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Since winning last year's Eddie Herr title as a 16-year-old, Dalma Galfi of Hungary has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open Junior Championships, won the Wimbledon girls doubles title, the US Open girls championship and two ITF Women's Circuit titles in Australia. All that success has given her a shot at ending 2015 as the ITF Junior World Champion, so she will return to defend her title next week in Bradenton, Florida.
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Singles winner Henri Laaksonen and doubles champions David O'Hare and Joe Salisbury had plenty to celebrate on Saturday as they took the top prizes at the USTA JSM Champaign pro circuit event, but they weren't the only ones cheering. The Challenger celebrated its 20th year, making it one of the longest running tournaments of its kind in the country.
Brad Stine has coached tennis for 30 years, and he was recently appointed as the newest member of the USTA Player Development's collegiate division. Colette Lewis of ZooTennis.com recently talked with Stine about many topics - including the reasons he decided to pursue coaching, the five requirements for success as a pro, the value of the college pathway and the ITF's push for more prize money at the lower levels.
I have been a sports fan ever since I can remember, and a tennis fan since my teens, but my interest in college tennis is much more recent. With that in mind, I have never shared the outrage directed at coaches who "stack" their lineups. Since time devoted to lineup challenges and protest hearings is better spent elsewhere, here is my proposal for a radical change in how lineups are set in college tennis ...
Prince Hot 100 List - November '15
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 '15: Keys to Success in Recruiting
I have been in the sports recruiting business for about six years now,
and over the years I have seen some players successful in recruiting
while others have struggled. The difference between those who end up
playing college tennis and those who do not is not always who is a
better player - but often who is willing to work harder and smarter
than their competition. Check out my keys to success in the recruiting
Fall Signing Week '15: College Tennis - Pathway to Pro Tennis
With their recent success on the professional tours, former college
stars such as Kevin Anderson, Jon Isner, Steve Johnson and Irina
Falconi are showing that college tennis is a very viable pathway to
professional tennis success. Current college stars and professional
greats give their opinions on how college tennis has shaped their
athletic careers.
Fall Signing Week '15: Freshmen to Watch in D-III Tennis
Tomorrow is Signing Day, when players can sign NLI contracts with NCAA
Division I or II schools. Division III athletics is different in that
there are no formal athletic scholarships, but recruiting in D-III is
similar in that hundreds of high school players are committing to
D-III programs even as we speak. Our friends at Division3Tennis.com
take a look at last year's recruits - and how they will fit into their
teams as freshmen in 2015-16.
Fall Signing Week '15: 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 '15: Playing Your Best Tennis for Coaches
The more something means to players, the more pressure they put on
themselves to succeed. One of the most uncomfortable moments for
aspiring college tennis players is competing in front of college
coaches. To avoid underperforming, athletes need to focus on enjoying
their time on the court the most. Here are a few tips to help players
start the process ...
Fall Signing Week '15: Overview and Blue Chip Update
The time has come. The time is now. Today, The Tennis Recruiting
Network kicks off its coverage of Signing Week 2015, 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.
US Boys Dominate October Aces
American boys have been the talk of tennis over the summer, with
three of the 17-year-olds capturing titles last month on the ATP
Challenger and ITF Men's Pro Circuit. Adding in the ITA All-American
winners, as well as other juniors taking pro titles, puts the number
of top performers in October at 14.
Countdown: Differences in Recruiting Men and Women
College tennis coaches must be adept at finding talent to fill their
rosters. Perhaps the coaches with the most difficult tasks are those
that direct both women's and men's teams. We put the question to our
panel of coaches: What are the main differences between recruiting for
a men's program and a women's program? Do you sell your school
differently depending on the gender of the recruit?
Countdown: Avoiding Senioritis After Committing
There's no vaccine for senioritis, which makes it all the more
imperative you take preventative measures against it. NCSA Athletic
Recruiting gives tips on how to do just that.
ImRecruitable College Training Day and Showcase
ImRecruitable will once again host its largest recruiting event of the
year. The College Training Day and Showcase will be held at Sunrise
Tennis Club in Sunrise, Fla., on Dec 2 and 3, 2015. These events allow
players the opportunity to gain maximum exposure and networking with
college coaches that can lead directly to scholarship opportunities.
Countdown: College Tennis Returns Leaders of Tomorrow
College tennis has a storied history of producing athletes that have
gone on to achieve great success in the professional ranks. But it's
not just on the courts where former college tennis players shine. Take
a look around at some of the biggest companies and organizations in
the world, and more times than not you'll find that the Chief
Executive Officer and other senior leaders have a tennis - and more
specifically a college tennis - background.
Countdown: Checking In with Jamie Hunt
Jamie Hunt was ranked as high as No. 2 by TennisRecruiting.net when he
signed with Georgia in 2006. Hunt won the U.S. Open Junior doubles
title and is the only junior player in history to win the Easter Bowl
doubles titles in the 14s, 16s and 18s. Today he is Associate Head Coach of
Men's Tennis at Vanderbilt. We caught up with Hunt in the latest edition
of Where Are They Now?
Countdown: Blue Chip Boys
Today we visit with the senior Blue Chip boys to find out where they
are in the college recruiting process. How many have decided? Which
players are still wide open? And are any of them leaning towards your
favorite school? Find out now...
Wild Card Holt Sweeps Boys Titles, Day Wins Girls Singles Championship at ITF Pan American Closed
Southern Californians Brandon Holt and Kayla Day undoubtedly felt at
home with the weather for the ITF Grade B1 Pan American last week in
Tulsa. With cloudless skies and warm temperatures providing an ideal
backdrop, Holt and Day rolled into the final weekend. The weather
cooled, but the pair stayed hot, with Holt defeating unseeded JJ Wolf
6-1, 6-7(5), 6-0 and No. 2 seed Day downing No. 9 seed Kelly Chen 6-4,
6-1, securing the first ITF Grade 1 titles for both.
Prince Hot 100 List - October '15
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 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...
Countdown: Should my Application Essay Include Tennis?
It's that time of year when high school seniors are preparing their
college applications. One of the most important pieces you'll enclose
in that packet is your application essay. As a junior tennis player,
the sport has become a huge part of your life. It was certainly the
main focus when you were writing to coaches and telling them how much
you want to be on their teams, but does it belong in the college
application essay?
Countdown to Signing Day
We are now just a little over a month away from Signing Day. November
11th 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 and GAMMA are here to keep you up to date on
all the happenings.
USTA Adds Brad Stine to National Collegiate Coaching Staff
Brad Stine has coached tennis for 30 years, and he was recently
appointed as the newest member of the USTA Player
Development's collegiate division. Colette Lewis of ZooTennis.com
recently talked with Stine about many topics - including the reasons
he decided to pursue coaching, the five requirements for success as a
pro, the value of the college pathway and the ITF's push for more
prize money at the lower levels.
An Overview of Ratings and Rankings
Tennis Recruiting is a website that rates and ranks junior tennis
players, and because of that, we field many questions about how to
interpret our lists. Questions like, "Are rankings better than
ratings? Which is more important?" Or, "Since your system
ranks by graduation year, are you able to compare players from
different classes?" This article addresses the simple distinction
between ratings and rankings.
September Aces Feature in US Open and Other Pro Tournaments
School is back in session and several of last month's aces returned to
college with hardware to add to their trophy cases. Juniors also
excelled, both at the US Open and in smaller professional events
around the world.
