The Greek Philosopher, commenting on life, concluded “…this shit ain’t easy. “
ME AND AI
You said:
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 intrenational 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.
Hot Off the Press
Seven Minutes
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:
https://wearecollegetennis.com/
I have included a letter to the ITA on this issue and others related
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTkVeUfiQ5Ny7QMlYPZH4kBPvqvIMzMO8YpkxDxD1_s/edit?tab=t.0
MORE !!
The History Of College Tennis and the ITA
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.
INTERNATIONALS PLAYING COLLEGE BASKETBALL IN AMERICA
INTERNATIONALS PLAYING COLLEGE BASKETBALL IN AMERICA
1998
Mr. Rudy Washington, Editor-in-Chief The BCA Journal
P. O. Box 4040
Culver City, CA 90231-4040
Dear M.r Washington:
I’ve coached college tennis for 30-plus years and I have been dismayed by the preponderance of international players who have usurped many tennis scholarships from American youngsters.
There seems to be a trend toward this in basketball. Has the BCA addressed the danger to American student athletes this poses, in particular college basketball. Should there be a limit to this?
If your Journal has addressed this issue, please let me know. It seems basketball is a game that this should concern.
ETP:1h
Sincerely,
Tom Parham
Men’s Tennis Coach
****************************
2025– AI REPORT
Estimate of Non-American Starters in 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball
International Player Representation in 2023-24
The 2023-24 season saw a record influx of international (non-U.S.) players in Division I men’s basketball. According to FIBA’s analysis of NCAA data, 826 male international players competed in Division I during 2023-24 (2024 Migration Report highlights ongoing surge in International Transfers | About FIBA). This marked a 5.8% increase from the previous season and a substantial jump from a few years prior (for context, there were about 663 international players in 2018-19 (The Global Game: An Overview of European Players in College Basketball – BasketballNcaa)). The presence of foreign talent is widespread across schools: most Division I programs (78.5%) had at least one foreign-born scholarship player on their roster as of 2018, and nearly 30% of teams had three or more international players that year (The Global Game: An Overview of European Players in College Basketball – BasketballNcaa). With the continued growth in international recruits (Canada and Europe being top sources), it’s likely that an even higher percentage of teams carry multiple non-American players today.
International Players in Starting Lineups
Not all 826 international athletes are starters, but many play significant roles. By 2024, the majority of Division I teams have at least one international player, and in many cases that player is a starter or key rotation member. It’s common for teams to start one foreign player, and some programs even feature two international players in their starting five (given that roughly 30% of teams had 3+ internationals on roster in 2018 (The Global Game: An Overview of European Players in College Basketball – BasketballNcaa), those teams often start more than one). This trend has only grown as coaches actively recruit overseas talent for impact roles.
Estimating the Number of Non-American Starters
With approximately 350–360 Division I teams (each with five starting spots, ~1,750+ total starters), we can estimate how many of those starters are non-American. If we assume around 70–80% of teams start at least one international player, that alone would account for roughly 250–280 foreign starters (0.7–0.8 × ~350). In addition, a number of teams likely start two international players, which could add a few dozen more to the count. Considering these factors, a reasonable estimate is that around 300 (give or take) of the starting players in Division I men’s basketball for the 2024 season were non-Americans. In percentage terms, this is on the order of 15–20% of all starters. This figure aligns with the proportion of international players in the sport (roughly 16% of D1 men’s players in recent years) and reflects the significant global influence on college basketball.
Conclusion: Exact figures for “starters” aren’t officially tracked by nationality, but based on the latest available data and team trends, roughly 250 to 300 Division I starting spots were filled by non-American players in 2024. In other words, around three hundred international players were regular starters in men’s D1 college basketball for the 2023-24 season, highlighting the growing impact of foreign players at the collegiate level (2024 Migration Report highlights ongoing surge in International Transfers | About FIBA) (The Global Game: An Overview of European Players in College Basketball – BasketballNcaa).
Sources: Official FIBA/NCAA reports and analyses of player demographics have been used to inform these estimates (2024 Migration Report highlights ongoing surge in International Transfers | About FIBA) (The Global Game: An Overview of European Players in College Basketball – BasketballNcaa). The increase to 826 international players in 2023-24 and the high percentage of teams featuring foreign talent form the basis for approximating how many of those athletes occupy starting roles. The estimate is well-founded given the data trends, even if an exact count of starters by nationality is not published.
LO AND BEHOLD
Until now the blog offered 500 plus articles , access to my books, and updates and new edits.
