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Ross Wilson, head men's tennis coach at the University of Iowa, sits down with Scholarship for Athletes to talk recruiting and coaching.
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17-year old Ellie Halbauer discovered something about her game at the USTA Pro Circuit's 50K, Tennis Classic of Macon event in October, and it is something that all young tennis players would do well to remember - sometimes it's easier to play when you are down.
We have had quite a few questions about missing results from recent tournaments on the national schedule - the Eddie Herr, the BG16 Orange Bowl, and the Jr. Orange Bowl. These are all coming... but find out why it might take longer than we would all like.
Stefan Kozlov, Sonya Kenin and Sam Riffice made the 2014 Metropolia Orange Bowl in Plantation, Florida a tournament to remember for US juniors, with Kozlov and Kenin claiming their first Grade A titles and Riffice joining exclusive company in adding the 16s championship to his Eddie Herr title.
Prince Hot 100 List - December '14
Today we announce the December edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
DTS College Exposure Series
The 2015 DTS College Exposure Series kicks off with the 10th Annual
DTS Southern California Showcase January 3rd & 4th at the
Claremont Colleges in Claremont, CA. Other lefs in the series will be
held next summer in New Haven and Boston. Events in the series are the
longest running of their kind - boasting an impressive list of college
coaches. These college exposure events prove to be an invaluable
resource for both student-athletes and college coaches.
Opelka and Galfi Claim Eddie Herr ITF Titles
For the first time in the history of the Eddie Herr International ITF
tournament, two American boys met in the final, with unseeded Reilly
Opelka taking home the title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over No. 2 seed
Michael Mmoh at the IMG Academy in Bradenton Florida. The girls final,
played earlier in the day, saw No. 7 seed Dalma Galfi of Hungary
defeat No. 5 seed Gabby Ruse of Romania 6-4, 7-5 to earn her second
major junior title in three weeks.
Minor Leagues of Tennis a Proving Ground for Officials as Well as Players
Known mainly for his booming voice over a Stadium Court microphone and
his laid back demeanor, chair umpire Jake Garner is the face of
tennis officiating here in the United States. But in October, Garner
took a break from his regular duties to head to Macon, Ga., to observe
and scout officials at a 50K women's pro event - which is good news
for tennis players of all levels...
Marissa Irvin and A Magical Racquet Ride
Marissa Irvin is one of those rare players who flawlessly made the
transition from the top of the junior rankings to the head of the
college rankings, and on to a fairly successful professional career.
She can now add award-winning author to her resume, but the tennis
book she wrote is not what you might expect.
Helping Bill Kallenberg
Bill Kallenberg has been a long-time friend of Tennis Recruiting.
His photos have appeared in Tennis Recruiting articles for years,
and we recently began working with him more formally - Bill took
photos for TennisRecruiting.net at Kalamazoo this summer as well
as at the U.S. Open. Many of you have seen him at junior tournaments
over the years - and those of you in college have probably met him
as well. Today, Bill is in need...
November Aces
Doubles isn't often highlighted in my monthly review of top
performances, but last month two teams showed just how good the
collegiate product is, with two current student-athletes winning ATP
Challenger titles. A college major, a return to the game and an ITF
Grade A made it another busy month in the world of college and junior
Considering NCAA Division III Tennis
At Tennis Recruiting, one of our early New Year's resolutions is to
provide more and better coverage of Division III tennis. Toward that
end, we sought out the best - and today is the first feature article
from our friends at Division3Tennis.com. Check out this introductory
article - which provides some advice on how to approach the recruiting
process with a focus on D-III schools...
College Tennis Scholarship Evaluations - Enhancing the Recruiting Experience
Around the college tennis community, you will hear a lot of talk about
"realistic and attainable scholarship opportunities" for student
athletes these days. Athletics can open doors, but it is important to
identify colleges that are a good fit for you as a rounded individual.
The key to finding a college fit is knowing your strengths, and that's
where a quality evaluation comes in.
College Recruiting List Ranking Algorithm Changes
Fifty-two weeks a year, Tennis Recruiting publishes College Recruiting
List rankings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Over the coming months, we
are making some modifications to our ranking algorithm that should
make our lists better. Take a look at the changes that start getting
phased in this week.
Bellis, Mmoh Highlight 2014 Eddie Herr ITF Tournament
The 2014 edition of the Eddie Herr ITF features two top American
prospects, with USTA 18s champion CiCi Bellis and recent ITF Grade A
Abierto Juvenil Mexicano champion Michael Mmoh among the contenders at
the prestigious event held annually at the IMG Academy in Bradenton,
Eddie Herr Preview 12s, 14s, 16s
As professional tennis winds down, junior competition heats up in
Florida, with the Eddie Herr International kicking off a busy month of
December for junior tennis players. As hundreds of competitors head to
the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, here's a look at who might
shine next week in one of the world's biggest junior tennis events.
Breakdowns Before Breakthroughs
Andre Agassi survived. So did Novak and Serena. And it brought Andy
Murray to tears on center court at Wimbledon It is considered one of
tennis' greatest challenges. The phenomenon called breakdowns before
Tips from D-I Players and Parents
At High-Tech Tennis, we're in a unique position because we have access
to information that can help you transition from junior tennis to
college tennis. We have interacted with dozens of junior tennis
coaches who have walked the walk and are now talking the talk to help
you navigate the very exciting - but sometimes confusing - recruiting
process. Here are five interesting HIGH-TECH TIPS that might help you if
you've got your heart set on playing Division I.
An Interview with 2013 NCAA Champion and Rising ATP Star Blaz Rola
Football may reign over the sports kingdom at Ohio State, but 2013
NCAA champion Blaz Rola has done his part to raise tennis's visibility
in Columbus. Colette Lewis of ZooTennis talked with Rola at the Champaign,
Illinois Challenger last week covered many topics, including his first
year on tour, his decision to play college tennis, his plans for
off-season training and his schedule for early next year.
Prince Hot 100 List - November '14
Today we announce the November edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Fall Signing Week '14: Balancing Time Between Court and Classroom
With Fall Signing Week at hand, tennis players are faced with the
next challenge: finding time to practice while keeping up in the
college classroom. Brandon Videtich and Will Gilhooly, tennis alumni
at NCSA Athletic Recruiting, share tips and strategies that helped
them maintain a healthy balance in college.
Fall Signing Week '14: Blended Learning and the Student Athlete
With the demands of high performance training and tournament travel,
many top-tier high school student-athletes are finding the balance
between school and sports extremely challenging. The traditional
factory-model setting poses difficulties for many students - but there
are challenges unique to student-athletes who require flexible
arrangements. Enter "blended learning" - which combines
online learning and traditional schooling...
Fall Signing Week '14: How and When to Contact College Coaches II
Players and their families are sometimes unsure of how contact with
college tennis coaches works. Last month, we ran a roundtable article
where coaches commented on these communications. Today we have more
coaches responding to these questions: When should players contact
college coaches? What is the most effective way of reaching out?
Fall Signing Week '14: National Roundup
Signing Week is now underway, and tomorrow seniors can start signing
their National Letters of Intent. Today, we check in with boys and
girls from across the country who are heading to a variety of schools.
Check out how several highly-ranked players came to their decisions...
in our National Roundup.
Fall Signing Week '14: How Young is Too Young to Start Recruiting?
When it comes to college tennis recruiting, one of the biggest fears
parents have is starting the process too late. They are afraid there
will be no more room on the teams and all the scholarships will be
gone by the time their child is recognized. Everyone wants to get
their child in front of coaches before it's too late, but how young is
too young to do this?
Fall Signing Week '14: Overview and Blue Chip Update
With the "Countdown" behind us, on to the main event! We kick off our
coverage of Fall Signing Week '14 with a final look at the Blue Chip
boys and girls. We update you on several commitments over the past
few weeks, and we note that seven highly-ranked recruits plan to
announce their college choices this week - right here at
Countdown: Q&A with Alexandria Livingston of Saint Peters
In 2010, Alexandria Livingston was a standout tennis player at
Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., who had committed to Saint
Peter's University. Fast forward four years, and Livingston has
completed her college tennis career and graduated from Saint Peter's.
Harry Cicma of NBC Sports recently talked with Livingston about her
college tennis experience.
Countdown: Keeping an Open Mind
When we begin working with a new student athlete, the first assignment
calls for them to reach out to current college players and ask them a
set of questions about their experience as college athletes. One of
the final questions is: 'What advice do you have for my recruiting
process?' Two very common pieces of advice are (1) to be patient and
(2) to keep an open mind about schools.
October Aces
October was full of treats especially for the teenagers competing
around the world. Although ITA Division I major champions were crowned
and Australia proved lucrative for one former college player, 11 teens
provided a glimpse of the tennis's future last month.
Countdown: Tips from Junior Coaches
At High-Tech Tennis, we're in a unique position because we have access
to information that can help you transition from junior tennis to
college tennis. We have interacted with dozens of junior tennis
coaches who have walked the walk and are now talking the talk to help
you navigate the very exciting - but sometimes confusing - recruiting
process. Check out these lessons learned about college recruiting
from junior tennis coaches.
Countdown: How and When to Contact College Coaches
Although many serious junior tennis players want to play college
tennis, most do not understand how the recruiting process work. Many
players ask us why coaches are not reaching out to them, and we
explain to them that communications are almost always initiated by
the player. Players then want to know how best to do that. We put the
question to our panel of college coaches: When should players contact
college coaches? What is the most effective way of reaching out?
Countdown: Blue Chip Boys
Last Friday, we visited with the senior Blue Chip girls to find out
how they are doing in the college recruiting process. Today, the boys
get their turn. How many have decided? Which players are still wide
open? And are any of them leaning towards your favorite school? Find
out now...
Countdown: Trending Toward Early Verbal Commitments
In the college tennis recruiting scene, it is becoming more and more
common to hear of verbal commitments to colleges occurring far earlier
than in recent history. In tennis, it is no longer unheard of to see
a player committing to a college during the first half of the junior
year. The prevailing message in the past has been to take one's time.