The Buckeye Tree of College Tennis Coaches
The Ohio State University tennis program has produced some of the most
successful collegiate players in the nation - but they have also
produced some outstanding coaches. The "Buckeye Tree" of
coaches can be traced back to one man, Ty Tucker, who has been the
Buckeyes Head Men's Tennis Coach since 1999 and Director of Tennis
since 2012.
TennisRecruiting.net International Junior Tennis Showcase Series
Rick Workman, USPTA, who has served as tournament director for the
Eddie Herr, Little Mo, and Pan Am ITF Junior Championships, announces
the creation of three new international junior tennis tournaments to
begin this December in South Florida: The TennisRecruiting.net
International Showcase Series.
UCLA Sweeps Titles at American Collegiate Invitational
The second annual American Collegiate Invitational, held in the final
days of the US Open Championships, had more than its share of weather
issues and UCLA Bruins. The women's final, with Robin Anderson
defeating Chanelle Van Nguyen 6-4, 6-4, was an all-UCLA contest
finished indoors, while Mackenzie McDonald managed a 6-2, 7-5 victory
in the final over Vanderbilt's Gonzales Austin, the only non-Bruin to
reach either final.
Billie Jean King on American Junior and College Tennis
Tennis legend Billie Jean King has never been shy about voicing her
opinions on American tennis. Any complaints she registers usually come
with suggested solutions. Contributor Marcia Frost sat down with King
to discuss the future of tennis - with a focus on American junior and
college tennis - during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of
Mylan World TeamTennis in August.
Roundtable: The Dos and Don'ts of Recruiting Videos
For most junior tennis players, the recruiting process involves some
savvy self-marketing. In addition to reaching out to coaches via phone
and email or seeking them out during a summer national event, many
athletes opt to send out a recruiting video to show off their skills.
We asked our panel of coaches: What are you looking for in a
recruiting video? How can players best portray themselves in a short
Top Prospects '15-'16 - 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 2015-16.
Fritz Tops Paul to Earn US Open Boys Title
Top seed Taylor Fritz came through in his last opportunity to win a
junior slam in yet another boys major dominated by Americans, while
No. 2 seed Dalma Galfi of Hungary became the first from her country to
take home the winner's trophy at the US Open Junior Championships last
week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Revisiting the US Open Forecast
The US Open is the premiere event on American soil, and so Tennis
Recruiting pulled out its heat maps once again to forecast the
tournament. There were lots of upsets (Wait, Serena lost?), but let's
take a look at how our predictions played out...
Conversation With Former NCAA Champion Jeff Morrison
Jeff Morrison was a strong junior player - but he was never in
contention for a USTA junior national title. After committing to
the University of Florida and playing No. 4 as a freshman, Morrison
overcame injury his sophomore year and won the NCAA singles title
over Harvard's James Blake - followed by a seven-year professional
career where he achieved a world ranking of No. 85. We catch up with
Morrison in our latest "Where Are They Now" article...
Prince Hot 100 List - September '15
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.
The Marathon Mentality: Developing a Mentally Tough Tennis Player
To achieve real results, junior tennis players need to change and
enhance their overall mentality. I often tell my tennis players that
success is not a sprint - but rather a marathon.
College and Junior Players Give it a Try at US Open
The USTA gave out quite a few wildcards this year to junior and
former college players. Those players joined some veterans of college
tennis in the main draws at the US Open.
World TeamTennis at 40: Supporting Junior and College Players
It's been 40 years since Billie Jean and Larry King launched World
TeamTennis - an unusual team tennis concept that would bring together
men and women in a fun, yet competitive, atmosphere. WTT, which has
been sponsored by Mylan since 2012, has been an especially popular
launching pad for top juniors and players just out of college who are
looking to make their way into the pros.
Former College Players Headline August Aces
With one exception, the dozen aces below don't include the USTA
National Champions, who had articles devoted to their titles during
Championship Week here at the Tennis Recruiting Network. Let's
take a look at the achievements of other junior and college players
from the last month.
Forecasting the US Open Juniors
The US Open Juniors start Sunday, and Tennis Recruiting is here with
another set of Heat Maps. We once again use the power ratings that
power our head-to-head rankings to forecast the junior major on US soil.
Check out projections for every player in the draws...
USTA's New Initiative Aims to Reach Hispanics
The USTA's new leader, Katrina Adams, is reaching out to the
Hispanic community, telling them tennis is a lifetime sport - and
that college scholarships should be a goal for junior players. Adams
may have only started serving her two-year term as USTA Chairman of
the Board, CEO and President on Jan. 1, 2015, but her first major
initiative has the potential to change the face of tennis forever.
Kalinskaya Sweeps International Hard Courts Titles Again; Auger Aliassime Takes Boys Championship
A veteran and a newcomer were the stars of last week's ITF Grade 1
International Hard Court Championships, with top seed Anna Kalinskaya
of Russia defending her title with a 6-4, 7-6(3) win over No. 2 seed
Tereza Mihalikova of Slovakia, and No. 7 seed Felix Auger Aliassime
defeating No. 15 seed Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 7-6(6) in an all-Canadian
final at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland.
Tennis Recruiting Welcomes the Class of 2022
As summer draws to a close, things are gearing up at the Tennis
Recruiting Network. This week marks the beginning of the 2015-16 year.
Last week we said our goodbyes to the Class of 2015, and this week we
officially welcome the Class of 2022. A brand new crop of sixth
graders officially joins our rankings starting tomorrow.
US Open Qualifiers Include College and Junior Players
The US Open Qualifying event has not received the recognition it
should over the years. That changed this year - as nearly 47,000
attended the free event over a four-day period. Those who did come to
the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center were treated to top notch
tennis from both veterans and rising stars.
Top Pros Weigh In On College Tennis Decision
Ask a group of 12-and-unders at the local courts what they want to be
when they grow up, and you'll likely hear some of them answer
enthusiastically: "A pro tennis player!" But even the very best of
those rising stars must decide whether to give college tennis a try or
chase their childhood dreams on the pro tour. We talked with three
former college standouts on the pro tour about their decision to
attend college, life as a pro and their advice for junior players.
Best Wishes, Class of 2015
The high school Class of 2015 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 2014-15
year - and the final rankings for the outgoing Class of 2015.
Bobby Reynolds Starts New Chapter at Oklahoma
A stellar playing career at Vanderbilt prepared Bobby Reynolds for a
successful decade on the ATP tour. Now he is returning to college
tennis - this time as a coach. Reynolds is joining men's head coach
John Roddick as his assistant at the University of Oklahoma.
Roundtable: Division II Tennis
As a student-athlete navigates the recruiting process, he or she may
not find the ideal combination of tennis and academics at a Division I
university. In those cases, looking into Division II programs may be a
logical next step. We put the question to a number of D-II coaches:
What are some advantages of Division II tennis? What are some of the
key differences of Division II athletics? What are some common
misconceptions? Which players thrive in the Division II environment?
Smrikva Bowl - and Junior Tennis - a Decade Later
At the turn of the century, an international union was formed that
didn't get worldwide recognition. Carol Weyman, now Vice President of
the Maureen Connolly Brinker Foundation, most known for the
'Little Mo' tournaments, and Miodrag Bozovic, tournament
director of the Smrikva Bowl, formed a bond across the ocean between
the two premier 10-and-under programs in the world. Marcia Frost looks
back on the ten-year history of the relationship.