Recently I posted MILESTONES. It features new articles since 2015. UNCLE BUNKY features an INDEX of MILESTONES. A major segment within MILESTONES, entitled THE REST of the STORY, concentrates on College athletics changes ( i.e. Portals and amateurism etc ) in general — and college tennis in particular. And, how technology changes the game.
ALSO : In cooperation with Barton College THE BARTON PROJECT is now available through the college website and Facebook/Barton College. This is a personal recounting of the college, the town of Wilson, NC. and eastern North Carolina from 1960-1985.
UNCLE BUNKY
“There must be some way out of here”
said the Joker to the Thief.
**************************
The Index :
MILESTONES is almost done. It is not a real book, but a Directory. Of my “hobby writing ” (all free ).
The Blog (www.tom parham.wordpress .com. )
The Books ( 7 ) on PDF.
CATEGORIES ( Some of the best blogs on various topics )
575 Blog Articles
SHOT DOCTORS -FOR HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS. ( Brochure enclosed )
RESOURCES FOR NCHSTCA ( NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS COACHES ASSOCIATION )
MILESTONES
- 20 new instruction articles added since THE LITTLE GREEN BOOK of TENNIS –3RD EDITION REVISIONS.
- 10 classic tennis blogs with most “visits”.
THE REST OF THE STORY
- AI version of THE REST OF THE STORY with Dan Parham
- The NCAA Letter. And The Response.
- NCAA Numbers?
- ITA Website- Rankings
- The Missing Chart
- INTERNATIONALS–COMMENTS by Bobby Bayliss, Jim Haslam, Pud Hassell, Dan Parham.
“It’s hard to leave the party when you can’t find the door.” (UNCLE BUNKY )
Reviews (PIWLI)
Milan Kofol
“THE HISTORY OF COLLEGE TENNIS”
“I am coming around somewhat to your point of view. What was/is the benefit of bringing in foreign players? Why would state colleges pay for foreign players? I note that a lot of the foreign players now are of mediocre quality. When I came to PC, I was a professional as the state gave free tennis lessons, equipment, travel, etc. It all got perverted, I believe.”
Gerry Ritter
“WHERE TEARDROPS FALL”
“Wonderful story. Should remind all of us that kindness matters. Good radiates like ripples in a pond. Proud of you, Sis.”
Tony Barriteau
“LUCKY (44)”
“Great writings, Coach Parham. You will always have a place in my heart because of your teachings and incredible wisdom.”
Randy Bailey
“STAR WARS (72)”
“Michener is my all-time favorite. I have traveled the world and time in his books. We have learned a lot about time and space since 1982. I’m not sure anyone can tell us currently if the odds are crazy high or low. Anytime I think I have something figured out, I look up at the sky. I know nothing. Keep at it, Tom!”
David Linebarger
“SOME OLD, SOME NEW, SOME BORROWED…. (81)”
“I’ve been watching the comeback of the drop shot as well. It’s becoming such an important shot now, especially against those (and there are many) who struggle with the vertical game.”
Ethomasparham
“MY DANNY TALBOTT STORY”
“Danny wasn’t a person, he was a time. Our time.”
Ethomasparham
“FOREIGN TRADE OR FOREIGN AID”
“Happy New Year to my buddies. Christian—you represent internationals who stay here and see it from both sides. I have tried to do that too, and God knows I have benefitted from international players. But you now see it as a parent, affecting your kids. Never have I said no to internationals who are eligible, good people. I passionately believe scholarships should be awarded with our kids in mind. Love to you and yours. Coach.”
Vee Bundy
“SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS”
“It is impossible to eat a Klondike without getting a ‘flake or two’ on either your stomach (if eating bare-chested) or your shirt!”
Ethomasparham
“PICKLEBALL 2”
“Pickleball is exploding at our club; we are giving weekly clinics. Hope all is well, Coach. We are having family pickleball events where kids and adults are having a much easier time rallying. I do think it would be very popular in schools and see no negative impact on tennis. It may even increase interest in trying tennis after the fun and success in pickleball. Thanks.”
Alan White
“PICKLEBALL 2”
“Good article—good for posting even if it irritates some of your tennis buds!!”
Ethomasparham
“DAY DREAM BELIEVER”
“Tom, great thoughts. It is long overdue for American college tennis to develop American kids. Once upon a time, American tennis was dominant on the world scene, and I feel there was a direct relationship with the college experience.”
— Doug Verdieck
Lane Evans
“HELPING”
*”As a veteran tennis teaching professional for the better part of 40 years, it is refreshing to know that Coach Parham still has the enthusiasm and will to see this project of educating high school tennis coaches in an effort to make them better students and educators of the game.
