Advice Coming Back.

[Bryce]

I would like some advice.
I took a couple years off to go overseas for some personal and missionary projects. I am now trying to come back play college tennis and then play some futures when ready. (I am already clear as far as NCAA rules.)

I was just looking for some advice of how to plan, where to start, and what to do to get back into it with a tight budget and no support. (Once I return to the US I will be in the ******* for the summer and then in SW Florida from that point.)

Any advice, ideas, or encouragement is greatly appreciated!

 

[Knox]

So you're at least 18, haven't played in at least 2 years, and you want to play college and futures? What was your level before the trip?

 

[ChaelAZ]

Hi Bryce,

A player I know did a Mormon mission before college and I met him just has he got back and was set to attend BYU. He hadn't played any tennis in the 2 years he was out, so his first order of business was daily hitting, conditioning, and getting in practice matches. If you already have a college lined up you'll be able to find teammates or have connection for hits and such. If you are still looking to be recruited, you nee to start canvasing colleges (recruitment letters and video). Maybe find a local pro who has experience there and get help.

As far as futures, remember that the ITF is restructuring over the next few years, so futures would be good test tournaments to see how you fair, but I would focus more on college and that expereince/benefit. But you know you better than one post can tell us.
http://www.itftennis.com/news/256730.aspx
http://www.itftennis.com/news/256730.aspx
http://www.itftennis.com/news/256730.aspx
All the best.

 

[Bryce]

So you're at least 18, haven't played in at least 2 years, and you want to play college and futures? What was your level before the trip?

I know it will be tough and seem a bit implausible to some but that's ok. I was around an 11 UTR give or take a bit. The other guys I was with went to D1 and D2 schools in Florida and a few others that went to other places and divisions. I'm not trying to really play futures now just men's opens and then go to college first.
If you have any kind of practical or other other advice it is appreciated!

 

[Bryce]

Hi Bryce,

A player I know did a Mormon mission before college and I met him just has he got back and was set to attend BYU. He hadn't played any tennis in the 2 years he was out, so his first order of business was daily hitting, conditioning, and getting in practice matches. If you already have a college lined up you'll be able to find teammates or have connection for hits and such. If you are still looking to be recruited, you nee to start canvasing colleges (recruitment letters and video). Maybe find a local pro who has experience there and get help.

As far as futures, remember that the ITF is restructuring over the next few years, so futures would be good test tournaments to see how you fair, but I would focus more on college and that expereince/benefit. But you know you better than one post can tell us.
http://www.itftennis.com/news/256730.aspx
All the best.

Thanks for the input! I know the ITF is restructuring but haven't yet heard all the details so that'll be interesting.
I have some areas, schools, and degrees in mind. I am playing on starting to send emails soon, in the process of getting back in shape, and to start playing tournaments, make a video, and start calling when I get back.
Nice to have a sounding board and someone that has seen others do similar things.
Thanks