Prince Hot 100 List - August '15
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.
Revisiting the USTA Nationals Forecast
For the second time in as many national championship events, Tennis
Recruiting put out heat maps forecasting last week's USTA National
Championships. We put our rankings on the line - making predictions
about how the tournaments would play out. It's time to take another
look at those predictions to see how we did...
Tiafoe Outlasts Kozlov to Claim 18s Title
Upsets were as rare as rain drops during the ten days of the USTA Boys
18s Nationals at Kalamazoo College's Stowe Stadium, with seven of the
top eight seeds reaching the quarterfinals. After nine days of mostly
expected results, the final delivered more than four hours of
excitement and drama with top seed Frances Tiafoe defeating No. 3 seed
Stefan Kozlov 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4 to claim the championship and
the US Open main draw wild card that accompanies it.
Kenin Returns, Finishes the Job at Girls 18s
Sofia Kenin was devastated last year when she lost in the semifinals
of the USTA Girls 18s Nationals. She realized how close she came to
receiving a coveted wild card into the main draw of the U.S. Open
women's singles event. Kenin, 16, returned this year determined to be
focused, and the No. 3 seeded Kenin of Pembroke Pines, Fla., outlasted
top-seeded Tornado Alicia Black of Boca Raton, Fla., 6-2, 5-7, 7-5 to
capture the singles title in San Diego.
Kypson Rebounds from Surgery to Claim 16s Title
A ruptured appendix just two months ago isn't exactly ideal
preparation for the major national summer tournaments, but Patrick
Kypson's rapid recovery was in evidence when he sailed through the
draw without dropping a set to capture the USTA Boys 16 National
Championship at Kalamazoo College's Stowe Stadium. The 15-year-old
from Greenville, North Carolina, seeded third, defeated No. 4 seed
Alexandre Rotsaert 6-3, 6-3 in the championship match.
Unseeded Desiatnikov Wins Girls 16 Nationals
Because she entered the tournament as an unseeded player, it was
understandable to overlook Abigail Desiatnikov as a serious threat at
the 2015 USTA Girls 16 Nationals. Desiatnikov certainly didn't see it
that way, and the 14-year-old Atlanta resident capped a brilliant
performance stretched over seven matches when she defeated 15th-seeded
Whitney Osuigwe 6-1, 7-6 (2) on Saturday to capture the Girls 16s
Nathan Han Wins USTA Boys 14 Nationals
Nathan Han is now the proud owner of a USTA Gold Ball. The Tulsa,
Okla., resident captured the coveted top singles prize of the USTA
Boys 14 National Championships Aug. 8 at McFarlin Tennis Center. The
fourth-seeded Han beat No. 5 Ronan Jachuck of Boca Raton, Fla. 6-3,
4-6, 7-5 in a two-and-a-half hour battle in the San Antonio heat.
Volynets Wins Another Gold Ball in Georgia at 14s
Georgia has been good to California's Katie Volynets. A year ago, the
13-year-old from Walnut Grove won the USTA Girls 12 Nationals in
Alpharetta, Ga., to claim her first national title. Now, Volynets has
won her second gold ball, also in Georgia. She defeated Naomi Cheong
of Las Vegas 6-3, 6-1 on Aug. 7 to win the USTA Girls 14 National
Championships at Peachtree City Tennis Center.
Saud Alhogbani Wins Second Consecutive Gold
Saud Alhogbani's strategy in every tennis match is simple: give each
point 100 percent, try to get everything back in play, and be
aggressive when the opportunity arises. Superb execution earned the
Blue Chip athlete from Alexandria, Va., the singles gold ball at the
2015 Boys 12s National Hard Court Championships in North Little Rock,
Arkansas, defeating No. 5 seed Benjamin Kittay of Potomac, Md., 6-3,
6-0 in the final.
Family Effort Propels Yanez to USTA Girls 12 Title
Sarasota, Fla., resident Nikki Yanez claimed her first national
championship this past week at the USTA Girls 12 Nationals in
Alpharetta, Ga. She wanted to improve on her performance at the Clay Court
Championships, and she did just that - winning the title 7-5, 7-6 at the
Windward Lake Club over No. 5 seed Rachel Arbitman of Hewlett, N.Y.
Hard Court Championship Week
The USTA National Championships have now concluded - and gold balls
have been awarded to your latest national champions. All week long,
TennisRecruiting.net and Van Der Meer Academy celebrate these winners
- from the East Coast to the West Coast - with coverage of the
Nationals. Enjoy the 2015 edition of Championship Week.
Conversation With Former NCAA Champion Amanda McDowell
Atlanta native Amanda McDowell was the NCAA women's singles champion
in 2008 as a sophomore. Injuries dogged her during the final two years
of her college career, but she had two more productive years at Georgia Tech
and made a nice go of it on the pro tour, getting as high as No. 450
in the world before calling it a career in 2012. Todd Holcomb caught
up with McDowell - who has since moved from the tennis court to the
court of law.
Why Junior Tennis Players Keep Failing
One of the biggest questions junior tennis players and parents who
have not had mental training is, "Why is their training and hard
work not transferring into more wins?" Patrick Albam of SPMI
takes on this question...
Dynasty Building - NAIA Style - at Georgia Gwinnett College
The word "dynasty" isn't thrown around loosely in
sports. One would hesitate in using the word dynasty to describe an
upstart tennis program at an NAIA school in the suburbs of Atlanta.
But the Georgia Gwinnett College tennis teams delivered the school its
first-ever national titles in any sport with both the Men's and
Women's NAIA National Championship titles in 2014, and the men
repeated in dominating fashion in May, 2015.
SoCal is Back on Top at USTA Boys 18 Team Championships
From 2004 to 2009, the Southern California section ruled the USTA
Boys 18 National Team Championships, but they haven t held the trophy
again since - until this year. USTA SoCal defeated the top-ranked Eastern
squad 5-2 to take the title.
July Aces Take Center Stage at Wimbledon, Davis Cup
From Wimbledon and Davis Cup to Evansville, Indiana and Godfrey,
Illinois, the hard work of winning takes place on tennis stages big
and small, as these 14 competitors demonstrated last month.
Forecasting the USTA National Championships
We had so much fun with the Clay Courts that we decided to do it all
again. The USTA National Championships start today all around the
country, and Tennis Recruiting once again forecasts the tournament
with its Heat Maps - showing predictings for every player in the
draws. Let's take a look at the best players in American junior
Junior Slam Champions, World No. 1 Junior Headline Kalamazoo Field
French Open boys champion Tommy Paul, Wimbledon boys champion Reilly
Opelka and Taylor Fritz, the International Tennis Federation's No. 1
junior, are competing this year in the 73rd edition of the USTA Boys
Nationals in Kalamazoo, but the strength of the field is such that
none of the three will be the top seed in the 18s division.
Top Prospect Fall Ratings Period Starts This Week
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'
highest rankings during the next eight weeks - from the week of July 27 to
the week of September 14, 2015. We invite players to review their player
records to ensure accurate ratings.
Prince Hot 100 List - July '15
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.
Analysis of Junior Ratings and Rankings
The Tennis Recruiting ranking system provides a predictive measure of
junior tennis players. For the recent Clay Court Championships, our
rankings correctly predicted 77.2% of the match results. So - is that
a good number? This article compares the Tennis Recruiting ranking
system with other junior tennis ranking and rating systems.
