College Tennis in the U.S.

Discover what U.S. College Tennis is all about and how we can help you get a Tennis scholarship at an American university - while earning your degree at the same time. Let's make your dream reality.

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What Is College Tennis In The U.S.

U.S. College Tennis is the perfect opportunity to combine high-level tennis with a university education. It offers a competitive and organized environment that closely mirrors a professional set-up, providing players with elite coaching, dedicated support, and often state-of-the-art facilities. Securing a college tennis scholarship means you get to continue pursuing your passion at a high level while simultaneously working toward an internationally recognized degree, safeguarding your future.

Why College Tennis is so Special:

Team Spirit Over Solo Play: You don't just play for yourself anymore. Your teammates become your family as you fight together for national championships.
A Global Network: Build lifelong friendships and connect with people from across the globe, opening doors to international career opportunities.
Personal Growth: Thrive in a unique environment that builds resilience, character, and the professional discipline that will define your success for years to come.

For the most talented, college tennis serves as a strategic stepping stone: many elite graduates go on to compete directly on the ATP and WTA Tours, proving it is a viable route to the professional ranks, with former college players frequently appearing in Grand Slam draws. College Tennis opens doors for your future career, whether in professional tennis or the corporate world.

Combination

Train daily at a high level while earning an internationally recognized degree.

Funding

Academic and athletic scholarships cover tuition and living costs.

Career

Your degree and college experience open doors worldwide and are highly valued by employers.

Make it to The Next Level

Maximize your tennis potential and use college competition as the ultimate proving ground to make it to the ATP or WTA Tour.

Hear From Our Athletes

Read what our athletes have to say about their experiences with us.

I was helped all the way to get to a very good university. Dominic was very kind and competent. He helped me, whenever help was needed.

Philip

University of Nebraska, Omaha, NCAA DI

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College Tennis Showcase at The United World Games

Your exclusive opportunity to meet real college coaches, play UTR matches, and capture match footage. Don't miss the chance to showcase your talent and get the full United World Games experience!

Meet college coaches
3-4 UTR matches guaranteed
Video recording of all matches
United World Games experience
Practice session with college coaches

Learn more and register!

Scholarships

We have already secured more than $23 million in scholarships for our athletes – and counting.

International

Over the years, we have helped thousands of athletes worldwide find the perfect university and the right scholarship in the USA. Currently, more than 400 former Smarthlete clients are studying at colleges across the United States.

Client Satisfaction

We support athletes and families personally, closely, and transparently – reflected in a 95% satisfaction rate.

Meet Our Tennis Players in The U.S.

Our tennis players currently in college have turned their dream of playing college tennis in the U.S. into reality. With hundreds already placed at top universities, our athletes' stories and successes show what’s possible with the right support.

Johanna Hiesmair

Long Beach State University

NCAA DI

Gabriel Huber

University of Wisconsin - Madison

NCAA DI

Amelie Gindl

Southern Arkansas University

NCAA DII

Success Stories

Official Partnership: ÖTV & Smarthlete

The ÖTV (Austrian Tennis Association) is the second-largest sports association in the country measured by the number of members. We are extremely happy to contribute to the future development of young tennis players.

This is What College Tennis is All About

Discover what it really means to live and play in the U.S. - this could be your journey next.

College Tennis Passion

Interview with Gabriel Huber

Stanford Women's Tennis

U.S. College Tennis

What Does a Day in The Life of a College Tennis Player Look Like?

Depending on the time of the year, most college tennis players start their day with morning practice, which means getting up early. These practices might include strength and conditioning workouts in the gym and typically last around an hour. After the early workout or practice, athletes go to the cafeteria to eat breakfast, followed by classes, usually between 8:00 a.m. and noon. After that, it’s lunch time together in the dining hall with their teammates or other friends.

Most programs typically have a 2 hour practice session in the afternoon. This is often the primary training session of the day. If not in practice, players may use this time for additional classes, attending labs, or study hall. Student athletes can also be scheduled for ice baths, stretching, or physical therapy to prevent injuries and recover after training.

In the evening there is plenty of time to do homework, relax, and socialize. While you have a meal plan in college, you will most certainly also go out for dinner at times and find some other fun things to do with your friends. Right Visual/Photo:

What Does The Recruiting Timeline & College Tennis Season Look Like?

Recruiting Timeline

The college tennis recruiting process is highly competitive and requires early preparation. Coaches at top programs begin evaluating players well in advance, often securing commitments from their strongest prospects up to two years before enrollment. That’s why we strongly recommend starting your recruiting journey 18 to 24 months before your intended college start date.

Beginning early gives you the chance to connect with coaches, film updated match footage, complete all eligibility steps, and receive offers before roster spots and scholarship budgets fill up. While it’s still possible to start later, many of the best opportunities may already be taken - so getting ahead is the best way to keep your options open and secure the right fit.

College Tennis Season

The official college tennis season typically runs during the spring semester, with dual matches and conference play taking place from January through May. During this time, players compete in both singles and doubles matches, representing their schools in regular-season play and postseason championships. The schedule can be intense, with frequent travel and matches nearly every week, requiring players to balance academics, competition, and training at a high level.

The fall semester serves as the individual season, focusing on tournaments and player development. Athletes compete in ITA and regional tournaments, aiming to improve their national rankings and prepare for the team season ahead. This year-round structure makes college tennis both challenging and rewarding, pushing players to continuously improve and perform at their best while earning a degree.

How High a Tennis Scholarship Can I Get?

The amount of college tennis scholarship you can receive depends on several factors - most importantly your tennis level, the division or association you’re targeting (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, or Junior College), and the specific college or university you aim to join.

Full-Ride Scholarships

A full-ride tennis scholarship covers tuition and fees, housing, meal plan, books, and sometimes even travel or personal expenses. This is the highest level of scholarship support available. Only a small number of players receive full rides each year, typically top-ranked international or national-level players competing for major NCAA Division I or elite NAIA programs.

Partial Scholarships

Most college tennis players receive partial scholarships, which cover a portion of total college costs (for example, part of tuition or housing). Coaches often divide their total scholarship budget among multiple players to build a strong overall team, meaning that performance, ranking, and potential all play key roles in determining how much aid you receive.

Academic and Additional Financial Aid

Many colleges also offer academic scholarships and need-based financial aid. In many cases, these can be combined with athletic scholarships to significantly lower your total cost of attendance. Strong grades and test scores can make a big difference and academically successful players are often more attractive to coaches and more likely to receive additional financial support.