NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

Archive for the ‘College Tennis’ Category

The Desire to Play Until Old Age Takes Over

May 20th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

College Coach’s Corner: Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Women’s Tennis Coach, Phil Birnbaum

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Experienced and a good communicator

What is unique about the experience at your school?

That academics come first even though we practice and play hard

What do recruits need to know about you?

That I was a small college All-American and have over thirty years as a USPTA-Pro

What do you look for in recruits?

The desire to play until old age takes over

What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

When you spend a lot of time recruiting one and there is no contact if not interested.

What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Improving players

Why should a recruit consider your program?

We are successful but without unnecessary pressure. We also take a family approach for our players to be happy and academically strong.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Email: Phil.birnbaum@stockton.edu

Taking Tennis To The Next Level

May 20th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

College Coach’s Corner: Lancaster Bible College’s Tennis Coach, Zach Freeman

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

As a coach, I work really hard to get the best out of my players. If that means relaxing and letting them feel the situation out for themselves or that means me guiding them through it with instruction and direction, I like to try and let the student-athlete figure out each situation and provide some insight afterwards. I think my players would tell you that I wear my emotions on my sleeve and try to get them to do the same, but still stay within themselves.

What is unique about the experience at your school?

The experience at Lancaster Bible College is a truly special one. Classes are small and teachers provide great support. Our curriculum is very much centered around the bible and our students have many opportunities to showcase their love for God. Whether it is worship and performing arts, mission trips or athletics, the students at LBC can experience a bit of everything during their time here.

What do you look for in recruits?

What I look for in recruits is a willingness to work and to overcome challenges. Having just graduated college in 2008, I know the ups and downs of being a college student. Some days just are not good ones, but those student-athletes who rise above that and strive to be better are the ones LBC is looking for. Obviously, being a bible college has a bit to do with who we look for as well. At the same time, just because we are Lancaster Bible College does not mean we do not want to be the best. Student-athletes at LBC work hard day-in-and-day-out. I want recruits who want to work hard, find solutions and do it for the glory of God.

Why should a recruit consider your program?

Tennis is a fairly new sport at LBC. We are entering our third fall as a program and will be moving to the spring in 2011 when we join the North East Athletic Conference. We want tennis players (men and women) who want to be the foundation of our program. Players who understand there are growing pains, but who can look back when they graduate and say they accomplished something and took LBC tennis to the next level. We do not have the best talent in the world, but we work hard. For those student-athletes who are in high school and want to go to a college where they can make a difference, LBC is the place for you.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Anyone interested in LBC can contact me at zfreeman@lbc.edu or go to our website, www.lbcchargers.com and fill out a “Become a Charger” form. I look forward to hearing from our future LBC tennis foundation builders.

A Perfect Record

May 20th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

College Coach’s Corner’s next college includes information about SUNY – Geneseo’s women’s tennis team directly from Head Coach Jim Chen:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

My goal is to work with you, a recruit, until you are an elite tennis player and an integral part of the team.  That means daily competitive practices with an emphasis on racket head speed, consistency, and footwork.  You’ll work with friendly teammates like yourself, who have similar goals, and address questions like, “What do I want my family, friends, and opponents to admire about me and my teammates?”

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

SUNY Geneseo is ranked #1 in the country for value by Kiplinger Magazine (2008-09) for international and out-of-state students and #6 for in-state students.  Your academic success is the first priority at Geneseo.  You’ll be challenged to play your best tennis during your years here.  The tennis team is undefeated in the past four Fall seasons with a 36-0 record.  We are repeat State University of New York Athletic Conference Champions (2008 and 2009) and have been to the NCAA DIII national tournament, in 2009 and 2010.  We train for the NCAAs by adding several DI and DII teams to our Spring schedule and playing matches in Puerto Rico during spring break.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I have trained at the Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida.  I have been an A-level squash player.  I hold a BA from Brandeis and a PhD in physics from Harvard and have taught at Penn and Geneseo for many years.  Players on the tennis team benefit from my experience in higher education when negotiating their way into and through college.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Ability to have fun, love of tennis and commitment, fight and willingness to stay out on the court longer than your opponent, tennis skills and mental focus, cherishing being on a team, being a student of the game.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Research your college choices, come for a visit, talk to current players, and choose the school that best fits your criteria.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

