To CoCo: Well done. You did it right. Most impressive to me was your emotional control.
2. The evolving tactics of the drop shot. Carlos used this several times—He showed preparation for a drop shot but at the last second hit a firm under spin elongated volley down the line. Effective!
Next move? How to defend against this new element? Best guess–To volley his shot crosscourt. You now have to caution against in too far, too quick. A fine line . He has upped the ante !
Charlie Owens convinced many of the virtues of the drop shot. Years ago! (See MAESTRO and MAESTRO REVISITED ). I listened with amusement yesterday as commentators at the French Open extolled these virtues as if the drop shot was new.
What is new is the level of skill that the players have developed, the frequency of use, and how to defend against it. Carlos and the Joker most noticably.
Drop shots, drop shot defense, swinging volleys–“adapt or perish”!
Homework? Someone will soon add a most killer TOPSPIN LOB “.
I repeat this observation of the recent tournament
“Wake Forest University won the 2025 NCAA Men’s Team Tennis Championship. They beat Texas Christian University 4-2. Both are elite private, protestant schools. In the title match both teams played only the same six team members in singles and doubles. There was one American that played for WFU. One for TCU.
The unitiated might think this 5:1 ratio favoring international starters is unusual or new. Sadly the truth is it is a typical formula among men and women, NCAA Divisions 1 and 11, NAIA , JUCOS. Often total rosters and six starters is just as common.”
Here is some more amateur research:
Sixty two teams qualified.
Ten players was the average squad size. About 600 squad members.
Men are allowed 4 and1/2 scholarships. About 270 grants.
Assuming sholarships are awarded to the players that actually play ( 6 or 7), rosters and box scores reveal that about 80 grants of the 270 go to Americans.
While there were exceptions ( Stanford started 5 Americans ), the “typical ” squad of 10 listed 7 international members. The average ratio of starters was 5:1 international.
Thirty three of the 60 teams had zero or only one American starter.
I’ll follow you down ’til the sound of my voice will haunt you
(SILVER SPRING ) by Fleetwood Mac.
Most college spring sports are over. Baseball never quits . Anything emerge with all the changes this year?
I played and coached college basketball and college tennis.
Here is an earlier quote that panned out:
It is pretty obvious some fundamental changes occurred in the 2025 FINAL FOUR college basketball tournament : No Cinderella, all four top seeds make it. Best bet is a large state University that can pay em, a seasoned and proven coach, some internationals to augment big, fast dudes. No need to recruit high school aspirants other than the rare Cooper. 18 years old—need not apply.
Wake Forest University won the 2025 NCAA Men’s Team Tennis Championship. They beat Texas Christian University 4-2. Both are elite private protestant schools. In the title match both teams played only the same six team members in singles and doubles. There was one American that played for WFU. One for TCU.
The unitiated might this 5:1 ratio favoring international starters might be unusual or new. Sadly the the truth is it is a typical formula among men and women, NCAA Divisions 1 and 11, NAIA , JUCOS. Often total rosters and six starters is just as common.
Congratulations to the Elon University Women’s Tennis team for winning the 2025 Colonial Athletics Association team title. Great coaching by Coach Elizabeth Anderson.
August 5th, 1999 From TENNIS WORLD by Beth German: “The NCAA is also to be blamed for not keeping tennis specific numbers. It is impossible to find out how many international players take roster spots, scholarships or Graduate from college.”
Thankfully the NCAA and the ITA have made data much more available. And the ITA video on the history of college tennis in America cites the long standing issue surrounding international players that continues . (See SEVEN MINUTES–below ).
As the spring tennis season ends with the upcoming National Championships, would this be a good time to “…let it all hang out” ?
HOW MANY INTERNATIONALS ON YOUR ROSTER? HOW MANY OF THOSE PLAY IN THE LINEUP AND AT WHICH POSITIONS (1-6 SINGLES. 1-3 DOUBLES?) CHECK THIS ON LINEUPS FOR “CRUCIAL” MATCHES.
The fact is American College sports will have more and more appeal and possibilities for all global sports.
