Best Practices for Unlocking College Tennis Opportunities

We're breaking down college tennis recruiting and the role UTR Sports plays in connecting players with opportunities and tools.

Curious about what UTR do you need for D1 college tennis?
By UTR SportsPublished

On Tuesday night, the UTR & Coach Panel: The Impact of Rankings and Showcases webinar brought together players, parents, and coaches for an engaging discussion on college tennis recruiting and the role UTR Sports plays in connecting players with opportunities.

The panelists included Heather Gage Recruiting Coach Manager at NCSA, Sandy Franz, Director of College at UTR Sports, Chase Hodges, Senior Vice President at UTR Sports and a 15-time NAIA national champion, and Sean McCaffrey, Georgia Southern University Head Women's Coach.

Join UTR Sports, the largest tennis and pickleball community in the world! Click here to get started.

Here’s what was covered and how it can help you on your college recruiting journey:

UTR Sports Tools for College Recruits

UTR Rating

Over 90% of college coaches are using UTR Rating for recruiting. Many players ask what UTR do you need to play D3 college tennis or what UTR do you need for D1 college tennis. Ranges vary by program and conference — the College Fit Tool below can help you see where you could fit in a lineup.

College Coach Views

See which coaches have viewed your UTR Sports profile and when.

College Search

Explore all programs across NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, and NJCAA.

College Fit Tool

Evaluate your potential place in a team’s lineup based on your UTR Rating.

College Lists

Keep track of schools you’re interested in.

College Rankings

Filter rankings for junior prospects, college players, and college teams.

Many features require a UTR Sports Power subscription — upgrade NOW:

Tennis players playing tennis after upgrading to Power and saving money one events with UTR Sports

College Showcases: Maximize Exposure and Opportunities

College Showcases unique opportunities for junior players looking to compete at the college level.

UTR Sports will host the College Showcase on Oct. 31–Nov. 2 in Rome, Ga. Over three action-packed days, players will get unmatched exposure to U.S. college coaches, direct networking opportunities, and the chance to showcase their skills through Verified UTR match play. Learn more about the Showcase benefits and schedule here.

Players who register before August 31 receive a 10% discount — REGISTER HERE

College coaches are invited to attend, with registration pricing starting at $49 — click here for coach registration.

One question to ask is what colleges offer tennis scholarships.

The Showcase will be part of UTR Sports Tennisfest, held alongside three other major events: the NAIA Individual National Championships, the NJCAA Individual National Championships, and the UTR Sports Flex National Championships.

Later this year, the NCSA College Showcase at IMG Academy will be held Dec. 4-6 in Bradenton, Fla. Learn more here.

How to Get Recruited for College Tennis: Best Practices

Success in recruiting goes beyond numbers, and understanding the college game is essential. Players should already know how college tennis works, how does college tennis scoring work, and when is the college tennis season. A common question is what colleges offer tennis scholarships, which varies by team and can be a huge factor in which program you attend.

Coaches evaluate behavior, consistency, and professionalism both on and off the court. Parents should support their athletes without taking control, while players should learn how to get recruited for college tennis by taking initiative.

Be Proactive

  • Sign up for NCSA's FREE Recruiting Tool.
  • Take ownership of your recruiting journey—don’t wait for opportunities.
  • Reach out to coaches directly and use available tools
  • Stay educated on rules, timelines, and requirements.

Build a Realistic Target List

  • Prioritize academics—choose schools that fit your major and career goals.
  • Assess athletic fit: Do you want to contribute as a starter or be a practice partner?
  • Consider financial fit—set a family budget early.
  • Think about social and cultural fit: big vs. small school, city vs. rural, team culture.

Communicate Like a Professional

  • Treat coach conversations like job interviews.
  • Research schools and coaches before reaching out.
  • Write polished emails—spell names correctly, check grammar, and be respectful.
  • Don’t be afraid to follow up, but keep it reasonable.

Own Your Journey

  • Lean on coaches, counselors, and parents for support, but take the lead yourself.
  • Thank your parents—they’re your biggest fans—but show independence.

Show Character On and Off the Court

  • Compete with respect—coaches notice body language and sportsmanship.
  • Recover quickly from mistakes and demonstrate mental toughness.
  • Stay mindful of your social media and public behavior—everything reflects on you.

Stay Resilient

  • Recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Be prepared for ups and downs and keep a positive outlook.
  • Ask questions and seek guidance when needed.

With expert guidance, practical recruiting strategies, and showcase opportunities, players can be better prepared—and inspired—for the college journey ahead.

Learn more about UTR Sports


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