What do I need to do to become a member of the team?  How can I be most helpful to the team and my teammates.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

Not much.  Every question asked is worthy of an answer…you are seeking information about the College and tennis program and I’m here to provide the answers.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

We have a 100% graduation rate.  We send our graduates to the most prestigious graduate and professional schools in the country.  We are successful on the tennis courts, both in singles and doubles.  During the 2009 SUNYAC Conference Championship, our players won 7 of the 9 flights.  With your help we would like to win all 9 flights.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We have a strong and competitive tennis program.  We could use your help to bring us to the next level, during the Fall and Spring seasons and during our preparation for the NCAAs.  Geneseo offers you numerous, challenging academic areas of study to get you ready for your professional career.  Our retention rate is 92% from freshman to sophomore years, one of the highest in the country.  42% of our graduates go on directly to graduate or professional schools each year.  Our placement rate to medical schools is upward of 90%.  Our Business School was second only to Harvard during the Federal Reserve Bank’s National Competition.  Our women cross-country team was the national champion in 2008.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Visit www.geneseo.edu, athletics, and fill out the recruitment form.  Or call me at 585-704-2179 (cell).  Send me a video.

A “Team” Player In An Individual Sport

May 20th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

NCSA recently heard from Smith College’s Women’s Tennis Coach, Christine Davis:

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I see myself as an experienced tennis teaching professional with many years of college coaching under my belt.  I have served on national NCAA committees and ITA committees (see bio on the www.smith.edu website) I have my USTA high performance certification and PTR-professional rating.   I have a sincere love for the game and a joy in sharing tennis knowledge with others.  I love to see players improve in any of the four areas of tennis (technique, tactics, mental, physical). I look for opportunities to share life lessons learned through tennis.  I enjoy helping athletes learn how to make good choices and to live with the consequences.

What is unique about the experience at your school?

Smith is an all women’s college with leadership opportunities everywhere.  Smith is known for its diversity pulling students from all over the world.  The small faculty-student ratio with all highly qualified professors and no teaching fellows, provides the student with the highest quality of education available.  Smith offers an open curriculum, houses instead of dorms and praxis (Smith pays!) for those with a passion to pursue a summer opportunity that may not pay.  Smith is known for the quality of education, a strong endowment and the networking of Smith alums nationwide after graduation.  Smith is liberal arts with strength in the sciences, arts, political science and economics.  The college recently started an engineering major for women and the new engineering complex is state of the art.

What do recruits need to know about you? Also, what do you look for in recruits?

I look for students who are able to balance their academics and athletics in order to stay on top of the rigorous academic program at Smith.

I look for a player’s heart for the game and the commitment and discipline to stick with the program.  I love to have a “diamond in the rough” who has not yet peaked and who is still excited about improving.  I look for recruits who show leadership qualities by being self-starters.  I look for recruits who take ownership by playing an active role in the recruiting process and do not sit back and wait to be contacted. I hope that each Smith recruit will do her homework and be prepared to articulate her interests, needs and concerns.  Above all else, I look for players who compete with integrity and who are good citizens.

What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

The recruiting process is an art and not a science.   Recruits must remember to fill out the financial aid forms at the time she applies.  I encourage recruits to apply early if they can because it is still a slight advantage in getting admitted.   I would hope that the recruits will stay in touch and ask questions.

What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

I like to first hear questions relative to  academics so that I know they are here for the right reasons.  I like to hear questions about the value of a women’s college.  I look for individuals who ask about the team and who understand what it takes to be a “team” player in an individual sport.

What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

I do not like to hear “I do not want to go to an all women’s college”   before they have learned about Smith or visited the campus.

(There are a plethora of social opportunities at Smith.  The five college consortium with Univ of MA, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire and Smith offers the opportunity for students to take courses at any of the five institutions. The town of Northampton is anything but isolated and offers a bustling, safe community with many opportunities and is the envy of many college towns/cities).

What do you think your program is the most successful at?

We think that we are most successful recognizing potential in a student athlete and helping them to exploit that talent during their college career.  We pride ourselves in having a competitive team who works hard but also attempts to demonstrate a gracious demeanor on and off the court.

Why should a recruit consider your program?

