Recruiting 101
Tips from D-I Players and Parents
by Julie and Danny Thiets, 24 November 2014
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This is Part 2 in a 4-part article series. 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. They have many lessons learned and other bits of useful advice. We hope these HIGH-TECH TIPS will help you and your family on your journey through the maze of junior tennis - as you search for the school that's a perfect fit.
Many recruits want to play for a Division I school - at least that's what they say - but we all know that may
not be a realistic goal. Here are five interesting HIGH-TECH TIPS that might help you if you've got your heart set on playing Division I:
Former junior who played D-I college tennis and is now a tennis teaching professional:
"I wish I'd have known the budget for the team. Luckily for me, I chose Florida - where they had the biggest budget possible - but other teams in our conference had only a $20/day budget for food per person. They drove to every match - and I had no idea when I was being recruited that things like this would make a big difference on the road or in general. Our trainer flew with us to matches, and most other schools who played us used our trainer because they didn't have the budget to send their own.
I also wish I'd understood that coaches put on a big front when they meet you. When you come to the school, things can change quickly - especially if you not one of those neutral, quiet people. Here are questions that I'd ask the coach:
- Is there an academic advisor, and what's the frequency of visits to his office per week/month?
- How many hours of study hall do I have to complete per week?
- How many hours of practice/training per week does the team average?
I think kids who are looking at walking on to a big/major university or Division I type school should ask the guys on the team what the coach does with the walk-ons. A lot of times, kids want to go to certain schools because of name recognition - only to go and basically be treated like a second-class citizen. Sometimes walking on the team isn't as valuable an experience as going down a level to Division I or II and being treated like an important member of the team."
Mother of recruit (and four siblings!) from Tennessee who says she's HIGH-TECH TENNIS' biggest fan:
"My son committed to the United States Military Academy. He always knew he wanted to play there, so that was the easy part. But the NCAA eligibility rules? That confusion was ridiculous!
My advice to upcoming recruits is to take your tennis preparation seriously, if indeed you're looking for tennis as a way into college. But focus on your academics at least as much!"