A lot of tennis players doubt what to do after graduating from high school. They lack the finances to play full time on the pro tour, or they use their playing level to earn a scholarship and get a Bachelor's degree. Or maybe players love tennis so much that they want to keep playing tennis on a high level during their study. For these players, College Tennis in the USA is a great opportunity. There are many opportunities for students to get athletic scholarships and receive financial support to study in the USA.
I've listed 8 important things you have to know about College Tennis in the USA.
1. What is College Tennis Exactly?
College Tennis is a combination of study and tennis. You are a student-athlete, and you are studying at an American University. At the same time you are a member of the tennis team of the university, and you are competing with other universities.
During your study you can play your favorite sport intensively and on a high level.
2. Who can play College Tennis?
Players from all over the world can play College Tennis, you must have finished your high school. In the USA you have different levels for playing College Tennis.
3. Do you have to go with your parents?
Of course your parents can bring you to the USA, but most players go alone.
The coach will pick you up at the airport when you arrive, and your teammates will be your family during your College Tennis time in the USA. All players are coming from different parts of the world, there's always a powerful bond between team mates.
4. Why do colleges offer athletic scholarships?
In college sports, athletes compete as a team and represent their college when playing against other schools. National competitions and tournaments provide good publicity and are therefore a way for colleges to grow in status and expand their network. In the end, it’s a win-win situation for the university and for the athletes.
5. How does the combination of sports and academics work?
Athletes practice under the supervision of a full-time coach. Practice lasts between 2 and 4 hours per day. Many athletes use college to further develop their athletic abilities while earning an academic degree. Once they graduate from college, they still have the option to pursue their dream and turn pro.
6. When to apply?
It is very important that you apply well ahead of time. Coaches want to build their teams as early as possible, and they only have a limited amount of scholarships available. The best is to start the whole College Tennis procedure at least 1 year before you plan on starting your studies in the USA, I don’t recommend you to wait too long, as you will have considerably fewer choices and lower scholarship offers. In addition, keep in mind all the administrative tasks that you will need to take care of (e.g. apply for a student visa) may usually take a couple of months to complete.
7. Is it a difficult procedure to find a university?
Finding the right school and getting the right coaches to notice you can be a time-consuming, difficult process. Some players are trying to do it by themselves, but it's better to work together with a reliable recruiting agency. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so don't take risks and work together with an experience recruiting agency.
8. How long do you have to stay in the USA?
That's up to you. Some players are going for one year and they like it so much that they finish all 4 years of their Bachelor's degree. Some players have an incredible experience during their first year, but they decide to go back to their home country to continue their studies there.
College Tennis in the USA gives you an incredible tennis- and life experience, you'll be travelling to different parts of the USA with your tennis team, have great adventures, make life-long friends from all over the world, and last but not least, you have a good education.
As a Made Scholarships Scout (international recruiting agency), I can help you in your process to receive a scholarship in the United States. Click on the link below, if you'd like to receive more information about College Tennis in the United States!
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