We are blessed with excellent indoor and outdoor facilities and a cadre of volunteers who help to make our program special.  We also have graduate program where we train/teach students earning their master’s degree in college coaching while serving in the capacity of assistant coach.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Email or cell phone is the best since I am on the move alot  (cdavis@smith.edu, 614-893-4165).  They may also connect me through Smith Athletics (www.smith.edu/athletics) or www.smithcollegetennis.blogspot.com. We would love to hear from you!

Players Hungry To Improve

May 20th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

NCSA recently received feedback for the College Coach’s Corner from Wheaton College’s Women’s Tennis Coach, Lynn Miller:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I know how to build players to reach their potential, even those who do not have good rankings but who are hungry to improve.  I am demanding but not crazy in my expectations of my players.  I love the learning process am a teacher with the hopes of you becoming a self-reliant player.

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

We were formerly a women’s college whose mission it was to become “co-educationally different” when we went co-ed in the late 1980s.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

That I am an athlete (nationally ranked competitive skier and tennis player in the 55s and over) and love competition.  I expect players to work hard at both their academics and their tennis and expect my players to be civil to their opponents.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Those who have potential for development, who are good natured and who are playing because they love to compete (and not to please their parents or someone else).

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Not to listen to everything every coach tells you.  We are all trying to sell our school, so you need to sort through all of the information and attention you might be receiving and figure out what school really fits your needs and desires.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

Asking about our program goals and what I am looking for to improve our program, and how they might fit in.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

When all people care about is what we can do for them and what financial incentives there are for them.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Developing players who come in with no rankings or not the best, and then being competitive with, in many cases, nationally ranked players.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

I believe in balance in one’s life.  When you are out of season, you are out of season, and I am not always looking around to make sure you’re always working on your game.  When you’re in-season, I will do everything in my power to help you get better. This includes fitting in extra individual workouts, video sessions, whatever you need.  I also play within the rules and expect you to do the same, demonstrating good sportsmanship along the way.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

E-mail me, come for a visit and continue to be communicative throughout the process. I don’t spend a lot of time making phone calls to recruits, but like to keep in touch via e-mail.

Head, Heart, Legs

May 19th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

College Coach’s Corner – Simmons College Women’s Tennis Coach, Bob Rauseo:

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I’m all about the preparation.  If we can prepare as much as possible then the results will follow.  Its a nice a feeling entering a match or tournament knowing that you did what is necessary to succeed.

What is unique about the experience at your school?

Simmons is unique in that we have a lot of nursing majors. It is not uncommon to see our players in scrubs before or after practice. We’re also an all women’s undergraduate college.  I believe this adds to the overall camaraderie that we share.

What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits should know that I expect a lot from my players, both on the court and in the classroom.  We have been very successful by focusing  on both academics and athletics.

What do you look for in recruits?

In no particular order, I look for “Head, Heart, Legs”.   Players who are intelligent enough to make adjustments, will fight to the very end and get to as many balls as possible.

What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

I like to have my recruits meet my team.  Even better is if they can do an overnight visit.  It is important to know the caliber of teammates that you might be playing with.  Also, the players will give a lot of insight to the recruit.

What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

I like to hear recruits ask about the academic/tennis balance.  It is important for them to be aware of the commitment which is necessary as part of a winning program.

What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

The main turn-off for me are when prospects are unable to meet the requirements they need to meet — when they can’t or don’t return their application, financial aid, and housing materials in a reasonable amount of time.  If you are unable to handle your private business, you will be unlikely to be a productive member of our organization.  I also am very turned off by prospects who do not treat their parents and those with whom they come in contact on their visit with respect.

What do you think your program is the most successful at?

We’ve been very successful at getting the most out of our players. At the end of four years, I want my players to feel like they worked hard to be the best player they could be.  We provide as many opportunities as possible so that players can go as far as their game will take them.

Why should a recruit consider your program?

The first reason that a recruit should consider our program is the opportunity to play for a winning team. We’ve won out conference five out the last six years and have played in three NCAA tournaments.  We recently won a round in the NCAA’s for the first time. With our success comes a confidence which players can use in all facets of their life.  I love the idea of such a small school playing at a national level.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

I can be reached by email at robert.rauseo@simmons.edu.  Or, my office number is 617-521-1043.