But while that remains sound advice, players should probably start
engaging in their search process earlier.
Prince Hot 100 List - October '14
Today we announce the October edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Countdown: Blue Chip Girls
We wrap up our first week of the Countdown to Signing Day with a look
at the top girls in the senior class. This year's Blue Chip recruits
talked with us about where they are in their decision processes. It's
still early, but many of the girls are starting to narrow in. Take a
look and see where things stand...
Kingsley, Mmoh Claim ITF Pan American Closed Titles
Raveena Kingsley and Michael Mmoh took entirely different routes, yet
both emerged as champions at last week's ITF Grade B1 Pan American
Closed in Tulsa, Oklahoma. No. 3 seed Kingsley, who defeated unseeded
Claire Liu 6-1, 6-4 in the final, lost only one set in her six
victories, while top seed Mmoh saved match points in the quarterfinals
before taking the title with a 7-5, 6-3 win over No. 9 seed William
Countdown: College Prep Camps and Showcases
College tennis showcases are growing in popularity, mainly because of
the elimination of some USTA national tournaments and reduced draw
sizes. If you want to get recruited for a college tennis scholarship,
exposure is a key component to the process. When deciding whether to
attend a showcase, parents and players always have a lot of questions
and concerns. This article talks about how showcases work and how to
maximize your opportunities.
Countdown: College Placement Tips
Mark Weil of the Weil Tennis Academy has shepherded hundreds of junior
tennis players through the college recruiting process, and he has
collected many valuable experiences during that time. Today, in our
first Countdown to Signing Day article, Weil scattershoots over
college tennis recruiting, talking about how to approach recruiting
- and how to make yourself an attractive recruit to college coaches.
Countdown to Signing Day
In the world of junior tennis, Fall means Signing Day. November 12th
is is the first day of the one-week fall signing period - the only
opportunity this calendar year for seniors to sign a National Letter
of Intent with a Division I or Division II school. As always, The
Tennis Recruiting Network is here to keep you up to date on all the
Interview with USTA National Collegiate Coach Stephen Amritraj
Stephen Amritraj joined the USTA as a National Coach in January of
this year and was recently named its National Collegiate coach.
Amritraj played at Duke from 2002-2006, and after a brief stint on the
tour, began coaching ATP professionals in Southern California, where
he grew up. Colette Lewis of ZooTennis.com talked with Amritraj about
the USTA Collegiate Team program which assists American college
players as they transition to professional careers.
ATA Fall Open Wrap-up
The Austin Tennis Academy/TennisRecruiting.net Fall Open, held from
Sept. 26-28, provided 370 junior players, in 33 events, the
opportunity to compete against participants from a variety of locales.
One of almost 40 tournaments in the National Showcase Series presented
by Dunlop, this tournament was hosted by Austin Tennis Academy in Austin,
September Aces
Starting with the US Open Junior Championships and ending with the
International Tennis Federation's Junior Davis and Junior Fed Cup
competitions, September was bookended by major international
tournaments in North America. Yet for all the accomplishments of
teenagers from the United States and other countries, current and
former college players also claimed their share of titles on the
professional tours last month.
A Word on Choking
When someone 'chokes' in a tennis match, there is an
assumption that the person is flawed in some way. This is very
misleading. Choking occurs when two separate and very unrelated parts
of the brain are in disagreement as to what action to take. The
ensuing stalemate results in an apparently inexplicable error. Ray Brown
of EASI Academy talks about the science of choking - and how to fight
against it.
Early Versus Regular Signing Period
It is almost that time again. Every November, student athletes from
around the globe and college coaches from all divisions and leagues
get ready to sign the "National Letter of Intent" (NLI) or equivalent.
This is a document which commits the student for the season starting
the following fall semester. This early signing period is increasingly
gaining in popularity, both among players and coaches, but is it best
for everyone to sign early?
Tips on Finding the Right College Program
As you begin the college search process, looking to balance your
academic and athletic needs, there are a few secrets that will help
you find a program that is right for you. Unfortunately, too many
players find themselves in a college tennis program where their game
stagnates, where they are athletically unchallenged, or perhaps find
themselves outside the starting lineup. Here are a few tips to
consider when choosing a college tennis program.
NCAA Champion Nicole Gibbs Moves Up
Nicole Gibbs won her first ITF Women's Circuit title at the age of 14,
finished high school a year early and joined the Stanford Cardinal in
the fall of 2010. After an illustrious career at Stanford where she
won the NCAA team, singles, and doubles titles, Gibbs elected to
forego her senior year and begin her professional career. Fresh off
two main-draw wins at the US Open, Gibbs is now ranked in the Top 100.
Colette Lewis of ZooTennis chatted with Gibbs at the Open.
The Impact of the Scoring System on Coaching
Over the past couple of years, there have been several experiments
with the format of college tennis - no-ad scoring, shortened sets,
third-set tiebreakers. A proposal to move to no-ad scoring for NCAA
Division I was tabled earlier this month. We put the question to
college coaches: What impact does the scoring system have on your
approach to preparing your team?
Coaches Face Challenge of the College Pitch at US Open
School is already in session and the fall tennis season is well
underway, but a number of college coaches were missing the first few
days of team practice in order to scout the next crop of future
players at one of the world's premier tennis events - the US Open
junior tournament. At a tournament of this level, the challenge of
recruiting future players is perhaps a tougher task than what they
typically experience.
First American Collegiate Invitational Popular Addition to US Open
Any tournament with a prize that could include a US Open main draw
wild card will draw the top college players regardless of its venue.
Put that event at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
during the second week of the US Open and interest surges, as it did
for the inaugural American Collegiate Invitational earlier this month.
Prince Hot 100 List - September '14
Today we announce the September edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Top Prospects '14-'15 - Fall Edition
After months of waiting, here they are... the Top Prospects.
Find out right now how many stars you have - as The Tennis Recruiting
Network proudly presents the Fall Top Prospects for 2014-15.
Unseeded Jasika, Bouzkova Capture US Open Junior Titles
Marin Cilic was undoubtedly a surprise winner of the US Open men's
title, but he was seeded. Australia's Omar Jasika of Australia, who
defeated No. 5 seed Quentin Halys of France 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 in the boys
final, and the Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova, who downed No. 9 seed
Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine 6-4, 7-6(5) for the girls championship,
both won US Open junior titles last week despite being unseeded and
ranked outside the Top 30.
How Much Should a Junior Tennis Player Train?
Many junior tennis players spend countless hours on the court. "No
pain, no gain" - as the saying goes. For juniors with developing
bodies, it is easy to overdo it. How much is too much? Valery
Yalouskikh of TennisConsult.com stops by to discuss recommendations
from sports scientists.
August Aces
With one exception, the USTA National champions, all of whom received
an article devoted to their victories last month on Tennis Recruiting
Network, aren't included in this August Aces colum. But another round
of congratulations are in order for Noah Rubin, John McNally, Kylie
McKenzie, William Woodall, Caty McNally, Zane Khan and Katie Volynets
for their championship runs as we look back on the other outstanding
performances in August.
Five Things You Need to Know About the College Recruiting Process
For most junior tennis players, playing in college is the next goal.
Your performance, behavior, and preparation both on and off the court
in high school are getting you ready for college and college tennis.
Here are five things to keep in mind as you think about the future...
Fear in Tennis
Tennis is an eye-to-eye combative sport. Unlike team sports or
individual sports, tennis is an one-on-one combative contest of wills,
stamina and skill. In this respect, tennis stimulates a part of the
brain that is millions of years old and which evolved to ensure our
survival in a primitive hostile environment - and it causes Fear.
Tennis Recruiting Welcomes the Class of 2021
Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer. School starts back up, and
there are new sixth-graders walking the halls. This week's rankings
at the Tennis Recruiting Network are the first of the 2014-15 season -
and they also mark the arrival of the Class of 2021.
Americans Poised to Shine in US Open Junior Championships
While the US men and women haven't had a Grand Slam finalist in 2014,
the country's younger players have had more success in the top level
of international competition, with Noah Rubin winning the Wimbledon
boys title and Stefan Kozlov reaching the final there and at the
Australian Open. With both the top seed and the 2013 finalist in the
girls draw and six of the 16 seeds in the boys draw, the US juniors
are poised for another outstanding showing at the US Open.
Best Wishes, Class of 2014
The high school Class of 2014 had their ceremonies back in June - and
many of those young men and women are now heading off to college.
Today is the day that the Tennis Recruiting Network bids them
farewell. This week's rankings are our final edition for the 2013-14
year - and the final rankings for the outgoing Class of 2014.
Opelka, Kalinskaya Claim ITF International Hard Court Titles
Top seed Anna Kalinskaya of Russia and unseeded Reilly Opelka picked
up their first ITF Grade 1 titles Saturday at the International Hard
Court Championships in College Park, Maryland. Kalinskaya won when No.
2 seed Gabby Ruse of Romania retired trailing 6-2, 2-1, while Opelka
overcame No. 2 seed Tim Van Rijthoven of the Netherlands 4-6, 6-4,
Premiere of Inside College Tennis with Tony Minnis at Wichita State
The Bill Rodman Production Shoppe has completed production of the 4th
episode of Inside College Tennis and premieres on Tennis Channel
featuring Wichita State University. The show premieres tonight,
Saturday, August 23rd at 10pm ET, on The Tennis Channel. Meet Colin
Foster, Head Women's Coach and Brad Louderback, Head Men's Coach is
this episode and come to understand why each coach says: "Our team is
a like family."
Musings on Proposed ITA/NCAA Division I Format Changes
The ITA recently announced a number of changes to NCAA Division I
competition starting this fall. The most notable changes are a move to
"no-ad" rather than traditional scoring and shortening doubles from an
eight-game pro set to one standard six-game set. These changes have
been met with strong feelings on both sides, and there are many
coaches and players on both sides of this debate. This article offers
our thoughts - in the context of many other articles on the issue.
