Tips for Playing College Tennis – Featuring Collegiate Coach, Bill Riddle. Bill is the men’s and women’s coach at Martin Methodis College in Nashville, TN. He is also a PTR and USPTA Master Professional.Find out all you need to know about playing college tennis, the recruitment process and how to find the perfect fit for you!
1. Know the different levels: NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA and Junior Colleges
2. Create a list of what you want from a school.
3. Create a list of schools that you would like to research to see if they have what you want.
4. Go watch a college practice and match at a nearby college so you can see what they are like.
5. Telephone isn’t ringing – Doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for you! You have to look also and help them to find you!
6. Understand your value-research the level of the tennis and the academics at the schools you are interested in to see if you are a good fit!
7. Recruiting video should be 3-5 minutes long. Introduction (30 seconds), Volleys, Serves and live ball hitting. DO NOT provide a highlight real. It needs to be real and it needs to show them your work ethic and hustle! We will be creating your videos as part of the Leadership Team!
8. Contact the coach by email or recruiting form. Find out their name and use their name in communication!
9. Play doubles! Play doubles! Play doubles! College coaches want players that can play doubles because it is a critical point!
10. Ask questions, do your research, and be persistent!