“like a snowball rolling down the side of a snow covered hill—it’s growing!” (The Temptations )
“Wait till next year !” (The Brooklyn Dodgers lament ).
Okay, but how to plan, pay , personnel ?
It is pretty obvious some fundamental changes occurred in the 2025 FINAL FOUR college basketball tournament : No Cinderella, all four top seeds make it. Best bet is a large state University that can pay em, a seasoned and proven coach, some internationals to augment big, fast dudes. No need to recruit high school aspirants other than the rare Cooper. 18 years old—need not apply. Guards must be able to palm the ball. Players understand the coach is willing to give up my life for the school.
Athletic Directors must realize “HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL” rule will cause all kinds of ill will and bad behavior, for appoval or to sort out. And quickly a youngster with a hand full of cash will find mischief. “”They gonna wreck some of them cars.”
Plenty of questions. Here are a few for the School Presidents, Boards of Trustees, State Legislatures.
Do we give up academic freedom for federal money ? Sure ? Your soul could cost a billion bucks at some major institutions. Vote is due for all—soon.
Big time requests for a General Manager to pay the players–salary a million plus. And payroll for players (no salary cap ) and no telling how much.
A basketball budget that matches the cost of a needed new library? How big is my donor base? Do we
even consider faculty salaries? The faculty will.
Gamblers salivate. Parents pay. Community Colleges grow.
When we graduated from college my roommate and I were the last to vacate the dorm. He then rode off. Alone–I gazed over the campus and wondered, “…What do I do now?” I am always reminded of that sinking feeling , when watching the faces of NCAA basketball players the moment their team is through.
Proper warm-up can help get rid of the “jitters.” For many they go away once you exercise. • There is a psychological “proper level of arousal” for athletes. Not too “torqued up” but you do need your game face. Different strokes for different folks. • Psychologically tough people make the best college tennis players. • What pressure does to the “one-piston” player is amazing. I saw a lot of number one seeds lose in the national tournament due to early round “nerves.” • If you “hang in there,” it is truly amazing what can happen. Some call it “momentum” but “pressure” is a more influencing variable. Tennis is truly unique in that “one point can turn the match around.” This is a “core” belief.
Please summarize the key concepts of international tennis recruiting from Tom Parham
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Tom Parham, a renowned tennis coach and author, has shared insights into international tennis recruiting, particularly in the context of college tennis in the United States. Here are some key concepts from his perspective:
Global Talent Pool: Parham emphasizes that college tennis recruiting has become increasingly global. Coaches now scout talent from all over the world, not just domestically, recognizing that many international players bring high levels of skill and experience.
Cultural Adaptation: Recruiting international players requires understanding their cultural backgrounds and helping them adapt to life in the U.S. This includes not only on-court performance but also academic expectations and social integration.
Academic and Athletic Balance: Parham stresses the importance of balancing academics with athletics. International recruits must meet academic standards while also contributing to the team, which can be challenging given the differences in educational systems.
Communication and Expectations: Clear communication about expectations, both athletically and academically, is crucial. Coaches need to ensure that international recruits understand the commitment required and that they can handle the dual responsibilities.
Visa and Eligibility Requirements: Navigating the visa process and NCAA eligibility requirements can be complex for international recruits. Parham notes that coaches must be well-versed in these areas to avoid potential pitfalls.
Scholarship Management: International recruiting often involves managing scholarship budgets effectively. Coaches must decide how to allocate scholarships between domestic and international players, ensuring a competitive team while staying within budget constraints.
Long-term Development: Parham advocates for a focus on the long-term development of international players, not just immediate performance. This includes mentoring them through their college careers and preparing them for life beyond tennis.
These concepts highlight the complexities and strategies involved in successfully recruiting and integrating international tennis players into U.S. college teams.
You said:
what are the negatives of so many international athletes in American colleges?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Having a large number of international athletes in American colleges brings both benefits and challenges. Here are some potential negatives:
1. Resource Allocation
Financial Strain: Scholarships and resources dedicated to international athletes can limit the availability of funds for domestic students.
Recruitment Focus: A strong focus on recruiting internationally might divert attention from developing local talent, leading to fewer opportunities for American athletes.
