First I would like to say that I never had private lessons. I play tennis for my high school and I been playing for 2 years and I am pretty good at tennis. Should I play tennis in college (I was planning on NCAA Division II) or is this crazy?
If you have the skill and like it, it isn’t crazy at all. Although many people who play tennis have had private lessons, some who play sports have learned and improved through public sports teams, high schools, rec leagues. Can your high school coach help you get noticed? If you are planning on a D2 school in your state, make sure to email the coaches where you’ll be playing so they can come watch those meets.
daydreaming101,
I have rather strong opinions about this so take my thoughts for what they are worth. 30+ years ago I was a tennis walk-on to a D2 school in New England. I played #2 singles and #1 doubles for 4 years in college. I was pretty good in high school as my team won a state high school tennis championship in Massachusetts (freshmen year) and Connecticut the following year (sophomore year) when I moved. Regardless of those team results, I love the game and I plan on playing tennis into my 70s and 80s.
Tennis has always been a large part of my life, and it still is. I play 2-3 times a week at age 52. I’ve been to USTA nationals 4 times and won a championship in 2001. I hit with high school & college kids all the time, and many of them love the game…I can just feel how much they like it. College coaches can sense that too. Here is my pitch…play tennis because you love it. Whether it is on the school team or a club team. The more you play, and the more styles of people you play against will make you better. It is a great sport and you never stop learning new things.
Good luck!
Are coaches asking you to play tennis in college?
twoinanddone and JoBenny: I am still in my junior year of high school next year senior year I will get a new coach ,but no coaches are not asking me to play tennis in colleges.
fenwaysouth: I do love to play tennis I play it off season also but I feel like my skill will not be good enough for college.
daydreaming101…there are all kinds of options out there if you love the sport. Friday, I played a young man trying to walk-on to a D1 school in NC. His game has improved dramatically over the last year, as he has really started to grasp the mental side of the game. He doesn’t make bad decisions at crucial times like he used to. He played club tennis in college in the Fall (freshmen year) to keep his skills up, and get the coaches attention. He got the coaches attention at tryouts but didn’t make the team this year. He told me he has nothing to lose if he gets the call from the Coach to try out again or if he keeps playing club tennis at his school. He’s got a great perspective in my honest opinion.
Also keep in mind that different schools have different club levels. Some club levels play other colleges and other colleges just play among their own students. So, depending on your interest level, you could give that a try. I wouldn’t give up if you really love it.
Good luck!