How to get a tennis scholarship in the USA
Did you know that tennis greats like John McEnroe and Kevin Anderson began their professional tennis careers through the USA college system? If you want to play college tennis and have the talent and determination to follow your dreams, then a USA tennis scholarship is the perfect place to start.
Complete evaluationThere is no easy way to get a tennis scholarship. But if you have the talent, the marks, and the determination, you’re halfway there. Here are some things you can do to give yourself the best chance of success:
1. Compete at a high level
To play at the Division I college level, players need to compete at a high level of junior or amateur tennis, such as National Championships or the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Circuit. Regarding player rankings, an ITF Junior ranking or UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) is an important factor for college coaches when making recruitment decisions as this allows them to compare players from different regions and levels of play.
2. Maintain high academic standards
College coaches who issue tennis scholarships will require that you take certain core subjects in high school and maintain a certain grade point average (GPA). The GPA and subject requirements will vary by school, athletic association and division. However, having a 2.3 is the minimum GPA requirement for NCAA D1 eligibility.
3. Tournaments and video
Should you not be able to travel extensively to play in Junior ITF and UTF tournaments, college coaches often scout players by reviewing tournament footage. Therefore, all student-athletes should play and record as many tournament matches as they can to effectively showcase their skills and abilities.
4. Be proactive
Speak to professional recruiters, such as those from Sable International, who can help you identify potential scholarships, guide you through the application process, and put you in contact with coaches at the universities you're interested in.
We have helped many students receive tennis scholarships and play college tennis in the USA. With our help, you could be the next tennis great to achieve your goals.
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How do USA college tennis scholarships work?
Tennis scholarships are often determined by a player's rankings or ratings, with many college coaches looking to bring in a player with a specific universal tennis rating (UTR). Tennis players need to be aware of this from a young age so that they can play the tournaments that will give them points to improve their UTR.
- Play provincial and national tournaments.
- Improve UTR regularly.
- A strong GPA and test scores can earn you more scholarships.
We can connect you with the right college coaches and universities who will meet both your academic and athletic goals.
Who awards sports scholarships in the USA?
Athletic scholarships are awarded by institutions and colleges that belong to the athletic associations National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic (NAIA) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
The number of scholarships available can vary from college to college, but generally the NCAA Division I colleges have more scholarships to offer than Division II and III schools and other associations.
Each athletic association has strict rules for renewing scholarships based on athletic and academic performance; thus, students must maintain their performance throughout their college career to keep their scholarships.
It is important to note that not all athletes receive athletic scholarships. Even if you receive a scholarship, it may only be partial, meaning you may still have to pay for some of the costs associated with attending college.
Tennis is played in every Division of all three major athletic associations, with many colleges offering lucrative scholarships to attract the world's top players.
Frequently asked questions about USA tennis scholarships
1. What Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) is required to secure a tennis scholarship?
For NCAA Division I programmes, men typically need a UTR of at least 11.5, while women should aim for 9. For Division II programmes, men should target a UTR of 8 or higher, and women need at least 6. Stronger players with higher UTRs are more likely to secure substantial scholarships and attract attention from top-tier schools. Lower UTRs may still find opportunities in Division II, NAIA or NJCAA. Building your UTR through consistent tournament performance is key to eligibility.
2. How many scholarships are available for college tennis players?
NCAA Division I men’s programmes can offer up to 4.5 scholarships per team, while women’s teams may provide up to eight scholarships. Division II programmes allow the same number for men but cap women’s scholarships at six. These are typically "equivalency scholarships," meaning coaches can divide them among multiple players. Understanding the financial structure of your target schools is essential as full scholarships are rare.
3. How can I increase my chances of getting a tennis scholarship?
Improving your UTR is crucial, but you should also:
- Compete in regional and national tournaments to gain visibility.
- Create a professional highlight video showcasing a variety of strokes, match play and athleticism.
- Maintain a strong academic performance, as many scholarships require a minimum GPA.
- Reach out to college coaches with your athletic resume and express genuine interest in their programmes. Persistence and consistent follow-ups can make a difference.
4. Can walk-on players earn scholarships later?
Yes, walk-on players – who join teams without initial scholarships – may earn athletic scholarships in subsequent years based on their performance and contribution to the team. Demonstrating commitment, improving your UTR and excelling both academically and athletically increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship after joining a programme.
Speak to one of our expert recruiters today about what GPA (and other requirements) you need to qualify for an athletic scholarship in the USA.
A day in the life of a tennis student-athlete
Our service
By offering personalised guidance and support, we aim to help student-athletes achieve their goals of competing in collegiate sports while obtaining a world-class education in the United States.
Athletic and academic assessment
We'll evaluate your skills, performance and potential to compete at college level. We will also review your academic record to determine your eligibility for college admissions and sports scholarships.
College selection
We'll help you identify suitable colleges and universities based on your athletic and academic goals.
Recruitment process
We'll help you create a compelling sports profile, introduce you to college coaches and assist you with navigating the complex recruitment process.
Scholarship negotiation
We'll guide you through the scholarship negotiation process to maximise your financial support.
Application and admissions support
Our expertise with US universities and educational institutions allows us to effectively assist and guide student-athletes throughout the application process.
Student visa assistance
We'll provide support and guidance around obtaining your visa to study and compete in the USA.