis/programs/national/national-showcases-for-juniors.html
- Additional Resources and Important Junior Websites Curated list linking to NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, ITA, TennisRecruiting.net, etc. Link: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/college-tennis/programs/national/collegiate-news-and-links.html
- PDF Downloads
- Recruiting Checklist (1-page actionable list by year). Link: https://www.usta.com/content/dam/nationalcampus/pdf/Recruiting%20Checklist.pdf
- Older but still referenced: USTA Guide to Tennis on College Campuses (comprehensive 70+ page book covering varsity/rec paths, eligibility, recruiting, careers). (Search usta.com for “USTA Guide to Tennis on College Campuses” or similar; some sections are outdated but foundational.)
The USTA hub also cross-references NCAA docs (like the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete PDF) and encourages profiles on TennisRecruiting.net.
ITA Resources (More Limited for Pure Recruiting/Prospectives)
The main site is https://wearecollegetennis.com/, which is geared toward current college players, coaches, rankings, news, and events. For high school/prospective players:
- ITA College Connect A dedicated page/tool to help prospective student-athletes (PSAs) explore programs, see news, and ease the junior-to-college transition (includes some database-like features for programs). Link: https://wearecollegetennis.com/ita-college-connect
- Student-Athlete Resources (includes prospectives) Broader section with offerings for prospective, current, and former players (e.g., mentorship, exposure programs). Link: https://wearecollegetennis.com/ita-player-services/