Ask the Experts
Coaches Face Challenge of the College Pitch at US Open
Clair Maciel, 22 September 2014
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School is already in session and the fall tennis season is well underway, but a number of college coaches were missing the first few days of team practice in order to scout the next crop of future players at one of the world's premier tennis events - the US Open junior tournament.
Much like at any other junior national event, these coaches roamed the courts in pursuit of their next potential team recruit, whether it's a player they've scouted previously or a new prospect they've never before seen play. And just as the players produce their best tennis at the Open, the coaches also put forth their best effort representing their school in hopes of attracting the next big college star to their campus.
But at a tournament of this level, the challenge of recruiting future players is perhaps a tougher task than what they typically experience.
"There are a significant amount of kids already thinking of professional tennis when they come play at the US Open juniors," explains Wake Forest assistant men's tennis coach Jeremy Feldman. "You're surrounded by the pro event right next to you, and it's on the mind of probably every single kid here at this tournament."
And that's where the challenge of the college pitch comes into play. Dressed head to toe in full collegiate gear, recruiters do their best to talk to the players' coaches, trying to get a feel for what they want to do and how realistic a four-year college program might be.
While many junior players at the US Open are still on the fence of whether or not to choose the college route, University of California - Berkeley head women's tennis coach Amanda Augustus understands that in the end, it comes down to which path the player believes is best suited to helping them reach their individual expectations and goals.
"I think the value of being able to play tennis at a high level and get your education is a really great option. But it's a personal choice and it depends on their situation," she said. "You just take it one player at a time and learn as much about them as you can because you want it to be a good fit both ways. I want someone who's going to appreciate that value of getting their education and still improving and playing at a very high level of tennis. But if someone wants to turn pro and that's what they think is best for them, then I wish them the best and hopefully they're playing here in Arthur Ashe Stadium as soon as possible."
