From Court to Career: 4 Traits That Set College Tennis Athletes Apart

I’ve played tennis for 29 years and coached for 22—it’s not just my career, it’s my life and my passion. I competed as a junior at the State, Southern, and National levels, earned a full scholarship to play collegiate tennis, and later tested my skills on the ITF/USTA Pro Circuit.

As a coach, I’ve guided countless players to NCAA college scholarships and spent four years coaching both Men’s and Women’s College Tennis, leading teams to three National Championship Tournament appearances, including two finishes in the Final 16.

I'm very familiar with the world of tennis—from junior circuits to the collegiate and professional levels.

Through all these experiences, I can confidently say that college tennis athletes (while not all, of course—people are still people) are often exceptional candidates when it comes to future employment. Their discipline, resilience, time management, and team-first mentality make them stand out in any workplace setting.

Here are four key traits that make college tennis athletes stand out in today’s competitive workplace:

1. Discipline

Years of structured training—while balancing academics and athletics—cultivate a deep, internal work ethic that every tennis player can relate to.

Early morning workouts before class aren’t for everyone, but the drive to succeed, both in the classroom and on the court, develops a level of discipline that sets true athletes apart. This discipline stems not only from personal commitment but also from a sense of responsibility to teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported their journey to collegiate tennis. Every path to college tennis is unique, yet discipline is the common thread that unites all players and is continually honed through their experience in the sport.

From my years coaching college tennis, I’ve seen firsthand that athletes are rarely at their absolute best every single day. There will be late-night study sessions, tight deadlines, and the fatigue that comes with a demanding schedule. True discipline isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up and giving 100% of whatever you have that day, even if it’s only 80% of your usual energy. Success, in these moments, comes from presence, consistent effort, and making the most of every day. That’s the foundation of real athletic discipline.

2. Time Management

Let’s be honest, finding balance is a challenge for everyone, regardless of age or experience. For college tennis athletes, one of the most valuable lessons is learning, continually refining, and managing the constant demands that come with the collegiate athlete lifestyle. This ability to balance rigorous academics, intense athletic commitments, and personal well-being doesn’t develop overnight; it’s a process that requires ongoing adaptation, discipline, and self-awareness throughout every season.

The ability to juggle academics, athletics, and personal well-being is not something that happens overnight. It’s an ongoing process that requires adaptation and flexibility, especially as the demands shift throughout the season. Pre-season training, mid-season matches, post-season tournaments, and final exams each bring their own unique pressures and priorities.

It’s in these pivotal moments—when schedules are packed and the stakes are high—that athletes start to prioritize what’s truly urgent and what can wait. This is where genuine time management is forged: not in perfect conditions, but in the real world of overlapping deadlines and high expectations.

I’ve experienced it myself. There were countless weeks during my college tennis career when a major exam was scheduled for Friday, with multiple matches earlier in the week. Studying in hotel rooms, catching up on reading late at night, and squeezing in preparation between practices became routine. While it was never easy, those challenges taught me to handle pressure, prepare with purpose, and remain dedicated. These moments, managed with resilience and focus, develop a time management discipline that serves athletes far beyond their years on the court.

3. Resilience with Pressure

Throughout their journey, athletes will inevitably face pressure situations both on and off the court. Responding with poise and control is never easy—setbacks, disappointments, and moments of failure are all part of the process. Navigating these moments looks different for every athlete, but the ability to handle them is something that develops and strengthens over time.

These challenges are not endpoints; rather, they are valuable lessons. Each one providing an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve for the future. For college tennis players, the demands can be especially intense. It’s not uncommon to face a major exam, an upcoming project deadline, and a crucial on-court moment all in the same day. Learning to manage these pressures, adapt in the moment, and maintain composure is a critical skill, both in tennis and in life.

Over time, tennis players grow accustomed to these situations. They begin to develop their own strategies for responding—making decisions with greater confidence and clarity. This growth comes from experience, reflection, and maturity. I’ve spoken with many of my students in their final year as college athletes, and later as young professionals. The difference in their perspective and poise is striking compared to when they first joined the team. It’s through years of navigating pressure, setbacks, and triumphs that they’ve become ready to face whatever comes next.

Tennis teaches much more than just strokes and strategies. It shapes character, resilience, and readiness for life’s challenges on and off the court. And that, above all, is the true measure of success.

4. Lead & Team Oriented Mindset

Tennis is often considered an individual sport. Results-driven and deeply self-reliant. However, college tennis turns that perception on its head. While individual performance still determines the outcome of each match, the journey in college tennis becomes fundamentally team-oriented.

In junior tennis, the focus is on personal rankings, scholarships, and recruitment. But as soon as you join a college team, the priorities shift. Success is now defined by collaboration, open communication, and collective effort among teammates and coaches. There’s no space for ego; unity and mutual support become essential. This team environment is where true leadership is cultivated. Captains and co-captains develop their leadership by listening, connecting, and inspiring those around them. Yet, leadership isn’t limited to a title. When set by example, any team member can step up and lead.

Whether it’s a deciding match against a rival or a conference title on the line, every player has an opportunity to step up and demonstrate their leadership qualities. It’s in these moments that the true culture of the team comes alive. These are opportunities to harness team camaraderie and embrace the challenge. It's these moments that test not just the skills, but the spirit and resilience.

Regardless of the outcome, these experiences become lasting memories and stories that shape the character of every athlete. Most importantly, they teach the invaluable lesson of balancing personal ambition with the legacy of the team—a lesson that carries far beyond the boundaries of the court.

Conclusion

College tennis develops athletes in ways that extend well beyond the court. Through rigorous discipline, effective time management, resilience under pressure, and a strong sense of teamwork, players build habits and mindsets that last a lifetime. This combination of skills and experiences not only makes college tennis athletes formidable competitors, but also prepares them to excel in any professional environment. The lessons learned and qualities developed through college tennis truly set these individuals apart—both as athletes and as future leaders.