ITA Announces New Division I Dual Match Format
The ITA will be inaugurating a new, shorter dual meet format for
Division I college tennis beginning at the start of the 2014-15
season. Highlighting the format changes are switches to no-ad scoring
from regular scoring, one set of doubles rather than an 8-game pro set
and no warm-up with opponents.
Prince Hot 100 List - August '14
Today we announce the August edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Rubin Collects Two Titles, Two Wild Cards
Noah Rubin's summer went from great to extraordinary in the just over
a month. In July, the 18-year-old New Yorker won the Wimbledon boys
title as an unseeded qualifier. Last week he trumped that with two
titles at Kalamazoo, defeating defending champion Collin Altamirano
6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in the singles final, after joining with Stefan Kozlov
to take the doubles championships, and in the process earning two US
Open main draw wild cards.
CiCi Bellis Defeats Black to Claim 18s
Before even stepping onto the court at the USTA Girls' 18s National
Championships, CiCi Bellis had her trip booked to the U.S. Open. But
Bellis wanted an upgrade in her playing status in New York. Instead
of just playing against the juniors, the 15-year-old from Atherton,
Calif., wanted a shot at the professionals. Bellis earned that chance
by capturing the hardcourt title at the Barnes Tennis Center in San
McNally Sweeps 16s Kalamazoo Titles
John McNally definitely had a target on his back entering the 16s USTA
National Championships. The Easter Bowl and Clay Courts champion was
57-1 this year entering the tournament. At the end of the week,
McNally had extended his singles record to 64-1 and earned two more USTA
gold balls.
Kylie McKenzie Completes Run at Girls 16s
During her early-round matches at the USTA Girls 16s National
Championships Kylie McKenzie was not only building momentum, she was
dismantling the field in impressive fashion. The 15-year-old blue chip
recruit from Anthem, Ariz., maintained that same high level of play
the rest of the week and went on to capture the title with a 6-1, 6-4
victory over No. 2 seed Kayla Day of Santa Barbara at the Barnes
William Woodall Wins Boys 14 Singles
William Woodall of Washington, D.C., put on a blue chip performance in
winning the USTA Boys 14 National Singles Championship on August 8 in San Antonio.
Woodall, the tournament's No. 5 seed, took out a scrappy 17th-seeded
Bill Duo of Portage, Mich., 6-1, 6-3 to capture his first USTA gold
Caty McNally Plays Up, Wins USTA Girls' 14s Title
At age 12, Caty McNally became one of the youngest singles and doubles
champions at the USTA Girls 14 National Championships last week in
Peachtree City, Ga. The rising seventh-grader at Madeira Middle
School in Cincinnati didn't lose a set in her seven singles matches
and defeated third-seeded Taylor Johnson of Redondo Beach, Calif.,
6-3, 6-2 in the final.
Khan Twins Dominate Boys 12s in Little Rock
They may not yet be the most famous twins in tennis, but Zane and
Faris Khan certainly are making their presence known in the junior
tennis circuit. So far, the blue chip brothers have altogether won
four gold USTA balls, three silver and four bronze. Zane has the upper
hand for now, pulling a title over Faris 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 at the 2014
Boys 12s National Hard Court Championship.
Volynets Cruises to Girls 12 National Title
When Walnut Creek, California's, Katie Volynets looked across the net
during the USTA Girls 12 National Championships last week, she saw
something she wasn't accustomed to seeing. An opponent her own age.
The 12-year old Volynets has spent a lot of time competing with older
players, and she used that experience to defeat sixth-seeded Sedona
Gallagher 6-0; 6-3, to claim a gold ball and the 12s title.
Hard Court Championship Week
Last week, the best American juniors were competing for gold balls at
the USTA National Championships all across the country. National
titles were awarded for both boys and girls in all four age divisions.
TennisRecruiting.net announces its Championship Week coverage - with
photo galleries and articles that celebrate the best of the best in
junior tennis.
Approaching the Official Visit
Visits to colleges and college tennis programs - whether they are
unofficial or official - are often make-or-break moments in the
college recruiting process. Both junior tennis players and coaches try
to learn all they can about each other in a short period of time. What
should you learn? We put the question to a number of recent graduates:
If you had it to go over again, how would you approach visits to
schools? What would most want to learn?
July Aces
The July aces do not include the Clay Court champions, all of whom
received extensive coverage last month during Tennis Recruiting
Network's Clay Championship Week. But that doesn't mean there's any
shortage of top performances, with a hefty 16 in this month's review.
Changes in NCAA Contact Rules
With recent changes in NCAA recruiting contact rules, the summer has
become an important time for families managing the tennis recruiting
process. Check out changes that every tennis family and all prospective
student athletes need to know...
Midwest Repeats at USTA Boys Team Championship
The calendar might say 2014, but everything looked the same as last
year at the USTA Boys' 18 Team Championship at the University of
Illinois in Urbana. The Atkins Tennis Center was once again lit
brightly by the sun on a perfect 75 degree day, the Midwest team beat
the Southern team, and Northern California repeated as third place
Altamirano, Donaldson and Rubin Head Stellar Field at Kalamazoo
Collin Altamirano returns to Kalamazoo to defend his 2013 18s title,
but the fact that the 18-year-old Californian is not an overwhelming
favorite, and the fifth seed, speaks to the tremendous field gathered
for the tournament's 72nd year.
Conversation with Tech Assistant Coach Derek Schwandt
Georgia Tech Assistant Coach Derek Schwandt has done it all - a
two-time All-Atlantic 10 player in college at Richmond, three years on
the ITF futures and ATP challengers tour, and a top college assistant
coach. Schwandt is also a coach of the USTA Collegiate National Team -
a training program that helps top American college players transition
to professional tennis. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports recently talked
with Schwandt about all things tennis.
What Coaches Look For on Official Visits (Pt. 2)
We recently invited college tennis coaches to comment on official
college visits: what they look for in student athletes - and what most
impresses them. We showed comments from a number of coaches earlier in
the month, but we have thoughts from more coaches. This second
installment contains more insights on the official visit...
Transition from Junior to College Tennis
Over the last ten years, I have seen junior tennis player struggle
with the transition into college tennis. Changes occur in your
training, competition, team structure and academics. It has sometimes
resulted in extreme cases where the student-athlete cannot handle the
pressure and has to leave school indefinitely. Here are a few key
changes you should be ready for - and advice on how to best prepare
yourself for success.
Stewart's Streak Continues in Girls 18s Clays
When Katerina Stewart lost in the quarterfinals of a pro tournament
back in March, she couldn't have known she would go the next four
months without losing a match, and only one set. When Stewart defeated
Kennedy Shaffer 6-1, 6-3 in the final of the Girls 18s Clay Courts,
she not only collected a first singles gold ball on her favorite
surface, but also extended her winning streak to 34 matches in
professional and junior competition.
Paul Repeats Win at Boys 18 Clays in Delray
Some things at the Delray Beach Tennis Center never change - high
temperatures, rain delays, and Tommy Paul winning. "I always play
really well here," said Paul at the end of the USTA Boys' 18 National
Clay Court Championships. Paul wrapped up his second consecutive USTA
Gold Ball at the Clays...
Liu Leads California Contingent in Girls' 16
A few miles from the ocean, Southern Californians dominated the USTA
Girls 16 National Clay Court Championships, taking the top three
places in singles and the runner-up honors in doubles. The ATLANTIC
Ocean, that is. Not the Pacific. During the tournament week, dozens of
spectators gathered at Virginia Beach Tennis and Country Club to see
which Californian would earn the gold ball in singles - and the answer
was Claire Liu.
McNally Continues Hot 2014 at 16s Clays
It has been quite a run for John McNally. The talented teen from
Cincinnati, Ohio swept through his competition at the USTA Boys' 16
Clay Court National Championships in Delray Beach, Florida by not
losing a set all week and captured the third gold ball of his career
with a 6-2; 6-2 victory over San Diego, California's Jacob Brumm.
Unseeded Emma Sweeps Girls 14 Clay Courts
It wasn't an easy task. Victoria Emma had to fight through the
soaring temperatures, hot sun, rain, and much higher ranked opponents,
but she got past all the obstacles and took home her first two Gold
Balls from the USTA Girls' 14 Clay Court Championships.
Keenan Mayo Takes Boys 14 Clay Trophy
It was a hot, wet and muggy week in Fort Lauderdale for the USTA
National Boys 14 Clay Court Championships. It's hard to say that was
really unusual, but what was rare was that there were no players in
doubles and singles finals, not a lot of upsets, and a whole lot of
Californians in the winners' circle - including singles champion
Keenan Mayo.
Gauff Takes First National in Girls' 12s
While the last remaining spectators were wiping sweat from their brows
in the 96 degree heat, Cori Gauff was all smiles when she came off the
court. Winning a gold ball in singles and a silver ball in doubles
will at the Girls' 12 USTA National Clay Court Championships will
usually do that for you.
Zane Wins Battle of the Khans in the 12s
It has become common for twins and siblings to win doubles
championships in the tennis universe. But rarely do twins face each
other in a singles championship match. That was the case on July 19 as
Zane and Faris Khan battled each other for the USTA Boys 12 Clay
Courts gold ball. The winner was fifth seeded-Zane Khan, who defeated
the No. 11 Faris Khan 1-6, 6-0, 6-0 at the Randy Pate Tennis Academy.
Clay Court Championship Week
The USTA Clay Court Championships have concluded around the country.
This week, TennisRecruiting.net has roundups of all the action from
the Boys' 12s to the Girls' 18s - from Virginia Beach to Fort
Lauderdale. Check out coverage of all the tournaments - and meet the
latest gold ball winners of all ages. Get ready... for Clay Court
Championship Week.