2. Cultural and Social Integration
Cultural Barriers: International athletes may face difficulties integrating into the broader student body due to language and cultural differences, which can affect their academic and social experiences.
Isolation: There is a risk of international athletes forming insular groups, which can limit their engagement with the broader college community.
3. Academic Concerns
Academic Preparedness: The varying educational backgrounds of international athletes may create challenges in adapting to the academic rigor of American institutions.
Language Barriers: Non-native English speakers may struggle with coursework and communication, potentially impacting their academic performance.
4. Perceived Inequality
Unfair Advantages: There can be perceptions that international athletes receive preferential treatment, such as leniency in admissions or academic expectations, which might foster resentment among domestic students.
Competitive Imbalance: The influx of international talent can create a competitive imbalance, making it harder for local athletes to secure spots on teams.
5. Compliance and Eligibility Issues
NCAA Regulations: Navigating NCAA rules and regulations regarding international athletes can be complex, leading to potential eligibility issues or compliance risks for colleges.
Visa and Immigration Challenges: Ensuring that international athletes have the correct visas and maintain their status can be administratively burdensome and risky.
6. Impact on College Identity
Erosion of Local Identity: A heavy presence of international athletes might dilute the local or regional identity of a college’s athletic program, potentially alienating local fans and alumni.
Shift in Athletic Focus: Colleges might prioritize sports that attract international talent, which could lead to less support for traditional American sports.
These challenges require careful management to ensure that the presence of international athletes enriches rather than disrupts the college environment.
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association ( ITA ) has just released a video on the history of American college tennis. It can be seen on YouTube. Seven minutes of the production deal with the complex issue of International players ( beginning at minute 53 to minute 60 ). David Benjamin gives an accurate and fair summary of this conundrum.
Personally I am grateful for the concern I have expressed starting in 1972 is history.
I have concluded that some amount of tennis scholarship money should go first to Americans. How much ? 50% ? As the film suggests–”…that is the question”!
In 1982, having been voted down by the NAIA , I exited the meeting only to hear the NAIA CEO (Dr. Charles Morris ) whisper to me “….you are right, don’t quit “!
Once I questioned my own persistence to a respected professional. His adamant response was “… worth the effort? You’re damn right it is worth it. It’ s our children. Child advocacy !”
The one point I take issue with is the suggestion only parents were concerned and disappointed. Young Americans are eliminated . 300 schools have dropped men’s teams for reasons Coach Benjamin cites. Many Coaches throughout the nation had nice local programs rendered unacceptable. Fans and students say who cares?
Still American Parents and citizens write the checks.
To have Parents and youngsters dismissed to go hunting for a fifth option for their higher education is not acceptable .
As mentioned the video can be accessed on YouTube. Or you can show it from the ITA website below:
I viewed with pride and appreciation the new video. Everyone in College tennis in general, and small divisions in particular, owes gratitude to David Benjamin.
The NAIA, Division II, and JUCOS were where the influx of international tennis players began. From 1970 to 1980 was our boom.
Early on many of us wondered if this was the best thing for our schools and students and their families. Many of us still do.
We lost the argument even though a majority of ITCA coaches supported limitations. Fear of a lawsuit frightened some. The diversity issue merited influence.
I do take issue with the video on several points.
The suggestion that there are many opportunities for American youngsters at high quality Universities and colleges ( with a sizable scholarship) is flawed. Division I schools number in the hundreds before most of those have Americans with large grants for tennis. Division II is almost totally international among its elite institutions. Ditto for JUCOS. Women too. Don’t mention DIII with no grants, just price tags that create family debt for even wealthy families and students. The ITA website now makes data available that refutes earlier USTA numbers.
Paying the players will attract more and better internationals. They will bump more good American kids and lesser internationals. Will the same happen with basketball with losers being mostly Black kids? Really all “Global Sports” ( Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Track. Etc.)?
Don’t we have a right to take care of our own?
Links below are lengthy articles I wrote on scholarships, portal and payments, Artificial Intelligence and college tennis , colleges to pros.
Please relay my sincere regards to David Benjamin. Tom Parham.