Make Sure to Visit Campus while Class is In Session

May 17th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received feedback from Coach Fishback about his women’s tennis program at William Smith College. Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I see myself primarily as a teacher ,whose responsibility is to get as much out of my “students” as possible.  I also would like to think that, while I take what I do very seriously, I do not take myself too seriously.  I am going to demand a lot from our players, in terms of effort, dedication, and their time, but we’re going to have a lot of fun, too.

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

William Smith College is part of a “coordinate” system with Hobart College (officially Hobart & William Smith Colleges), which means that, while our students share one campus and one faculty with the Hobart students, all of the decisions that affect them are made by their own – William Smith College has its own athletic department (and a coach who doesn’t coach the men’s team as well!), its own dean of students, and its own student government.
3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I’m a father first, a husband second, and a tennis coach third.  Coaching is what I do; it’s what I love to do; but it’s not who I am.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Assuming a recruit fits our academic profile, we’re always looking for outstanding tennis skills, but overall athleticism and competitiveness aren’t far behind.  We want kids who go stir crazy when they haven’t picked up a racquet in a couple of days.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Everyone should visit her favorite schools while classes are in session.  Every campus has a different personality, and that comes from its student body.  A summer visit to a quiet campus won’t tell you enough.  Spend some time on campus while the students are there; sit in on some classes, and meet some students who aren’t tennis players.  Then, you’ll know if a place is right for you.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

How will you make me better?

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

If a parent does most of the communicating/talking, it sends out warning signals.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Everyone who comes here gets better.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

If you want a terrific education and the opportunity to maximize your tennis potential, and you want to pursue both in a gorgeous setting, then you have to come visit.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

I can be reached at Fishback@hws.edu

Honor the Code!

May 17th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received feedback from Coach Koger about her women’s tennis program at Haverford College. Here is what she had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

A laid back student of the game that loves competitive tennis

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

We have a broad base of talent on our program with student-athletes from everywhere in the world; Our Honor Code makes Haverford special

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I love to teach, I love to help my players compete and I love to see my players realize their best on and off the court.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Accomplishments on and off the court; leadership; a history of dedication and commitment; and good common sense approach to life

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Stay in contact with me to make sure all the required information for a successful admission candidate is on file with the college
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

Describe the tennis program; how many hours do the team members train; is there availability of courts all year around; a history of fitness and training; and I love to compete.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

No apparent commitment to fitness; never played formal matches; negative talk about other players, coaches and schools

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Helping all my players reach their potential and personal goals on and off of the tennis court

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

A student-athlete at Haverford will realize success athletically, academically and have lots of fun accomplishing their goals.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

A recruit can reach me through our team website www.haverford.edu/athletics/tennisw. Also, through the website, my mailing address, telephone numbers, and e-mail can be found along with links to other parts of the college.  A Student-Athlete Questionnaire can be found in our home page as well.

Finding Your Recruiting Niche

May 17th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received feedback from Coach Astley about his tennis program at Emerson College. Here is what he had to say:

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I’m really interested in the development of players and finding ways that they can grow as people and get more out of their tennis.

What is unique about the experience at your school?

We’re a niche school (We have outstanding programs in a broad range of fields related to communications.), so most of the people here are pretty committed to their academic work. We do a good job of balancing their academic and athletic lives.

What do recruits need to know about you?

They need to know what our school is about and whether we’re an academic fit or not (in terms of field of study and their academic record). We can accommodate a broad range of tennis players and make their tennis time worthwhile, but the academic fit is paramount.

What do you look for in recruits?

Hard-workers, fun people, players with experience (and all the academic stuff above)

What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

What’s the team like? When can I come visit? Any question that reflects that the student has done a little homework.

What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

Questions about scholarships annoy me (we’re DIII), but I do my best to answer because I didn’t know that stuff myself when I was in high school (or college really). Form letters. Unsubstantiated claims about academic commitment.

What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Improving players and making sure they enjoy their time.
Why should a recruit consider your program?

Interested in communications-related major (journalism, writing, acting, marketing, communications disorders, film…) and wants a fun, motivating environment to push themselves on the court.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Email is always good.

Mason Astley

Head Tennis Coach

Emerson College

Recruiting Form: http://www.emerson.edu/athletics/Prospective-Students.cfm

What is the Holistic Approach To College Sports?