I helped put The Little Green Book of Tennis in the hands of coaches in Henderson and Gaston Counties. I hope it helped. I think it did. But we cannot stop there. As Coach Parham has detailed, there is still work to do. These coaches need education on how to better teach and understand the inner workings of our game, both physically and mentally.
I, too, will help with this. Through the help of USTA NC, we have established a small budget of funds that will be used in 2017 for this purpose—to educate high school coaches. The goal is to have at least two workshops or at least one big one.
I plan to speak. I hope other tennis teaching professionals will engage as well. This is important. We won’t be able to solve the issues of the high school tennis world, but we can do this or do nothing. I chose the first one. I believe we can make a difference. We can educate these coaches and make them better.
The real winners are the kids. They get better. They will know that there are coaches and tennis professionals that care about them and their success. We can do this. Look for details in the early part of 2017 for our plan of attack.
Thank you for your support of this terrific project.”*
— Lane Evans, USPTA Elite Professional, Incoming 2017 USPTA Southern Division President
John Danise
“HELPING HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS COACHES”
“I would like to have you as our featured guest on one of our Thursday broadcasts.”
Kenny Rand
“MAESTRO”
*”Charlie Owens was playing Danny Birchmore in the finals of the Southern Open on center court in Birmingham.
Charlie hits a drop shot, and Birchmore drops him back. Charlie runs it down and continues to net. Birchmore hits a deep lob, and Charlie hustles back.
The center court phone rings. Charlie answers and says, ‘One minute, please,’ as he hits a lob over Birchmore. Birchmore hits a lob back, and Owens puts it AWAY—then goes over and talks to the person who called in.”*
Alan White
“HOW DID I DO?”
“Some good stuff—keep writing. You will help a lot of people that you will never hear about! You are still the ‘teacher’!!!”
Bob Thelen
“ABOUT THE AUTHOR”
*”I didn’t know Tom Parham but did know Jim Verdieck, one of the tennis coaches Mr. Parham wrote about in his book. (I googled Coach Verdieck’s name and found this page.)
Coach Verdieck was the U. of Redlands tennis coach during the years I attended Redlands (1963-68). I played freshman, JV, and varsity tennis while there.
I learned an incredible wealth of tennis playing and coaching knowledge from Coach. He gave me the instructional tools I needed to teach tennis both in private and clinical settings. I also was fortunate to be able to know his sons, daughter, and wife while at Redlands.
I didn’t know until reading the excerpt from Mr. Parham’s book that Coach Verdieck was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. But I am not surprised—he was truly one of the greats in the world of collegiate tennis!”*
Anonymous
“THE MAYOR”
*”During one of our ‘Friends of Tom Parham’ weekend getaways, we were standing in line checking out at the T&W when The Mayor heard me talking about how excited I was to be there.
So he gave me a Viagra.
A story I find amusing on several levels (grin).”*
— Cj (PS: I always regretted giving him that pill back.)
Allen Searson
“THE MAYOR”
*”I remember when, at your NC HOF induction, the Mayor and I were sitting together as the procession was about to begin. We had been there about 30 minutes, and Ralph had already polished off his fancy dessert.
He looked at me and said, ‘Are they about to accept their awards yet?’
His back was facing the podium, and he was unable to see what was going on. I said, ‘I’m afraid not, Mayor. They are going to introduce every living member of the HOF who is present, and it appears to be about a hundred or so. Looks like we are going to be here a while.’
‘Oh Lord,’ he sighed.
I gently slid my chocolate cake adorned with all the finery over to him. ‘See if this’ll help, Mayor.’
‘Bless you,’ he replied.
They don’t make ’em like that anymore.”*
Tony Barriteau
“Coach, thank you for being a father figure to me. Your wisdom, teaching, and statesmanship are superb.”
Roland (Thumper) Thornqvist
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”Coach, reading this book is like playing for you all over again.
More important than all your trophies and awards is what you taught all of us who played for you. This book shows the man behind the awards and why you were so influential in our lives.
It illustrates why I thrived at Elon and gave me the confidence to succeed in America!
We love you, Coach!”*
Grayson Whitt
“EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 1”
*”Enjoyable, funny, and a very entertaining book.
I had a hard time putting the book down. Coach Parham, you served an ‘ace’ with this one.
Good job, Roger Dodger.”*
L.G. Hall, PhD (Psychologist & Author)
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
“Tom Parham’s book Play Is Where Life Is provides us with a fascinating insight into the life and times of one of our country’s most successful collegiate coaches.”
Dan Magill
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”Thanks a million for your great book Play Is Where Life Is.
I got many, many laughs. The book is very interesting. I enjoyed references to many people and towns I knew.