Revisiting the Clay Court Forecast
Before the USTA Clay Court Championships began, Tennis Recruiting put
out heat maps forecasting the chances players had to make runs through
the tournament. So, how did we do? Let's take a look now that the
tournaments are complete...
Riffice Pulls Through to Claim Gold in Boys 18s
A seven-hour rain delay and a few rounds of pickle ball may have saved
Sam Riffice in the boys' 18s final of the USTA National Clay Court
Championships. Riffice trailed 5-1 in the first set of the title
match against fellow Boca Raton resident Alexandre Rotsaert before a
downpour forced the competitors off the court. When the pair returned
Riffice rallied for a 7-6 (5); 6-3 victory for the first gold ball of
his career.
Ellyse Hamlin Wins Singles, Doubles in Girls 18s
Ellyse Hamlin has some glittering hardware on display at her home in
Fairfield, Conn. Hamlin captured the gold balls of the singles and
doubles events at the USTA Girls 18 Clay Courts Championships at The
Racquet Club of Memphis. The sixth-seeded Hamlin beat No. 17 Kaitlyn
McCarthy of Cary, N.C., 6-7 (8), 6-1, 7-5 in a three-hour singles
battle. Hamlin and teamed with Katharine Fahey of Fair Haven, N.J.,
to claim the doubles title.
Danny Thomas Wins Boys 16s in South Florida
It wasn't until four years ago that Danny "DJ" Thomas first
started taking tennis seriously. Now the talented 15-year-old is
taking the sport by storm - literally. Thomas, of Columbus, OH, won
his first gold ball in singles as he captured the Boys 16s USTA
National Clay Court Championships with a 6-2; 6-4 win over Aleks Huryn
(Alpharetta, GA) at the Boca West Country Club.
Noel Sweeps Through Draw to Claim Girls 14 Clays
As the USTA Girls 14 National Clay Court Championships kicked off at
the Frank Veltri Tennis Center in Plantation, Fla., the future stars
of the game showed off their talent with intense competition. And when
the clay court dust had finally settled, new singles and doubles
champions had been crowned. In singles, top seed Alexa Noel charged
her way through the draw with ease, dropping only one set the entire
week before eventually defeating Hailey Baptiste in the final.
Martinelli Takes 16s Title in Virginia Beach
Samantha Martinelli usually enjoys clay-court tennis about as much as
swimmers and surfers enjoy seeing a shark's fin in the coastal
Virginia water. But with smart preparation, the Denver Blue Chip
recruit navigated her way through a draw of 192 to capture the title
at the USTA Girls' 16 National Clay Court Championships.
William Grant Takes Control of Boys 14s
Will Grant was the No. 7 seed seeking his first singles national
title, but the Santa Barbara, Calif., teenager didn't doubt he could
get it done last week at the USTA Boys 14 Clay Court Championships in
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Grant won three three-set matches and beat two
higher-seeded players - including No. 4 JT Brooksby of Carmichael,
Calif., 7-6 (2), 6-3 in the final - to win the title at the Jimmy
Evert Tennis Center.
Saud Alhogbani Wins USTA Boys 12 Clays
Twelfth-seeded Saud Alhogbani won the singles title of the USTA Boys
12 Clay Court Championships with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over No. 4 Karl
Lee on July 18 at Hanes Park-Joe White Tennis Center. Alhogbani, who
hails from Alexandria, Va., captured the coveted gold ball by knocking
off four higher-seeded players in the process.
Kalieva Upsets Top Seed in Three Sets in 12s
Elvina Kalieva earned her first USTA Gold Ball at the Girls 12s
National Clay Court Championships on a sunny Saturday morning.
Kalieva, the No. 9 seed, won five three-set matches during the
tournament - four where she lost the first set. The championship match
against top-seeded Charlotte Owensby was no different, where she
pulled out a thrilling 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory against the local
Clay Court Championship Week
Last week, the USTA Clay Court Championships took place throughout the
Southeast - in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. This
week at the website is all about the Clay Courts. TennisRecruiting.net
and Van Der Meer Academy have roundups of all eight age divisions - from
the Boys' 12s to the Girls' 18s. Meet the latest gold ball winners...
in Clay Court Championship Week.
Opelka Captures Wimbledon Boys Final, Zhuk Takes Girls Championship
Reilly Opelka of the United States and Sofya Zhuk of Russia were
unseeded novices at the 2015 Wimbledon Junior Championships, yet their
lack of experience on one of tennis's grandest stages proved no
impediment, with both leaving London with Wimbledon titles.
Introduction to Junior Tennis Rankings
There are many ranking and rating systems in junior tennis - systems that
assign values to players for purposes of comparing them. Each system has
different properties and goals. Each system also has its followers,
and there are arguments about which systems are "best". But
what does "best" mean? This article opens a discussion about
the various ranking systems in American junior tennis today.
Roundtable: How To Spend Your Summer (Part 2)
Unlike many college sports, which feature dedicated off-seasons during
the year, tennis has very few built-in breaks. As such, it can be
tempting for collegiate players to either undertrain or overtrain when
away from their coaches and teammates during the summer - both of which
can set a student-athlete up for failure when the fall tournament
season rolls around. We asked our panel of coaches how they want their
players to approach their time away from school.
Forecasting the USTA Clay Court Nationals
With the USTA Clay Court Nationals starting tomorrow, it's time
to peer into the crystal ball and forecast how the tournament might play
out. Tennis Recruiting makes use of the power ratings behind its
rankings to show predictions for every player in the draws. Check out
the first-ever projections for a junior tournament...
Larry Ellison Puts Plans in Motion to Build a Tennis Academy on Lana'i
Lana'i City, Hawaii is 4,700 miles due west of Orlando, Fla.
While the USTA is constructing a $60 million facility with 100 courts
in the Lake Nona area of Orlando to be the "New Home for American
Tennis", Oracle co-founder and chairman, Larry Ellison, has plans
of his own to make a Hawaiian island best known for pineapples the
next big thing for American tennis.
Kopinski Twins Finish with Illini and Take to the Circuit
Twins playing college tennis is certainly not unusual. The Bryans made
their mark on Stanford and the Thompsons at Notre Dame, just to name
two. What is out of the ordinary is twins playing for the same school,
but not on the same team. Melissa and Tim Kopinski just finished four
strong years on the University of Illinois' women's and men's teams,
respectively. They sat down to talk about how they ended up playing
for the Illini and what's next for them.
Why Tennis is the Overall Best Sport
The sport of tennis has been played since the 19th century. As simple
as the game may seem, with a simple court layout and fundamental
rules, it is in fact one the most complex sports. It is one of the few
sports that thoroughly blends mental and physical aspects and can be
played at a high level for a lifetime. Tennis is the best sport to
pick up during youth and it comes with many benefits throughout life
as well as epic experiences.
June Aces Shine in Paris and on Pro Circuit
School's out for summer and college stars, both current and former,
took advantage of their opportunities in Pro Circuit tournaments last
month. In addition, two teens added their names to the list of junior
slam champions in Paris, while others made their mark on hard courts
across the globe.
Roundtable: How To Spend Your Summer (Part 1)
Unlike many college sports, which feature dedicated off-seasons during
the year, tennis has very few built-in breaks. As such, it can be
tempting for collegiate players to either undertrain or overtrain when
away from their coaches and teammates during the summer - both of which
can set a student-athlete up for failure when the fall tournament
season rolls around. We asked our panel of coaches how they want their
players to approach their time away from school.