Conversation with Former D-III Champion William Boe-Wiegaard
Former Bates standout William Boe-Wiegaard had one of the more amazing
runs in NCAA Division III tennis. He is the only Bobcat ever to be an
All-American all four years in college, and he capped things off with
an amazing run to the NCAA singles title his senior year as an
unseeded player. Since graduating, Boe-Wiegaard has been involved with
tennis as an instructor, and he has been competing professionally
since 2011. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports caught up with Boe-Wiegaard.
What Impact Did the Top 100 Girls from 2013 Have as Freshman?
Last week, Scholarship for Athletes investigated the impact the Top
100 Boys from the 2013 class had on their college teams as freshmen.
This week, they cover the Top 100 Girls from the same recruiting
class. The ladies performed a little bit better...
Prince Hot 100 List - July '14
Today we announce the July edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Rubin Wins Wimbledon Title as US Boys Shine
Competitors from the United States didn't perform well in men's and
women's singles at Wimbledon, with none in the fourth round for the
first time since 1911. But American juniors picked up the slack,
claiming seven of the 16 quarterfinal berths and both finalists in the
boys championship match, won by qualifier Noah Rubin 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
over No. 6 seed Stefan Kozlov.
What Impact Did the Top 100 Boys from 2013 Have as Freshman?
Scholarship for Athletes took the time to research the Top 100 boys
from the Class of 2013 to analyze the impact that they had on their
teams as freshman. How many matches did they play? How did they do? And
how much did their performance impact the team?
What Coaches Look For on Official Visits
Perhaps the most exciting part of the recruiting process is the
Official Visit - where schools brings prospective athletes (and often
their parents) to campus for a weekend visit. Coaches use these
visits as key recruiting tools, and the experiences are often huge
factors in players' decisions. We put the question to college coaches:
What are you looking for in recruits during official visits? What most
impresses you?
Fall Top Prospects Ratings
Twice a year, TennisRecruiting.net updates its Top Prospect ratings -
sometimes known as "The Stars". Our next update to the Top Prospects
comes in late September - and those ratings will be based on players'
rankings during the eight-week period from the week of July 21 to the
week of September 8, 2014. Learn what you can do to ensure your rating
is accurate - and learn about important changes coming this fall.
Southern California Junior Sectionals Wrapup
Hundreds of the best junior tennis players in Southern California
gathered at Fountain Valley, Calif., and other nearby venues last week
to compete in the 112th annual Southern California Junior Sectionals.
After Sunday's final day of competition, one talented star added to
her impressive resume, while several others also tasted victory at
this prestigious tournament.
One Thing That is Constant in This World: Change
This summer, more than a dozen major Division I men's and women's
tennis head coaching jobs have changed hands. These jobs were filled
by other head coaches, continuing the ripple effect. High school
athletes, should be aware of this so-called "coaching carousel".
Those who understand that the chances of keeping the same coach
throughout a college career are dicey can make better decisions during
the recruiting process.
June Aces
June starts with clay and ends on grass, at least for the top
professionals and world-class juniors. But hard courts hosted their
fair share of the month's top performances too with former college
players and US teens building impressive winning streaks on both hard
courts and the Har-Tru clay.
Recruiting Terms and Calendar for 2014-15
July marks the beginning of another recruiting year. Recruiting
expert Dede Allen is back to review important dates on the calendar
for all ages - and she also has a primer on basic recruiting terms.
Conversation with UConn's Sam Sutherland
Stability has been a watchword of UConn tennis. Glenn Marshall, who
now serves as Director of Tennis, has overseen the tennis programs for
21 years. Michael Louis '04 took over as head coach of the men's
tennis program prior to the 2013-14 season. One of Louis' teammates as
a player at UConn was sam Sutherland '05, a standout from Tampa,
Fla. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports, who served as the commentator for
the live webcast of the 2014 NCAA Tournament, caught up with
The Value of Front Court Skills in College Tennis
I've had several recruits ask for training suggestions as they make
the transition to college. A common theme between the three programs
I've been part of the past few years has been the amount of work put
into developing doubles skills, especially with freshmen. Recruiting
players who can make immediate contributions to the doubles lineup has
become harder to do, so my suggestion to young players in general is
to develop the ability to play the net.
American Collegiate Invitational to Debut at US Open
When sixteen American collegians take the courts late in the second
week of this year's American Collegiate Invitational at the US Open,
they will enjoy the same perks and surroundings as professionals
Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal. The college players will not share
in the millions of dollars of prize money, but they can collect
something the pros cannot - a guarantee of entry for the following year.
Tennis Recruiting Welcomes Tennis Express
If you've been on the TennisRecruiting.net website the last few days, you may
have noticed that we have a brand new online store. Tennis Express, a
leading full-service tennis retailer, is our new platinum sponsor, and we
are very excited about it. Tennis Express provides a fantastic online
experience - great tennis products at competitive prices with
fantastic customer service. Check it out...
SFA Interviews Danielle Lao
Jake Hartman of SFA sat down with Danielle Lao a former USC women's
tennis player. Danielle is currently on the professional tennis tour,
and she recently wrote a book about her college tennis experience
titled The Invaluable Experience. She was interviewed about her
recruiting process, how she chose USC, and how her time there has
benefited her today.
2014 Top NCAA Division III Women's Classes
The Tennis Recruiting Network wraps up its spring recruiting class
rankings with a look at the D-III women. Today we present our list
of the Top 25 NCAA D-III women's recruiting classes for 2014. Once
again, the Eagles soar at the top of the rankings.
The Role of College Tennis in Isner, Johnson and Burdette's Pro Success
College tennis is a team game, a prime reason for its popularity,
particularly among US-born juniors. After years of focusing on
individual results in junior tournaments, collegians have an
opportunity to perform for the benefit of their teammates, most of
whom become lifelong friends. Yet many of the top college players
also have their sights set on professional careers, using their years
in college to mature and develop while competing and studying.
ITA Summer Circuit Schedule
The ITA Summer Circuit provides college, junior, and alumni tennis
players the opportunity to compete in organized events virtually year
round. Although the primary focus of the circuit is to provide
incoming freshmen and collegiate players the chance to play in the
summer months, these events are "open", so anyone is eligible to
Prince Hot 100 List - June '14
Today we announce the June edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
2014 Top NCAA Division III Men's Classes
The Tennis Recruiting Network presents its recruiting class rankings
for NCAA Division III conferences. Today we present our Top 25 D-III
men's recruiting classes for 2014. The top class this year comes in
a distinct shade of Maroon - and from the Windy City.
2014 Top Mid-Major Women's Classes
TennisRecruiting.net picks up where it left off on Monday with more
rankings of mid-major recruiting classes. Today we present the Top 25
mid-major women's recruiting classes for 2014. Check out the Owls - who
are soaring at the top of the rankings.
Meet ITA Rookie of the Year Brayden Schnur
Eighteen-year-old Canadian Brayden Schnur didn't begin his freshman
year at the University of North Carolina until January, but he had an
enormous impact on the Tar Heels in his first five months in Chapel
Create a Winning Summer Tennis Schedule
As a competitive junior tennis player, summer holidays provide you the
best chance to improve your tennis game and get maximum exposure for a
college scholarship. College coaches are out recruiting at various
tournaments and training camps around the U.S. and internationally.
Taking advantage of these few months can really make an impact in your
future college tennis career. It starts with creating a well
thought-out summer tennis schedule.
2014 Top Mid-Major Men's Classes
The Tennis Recruiting Network continues its series of recruiting
class rankings with the first of our mid-major conference rankings.
Today we present the Top 25 mid-major men's recruiting classes for
2014... and please steer clear of the Cougars.
Q&A with USC senior Ray Sarmiento
Last month, USC won its 21st NCAA title in men's tennis - and the
school's 100th NCAA title overall. The Tennis Trojans were led by
senior Ray Sarmiento, who was named the tournament's Most Outstanding
Player. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports, who served as the commentator for
the live webcast, talked with Sarmiento after the event.
May Aces
May produced a whopping 18 aces, with current and former college
players highlighting last month's performances. Europe's red clay also
hosted some notable achievements, as did the hard courts of Korea,
Mexico and Tunisia.
Talking About the New Balance HS Tennis Championships
We chat with Bruce Schilling, General Manager of Tennis for New
Balance, about the first-ever New Balance High School Tennis
Championship to be held at Harvard University in July.
Top Women's Classes - 2014 Spring Rankings
Our Recruiting Class Rankings continue with a look at the ladies.
Tennis Recruiting is proud to present its spring rankings of the Top
25 Women's College Tennis Recruiting Classes of 2014. Once again, the
Florida Gators are making themselves at home in the top spot.
Virginia's Danielle Collins, UCLA's Marcos Giron Claim NCAA Singles Titles
It was NCAA singles title No. 1 for Virginia and No. 11 for UCLA, as
Cavalier Danielle Collins and Bruin Marcos Giron stood alone at the
end of six hot and humid days of NCAA Division I singles competition
at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex on the campus of the University of
Quick Take with John McEnroe
If you look at the top American men on the professional stage, you'll
notice a common thread - most of them played college tennis. One of their
forerunners was John McEnroe, who attended Stanford for a year and won
the NCAA singles title before moving on to the professional ranks.
Harry Cicma of NBC Sports asked McEnroe a few questions with a college
focus recently in New York.
Amherst Wins D-III Men's Tennis Championhip, Emory Takes Women's Title
The Biszantz Family Tennis Center in Claremont, Calif., was the site
of the NCAA Division III Men's and Women's Tennis Championships May
19-24. The fourth-ranked Amherst Lord Jeffs men's team won its second
NCAA team title with a 5-3 victory over the top-ranked and host
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags. On the women's side, top-ranked Emory
won its sixth NCAA title with a 5-1 decision over No. 2 Amherst.
Top Men's Classes - 2014 Spring Rankings
The Tennis Recruiting Network is excited to present its
spring ranking of the Top 25 Men's Recruiting Classes for 2014. New
commitments have brought three new teams to the rankings, shaking up
the Top 25. The program with the No. 25 recruiting class back in
January has risen all the way up to No. 2. But the top spot still has
a certain... Cardinality.
