Understanding NCAA Divisions
Each NCAA division offers different experiences:
Division I
Highest level of collegiate athletics
- Full athletic scholarships available (4.5 men, 8 women per team)
- Most competitive recruiting
- Significant time commitment (20+ hrs/week)
- Best facilities and coaching
- UTR typically 12-14+ (men), 10-12+ (women)
Division II
Strong athletics with academic balance
- Partial scholarships available (4.5 men, 6 women)
- Competitive tennis with more balance
- Smaller schools, often regional focus
- Good opportunities for high-level players
- UTR typically 10-12 (men), 8-10 (women)
Division III
Academics first, strong athletics
- No athletic scholarships (merit/need-based aid available)
- Excellent academic institutions
- Competitive tennis with academic priority
- More manageable time commitment
- UTR typically 8-10 (men), 6-8 (women)
Important Note
UTR ranges vary by conference and program. A top D3 program may have higher UTRs than a lower D1. Research specific schools, not just divisions.
The Recruiting Timeline
Recruiting rules and timelines differ by division:
8th-9th Grade
Focus: Development, not recruiting
- Build tournament record and UTR
- Academic foundation (GPA matters)
- Research schools casually
- Attend camps for development (not recruiting)
10th Grade
Focus: Building your profile
- Create recruiting video
- Build initial list of target schools
- Prepare for standardized tests (PSAT/SAT/ACT)
- Attend showcases and camps
- Begin coach outreach (D3 can start earlier)
11th Grade
Focus: Active recruiting
- D1/D2 coaches can begin official contact June 15
- Take SAT/ACT early
- Narrow school list
- Official visits (D1/D2: after June 15)
- D3 recruiting often happens during this year
12th Grade
Focus: Decision and commitment
- D1: National Signing Day (early November, April)
- Complete applications
- Official visits if not completed
- Make final decision
- D3: Rolling admissions/commitments
Contacting Coaches
Initial Email Template
Your first email should include:
- Your name, graduation year, and current school
- Current UTR and USTA ranking
- Academic info (GPA, test scores if available)
- Why you're interested in their school/program
- Link to your recruiting video
- Tournament schedule (upcoming events they might attend)
Personalize Each Email
Coaches can tell when they receive a mass email. Reference specific things about their program, school, or recent results.
What Coaches Look For
- Tennis ability: UTR, rankings, tournament results, video
- Academics: GPA, course rigor, test scores
- Character: Coachability, work ethic, team fit
- Genuine interest: Do you actually want to attend their school?
- Communication: Responsiveness, maturity, professionalism
Creating Your Recruiting Video
A good recruiting video should be:
- 2-5 minutes long: Coaches are busy
- Match footage: Shows how you compete, not just hit
- Clear video quality: Coaches need to see technique
- Multiple shot types: Serve, return, groundstrokes, volleys
- Both sides: Forehand and backhand
What to Include
- Title card with name, grad year, contact info, UTR
- Full points from matches (not just winners)
- Variety of opponents and surfaces
- Optional: practice footage showing technique
Official Visits
D1 and D2 programs can offer official visits. During your visit:
- Meet the coaching staff and current players
- Tour campus and athletic facilities
- Attend classes
- Experience student-athlete life
- Ask questions about playing time, travel, academics
Questions to Ask
- What's the typical practice and travel schedule?
- How do players balance academics with tennis?
- What's the team culture like?
- What positions are you recruiting for?
- What academic support is available?
- What's the coaching philosophy?
Scholarships & Financial Aid
D1 Scholarships
- Men's tennis: 4.5 scholarships per team (typically split among players)
- Women's tennis: 8 scholarships per team (often more full scholarships)
- Full rides are rare for men; more common for women
D2 Scholarships
- Men's tennis: 4.5 scholarships
- Women's tennis: 6 scholarships
- Often combined with academic aid
D3 Financial Aid
- No athletic scholarships by rule
- Merit scholarships based on academics
- Need-based financial aid
- Some D3 schools have excellent aid packages
Reality Check on Money
Full tennis scholarships are rare. Most families pay something. Focus on finding the right fit—academically, athletically, and socially—rather than chasing scholarship dollars.
Making Your Decision
When choosing a school, consider:
- Academic fit: Would you attend without tennis?
- Tennis fit: Will you play? Will you develop?
- Cultural fit: Do you connect with coaches and players?
- Location: Distance from home, climate, setting
- Career opportunities: Internships, alumni network
- Financial fit: Can your family afford it?
The Big Picture
College tennis is an amazing experience, but it's just four years. Choose a school where you'll thrive as a student and person, not just as an athlete. The right fit sets you up for the next 40 years, not just the next 4.