Recruiting Terms and Calendar for 2015-16
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.
Q&A With Former Vanderbilt All-American Chris Groer
In 1996, Chris Groer became the first All-America tennis player in the
history of Vanderbilt University. He was also Vandy's first Academic
All-American in tennis. Tennis remained a constant in his life -
playing on the ATP Tour for a few years and now playing recreationally
at a high level. We caught up with Groer to talk about his college
tennis memories and his thoughts on the college game and its players
Mid-Atlantic College Showcase in Boyds, Maryland
On Saturday, July 11, the Montgomery TennisPlex will host its 2015
College Tennis Showcase, giving USTA Mid-Atlantic high school players
a chance to learn about college tennis and interact with coaches. The
showcase will be held at the Montgomery TennisPlex in Boyds, Maryland,
and will include both information and on-court sessions.
An Interview with Martin Blackman, General Manager USTA Player Development
If there are hats Martin Blackman hasn't worn in his decades
associated with the sport of tennis, they'd be difficult to spot.
Named General Manager of USTA Player Development in April, Blackman
has a resume that includes experience as player, coach and
administrator. Colette Lewis of ZooTennis.com talks with Blackman
about a host of topics related to junior and college tennis.
Conversation with Trinity Star Scott Levy
Scott Levy played tennis for Trinity College in Connecticut back in
the early 2000s, where he was a big contributor for the Bantams.
During his senior season in 2004, Levy posted a 14-2 record in singles
and - with partner Jimmy Ames - a 10-3 mark in doubles. Levy graduated
with career marks of 49-27 in singles and 22-9 in doubles with Ames.
Harry Cicma of NBC Sports chatted with Levy about his experiences with
junior and college tennis...
Unofficial Visits - More Important Than You Think
Some high school students take eight, ten, a dozen unofficial visits
as part of their recruiting process. Some people might think
that's a lot of unofficial visits, but it's really not.
Since there is no limit on unofficial visits, why not take full
advantage of your options?
2015 Top NCAA Division III Women's Classes
The Tennis Recruiting Network wraps up its spring recruiting class
rankings with a look at the NCAA Division III women. Today we present
our list of the Top 25 NCAA D-III women's recruiting classes for 2015.
At the top of the list we see the Amherst Lord Jeffs.
Talking with ITA Rookie of the Year Noah Rubin
Wake Forest freshman Noah Rubin was determined to experience college
tennis, even after capturing the Wimbledon boys title and 18s National
title in Kalamazoo prior to starting classes last fall. After a stellar
season that saw him named ITA Rookie of the Year, Rubin has announced
that he will be leaving Wake to focus on a professional career. Colette
Lewis got the chance to talk with Rubin at the NCAA Tournament and then
again briefly after his announcement.
Prince Hot 100 List - June '15
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.
2015 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 2015. At the top of the class?
For the second year in a row, we see the Chicago Maroons.
2015 Top Mid-Major Women's Classes
The recruiting class rankings just keep on coming. Today, The
Tennis Recruiting Network is proud to present the
Top 25 mid-major women's recruiting classes for 2015. Cresting
at the top of our list is the Pepperdine Waves.
An Interview with ITA Rookie of the Year Brooke Austin
Freshmen, even those who are ranked No. 1 in their senior year by the
Tennis Recruiting Network, often need a semester to adjust to life in
a top Division I program. Not the University of Florida's Brooke
Austin. Proving a quick study, the 19-year-old Indianapolis resident
excelled throughout her freshman year, ending it as the
Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Rookie of the Year.
USTA Gives Position on Use of Periscope and Meerkat Live Streaming Apps
Less than three months after the release of live streaming video apps
in Periscope and Meerkat, sports organizations and networks around the
world are giving their positions and setting policy on how these
convenient but controversial apps can be used by fans and others in
attendance at their events. Rick Limpert discusses their use in the
tennis world.
2015 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 2015... and Beware the Broncos.
USTA Midwest Section to Hold College Showcase in Indianapolis
On Friday, June 19, the USTA Midwest
Section will host its 2015 College Showcase, giving students from the
region a chance to learn about the wide range of opportunities in
college tennis. The showcase will be held at the Barbara S. Wynne Tennis
Center, North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, and will
include both information and on-court sessions for high school players.
May Aces Come from College and Junior Stars
From the clay courts of the United States and Italy, to the hard
courts of Texas, Nigeria, Korea and Portugal, these 15
players - juniors, collegians and former college stars - produced
outstanding performances last month, generating buzz throughout the
tennis world.
Talking About the New Balance HS Tennis Championships
We chat with Evan Zeder, Sports Marketing Manager for Tennis at New
Balance, about the 2015 edition of the New Balance High School Tennis
Championship to be held at Harvard University in July.
Roundtable: Weighing in on the Big XII Cheering/Heckling Rule (Part 2)
This past season, the Big XII implemented a "decorum policy"
that allowed college tennis fans to be a bit rowdier - trying to
create an atmosphere closer to college basketball than to Wimbledon.
This topic has been a lightning rod for discussion, and so we checked
in with our panel of college coaches to get their takes...
Top Women's Classes - 2015 Spring Rankings
Last week, TennisRecruiting.net ranked the men's recruiting classes.
Today, we take a look at the women. TennisRecruiting.net is proud to
present its spring rankings of the Top 25 Women's Recruiting Classes.
A couple of new faces have popped into the Top Ten over the past few
months, but the top of our rankings remains the same - with the
Cardinal again reigning supreme.
Ryan Shane and Jamie Loeb Claim NCAA Singles Titles
A tournament plagued by rain ended with a tornado warning and two ACC
champions: North Carolina's Jamie Loeb and Virginia's Ryan Shane. In
championship matches started outdoors Monday at the Hurd Tennis Center
on the Baylor University campus and completed indoors, Loeb defeated
Carol Zhao of Stanford 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, while Shane downed Noah Rubin of
Wake Forest 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-1.
Top Men's Classes - 2015 Spring Rankings
Today we release our spring rankings of the Top 25 Men's Recruiting
Classes. New commitments - including a number of Blue Chip and
international players - have moved a number of teams up and down.
There have been some movers and shakers: six teams are new to the
rankings since the Winter, two programs have popped into the Top 10,
and a new team is Hunkering Down in the top spot...
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
Vanderbilt Women and Virginia Men Claim NCAA Team Titles
The Vanderbilt women had reached the NCAA Division I Team
Championships only once before in the program's history, while the
Virginia men had been to the championship match four of the previous
five years. Yet the disparity in experience made no difference in the
outcomes, with No. 4 seed Vanderbilt defeating defending champion UCLA
4-2 and No. 3 seed Virginia taking down top seed Oklahoma 4-1 at the
Hurd Tennis Center at Baylor University.
Roundtable: Weighing in on the Big XII Cheering/Heckling Rule (Part 1)
Thanks to a conference committee spearheaded by TCU head men's coach
David Roditi, the Big XII implemented a "decorum policy"
this season allowing fans to cheer during points in an effort to
involve those more accustomed to the raucous atmosphere of a
basketball or football game. There has been a lot of discussion in the
tennis world - find out what several college coaches have to say on
the subject...
Prince Hot 100 List - May '15
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.
