The future of college tennis: how the professionalization of other sports impacts our industry

This article comes from the May 2025 edition of Racquet Sports Industry. Click here to read the full issue.

College sports have enjoyed a long period of growth and relative stability, but now there is no denying that sports like tennis are facing unprecedented challenges in today’s shifting world of intercollegiate athletics. With the rise of “Name, Image, and Likeness” allowing for million-dollar “amateur” back-up quarterbacks, NCAA lawsuits and conference realignments, Olympic sports are at risk of being overshadowed.

It’s crucial that we consider the potential impact on the tennis industry if college tennis were to be severely impacted by the continued professionalization of college football and basketball. For many young players, college tennis is a significant goal. It keeps them engaged in the sport longer and motivates families to invest in their development.

But what happens if this opportunity disappears?

The effects would be far-reaching, impacting tennis lessons, equipment sales, tournament registrations and more. Many rural communities across the country rely on college tennis programs to maintain courts and qualified coaches. Without these programs, tennis facilities will be lost.

Tennis federations currently depend on college programs for much of their player development, particularly for top players not yet ready for the professional tours. Without college tennis, where would these players go for training? Furthermore, who would train the next generation of U.S. tennis coaches if they didn’t first experience college tennis themselves? These universities contribute millions of dollars each year to the sport.

At this critical juncture, it’s vital for everyone in the industry to come together and explore opportunities to preserve and strengthen college tennis. So, how can we do this?

• Reach Out to College Coaches: Offer support to coaches, particularly those new to their positions. Help them navigate their communities, introduce them to alumni.
• Share Fundraising Ideas: Many college programs may not be familiar with the resources available in the tennis industry, including grants from organizations like the USTA.
• Attend College Matches: Boost visibility and morale, and support local college teams by attending matches. This encourages fans and builds excitement around college tennis.
• Follow and Promote College Tennis: Engage with the sport through social media and websites. Supporting teams online will increase awareness.
• Donate Products: Donating products or offering discounts to college programs can ease financial challenges. • Host Fundraising Events: Organize fundraising events or tournaments to raise awareness and money.
• Make a Donation: If you’ve played college tennis, consider donating to your alma mater’s program. Anything can make a difference.

The ITA and USTA are committed to advocating for college tennis through every available channel. We will continue working to provide support and explore new opportunities for college programs. As tennis professionals, every action you take locally can have a significant impact.

Thank you for supporting college tennis. Future generations of players will be forever grateful.

After five years with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), David Mullins was promoted to CEO this past January. He played at Fresno State and went on to coach college tennis for 12 years at DePaul, Northwestern and Oklahoma. Beyond his coaching career, he has contributed to the tennis industry in various capacities, both in the U.S. and in his home country of Ireland, where he represented his nation in Davis Cup play.