Where Can I and Should I Play College Tennis?

The five factors that will help you decide

April 3, 2013 | By Eric Rebhuhn
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1. Location, location, location
As with everything, the location of the university where you want to play college tennis is important. Playing college tennis in the south is a lot different than playing in the north where the entire winter you are playing indoor tennis. Other aspects of location are whether you want a school in the city or in a traditional college town, close to or far from home. Overall, it is important that as you are selecting your potential schools where you want to spend the next four years of your life.

2. The size of the school
The size of the school is another factor that needs to be considered. Most high schools have less than 1,000 students, while most universities have many more. This is a major change in your life and this factor can be overwhelming. It is very important that you visit the universities during the middle of a semester to see what campus life is like. If you have a chance to spend an evening on campus that too is very helpful.

3. Cost of attending
This could be the single most important factor in deciding where you can attend college. For the last 17 years, your parents have either saved enough money for your education or have spent lots of money trying to get you to a high enough level in tennis to get a partial or even a full scholarship. Once you narrow your choices to a few schools and see what kind of financial aid package the university puts together, you are closer to making your choice. Remember to look for all types of financial opportunities including but not limited to academic scholarships, student loans, work/study, community service scholarships, etc.

4. Coaching staff
Now that you have decided in general where you want to go to school and have worked out a budget the next area to consider should be the coach. Find out as much as you can about the coaches from current and former players. Read the coaches’ biographies and do as much research as possible to further educate yourself on the coaching styles. Will you be a good fit into the team culture that has been created by a particular coach?

5. Academic reputation and opportunities
You want your college tennis experience to be the best possible, but in most cases, it will not become your profession. The main goal of your college education is to establish your life’s work doing something to support yourself, a family and loving what you do. Two of the most important considerations by college admissions are your grades and your SAT scores. Start early in middle school to elevate those as high as possible. During high school, try to narrow your professional options so that the university you choose can give you that very important opportunity and support in the field of your choice.
 


Eric Rebhuhn
Head Men's Tennis Coach, St. John's University

With more than 100 career wins and the 2011 Big East Coach of the Year Award under his belt, head men's tennis coach Eric Rebhuhn has solidified himself as one of the most successful coaches in St. John's tennis history. Last season, Rebhuhn's squad finished with a 17-9 record, while peaking at number 50 in the national polls during the season, the highest ranking in school history. He may be reached by phone at (718) 990-5549 or e-mail rebhuhne@stjohns.edu.

 

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