Previewing the NCAA Division III Championships
Hey there, avid tennis fans! It's been a couple of weeks, but I am
back to write another one of our guest articles for the site as we
head into the biggest time of the year. While the D-I Championships
has gotten a lot of love, there has been a ton of excitement in D-III
Tennis as well as we head into the Elite Eight. I'm going to give you
some quick previews of the 16 teams that will be competing - eight on
the men's side and eight on the women's. Let's get started!
Illini Hold Off Drake for Sweet Sixteen Berth
It was two days filled with rain delays and later than expected
matches. Fortunately, the heavy storms stayed away from the University
of Illinois as the Illini men squeaked by Drake to once again head to
the Round of 16 at the NCAA Division I Team Championships. It will be
their eighth trip in the last 10 years.
Roundtable: Role of the Parent in College Recruiting (Part 2)
Last month, we asked our panel of coaches to give their best advice to
college players and their parents when it comes to navigating the
recruiting process together. Today we have more coaches addressing
the ideal role for the parent during the recruiting process.
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 Waco, Texas. and a
spot in the Sweet 16. Check out insights from our college tennis
contributors - and see who they picked as champions.
Q&A with Utah State's Clancy Shields
At age 28, Clancy Shields is a rising star among men's tennis head
coaches. His Utah State team, which went 9-16 in Shields' first season
last year, finished 2015 with an 18-9 record and a second-place finish
in the Mountain West Conference. It was only ten years ago that
Clancy Shields was literally one of the original blue chips - ranked
No. 3 nationally among high school seniors in TennisRecruiting.net's
first-ever rankings. We caught up with Shields toward the end of the
USA Qualifies for Finals of ITF Junior Team Championships
Representing your country at the International Tennis Federation's two
world team championships is a highlight of any junior career. The
cheers, the uniforms, the face painting and the pressure of team
competition all were on display last weekend in Boca Raton, Florida,
where the four teams from the US secured places in the 16-team world
finals this summer and fall.
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 Waco, Texas, to compete
for the team title. Today, our college tennis contributors preview
the "Big Dance" of college tennis.
April Aces Show Eye-Opening Results
Former collegians and teenagers from around the world put up some
eye-opening results last month, laying the ground work for even
greater opportunities this spring and summer as Roland Garros and
Wimbledon loom.
ImRecruitable College Exposure Series
The ImRecruitable College Exposure Series is designed to provide
players with a unique opportunity to train like a college tennis
player on court with top U.S. college coaches and play in competitive
matches. Check out the event schedule for the year - starting with the
College Tennis Exposure Camp on campus at Penn June 19-21.
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!
Reviewing the UAA, and Previewing the NESCAC and SCIAC
Yesterday, our team at Division3Tennis.com brought you a series of
in-depth previews for the upcoming women's conference tournaments, and
it is our pleasure to bring you the men's conference previews and
recaps today. We have a few conferences to cover, so I won't waste any
time on this introduction and get to the meat of this article!
SCIAC/NESCAC Women's Preview and UAA Recap
This is D3NorthEastWomen's, and I'm more than excited to do a joint
article with D3WestWomen's for a preview of the SCIAC and NESCAC
Conference Championships, a recap of the UAA Conference Championships,
as well as a bonus section of a couple of other conference
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
fourth annual May Madness Bracket Challenge.
Division III Roundtable - Late Season Report
While Tennis Recruiting has been running its Signing Week coverage,
there have been a ton of great stories in Division III tennis. We've
brought together four of our dedicated D-III writers (three men's and
one women's) to bring you all the updates on this year's season before
we head into the postseason. I hope you enjoy our 'D-III Roundtable'.
Controlling Emotions in Tennis: Maximizing the 20-Second Rule
One of the most common mental struggles I see with junior tennis
players is the inability to control emotions. When emotions are
negative they directly affect a player's focus and match performance.
Patrick Alban of SPMI describes a technique junior tennis players can
use to keep their emotions in check.
Prince Hot 100 List - April '15
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.
Fritz, Liu Win ITF Championships at Easter Bowl
Fantastic weather and unlikely comebacks made the 2015 Asics Easter
Bowl a tournament to remember last week, with the famous Indian Wells
Tennis Garden hosting both the ITF Grade B1 competition and the later
stages of the USTA 12s, 14s, and 16s championships.
Spring Signing Week '15: Role of the Parent in College Recruiting
The college tennis recruiting process can be tough to navigate for the
student-athlete, but it's also new territory for many parents. It can
often be difficult to determine where to offer guidance and when to
let the child take the wheel. While parents undoubtedly want the best
for their children, it's important that they allow the coach/player
relationship a chance to grow. We asked our panel of college coaches
about the role of the parent in recruiting...
Spring Signing Week '15: Recruiting Strategy and Tips for Unsigned Seniors
Signing Week is underway, and it is an exciting time for players and
their families who are making college commitments. But what happens
when you don't have a college secured? There is no reason to panic. The
signing period that starts this week runs through August, and hundreds
more players will commit during this time. You just need to know how to
best proceed...
Spring Signing Week '15: 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.
Find out how they came to their decisions... in our National Roundup.
Spring Signing Week '15: Signing Week Arrives
The second week of April is here - and Signing Week has finally
arrived! We start our coverage of Spring Signing Week '15 with a look
at the uncommitted boys and girls from the top 100. We update you on
a few developments from the past few weeks, and we note that some of
these top recruits plan to announce their college choices this week in
our coverage.
Blumberg, Kenin Take ISC Grade 1 Titles; Crawford, Subhash Claim 16s Championships
A week of beautiful Southern California weather ended on a high note
for four US players, who left the Stubhub Center in Carson with
International Spring Championship titles. Top seed William Blumberg
and No. 2 seed Sonya Kenin earned their first ITF Grade 1 titles with
victories over international opponents, while Oliver Crawford and
Natasha Subhash took the 16s singles championships in all-American
Countdown: SFA Interviews Virginia Tech Coach Thompson
In his 17th season as the Virginia Tech Men's Tennis Coach, Jim
Thompson has done his fair share of recruiting. He sat down with SFA
to discuss different aspects of the recruiting process and what he
looks for in potential recruits.
Countdown: Three Recruiting Pitfalls to Avoid
It is that time of the recruiting process again where the majority of
student athletes are about to make the decision on what university to
attend. This time can be filled with anxiety involving recruiting
visit experiences, unexpected scholarship shortfalls, and admission
uncertainties. So - what are the three common recruiting pitfalls that
students encounter year in and year out? Read to find out...
March Aces Feature Junior Champions
Although the college dual match season is in full swing, most of the
March highlights come courtesy of the juniors. Two 14-year-olds
dazzled with their performances, while those just a few years older
also found success on among their peers and their elders.
Countdown: Coach Roundtable on College Transfers (Part 2)
Last month, we asked our panel of college coaches about transferring.
Why do so many student athletes transfer from one school to another -
or quit their sports altogether? In today's roundtable article, more
college coaches weigh in with their thoughts...
Gamma Partners with Tennis Recruiting Network on Countdown to Signing Day
GAMMA Sports (GAMMA) is continuing its sponsorship of Tennis
Recruiting Network by becoming the title sponsor of "Countdown to
Signing Day" and "Signing Week" featured content areas.
Countdown: Previewing the Top 100 Boys
Last week, we checked in with the girls. Today, the top boys in the
senior class update us on their college recruiting. Find out where
the Top 100 boys are leaning, and how many of them have already made
their decisions.
