JTCC College Recruiting Director Mike Vann gives an insight into the how to approach the college recruitment and selection process:
College tennis recruiting can sound like an intimidating, overwhelming and complex process. However, JTCC players are provided with college recruiting advice as part of their Champions Program package.
Students who are rising Juniors and Seniors in high school can receive guidance throughout the college selection process from JTCC’s College Recruiting Directors, Taka Bertrand and Mike Vann. Taka and Mike’s role is to help educate and advise JTCC students and parents about the process. JTCC has access to an extensive network of college coaches around the country and so is very well equipped to help a player find the best collegiate program for each individual. We host college recruiting information sessions for parents and players in order to provide an insight into how to start the process. We regularly have college coaches visit JTCC in order to evaluate players during training sessions. If they are unable to come in person, we offer live PlaySight streaming or PlaySight match videos for college coaches to watch.
Below is a checklist of what we ask players to provide when they start the college recruiting and selection process:
1) A list of desired colleges and universities based on academics and athletics
2) A draft introductory email to send to college coaches
3) An academic – athletic resume including the following:
a) Academic information including GPA, SAT or ACT test scores, any AP classes enrolled in or taken
b) Tennis information including USTA / ITF ranking & results, TennisRecruiting Network rating (TRN), Universal Tennis Rating (UTR)
4) A recruiting tennis video preferably using PlaySight
5) A list of any tournaments or showcases (e.g. USTA, ITF, UTR, TRN) players are planning to participate in
The above will help guide the search for the best possible individual match.
In order for college coaches to effectively evaluate a prospective player for their program, they will need to examine the following:
1) Academic background: name of high school, school profile, GPA, SAT or ACT test scores, AP classes
2) Tennis background: USTA / ITF rankings & results, TRN, and UTR ratings
3) Recruiting tennis video including some match play (no longer than 7-10 minutes in length)
As a former head college tennis coach, the best advice I can give to JTCC players and parents is to start the process early and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It is important to do your due diligence on the programs of interests through research, campus visits, and by talking to JTCC alumni and coaches.
The ultimate goal for JTCC students is for them to be able to use their tennis as a vehicle to help each player gain entry into one of the best schools in the country and then continue competing at a collegiate level.