USC Men, UCLA Women Reign in Division I Team Championships
The 2014 NCAA Division I Team Championships in Athens, Georgia
featured plenty of rain and two new faces in the final, but when
Tuesday came to close, the Pac-12 had secured both titles. Top seed
University of Southern California defeated No. 2 seed Oklahoma 4-2 to
claim its fifth men's title in the past six years, while No. 5 seed
UCLA won its second women's championship with a scintillating 4-3
victory over No. 7 seed North Carolina.
What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?
The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies the academic and amateur
credentials of all college-bound student-athletes who wish to compete
in NCAA Division I or II athletics. Ultimately, the individual
student-athlete is responsible for achieving and protecting his or her
eligibility status, but the NCAA Eligibility Center is eager to
cooperate with all parties to ensure a smooth transition to
NCAA sports.
Prince Hot 100 List - May '14
Today we announce the May edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Launch of First-Ever New Balance High School Tennis Championship Presented by the USTA
Global athletic leader New Balance has announced the creation of the
inaugural New Balance High School Tennis Championship presented by the
United States Tennis Association (USTA), an event that will offer
young tennis athletes a new, elite level of competition on the
national stage. The tournament will be held at the Beren Tennis Center
at Harvard University in Boston, July 21-25, 2014.
New Changes to the SAT Test
In March, College Board announced several changes to the SAT that will
impact the class of 2017 and beyond. Check out the changes - and see how
they impact student-athletes.
NCAA Tournament Roundtable - Part II
The NCAA Division I Tennis Championships start today. The top men's
and women's college tennis programs face off in first-round action
across the country, with all teams competing for tickets to
Athens, Ga., and a spot in the Sweet 16. Check out insights
from our college tennis contributors - and see who they picked as
darkhorses and champions.
A Conversation with Steve Johnson
For college tennis fans, Steve Johnson needs no introduction. At USC,
Johnson won an unprecedented four NCAA team titles and two NCAA
singles titles, ending his collegiate career on a 72-match winning
streak. With just one full year behind him on the ATP tour, he now
stands as the third-ranked American at No. 69. Colette Lewis caught
up with Johnson to talk about all things tennis...
Call for Simultaneous Format in College Dual Matches
A huge issue for college tennis today is figuring out how to reduce
the time it takes to complete a match while at the same time ensuring
that doubles continues to be an integral part of a match. To date, we
have experimented with changing scoring and rules, but competitive
matches are still too long. We can do better. The problem can be
easily resolved by having both doubles and singles matches played at
the same time - the simultaneous format.
NCAA Tournament Roundtable - Part I
This weekend, the NCAA Division I Tennis Championships get underway.
64 men's and women's college tennis teams will head to campus venues
around the country to compete in first- and second-round action. The
winners will make up the Sweet 16 and head to Athens, Ga., to compete
for the team title. Today, our college tennis contributors preview
the "Big Dance" of college tennis.
April Aces
Ranging from age 14 to 25, the April aces have accomplishments on all
levels of the game - from a WTA title in Malaysia to ITF Grade 4 junior
events in the Caribbean and virtually every level in between.
Preparing for Success in College Tennis
Over the next few weeks, college tennis recruits who did not commit
early will be making their college decisions. Many will be signing a
National Letter of Intent or sending in a deposit - committing to a
college or university. Recruits for 2014 have nearly all made their
decisions... now what?
Now Open... May Madness Bracket Challenge
Nothing beats the excitement of the NCAA tournament! For college
tennis fans, May is the time for Madness, and this is your chance to
demonstrate knowledge of the game. With the right combination of skill
and luck, you can earn bragging rights - and great prizes - by making
your picks for the Big Dance!
Ohio State Downs Illinois 4-2 to Claim Big Ten Tournament Championship
With nine consecutive Big Ten regular season conference championships
and eight of the last nine conference tournament championships, the
Ohio State Buckeyes could be forgiven for taking such accomplishments
lightly. There was no complacency in Sunday's tournament final against
the University of Illinois however, with the Buckeyes exacting some
revenge in their 4-2 victory at the Michigan State Outdoor Tennis
Coming Soon... May Madness Bracket Challenge
March is so passe. In the world of college tennis, it's all about May -
and May Madness. This coming Tuesday evening, the NCAA will announce the teams
participating in the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Tennis
Championships. Later that night, you can submit your picks in our
third annual May Madness Bracket Challenge.
Talking with USTA's Tom Gullikson
If you've been to a major junior tournament in the United States this
year, you've probably seen USTA Lead National Coach Tom Gullikson
there - watching matches and talking with players, parents and coaches,
both formally and one-on-one. Colette Lewis spoke with Gullikson
during the USTA Spring Team Championships, where he gave his insights
on a number of tennis issues.
Scattershooting Around the Men's College Game
During a dual season in which many schools have negotiated difficult
schedules, overcome adversity and tweaked lineups, the men's Division
I season has now reached the conference tournaments. Rivalries will be
renewed this weekend and a few more questions might be answered, but
what we have seen the past three months from all regions of the
country tells us there are perhaps ten teams capable of capturing the
NCAA championship.
Prince Hot 100 List - April '14
Today we announce the April edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Tiafoe, Bellis Capture Easter Bowl ITF Titles
Francis Tiafoe and CiCi Bellis have similar international junior
accomplishments, and they both had great experiences at the Easter
Bowl earlier this month. Both the 16-year-old Tiafoe and 15-year-old
Bellis left the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the tournament's new
site, with Easter Bowl ITF singles titles.
Spring Signing Week '14: Why NAIA?
Peter Green talks with college tennis coaches at NAIA institutions
about the tennis experience at NAIA schools - and what differentiates
an NAIA program from NCAA programs.
Spring Signing Week '14: Primer on NCAA Eligibility
The NCAA Eligibility Center certifies the academic and amateur
credentials of all students who want to play sports at an NCAA
Division I or II institution as freshmen. In order to practice, play
and receive an athletics scholarship, students need to meet certain
academic benchmarks and amateurism requirements. Learn about the NCAA
Eligibility Center and its resources...
Spring Signing Week '14: How is College Tennis Different?
Junior tennis and college tennis are two very different experiences.
Junior tennis players know that they will be competing in a team
environment, but they can't really know what else to expect. We put
the question to recent graduates: What was an aspect of college tennis
that most surprised you coming out of juniors? What did you find most
Spring Signing Week '14: National Recruiting Roundup
Signing Day Eve kicks off with our national roundup. Take a look
at comments from boys and girls who have made verbal commitments
to colleges all across the country.
Spring Signing Week '14: Scholarships - Details Matter
If you've been playing junior tournaments for years, the chances are
that the subject of college scholarships has come up often in your
house. It's only natural that you would like all your hard work to be
rewarded. For parents, a scholarship is often seen as the light at the
end of the tunnel - the financial gift for spending years paying for
lessons, entry fees and travel. Unfortunately, it's not that simple.
Spring Signing Week '14: Signing Week Arrives
The Tennis Recruiting Network kicks off its coverage of Spring
Signing Week '14 with a look at the Top 100. We preview our
weekly coverage, and we update you on the status of all the
top 100 boys and girls who were uncommitted when we checked in
with them in March. A few of these kids plan to announce their
decisions this week.
Nakagawa, Bellis Claim ITF Grade 1 International Spring Championship Titles
Naoki Nakagawa of Japan and CiCi Bellis of the United States took
alternate routes to the final, yet both finished with titles last week
at the ITF Grade 1 International Spring Championships at the StubHub
Center in Carson, California.
Countdown: What Do Players Overlook?
Every year, high school tennis players make their college decisions
based on a number of factors - from coaching staff and players on the
team to size of school and weather. But are these athletes making
rational decisions? We put the question to college coaches: What
important factors in the college recruiting process do student
athletes often overlook?
Countdown: Your College Choice is a Forty-Year Decision
During these final months before graduation, many of you are anxiously
awaiting admissions decisions and pouring through notes from each
visit, looking to make a final college choice. Thinking beyond
college graduation may seem ludicrous right now, but you should always
be mindful about how current decisions shape your future. It is
important to decide what you want to do with your time in college and
how it pertains to your career.
March Aces
From Kazakhstan to Columbus, last month's achievements knew no
boundaries, with teenagers capturing titles, and current and former
college players moving up in the ATP rankings. A new NCAA record also
made March a month to remember.
Countdown: About College Recruit Videos
Julie and Danny Thiets founded High-Tech Tennis in 2006 recording junior
tennis match play, and they quickly got involved with making college
recruiting videos. In this article, they share some of the lessons
they have learned over the years about making effective videos.
TennisRecruiting.net Branches Out, Adds Wiffle Ball
Since its launch in 2005, the Tennis Recruiting Network has been a
valued source of information for the junior tennis community. Today,
April 1, 2014, Tennis Recruiting is excited to unveil its plans for
the future. Having established its position in the tennis market, the
company plans to begin coverage of an additional sport. And after much
deliberation, that sport is Wiffle Ball.
Countdown: Previewing the Top 100 Boys
Last Monday, we visited with the girls. Today, the top boys in the
senior class talk college recruiting. Find out where the Top 100
boys are leaning, and see who your favorite school is after...
Countdown: Transitioning to College Tennis
Over the winter break, Donovan Tennis Strategies was able to catch up
with three freshmen college tennis players - from the Patriot League,
Ivy League, and SCIAC. We asked them about the transition to college
both academically and athletically, how their expectations of college
tennis are being met, and what advice they would already be able to
provide to future recruits.
Countdown: Previewing the Top 100 Girls
The Countdown to Signing Day continues with a look at the Top 100
girls in the senior class. The vast majority of these athletes
have already made written or verbal commitments, but college
coaches are still after these highly-regarded young women. Find
out which girls are still open, which have narrowed their lists, and
which have made commitments...
