Written by Laura Lewis, Associate Director of Olympic Sports for FirstPoint USA and a former student-athlete at McNeese State University in Louisiana.
In our previous blog, we highlighted the global impact of international student-athletes on the NCAA tennis landscape. Now, we're proud to shine a spotlight on the FirstPoint USA clients who are set to make their mark on the collegiate courts in the coming 2025-26 season.
From seasoned college campaigners to promising freshmen, these athletes are not only competing for conference titles and national rankings but also showcasing the exceptional talent FirstPoint USA has helped progress onto the big stage in the States.
Rethin Senthil (India) | Cornell University
A FirstPoint USA client, Rethin Senthil is the reigning 2025 Indian men’s singles champion. As a top-ranked player throughout his junior career from U12 to U18, he brings a formidable record and an elite athletic and academic profile to Cornell University this fall. Senthil's commitment to this Ivy League program highlights the incredible opportunities available to top international talent.
Rushil Koshla (India) | Cornell University
Another exceptional FirstPoint USA client, Indian Davis Cup player Rushil Koshla is set to star in his sophomore year at Cornell University. During his freshman year, he earned All-Ivy Honors and qualified for the NCAA championships. Koshla’s experience on the international stage, combined with his collegiate success, makes him a standout player for the season ahead.
Annemiek Sterk | Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Annemiek Sterk, hailing from Scotland, was a pivotal force in her sophomore season, helping Indiana University of Pennsylvania clinch an impressive fifth consecutive PSAC Championship title. Partnering with Lieselotte Hartlohner, Sterk consistently delivered crucial doubles points for the team. In the nail-biting PSAC final against Slippery Rock, her resilience was on full display as she fought back from a set down to win her singles match, sealing a narrow 4-3 victory for IUP. Her contributions helped her team advance to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regionals, demonstrating their strength beyond conference play.
Pavitra Parikh | Monmouth University
Pavitra Parikh made an immediate and lasting impression during her freshman season with the Monmouth University Hawks. Joining the team for the spring semester, she quickly became a standout performer, posting a team-best nine singles wins. Her momentum was undeniable, as she ended the season on a high note with four consecutive singles victories, showcasing her consistency and potential against tough Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) opponents.
Dikshan Chhikara | Drew University
Hailing from Sonipat, India, Dikshan Chhikara brought international flair to the Drew University men's tennis team in his freshman debut. A testament to his commitment on and off the court, Chhikara was named an ITA Division III Scholar-Athlete, a prestigious honor recognizing student-athletes with a GPA of 3.50 or higher. On the court, he played a key role in Drew's postseason run to the Landmark Conference final, delivering a dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory in the semifinal. A nationally ranked junior player in India, Chhikara is a core part of the Rangers' future.
Siddarth Madhavan | North Carolina Wesleyan University
Indian tennis talent Siddarth Madhavan is poised to bring his game to the collegiate level. With a solid foundation built on the ITF Men’s World Tennis Tour, he has already competed against seasoned opponents, gaining invaluable experience. Madhavan has committed to North Carolina Wesleyan University, a powerhouse in NCAA Division III. The Battling Bishops men's team finished the 2024-25 season with a strong 13-12 record and a national ranking of No. 35, providing the perfect environment for Madhavan to thrive.
Hal Carson | Tennessee Wesleyan University
Based in Mallorca, England's Hal Carson has been a rising star on the ITF Junior circuit and is set to begin his freshman year in Tennessee this fall. He will be joining one of the nation's premier NAIA programs at Tennessee Wesleyan University, which is ranked No. 2 nationally, just behind Georgia Gwinnett. This elite program is the ideal destination for a player of Hal's calibre, offering top-tier coaching within a highly competitive environment.
Annique Varty | Pomona College
Scotland's Annique Varty begins her junior year at Pomona College this fall, having already earned ITA Scholar-Athlete honors for her exceptional academic and athletic achievements. As a key member of the Pomona-Pitzer women's tennis team, Varty was part of a historic season that saw them reach the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship final, narrowly losing 4-3. Her return will be vital as the team looks to build on its success and contend for a national title.
Lance Nisbet | Tulane University
A graduate of Merchiston Castle school in Edinburgh, Lance Nisbet had a successful freshman year at the University of Tennessee, helping the team achieve a No. 12 end-of-season national ranking. He played every doubles match in the National Tournament, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure. As he enters his sophomore year having transferred to NCAA DI Tulane University in New Orleans, Nisbet aims to make a significant impact as a singles player and a leader in the competitive American Athletic Conference.
Sorcha Caves | University of South Dakota
The top-ranked national player from Glasgow, Scotland, Sorcha Caves enters her junior year at NCAA Division I South Dakota. In 2025, she played a key role in the team’s significant victories over opponents like Missouri State and Connecticut. With a strong presence in the Summit League, Sorcha will be a major contributor as her team looks to build on its strong 2025 season.
Nikhil Mukherjee | Davidson College
The Indian player Nikhil Mukherjee begins his junior year with the NCAA Division I Davidson Wildcats. In 2025, Nikhil had a notable season, securing several important doubles victories with his partner Davide Procacci, including a key win in the Atlantic 10 semifinals. His success on the court highlights his growing influence within the team.
Ethan Ellor | Gustavus Adolphus College
Scotland's Ethan Ellor will join Gustavus Adolphus as a freshman this fall. He is entering a program with a rich history of success, as the Gusties defeated Carleton College to claim their 14th straight Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Championship in 2025. With 37 national tournament appearances in program history, Gustavus Adolphus is an established powerhouse, and Ethan is set to be a key part of its continued success.
We look forward to following their respective journeys, and inspiring the next generation of aspiring international players to follow in their footsteps onto the collegiate tennis circuit in the States. If you're an aspiring young tennis player with an interest in playing and studying in the States, register your interest with us today.
