Written by Laura Lewis, Associate Director of Olympic Sports for FirstPoint USA and a former student-athlete at McNeese State University in Louisiana.
The pathway to collegiate tennis in the United States has never been more vibrant, thanks to a global influx of talent. In this blog, we’ll explore how international players are redefining the NCAA circuit, showcasing a powerful stepping stone to professional success. From the rising stars to the top programs and the key requirements for a scholarship, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about pursuing your tennis ambitions on the American stage.
The Unmistakable Impact of International Talent
The numbers speak for themselves: over 35% of all NCAA Division I tennis players are now international student-athletes. This diversity is not just a footnote; it's a driving force behind the success of many top programs. In fact, over the past decade, international players have captured more than 40% of NCAA Division I singles and doubles titles, underscoring their significant influence.
The 2025 NCAA Tennis Championships were a testament to the diversity of college game, with international student-athletes winning five of the eight individual titles across men’s and women’s singles and doubles. The NCAA's role as a global launchpad was further highlighted at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where five of the 14 competing NCAA tennis players represented countries outside the United States, with several going on to break into the ATP and WTA top 100 rankings.
Looking Ahead: International Student-Athletes to Watch in 2026
The upcoming 2026 season promises to be another showcase of global talent. Here are just a few of the international players who we predict will be making an impact on the NCAA circuit:
- Rethin Senthil (India): A FirstPoint USA client, Rethin is the 2025 Indian men’s singles champion. A top-ranked player in every age group from U12 to U18, he has committed to the Ivy League’s Cornell University for the fall of 2025, a testament to his elite athletic and academic profile.
- Lucía Fernández (Spain): After a standout freshman season at the University of Georgia where she reached the NCAA singles quarterfinals, this former ITF junior top-50 player returns for her sophomore year as a major contender.
- Maxime Dubois (France): The left-handed powerhouse from Lyon enters his junior year at UCLA, fresh off a 22-4 singles record that helped his team reach the NCAA semifinals.
- Rushil Koshla (India): Another exceptional FirstPoint USA client, the Indian Davis Cup player enters his sophomore year at Cornell. He earned All-Ivy Honors in his freshman year and qualified for the NCAA championships, making him a key player to watch.
- Tahlia Ng (Canada): A versatile doubles specialist, Tahlia returns to Duke University after winning the ACC doubles title and reaching the NCAA doubles final.
- Leonardo Silva (Brazil): Known for his aggressive baseline game, Leonardo enters his senior year at Texas A&M with a career-high ITA ranking of No. 8 and a 19-3 singles record.
- Emily Zhang (Australia): The Melbourne native had a breakout freshman year at Stanford, earning All-American honors and reaching the NCAA singles round of 16.
- Ayaka Mori (Japan): Ayaka's precision and court coverage have earned her a top-10 ITA ranking in doubles. She returns to Pepperdine University aiming for a national title.
- Daniel Okeke (South Africa): A rising star with a booming serve, Daniel enters his junior year at Baylor University and is expected to contend for the Big 12 singles crown.
Where are the Strongest Programs in College Tennis?
When evaluating a college for a tennis scholarship, reputation and recent success are key indicators of a program’s strength. Based on recent national championships, deep tournament runs, and consistent top rankings, these universities have earned a reputation as collegiate tennis powerhouses:
Men's Tennis
- University of Virginia
- TCU
- Ohio State University
- University of Texas
- UCLA
Women's Tennis
- University of Georgia
- Texas A&M
- University of North Carolina
- Virginia
- Stanford University
These programs not only offer elite coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and a fiercely competitive environment that prepares student-athletes for the next level, they provide world class academics and a prestigious degree.
The Athletic Requirements: What Coaches Look For
Aspiring international tennis players often ask about the specific athletic requirements for a scholarship. Coaches consider a holistic profile, but here’s what they are primarily looking for:
- Rankings and Achievements: While specific rankings can vary, coaches often look for players with a strong national or international ranking (e.g., ITF Junior rankings, Universal Tennis Rating, or national rankings). Winning national championships or competing in major international tournaments is a significant advantage.
- ITF/UTR: The Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) has become a crucial tool for coaches to evaluate and compare players globally. A high UTR is often a key starting point for recruitment conversations.
- Match Videos: High-quality footage of a player in a competitive match is essential. Coaches want to see a player's on-court demeanour, athletic ability, specific strokes, and competitive mindset.
- Academic Excellence: Don't forget the "student" in student-athlete. Meeting NCAA academic eligibility standards is non-negotiable. Strong grades and test scores are not just a prerequisite but also a way to secure additional academic-based financial aid.
UTR System
The UTR system is dynamic and considers the last 30 eligible match results within the past 12 months. It takes into account three main factors:
Competition: The level of the opponent, as reflected by their UTR at the time of the match.
Score: The specific match score, acknowledging the competitiveness of each game and set.
Recent Results: More recent matches are given greater weight, reflecting the player’s current form.
At FirstPoint USA, we specialize in helping talented young athletes navigate the complex recruitment landscape. We understand exactly what coaches are looking for and have a proven track record of placing players in top programs across all divisions. If you're an aspiring tennis player with an interest in playing and studying in the US, register with us today to schedule an introductory call.
This blog post is brought to you by FirstPoint USA, the world's leading sports scholarship consultancy, helping talented young athletes find their perfect fit at American universities for over two decades.