First USTA Team Champions Crowned in Mobile
128 boys and 128 girls arrived for competition last week in Mobile,
Alabama, and each left with seven new friends - their teammates - when
the USTA's first Spring Team Championships were complete. Two 12s, two
14s, two 16s and two 18s division players were placed on each of the
32 teams. The teams had fun but competed fiercely - since a USTA gold
ball served as the ultimate prize.
Prince Hot 100 List - March '14
Today we announce the March edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Countdown to Signing Day
Don't look now, but we are less than a month away from the beginning
of the Spring Signing Period. April 16th is the first day in 2014 when
high school seniors will be able to sign their National Letters of
Intent - making formal commitments to college tennis programs. As
always, TennisRecruiting.net brings you a courtside seat to all the
action. Take a look as we preview our special coverage... in the
Countdown to Signing Day!
Dealing with Injury and Rehabilitation
One of the unsung heroes of any tennis facility is the rehabilitation
center. I actually witness athletes come in and in a matter of time,
they are back on the playing field. There are two individuals that I
have closely associated myself. Read the next part of my article and
ask yourself what you would have done if you were either Tommy Haas or
Christian Harrison.
Catching Up with Christi Turdo on College Tennis and the Invention of Hop-a-Razzi
Christi Turdo has been involved in tennis for over 30 years, from
playing in the juniors, college and pros, to teaching young players.
It was in the latter role that she also invented Hop-a-Razzi, a
revolutionary basket that modernizes ball retrieval. From her office
just outside Chicago, Turdo had a lot to say about choosing the right
college, what she learned from the playing experience, and how
Hop-a-Razzi came to be.
Conversation with UNLV's Owen Hambrook
UNLV's Owen Hambrook is now in his eleventh season as head coach of
the Runnin' Rebels men's tennis program. Hambrook, who led the program
to its first-ever Mountain West championship, took the 2012-13 squad
to a 17-7 overall record and a final ranking of No. 62. NBC's Harry
Cicma caught up with Hambrook to talk tennis, Las Vegas, and
Roundtable: Is College Tennis Thriving or Struggling?
It is interesting to look at the state of college tennis. Rising costs
in education and athletics present challenges, but tennis remains one
of the most popular sports on the college landscape. We put the
question to college coaches... Is college tennis thriving or
struggling? What changes or improvements are you monitoring?
NCAA Will Allow Use of Snapchat
The landscape of social media is continuously changing, and it seems
as though a new form of social media catches on every few months. The
popular Snapchat app - which allows users to send photos and video to
a controlled list of recipients - has just gotten a serious look from the
NCAA. Our friends at NCSA take a look at the NCAA position...
February Aces
February may be short, but it had more than enough days for a
baker's dozen of outstanding performances in junior, college and
professional tournaments from Delray Beach, Florida to Casablanca,
Morocco to Happy Valley, Australia and beyond.
What to Know about the Tennis Recruiting Process
College recruiting is something that seems obvious enough, but many
junior tennis players and their parents don't know where to start.
Our friends at NCSA have a primer with some basic facts and numbers
about the process.
Notre Dame Dominates Ball State in College Match Day Contest
Only hours after a grueling and emotional home loss to top-ranked Ohio
State Saturday afternoon, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish returned to
the Eck Tennis Pavilion courts to sweep Ball State in a nationally
streamed USTA College Match Day contest Saturday evening, rebounding
quickly from the disappointing loss to the Buckeyes.
ITA Format Experiment Comments: Part Two
In part one of my discussion with college coaches, there was little
support for continuing the women's experiment, which featured a match
tiebreaker in lieu of a full third set. In part two below, five more
coaches provide their perspective on the ITA's format experiment, as
does Dustin Taylor, the USTA's National Coach for Collegiate Tennis,
and Mitchell Frank, the University of Virginia's No. 1 player, who is
leading the student-athlete opposition to any change of format.
Match Tiebreaker for Third Set Not Popular with Top Division I Coaches in Charlottesville
The experimental phase for ITA Division I formats is over, concluding
with the men's and women's ITA Team Indoor Championships. The men's
experimental format, which employed no-ad, and the women's
experimental format, which used a match tiebreaker in lieu of a third
set, will now be evaluated for their effectiveness in providing an
improved fan experience and shortening match times.
Prince Hot 100 List - February '14
Today we announce the February edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Duke Erases UCLA's 3-0 Lead to Earn Second ITA Women's Team Indoor Title
When the seeds were announced last week for the ITA Women's Team
Indoor Championships, Duke was a controversial No. 7, despite their
preseason ranking of 10. When the Blue Devils defeated No. 4 seed UCLA
4-3 Monday in the final, roaring back from 3-0 down, they had proven
they belong at the very top.
Conversation with South Dakota's Malcolm Gilreath
University of South Dakota coach Malcolm Gilreath is in his tenth
year at the helm of the USD women's tennis team. Gilreath is one of
the most successful coaches in Coyote history - leading the program
to 110 dual match victories. His 2012-13 team finished the season
at 16-11 and reached the semifinals of the Summit League conference
tournament. NBC's Harry Cicma talked with Gilreath about coaching
and recruiting at USD.
Finding Your Tennis Zone
After a great match, you often hear players say "I was in the zone!"
What is the zone? Although there have been many different
definitions, the most commonly accepted definition of the zone is a
state of optimum physical and mental performance. Everything appears
to be in flow and, in the end, everything appears to be "going their
way." In practice, the zone is something that takes a lot of hard work
to achieve.
January Aces
For fourteen junior and college tennis players, 2014 is off to an
outstanding start. Six of the seven continents - the lone exception
being Antarctica - served as hosts for the notable achievements of
Top Women's Classes - 2014 Winter Rankings
More than four hundred senior girls - including 85 of the Top 100 -
have already signed or verbally committed to college programs. With
so many commitments, our Winter Recruiting Class rankings could not be
more timely. The Tennis Recruiting Network and Solfire are proud to present the
Top 25 Women's College Tennis Recruiting Classes of 2014.
Michigan Women Defeat Yale to Return to Team Indoor in Charlottesville
A new format and a key player's injury didn't keep the University of
Michigan women from their customary trip to Charlottesville, Virginia
in February. On Sunday, the Wolverines defeated Yale 4-0, advancing to
the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Team Indoor
Championships for the fifth consecutive year.
Top Men's Classes - 2014 Winter Rankings
The senior class has been busy. More than 850 seniors in the Class of
2014 have made commitments to college tennis programs so far, with
dozens more making verbal commitments each and every week. The
decision-making will continue, but the end of January is a great time
to see where things stand. Today, the Tennis Recruiting Network and
Solfire are excited to bring you its poll of the Top 25 Men's College
Tennis Recruiting Classes.
Solfire to Sponsor Recruiting Class Rankings
Today, The Tennis Recruiting Network announces that Solfire, a
tennis apparel company that combines original artwork with advanced
technology and manufacturing techniques, will be the presenting
sponsor for the widely acknowledged College Tennis Recruiting Class
Rankings at the TennisRecruiting.net website.
Eight Intriguing Questions for 2014
Tennis Recruiting enters its ninth year in 2014, and this January we
feature the ninth straight edition of "Intriguing Questions" from
columnist Colette Lewis. Lewis asks eight questions about junior
and college tennis that should reveal their answers over the next
twelve months.
Prince Hot 100 List - January '14
Today we announce the January edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
College Format Changes - The Vote of 21-19
The scoring system in tennis is one of its most sacred heirlooms. When
the ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) had its annual convention
and coaches meeting in December, the hottest and the most pressing
topic was the scoring system. Legendary tennis coach Chuck Kriese
reviews highlights of the discussion - with his usual commentary.
Eight New Year's Resolutions for Student-Athletes
Many people believe in New Year's Resolutions - and that a new year
means a new start. The New Year is a good time to set goals and hold
yourself accountable to achieving those goals. Have you set your New
Year's Resolutions yet? If not, maybe this list will help.
Flink, Zverev Seek First Junior Slam Titles in Melbourne
Last year's Australian Open junior champions Ana Konjuh and Nick
Kyrgios graduated to the women's and men's main draw this year,
leaving all 128 players in the junior championships dreaming of
following their path from first junior slam title to professional
success in the space of just 12 months.
Previewing Inside College Tennis with Tony Minnis - Part II
A new television series - Inside College Tennis with Tony Minnis -
premieres this week, Tuesday, January 14 at 9pm EST / 6pm PST on
the Tennis Channel. And the entire tennis community should be very
excited about the new program. We got the chance to talk with host and
former LSU coach Tony Minnis about what we should expect to see...
January Recruiting Reminders for Seniors
NCSA Athletic Recruiting brings you a monthly look at how to
approach college tennis recruiting. Seniors - take a look at
what you should be thinking about during the month of January...
Premiere of Inside College Tennis With Tony Minnis Coming Tuesday
The Emmy award winning Bill Rodman Production Shoppe is partnering with
Legendary Coach Tony Minnis and The Tennis Channel to bring you Inside
College Tennis With Tony Minnis - a half-hour program dedicated to
promoting collegiate tennis.
Previewing Inside College Tennis with Tony Minnis
"College tennis is one of the best-kept secrets in college sports."
So says Tony Minnis, who knows a thing or two about the sport.
Minnis, who competed at a high level collegiately as both a player and
coach, is about to pilot a new show on the Tennis Channel - Inside
College Tennis with Tony Minnis. Check out what this program has in
December Aces
Although the focus of the tennis world has now moved to Australia for
2014, it's time to wrap up December with a look back at the junior
champions from the Florida majors, as well as two Americans who earned
main draw wild cards into the Australian Open.
Liu Takes Second Junior Orange Bowl Title, Black Wins Girls 12s; Argentina Sweeps Boys Championships
Claire Liu knew what to expect. Hurricane Tyra Black, playing in her
first Junior Orange Bowl, did not. But both Americans, seeded second,
triumphed over the top seeds to claim the girls championships last
Monday at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center at the University of Miami,
while two competitors from Argentina captured the boys titles.