Countdown: Conversation with Williams Champ Urban
It's been a few years since Lex Urban walked the campus of Williams
College in Massachusetts. Back in the early 2000s, Urban served as
captain of the Ephs Men's Tennis Team that won the NCAA Division III
National Championship in both 2001 and 2002. After graduating, Urban
spent a year doing community service in AmeriCorps - and he now is a
practicing lawyer in Washington, DC. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports chatted
with Urban about all things college tennis...
Countdown: Recruiting - the D-III Perspective
As the tennis season kicks into high gear, the team at
Division3Tennis.com goes off the court to bring you inside the minds
of two prominent D-III coaches. The coaches comment on coaching, recruiting, and D-III tennis in general. Enjoy!
ITF International Spring Championships Mark Decade of Excellence
Many a top professional player has found success on the hard courts of
the International Tennis Federation Grade 1 International Spring
Championships, which begin next week at the StubHub Center in Carson,
California. Colette Lewis talks with tournament director John
Lansville and others about the past decade since the event has been
held in California.
Countdown: Previewing the Top 100 Girls
Many of the top girls committed during Fall Signing Week last November,
but a number of top targets were still available. We talked with many
recruits in the Top 100 to find out where they are in their decision
process. Some have decided, some have narrowed their lists, and many
are still wide open.
Former College Stars, Juniors Take BNP Paribas Open Challenge
It's one of the longest of longshots in tennis. Winning six or seven
straight matches to reach just the qualifying stage of an ATP or WTA
tennis event is considered a longshot. Thousands now try it each
summer with the USTA's U.S. Open National Playoffs, and a couple
hundred more try it each year in Indian Wells, Calif., as the people
behind the BNP Paribas Open host the BNP Paribas Open Challenge.
Several junior and college stars are among them.
Prince Hot 100 List - March '15
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.
Angels and Patriots Win Titles at Wet USTA Spring Team Championships
Declaring Mother Nature the winner at the second annual USTA Spring
Team Championships in Mobile, Alabama would be appropriate, as rain
disrupted play on all four days of competition, requiring shortened
formats throughout. But when a steady rain ended play on the final
day, two teams - the Angels and the Patriots - did claim their gold balls.
Countdown to Signing Day
It's that time of year... Signing Day is approaching. April 15 is
the first day of the Spring Signing Period - when seniors from around
the nation can sign on to play college tennis at Division I or
Division II schools. And once again, The Tennis Recruiting Network
and GAMMA are ready with the Countdown to Signing Day.
Checking in with Former USC Standout Amanda Fink
It's been 10 years since Amanda Fink was a Blue Chip senior. Fink went
on to be a two-time All-American at USC and competed
professionally for almost three years - rising into the Top 300 in the
world. TennisRecruiting.net recently caught up with Fink, who is now a
teaching pro, and she lets us in on the most under-utilized training
strategy for junior players.
Is a Post-Graduate Year a Good Idea for Me?
There are many reasons why prospective college tennis players, in
partnership with their parents, might consider taking an extra year
before starting college. A gap year can certainly provide extra time
to improve academic standing, physical or emotional maturity, and/or
level of play with the hope of providing more options. But what are
the implications? And what should you do with that year? Knowing the
rules and planning ahead is critical in making a sensible decision.
College Coaches Forum
Some junior tennis tournaments include college forums
where junior tennis players and their parents can learn about the
college recruiting process. One such forum took place at the USTA
Southern Sectionals in Rome, Ga., earlier this year. Get some of the
tips from that forum - and find out what they are all about...
Indoor Champions Headline February Aces
With four college team indoor championships on the February schedule,
there was no shortage of notable performances at the collegiate level.
But another group of much younger players also stepped into the
spotlight in venues across five continents.
Trinity, Hopkins Take Titles
It's been a whirlwind the past two weeks with both the Men's and
Women's Indoor Nationals being completed in the Midwest. This article
will go through some details regarding the tournament, but I do think
this was the best Men's Indoors to date, and the Women's Indoors
provided some amazing matches as well. Without further ado, let's get
into the details behind both awesome weekends just in case you missed
Transitioning to College with Chris Eubanks
Freshman Chris Eubanks grew up in Atlanta where he is now attending
Georgia Tech. Lisa Stone of ParentingAces.com spoke with him about
the challenges of transitioning from junior tennis to Division I
college tennis.
Talking with Michael Joyce - Part 2
Colette Lewis of ZooTennis.com got the chance to talk with former
tennis player and now coach Michael Joyce earlier this month in
Midland, Michigan at the $100,000 Dow Corning Tennis Classic. This
is Part 2 of their conversation.
Talking with Michael Joyce - Part 1
Michael Joyce is best known to tennis fans now as the former coach of
five-time slam champion Maria Sharapova. Prior to his coaching stint
with Sharapova however, the 42-year-old Southern Californian had his
own distinguished career, winning the USTA Boys 18s Nationals in 1991
and reaching an ATP career-high ranking of 64 five years later.
Colette Lewis of ZooTennis.com got the chance to talk with Joyce about
about his years with Sharapova, his coaching philosophy, his current
work at a tennis academy, and much more...
ITA D-III Women's National Indoors Preview
It is my pleasure to bring to you a preview of the
2015 ITA Division III National Women's Team Indoor Championships.
The ITA Women's Indoor Championships is a fairly new event, with the
first tournament taking place in 2009. The 2015 event is taking
place in Indiana and will be hosted by DePauw. Let's take a look
at the field for the tournament that gets underway this weekend...
Coach Roundtable: Transfers in College Tennis (Part 1)
Each year, a significant number of college tennis players quit tennis
before they have exhausted their eligibility - or transfer from one
school to another. We put the question to our panel of college
coaches: Why is the case? What can be done to minimize the chances of
giving up on a program - and what should high school players do to
ensure a good fit?
Oklahoma Wins ITA Men's Indoors With Victory Over USC
Oklahoma sophomore Alex Ghilea was the man of the hour at the ITA
Division I National Men's Team Indoor Championship. Ghilea, from
Neamt, Romania, clinched the Sooners' victories in the semifinals and
championship matches with comeback wins at No. 5 singles at Midtown
Athletic Club in Chicago, Ill. Second-ranked Oklahoma defeated No. 11
Baylor 4-2 in the semifinals before knocking off the USC Trojans by
the same score to take the title.
ITA D-III Men's National Indoors Preview
While the Division I National Indoors wrapped up yesterday, there is
plenty more great tennis to follow as Gustavus Adolphus hosts the
Division III National Indoor Tournament this upcoming weekend. Eight
teams that have all played at Indoor Nationals previously are
featured, making this a truly loaded Indoors field. Take a look at
what is in store for the D-III men...
Prince Hot 100 List - February '15
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.
Catching Up with Gator Great Lauren Embree
Lauren Embree had one of the most successful collegiate careers in
Florida history, leading the Gators to back-to-back NCAA titles in
2011 and 2012. Now living in Santa Monica, Embree has begun the year
on the USTA Pro Circuit, where she has competed in four tournaments in
the past month. At the $100,000 Dow Corning Tennis Classic in Midland, Mich.,
last week, I spoke with her about her return from injury, what she
misses about college tennis, and her goals for 2015 and beyond.
