College Tennis Recruitment

 

College Tennis Recruitment

One question I hear often is: I am a _____ UTR, is college tennis possible for me? The short answer is "yes." Honestly, college tennis is an option for anyone who has a tennis background. College tennis isn't just played at the Division I level, where many players are hoping to elevate their game and make a run at the pro tour. College tennis can be accessible and an option for anyone who has played tennis at a competitive level: tournaments, high school, etc.

A few things to think about and consider when looking at college tennis:

How does your level compare to college players?
What academic goals do you have?
What do college coaches look for in a recruit?
What can I do to secure a spot on a roster?
What is your financial picture for college expenses?

How does your level compare to college players?

Let's look at this in detail, using UTR as the standard metric of evaluation. 

Women's College Tennis
Top D1 players - 10.75 to 11.25 
Low D1 players - 6.0 to 7.0 
 
Top DII players - 9.25 to 10.25 
Low DII players - 3.0 to 4.0  
 
Top DIII players - 8.75 to 9.25  
Low DIII players - 2.0 to 3.0   
  
Men's College Tennis  
Top DI players - 12.5 to 13.5
Low DI players - 9.0 to 10.0


Top DII players - 11.0 to 12.0 
Low DII players - 6.0 to 7.0


Top DIII players - 11.0 to 12.0
Low DIII players - 5.0 to 6.0 


There is clearly a wide range of levels for all divisions, and many of the other divisions (NAIA, NJCAA, etc.) fit within these as well. Additionally, there will always be "outliers" on either end of these, but it can be used as a guide. There are teams unable to fill their rosters and have six players on their team. So getting back to the main question at hand: is college tennis possible for me? With the ranges on this scale and the fact that there are programs unable to fill their roster, the answer is absolutely "yes." 

A better question to ask would be: is the college/university that would be a fit for me in tennis also be the right fit for all the other important factors? The answer to that question can only be determined by you as a prospective student and your family. 

Good luck on the college search process!


 
 

 

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