Meet the Tylers - a College Coaching Family
Donovan Tennis Strategies enjoys taking opportunities to recognize
student-athletes and coaches alike, who offer unique contributions to
the world of college tennis and recruiting. In this feature, we catch
up with Steven, Hilary and Matt Tyler, a collegiate tennis coaching
Training Effectively vs. Just Training Hard - 10 Tips for Maximizing Your Training
When it comes to getting the most out of your training, working hard
is not enough. In order to see real results, you should focus on
training the way you want to compete. Hare are ten key strategies
for maximizing the effectiveness of your training.
Tiafoe Makes History as Youngest Orange Bowl Boys Champion; Flink Claims Girls Title
Crowds packed the Frank Veltri Tennis Center in Plantation, Florida
for the boys Metropolia Orange Bowl final Sunday, knowing they would
see history made. When Francis Tiafoe fired an ace to defeat fellow
15-year-old American Stefan Kozlov 7-6(3), 0-6, 6-3, he became the
youngest winner in the history of the boys 18s competition. In the
girls final, top seed Varvara Flink of Russia defeated No. 2 seed
Ivana Jorovic of Serbia 6-1, 2-6, 6-4.
Former Collegians on College vs. Pro Tennis
The strongest junior tennis players face the decision of playing
college tennis or turning professional. More and more highly-ranked
boys are choosing the college tennis over the Futures circuit as a
development path, but many girls are still turning pro. We put the
question to our panel of recent college graduates: What advice would
you give to a junior girl who is trying to choose between college and
professional tennis?
Prince Hot 100 List - December '13
Today we announce the December edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Majchrzak, Ostapenko Take Eddie Herr ITF Titles; Four Americans Win Championships
Top seeds and surprise winners collected trophies last week at the
Eddie Herr International Championships, with four Americans claiming
titles at the prestigious event held at the IMG Bollettieri Academy in
Bradenton, Florida.
Open Letter to Prospective Student-Athletes
The process of searching for the right college and the right tennis
program can be stressful. There are so many choices and variables, and
finding the right fit, making campus visits, filling out applications,
and taking care of your academics and tennis can be overwhelming.
Enjoy the process - but take it seriously.
The Invaluable Experience - New Kindle Book by Lao and Limpert
Reflecting on her successful college tennis career, Danielle Lao, a
two-time All-American at USC thought she might have some valuable
information to share with others either enrolled at colleges and
universities around the country, thinking about playing college
sports, or even sports fans wondering what the college experience is
like for a elite athlete. With the help of Rick Limpert, Lao has
November Aces
The month of November features a collegiate major as well as the last
chance for those outside the top 100 to make a push for direct entry
into the Australian Open. It also ushers in the brief offseason for
the professional tours, allowing youngsters to collect valuable
ranking points at Futures and Challenger events around the world, an
opportunity many of those cited below did not waste.
Staying Out of the Way
I started teaching tennis in the mid 1950s. Not a day goes by where my
mind doesn't say, "here we go again." My toughest lesson is not with
my students - but with their parents. Parents, please read this
several times and be honest with yourself, and if the shoe fits,
please loosen your laces a bit and just be a mom or dad to your kid.
Let the coaches do their jobs.
Why Division I?
If you talk to most people about college athletics they think of
Division I sports. Even people who do not follow sports know about
March Madness and the BCS Championships. Top juniors dream of playing
Division I college tennis. So what do Division I college coaches have
to say about Division I tennis?
Talking with Columbia's Howard Endelman
NBC's Harry Cicma was one of the announcers at the USTA/ITA
National Indoor Championships held last month. One of the big stories was the
doubles championship earned by the hometown Columbia Lions. Cicma
chatted with Associate Head Coach Howard Endelman about tennis and
recruiting at Columbia.
Black, Kozlov Among Favorites at Eddie Herr International ITF
Since 2012, when the tournament moved to the Har-Tru courts at the IMG
Bollettieri Academy, an American has yet to reach the finals of the
Eddie Herr International. Fifteen-year-olds Stefan Kozlov and Tornado
Alicia Black, both former Eddie Herr champions, lead the US field
attempting to end that streak this year.
WAM Sports College Showcase to be held December 5-6
The WAM Sports College Tennis Camp and Showcase is
a great way to get exposed to and recruited by 40+ U.S. college tennis
coaches. College coaches from all divisions across country will be in
attendance to educate you about the college tennis recruiting process
and spend time with you on court.
College Tennis Camps and Showcases - A Must for College-Bound Prospects
What are College Tennis Camps and Showcases? Who are they for? What can they
do for me? Junior tennis players, parents and coaches alike often do
not know much about either type of event. Therefore, they are hesitant
and unsure of the benefits. But the chance to talk to a college coach,
to be scouted and educated by them, to even be recruited by college
coaches is always a valuable experience for any student athlete,
regardless of who you are.
Sandgren Prevails at JSM Illinois Challenger
After a three year absence, the trophy at the University of Illinois
JSM Champaign Challenger returned to a player with college roots.
Former Tennessee Volunteer Tennys Sandgren won this year's event that
followed the elimination of three top seeds.
Prince Hot 100 List - November '13
Today we announce the November edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Loeb and Thompson Claim USTA/ITA Indoor Titles
The freshman's title was no surprise, while the senior's run to the
championship caught everyone off guard at the USTA/ITA Indoor
Intercollegiate Championships earlier this month. Eighteen-year-old
All-American champion Jamie Loeb of North Carolina dethroned defending
champion Robin Anderson of UCLA 6-3 6-2 in the final, but the Bruins
got their title when Clay Thompson defeated Jared Hiltzik of Illinois
6-4, 7-5 in the men's championship match.
Talking with UCLA's Robin Anderson
NBC's Harry Cicma was one of the announcers at the USTA/ITA National
Indoors last week in New York. Cicma chatted with defending champion
Robin Anderson of UCLA, who reached the final before dropping the
championship match 6-3, 6-2 to UNC freshman phenom Jamie Loeb. Check
out what the UCLA junior had to say...
Fall Signing Week '13: Fall Scheduling in College - Part 2
In college tennis, fall competition normally focuses on player development.
Last month, we asked college coaches about their goals and philosophies
for the fall season, and we published answers from a half-dozen coaches.
Today we hear comments from more coaches on the topic.
Fall Signing Week '13: Role of the Parent in Recruiting
As a parent, you want to be a part of all of your child's decisions,
and which college your child will attend is one of the most important
that will ever be made. The decision becomes even more complicated
when your child is trying to pick a school to attend with a tennis
team that's also a perfect fit. But how involved should a parent be in
the tennis recruiting process? You might not like the answer...
Fall Signing Week '13: National Recruiting Roundup
Yesterday, we looked at the Blue Chips. Today, we hear from seniors
around the country who plan to sign NLIs during Signing Week - which
officially begins tomorrow. Take a look at what they had to say...
in our National Recruiting Roundup.
Fall Signing Week '13: Blue Chip Update
The time has come. The time is now. Today, The Tennis Recruiting
Network kicks off its coverage of Signing Week 2013, and our slate of
articles is ready to go. Lots of articles, and lots of commitment
announcements. Lots of what you want. We kick things off today with
one final look at the Blue Chip boys and girls.
Countdown: Talking with BC Alum Justin Slattery
Justin Slattery played for Boston College from 2000 to 2004, playing
No. 1 singles and doubles throughout his career and serving as team
captain. Harry Cicma of NBC News caught up with Slattery, who reflects
on his time at BC and what the college experience means to him.
Countdown: Thomson on Player Expectations
Coach Paul Thomson addresses questions from our community... How many
hours per week are expected from the players? How many players will be
used for varsity matches in the course of a given year? How many
non-varsity, walk-on players do teams carry, and what is expected of
Countdown: There's Life After November
November is here, and the early signing period is around the
corner. Each year, student athletes scramble to find a college to
sign with, while coaches look to lock down recruits. Most families
begin to feel nervous around this time, and some even go as far as
"freaking out". The general feeling is there will be no roster spots
available if student athletes do not sign during the early signing
period. Don't worry - there is life after November.
Newks College Showcase to be held November 23-24
Newks College Showcase gives coaches the perfect opportunity to meet
and watch potential recruits compete. Exposure between college coaches
and players can be challenging, and this is the time of year most high
school juniors begin looking into colleges tennis programs.
October Aces
Both college and junior tennis feature important tournaments during
the month, while the many post-US Open tournaments present aspiring
professionals with an opportunity to boost their ATP and WTA rankings.
Throw in a memorable Davis Cup debut and the result is a multitude of
October aces, 17 in all.
Countdown: Fall Scheduling in College
In college tennis, there are two distinct competition seasons - fall
and spring - that are very different. Fall competition is usually more
oriented around tournaments for individuals, and there is a huge
stress on player development. We put the question to college coaches:
"What are your goals for the fall season, and what is your philosophy
when structuring the fall schedule?"
Countdown: Coaches and Cheerleaders
One big question during the recruiting process is which college coach
best suits you. Great coaches feel strongly about their own styles,
their coaching identities, and most importantly their players. Many
things are important, but you want a coach that you feel is going to
have your back when you are tight as a brick down 4-5 in the 3rd set
of the deciding match.
Eastern College Showcase Day to be held November 10
Join presenters Eric Butorac and Dr. James Gladstone at the USTA Eastern
Section's College Showcase Day on November 10 in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. The
event is designed to help players learn more about the college tennis
process and connect better with college coaches. College coaches
have the opportunity to recruit and get exposure for their tennis
Countdown: Blue Chip Boys
Last Friday, we visited with the senior Blue Chip girls to find out
how they are doing in the college recruiting process. Today, the boys
get their turn. How many have decided? Which players are still wide
open? And are any of them leaning towards your favorite school? Find
out now...