May 16th, 2010 - by NCSA Sports

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received feedback from Coach Christman about his men’s and women’s tennis programs at Waynesburg University. Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

From my bio – Coach Christman takes a holistic approach to developing players that includes balancing academics with athletics, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, in addition to strokes, tactics, and match strategy.  Christman’s teams were among the first to incorporate tennis specific movement and fitness training into their programs during the late 90’s and he is recognized for developing training and play plans for players and teams.  His college and junior players are known for fitness, footwork, court quickness, and modern compact strokes.  He stresses all-court play and pressuring tactics for both men and women.  Christman is a USPTA teaching pro, certified in sport specific strength and fitness by Pat Etcheberry, the most successful tennis specific strength coach in the world, and is a string playtester for the USRSA.  He annually speaks at USTA College Day events to describe NCAA Division III tennis and opportunities to play within 200 miles of the event site in any division.  He has written a brief guide on how to find a good college coach and tennis program (one of several handouts at college day events).

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

Waynesburg University is a small Christian university and NCAA Division III institution that stresses academics and our tennis program balances academics, athletics, campus life and community service so our players can participate in the total college experience.  That said, tennis gets the same treatment as the major sports at Waynesburg in how we are equipped, travel, eat, train and are recognized by the campus community.  We have our own athletic trainer, a tennis beat reporter for our nationally recognized university newspaper, and year round training facilities with tennis specific equipment.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Ten things I believe as a coach – There are concepts that world class players and coaches use that I find to be successful and in concert with my objectives as a coach.  I believe they are important for players to become champions and have incorporated them into training programs for a number of successful players.

1.      Communication is essential between players, their coach, and their support team (family).

2.      Consistent improvement and good results can come from short, well-planned, high intensity workouts.

3.      Workouts should be fun.

4.      Tennis is a running sport.

5.      Bio-mechanically sound movement and strokes are the most effective way to prepare and hit quality shots consistently.

6.      Integrating tactical play into every drill, practice and training session produces greater results quicker.

7.      No player should ever lose a match because of fitness.

8.      It is easier to prevent an injury than to rehabilitate from one.

9.      Rest and good nutrition are as important as practice and training.

10.     Competitive players should have annual training and play plans.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Academic commitment, attitude, potential for improvement, solid footwork, and attitude again.  I often choose to recruit the player who just lost the match because they have the better attitude (on and off the court) and appear to have the ability to get better.  The first question I ask a recruit is how are your grades?  The second; how are your SAT/ACT scores?  The third; what major are you interested in?  If answers to those three questions match up well with our academic scholarships, I recruit them hard because they may be able to get an academic scholarship to Waynesburg equal to or better than athletic scholarships available from other institutions.  If their answers don’t match well with our academics, I let them go to an athletic scholarship program.  Consequently, virtually every player in my program is on scholarship.  The scholarship may be a few thousand dollars a year to a full ride and it doesn’t matter if I have eight players of fourteen players; virtually all of them are on at least a partial scholarship.  The result of that kind of recruiting is a program that qualifies both men’s and women’s teams for nationally recognized ITA All Academic Team awards annually for the last ten years and a high number of individual ITA Scholar Athletes.  The men’s team this year had four all conference players and three of the four were ITA Scholar Athletes (3.5 GPA).  The fourth missed by .03.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Identify schools with quality academic programs in their chosen major where they may have an opportunity to play.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

I like to hear recruits ask about academics, what graduates are doing, team closeness, and their opportunities to improve while at Waynesburg.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

Dealing with a parent – agent.  A parent who doesn’t let their child talk, talks about how good their child is in generalities, and asks for extras (money, housing, favors) and/ or expects to ‘manage’ their child’s training and play.  I have also stopped recruiting players when I observed poor behavior by the player or parent at a tournament site.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Developing leaders who help their fellow players maintain a high standard of excellence in all aspects of college life as a student-athlete.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We are proud of our all conference players, conference champions, and all academic players but what we are most proud of is that virtually 100% of our players go onto the graduate school of their choice or a good job in their field upon graduation.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

I can be reached on my office phone, cell phone or by e-mail.  You may also complete our online questionnaire or mail in our hardcopy questionnaire or send me their player profile.