PlaySight to Live Stream the ITA Division I National Men's Team Indoor Championship
With a long history dating back to 1973, the National Team Indoor
Championship hosts the top 16 teams in the country, all of whom
qualified for the event by beating other top ranked teams in two
qualifying rounds. PlaySight will be live streaming the event from
February 13 - 16. Find out more here...
The Freshman 35 - Freshmen to Watch in D-III Tennis
In Division III tennis, freshmen play a key part in a team's success.
Just last year, four freshmen were named to our Division III All-NCAA
Men's Teams. On the women's side, freshmen took the year by storm -
holding down tons of roster spots across the Top 5 teams in the
country. With freshman recruits making such a big impact, let's take a
look at 35 players new to D-III this year who might influence the 2015
Tar Heels Win Second ITA Indoor Title in Three Years
As the University of North Carolina mourns the death of iconic
basketball coach Dean Smith, the UNC women's tennis team gave Tar Heel
fans something to savor. UNC won the ITA National Team Indoor
Championships' trophy for the second time in three years, defeating
Georgia 4-1 Monday, Feb. 9, in a contest of fluctuating momentum at
Boar's Head Sports Club.
January Aces Features Teens Winning Titles
The year's first major always grabs the headlines, with two juniors
adding their names to the lists of grand slam champions. But while
most eyes were focused on Melbourne, a dozen teenagers captured
important titles in Florida, Hawaii, Great Britain, France and Central
and South America.
Inside College Tennis with Tony Minnis Returns
This weekend, Inside College Tennis with Tony Minnis returns with the
first of three all-new episodes on The Tennis Channel. The television
program, which highlights college tennis programs around the country
of all shapes and sizes, should appeal to the entire
TennisRecruiting.net community. We caught up with host Tony Minnis to
learn what is coming...
Conversation with Former Arkansas Standout Aleksey Bubis
Aleksey Bubis was a top junior tennis player from Palm Harbor,
Florida, in the late 1990s - making the rounds on the USTA Junior
National Circuit. Bubis went on to play college tennis at the
University of Arkansas, where he starred from 1999 to 2003 - still
appearing the the Razorback Record Book for his 28-10 mark
during the 2000-01 season. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports got the chance
to catch up with Bubis at a recent tennis event.
Top Women's Classes - 2015 Winter Rankings
Spring Signing Day is a little over two months away, and coaches are
busy locking up their recruits. A number of highly-ranked seniors
have already made their college choices - they have made verbal
commitments or signed during the Fall Signing Period. Find out which
women's teams are looking good at this point - as The Tennis Recruiting
Network proudly presents the Top 25 Women's College Tennis
Recruiting Classes of 2015.
Oklahoma State Women down Georgia Tech 4-3 in ITA Kickoff
Oklahoma State Coach Chris Young usually counts on his No. 19 ranked
Cowgirls when it comes to the doubles point. But after dropping the
point against the host and No. 18 Georgia Tech at the ITA Kickoff
Weekend in Atlanta, he had to challenge his players. His team
responded - coming back to defeat the Yellow Jackets 4-3 with the
deciding point coming from a come-from-behind victory at No. 6
Columbia Upsets Notre Dame, 4-2, in ITA Kickoff Weekend
The University of Notre Dame men's tennis team knew they would face
stiff competition as they prepared to host the ITA Kickoff Weekend;
what they couldn't have foreseen was a come-from behind upset victory
by another top-16 team. Sunday afternoon, in a match that lasted
almost four full hours, the Irish were toppled by Columbia, 4-2, who
advanced to the ITA Indoor Championships in February with the win.
Top Men's Classes - 2015 Winter Rankings
The end of January is at the midway point between the fall and spring
signing periods. Many high school seniors made formal commitments in
November, and lots more are making verbal commitments every week as we
move towards the spring. With more than 850 commitments, there is no
time like the present to check up on how the programs are doing.
Today, the Tennis Recruiting Network is proud to bring you the Top 25
Men's College Tennis Recruiting Classes.
Xu, Safiullin Target Australian Junior Titles
Eight different players from five countries claimed junior slam titles
last year, with a similar pattern expected in 2015 as the Australian
Open junior championships kick off this weekend in Melbourne.
Racquet Customization a Growing Trend in Junior and College Tennis
As if tennis parents, junior and college tennis players didn't have
enough expense in buying frames, strings, shoes and high tech apparel,
many are choosing to shell out even more cash to have their racquets
customized to preferred specifications.
Prince Hot 100 List - January '15
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.
Eight Intriguing Questions for 2015
It's January... so it must be time for another edition of
"Intriguing Questions" from columnist Colette Lewis.
Today, in the tenth article in as many years, Colette poses eight
questions about junior and college tennis that should be answered
over the coming months.
Q&A with Ed Silver of Penn
Edward Silver was a standout junior tennis player and student when
he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania for the 2002-03 season.
Silver was known for his work ethic and perserverance as a member of
the Penn squad. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports recently got the chance to
talk with Silver about topics around college tennis.
Tips from D-II 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 interesting HIGH-TECH TIPS that might help you if
you're thinking about Division II schools.
An interview with Nick Saviano
Nick Saviano began his storied coaching career at age 28 after winning
two NCAA titles at Stanford and playing the ATP circuit for several
years. After 15 years with the USTA, Saviano started his own tennis
academy, where he can still be found feeding balls to eight-year-olds
with grand slam dreams. Colette Lewis got the chance to talk with
Saviano about many topics around tennis coaching and the game in
Florida ITF Tournaments Lead to December Aces
While most of professional tennis is on holiday, three prestigious
junior tournaments in Florida fill the gap to provide most of
December's top performers. The lists of former winners at the Eddie
Herr, Orange Bowl and Junior Orange Bowl contain many grand slam
champions, so file these names away for future reference.
Five Vital Tips for Student Athletes in Their College Search
Each year student athletes make the transition from high school to
college. Some student athletes and their families have a good idea of
when and how to start, while others have little or no idea at all.
Regardless of the category you fall in, every athlete can make use of
these five helpful tips...
Osuigwe Stands Tall at Junior Orange Bowl
Whitney Osuigwe began the Junior Orange Bowl 12s tournament unseeded,
but that didn't keep the 12-year-old from ending it as a champion last
week in sunny Miami, Florida. Osuigwe, who trains at the IMG Academy
in Bradenton, avenged a recent loss to Japan's Himari Sato, one of
eight No. 1 seeds in the Junior Orange Bowl 12s, by posting a 6-4, 6-4
win in the championship match at the University of Miami's Neil Schiff
Tennis Center.
Master Your Mental Game with a Paper Clip
As a junior tennis player looking to maximize your game and get
recruited, the last thing you want is to let your passion turn into
anger. Anger is a type of emotion that often translates into poor
performance - and it can turn off college coaches. Patrick Alban of
SPMI describes a technique junior tennis players can use to work
on their mental game.
SFA Interviews Iowa Head Coach Ross Wilson
Ross Wilson, head men's tennis coach at the University of Iowa, sits down with Scholarship for Athletes to talk recruiting and coaching.
Halbauer Makes the Most of Opportunity in Macon
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.
American Juniors Shine at Metropolia Orange Bowl
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.
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...
Doubles Features Prominently in the 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.
Eleven Teens Highlight 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 adidas adiplayer, this tournament was hosted by Austin Tennis Academy in Austin,
US Open Juniors and Team Competition Highlight 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.
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.
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
Full Listings: Boys' Commits & Girls' Commits