Countdown: NCAA Stance on Prize Money
Over the past year, the NCAA has made concerted efforts to simplify
many of its rules. Two of these changes impact amateurism rules for
junior and college tennis players. Moving forward, junior and college
tennis players can keep prize money from tournaments to cover "actual
and necessary expenses." Our friends at Donovan Tennis Strategies
comment on the recent rule changes.
Countdown: Blue Chip Girls
We wrap up our first week of the Countdown to Signing Day with a look
at the top girls in the senior class. This year's Blue Chip recruits talked
with us about their decision process. Some have made verbal
commitments, most have confirmed or taken their official visits, and
some are still wide open. Take a look and see where things stand...
Black and Tiafoe Claim ITF Pan American Titles in Tulsa
The field for the International Tennis Federation's Grade B1 Pan
American Closed can draw competitors from as far north as Canada and
as far south as Argentina. But this year, all four titles belonged to
Americans, with Tornado Alicia Black beating compatriot Kaitlyn
McCarthy 6-0, 6-0 for the girls singles championship, and Francis
Tiafoe downing Californian Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-0 to capture one of his
two titles last weekend at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center at the
University of Tulsa.
Prince Hot 100 List - October '13
Today we announce the October edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Countdown to Signing Day
We are now just a little over a month away from Signing Day. November
13th is the first day of the one-week fall signing period, the only
opportunity this calendar year for seniors to sign a National Letter
of Intent with a Division I or Division II school. As always, The
Tennis Recruiting Network is here to keep you up to date on all the
Virginia's Frank Takes Second All-American Championship in Tulsa
For all the upsets and unexpected results at the St Francis Health
System ITA Men's All American Championships in Tulsa last week, the
winner was hardly a surprise. Mitchell Frank of the University of
Virginia collected his second ITA All-American singles championship,
running his winning streak at the event to 12, after recording a 6-3,
6-0 victory over Oklahoma's Guillermo Alcorta.
Catching Up with Megan Moulton-Levy
Megan Moulton-Levy is one of the most successful players to come out
of William and Mary. She was a six-time All American, four-time CAA
Player of the Year, and won the most singles and doubles (combined)
matches in the school's history. She was also well-known for her
demeanor on the court, and it was recognized twice with ITA National
Arthur Ashe Awards for Leadership and Sportsmanship. She now plays
doubles on the pro tour.
September Aces
The month began with the last junior slam of the season and ended with
several teens claiming their first professional titles, while current
and former college stars continued to climb the ATP rankings in both
singles and doubles.
Talking with Wisconsin Assistant Coach Matt Manasse
Matt Manasse finished his college tennis career at Purdue in 2011. After a
two-year stint with Babolat in charge of their Competition Team,
Manasse is back in the Big 10, having accepted a position as assistant
coach for the women's tennis program at Wisconsin. Harry Cicma of NBC
News talked coaching and recruiting with Manasse.
Media Tips for Young Tennis Players
Many junior tennis players pattern their games and on-court attitudes
after professional players, but juniors rarely see their favorite
players interact with the media. Although it may not have the same
importance as developing a reliable kick serve or a slice backhand,
learning to handle media requests and inquiries is part of the
education of a developing player. The USTA recognizes that, annually
conducting media training sessions.
My Take on College Tennis
I want to start this piece by making one thing very clear so that
there is no doubt about where I stand: I love college tennis. I have
had a great experience as a player, coach, and now as a fan. That
said, I think we need to be open to a change in the format in order to
preserve the future of the sport in the changing landscape of college
Why Division II?
Many people overlook NCAA Division II athletics programs - but they
shouldn't. The Division II emphasis is on balance, with the objective
of providing student-athletes a comprehensive program of learning and
development. Student-athletes are encouraged to achieve excellence in
their sport, in the classroom and in their community. Take a look
at some of the best-kept secrets in college tennis.
Former Cavaliers Huey and Inglot Reach ATP Doubles Heights
While teammates at the University of Virginia, Dom Inglot and Treat
Huey never played doubles together. But several years later, their
friendship led them to join forces on the ATP tour, where they are
currently ranked 14th in world.
US Open '13 Main Draw Showcases College and Junior World
The U.S. Open main draws once again showed what the country could
offer from the college and junior tennis worlds. This was especially
true in doubles events, which was filled with former college players.
Prince Hot 100 List - September '13
Today we announce the September edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Croatia's Coric and Konjuh Sweep US Open Junior Singles Titles
Competitors from 37 countries began a quest for the US Open boys and
girls singles titles, yet when the final point of the tournament was
played last Sunday, one country, Croatia, had captured them both.
No. 2 seed Ana Konjuh and No. 4 seed Borna Coric both staged comebacks
to defeat unseeded opponents in the finals, with Konjuh squeezing past
wild card Tornado Alicia Black of the United States 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(6)
and Coric downing Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Thomson on Scholarship Questions
Coach Paul Thomson addresses questions from our community... How do
coaches generally distribute their scholarship money? Is a player's
scholarship likely to go up or down over the course of four years? On
average, what is the players' cost per year?
"Little Mo" Internationals Celebrate Maureen Connolly's Grand Slam
Sixty years ago, 18-year-old Maureen Connolly became the first woman
to capture the Grand Slam of tennis. Connolly, also known as "Little
Mo," would end her playing career one year later due to a
horseback-riding accident. Since then, the "Little Mo" series of
tennis tournaments has been very popular among young players. This
year, in celebration of the 60th anniversary, the Maureen Connolly
Brinker foundation has created a spectacular event of its own.
Writing Your Own Story
Choosing the right university is a complicated and stressful process.
As you struggle with the pros and cons of each college, you look
forward to the relief of making your final decision. When you make
that phone call and commit, you feel the weight lifted from your
shoulders and an end to your burdens. But life always brings new
challenges - and your next challenge is to find your own path to
success in college and in college tennis.
August Aces
Even without highlighting most of the eight USTA National Champions,
who were covered thoroughly last month by the Tennis Recruiting
Network, there is barely room for the large number of outstanding
performances by college and junior players. The bar was so high
winning one ITF Pro Circuit event in August wasn't sufficient to earn
a mention, as the stars of tomorrow begin to raise their rankings and
Welcome, Class of 2020!
Happy Labor Day! The unofficial end of summer means the official
beginning of another year at the Tennis Recruiting Network. Last week
we bade farewell to the Class of 2013, and this week we officially
welcome the Class of 2020. The new sixth graders join our rankings
starting tomorrow.
Bencic, Zverev Lead US Open Junior Fields
The summer of 2013 has belonged to Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, who
aims for her third consecutive junior slam title at the US Open Junior
Championships next week. Bencic will be tested by a deep and
accomplished field that features every member of the ITF junior Top
10. On the boys' side, the draw is missing four of the current ITF Top
10, including No. 1 Nick Kyrgios of Australia.
Roundtable: How to Choose a College
For many teenagers, choosing a college is the first big decision they
make in their lives. Adding athletics to the equation can make the
decision more challenging. How do you go about approaching the
process? What factors should be important? We put this question to a
number of young women who recently finished up their college tennis
careers at top schools. See what they had to say...
College and Junior Players at Open '13 Qualifying
The qualifying draws at the U.S. Open were filled with young players
and those with college ties again this year. In the end, not many were
left standing.
Videos in the Recruiting Process
The college recruiting video in an important part of the recruiting
process. It's not always feasible for college coaches to see players
compete in person. Despite the importance of the video, more often
than not we see videos that are ineffective and inadequate. We talked
with college coaches to get their insights on college recruiting videos.
Prince Hot 100 List - August '13
Today we announce the August edition of the Prince Hot 100. The
Prince Hot 100 features 100 boys and 100 girls who have been playing outstanding
tennis. These players have substantially improved their rankings over
the past month.
Altamirano Makes History in Kalamazoo 18s
When seventeen-year-old Collin Altamirano returns to defend the USTA
Boys 18s Nationals he won Sunday afternoon at Kalamazoo College's Stowe
Stadium, he won't be an underdog. After defeating No. 14 seed Jared
Donaldson 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in a best-of-five match, Altamirano is now in
the record books as the only unseeded player ever to win a singles
title in the 71-year history of the Kalamazoo National Championships.
Sachia Vickery Shines at Nationals in San Diego
From the moment she first picked up a tennis racket, Sachia Vickery
has wanted to play in the US Open.
That fantasy will soon become a reality. The top-seeded Miami
resident defeated second-seeded Alexandra Kiick of Plantation, Fla.,
4-6, 6-2, 6-0 to capture the singles title at the USTA Girls 18s
National Championships at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego.
Tommy Paul Takes Second National 16s Title
Tommy Paul arrived in Kalamazoo as the 16s Clay Court champion in
singles and doubles, and when the wet week was over, Paul left the
USTA National Championships with a third gold ball, winning the 16s
singles championship with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over his friend and
roommate Jake DeVine.
Katerina Stewart Streaks to 16s Title
Katerina Stewart walked on to Stadium Court at the Barnes Center on
Saturday afternoon having won 12 of her last 13 matches at the USTA
Girls 16s Nationals. The only thing the Miami resident had yet to do
was earn a championship. Presented with a second opportunity, Stewart
rose to the occasion and captured the 16s singles championship with a
6-4, 6-1 victory over top-seeded Ena Shibahara.
Full Listings: Boys' Commits & Girls' Commits


text:
Taiwan, Taiwan
The Dark Night in Taiwan
We people stand out for "Home Without Nuclear". The protest began from 1992, and we are still working on it.
As the government doesn't try to listen to the people, and even call us The RIOT when we just lay down for protecting our country.
The police attacked us as we had nothing in hands.
What we want is to build a home without NUCLEAR.
The police attacked students, women, even a pregnant woman was pushed to the ground after that.
We have no idea what happened to our government, they ignore many issues for a long time, and what we can do is stand our for ourselves with children.
God Bless us, God Bless Taiwan. It's our story, and the same thing might be happening around the world.
- attacking,
- breaking_news,
- police
What do you think of this story?
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