Find Your Perfect Fit: The Different College Tennis Levels in the US
How to Match Your Skill Level with the Right College Tennis Programs
Jasmin Hauska from Germany is a graduated college tennis player. She was recruited by a college coach and awarded a tennis scholarship at Southwestern College. In this article, Jasmin dives into the level of college tennis in the US, how to find a program that fits your level of play, and the major differences between college tennis and tennis in Germany.
Finding the Perfect College Tennis Level
I would like to start this article to clear up something that is often misunderstood regarding college tennis or sports in the US in general. Although the format has a highly competitive spirit, you do not need to be a professional by any means.
I myself had a ton of respect before I came to college. I was always wondering whether I would be good enough. Personally, I was prioritizing other sports when I was younger and hadn’t really pursued tennis as my sport until the age of 14. Therefore, my perception of college tennis as only for top players wasn’t doing my confidence any favors when I found myself in the process with Keystone Sports.
However, the further along I got, the more I knew that my worries weren’t justified. I was happily surprised when I got offers from all over the US. They weren’t D1 schools, but they matched my level of play, which brings me to the next point.
The Different College Tennis Divisions
A lot of recruits don’t know that there are multiple levels depending on the association and division of the school they end up going to. In the US, there are two separate governing bodies of college athletics: the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Whereas the bigger NCAA has three separate divisions (D1, D2, and D3), the less-known NAIA operates in only one division, which is why it is tough to compare the two. There are NAIA schools that can compete with the top D1 NCAA schools where most pro athletes play, and there are other conferences whose level is lower.
Understanding the Level of Play in College Tennis
In order to get a good feel for the actual level of play, no matter the association and division, I would always recommend looking at the roster, individual Universal Tennis Rankings (UTR), and results of matches played. This makes it easier to see if your level really fits with the school of interest.
In the case that you are doubting whether you are good enough (just like I was), it could also take some pressure off your shoulders. Feel free to openly communicate with the coach as well and ask for practice or match recordings. As college tennis is quite different from tennis in Germany, it is totally acceptable to do so.
Differences Between College Tennis in the US and Tennis in Germany
As far as the differences between tennis in the US and in Germany are concerned, I would like to touch on a few more aspects. First, the format. Typically, there are two separate seasons being played. While the fall usually focuses on the player with individual singles and doubles tournaments being played, the spring is all for the team. The latter is where all pre-season as well as conference matches take place (including play-offs to qualify for team nationals at the end), which makes the spring the busier semester of the two.
Playing a few matches a week on top of practicing every day and strength and conditioning sessions here and there, it can be a lot on top of your studies, work study, and so on. It is therefore really important to keep a schedule and your priorities straight. Planning and effective time management are crucial to being successful in college.
Lastly, I want to emphasize the unique team spirit in the US. The support you experience from your teammates, coaches, and overall college community cannot be compared to tennis in Germany. Hearing them cheer you on and scream from across multiple courts is not something we are necessarily used to. College tennis is loud, fun, and far from being a quiet single sport. And experiencing it yourself is rewarding, no matter what level you have.
Are you ready to start your own journey to become a college tennis player? Keystone Sports is an expert in helping players study and play tennis in the US with the help of scholarships. Get a free evaluation of your tennis scholarship opportunities by filling out our assessment!
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About the author
Paulina Romo
Paulina Romo, SEO Specialist at Keystone Sports, holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has a background in equestrian sports, specializing in dressage. Shaped by international experience gained from work and studies in Sweden, South Korea, Germany, and Spain, Paulina brings a diverse blend of marketing skills and perspectives to her role.
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