Thanks again for your wonderful book—a treasure indeed.”*
— Dan Magill, former UGA Tennis Coach
Dr. Tom and Margaret Rand
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”Thank you again for the wonderful work you did with our children.
We will always be grateful.”*
Jim Toney (Economics Professor, Ret., Elon University)
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”I enjoyed the book very much.
I am happy to say Tom Parham is my great friend.
Sincerely, Jim.”*
Bill Ozaki (Director of Programs and Player Development, STA)
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”I am using the book towards improving our college tennis situation.
Congratulations.”*
— Bill
Leo Lambert (President, Elon University)
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”I have it proudly displayed in my office with my Elon faculty book display.
You are the most scholarly coach Elon ever had.”*
Frank and Pamela Haith
“ABOUT THE AUTHOR”
*”Coach Parham, we are so excited about your book and can’t wait to get a copy so that we can continue to grow from the wisdom in which we benefited while attending Elon College.
The many nuggets that you sowed into our lives as a professor, mentor, and supervisor had a tremendous impact on our lives both personally and professionally.
Best wishes to you and Mrs. Parham. Thanks for everything that you did for Pam and me, and God bless.”*
Bill Steed
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”This book is a must-read for anyone who grew up in the 40s and 50s, as it will bring back all sorts of memories about the way boys were ‘raised up’ in the days before car safety seats, bicycle helmets, and fears about guns, talking to strangers, and pedophiles.
But even if you didn’t grow up in that era, you will still come to know all sorts of characters, as Tom brings them to life—and there ARE some characters.
The book is not so much about tennis and coaching as it is about life.
Highly recommended.”*
Kate Hickey
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
“A fascinating slice of Elon University history—we are so pleased to have Tom’s book in our archives collection!”
Joan Adams Jones
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”Having grown up practically on the Barton College campus, I observed bits and pieces of this as it happened.
It was great to read and reminisce about Dr. Hamlin, Mr. Cloyd, Sam Modlin, and other characters in this book.
There were a few tears shed and a lot of laughs. A LOT!!
Tom and Margaret Parham have been such a positive influence in the lives of many people, and I am so grateful to be one of them.
Congratulations on a hugely entertaining book, Tom!
I’m going back for seconds now.
Roll on, Big River!”*
Johnnie Dennis
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”Do yourself a favor—you deserve it.
Put this book on your ‘Must Read’ list.
I’ve been enjoying Tom’s storytelling since the late 60s and have encouraged him to ‘write this stuff down’ since hearing the first one.
Well—he finally got around to it.
I just finished my first reading and enjoyed each and every story (some several times).
There’s no beating around the bush here.
Tom develops vivid characters in one paragraph or less, then puts them in a scene even more vivid in the next sentence.”*
John Eatman
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”I really enjoyed the stories.
I found myself laughing out loud in several places.
It brings back lots of memories and memorable characters.
Unfortunately, I am too old for the tennis advice, but it is an excellent source for tennis parents and budding players.”*
Wachara & Chin (Thailand)
“ABOUT THE AUTHOR”
*”Congratulations, Coach, for your another masterpiece!!
Love & miss from Bangkok, Thailand.”*
Jim French
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”I had not seen Tom in 35 years and just read the book.
I read 100+ books a year, and this is the best humor I have read in the last three years.
Someone that is a marketer should get the word out.”*
Russell Rawlings
“3RD EDITION BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE”
*”Coach always could tell a story!
Reading this reminds me of the year our tennis team drove to nationals in Kansas City instead of taking the plane.
We wanted to show the players, especially those from overseas, a portrait of America.
However, they slept most of the way and listened to their headsets when awake.
I drove, and Coach Parham told story after story from his youth and his AC experiences.
It was then and there that I really grew to appreciate his talents as a storyteller—an appreciation that grows exponentially with the publication of this book.
I cannot imagine that the first run will last very long!
The book is a fabulous recollection of an equally incredible life—a life through which the lives of others have been enriched and enhanced.
Many will read to see if they’re in there; others will read to make sure they’re not!
A fascinating tale of Americana, marinated in the Southern experience and basted in the barbecue sauces of Eastern North Carolina!”*
MEMORY LANE
My first book , PLAY IS WHERE LIFE IS (2007 ) , is like all of them –on the blog http://www.tomparham.wordpress.com. All free.
The link below consists of comments about that book.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-ytMES75uCozvqCQboARk1bo3NRDY9sfBWxPmy61wvU/edit?tab=t.0
TIPPING POINT
TIPPING POINT
“SPOT ON’
I posted this earlier and can’t recall the source
“… if you don’t start out with a trust fund, you’re stuck, especially for a sport like tennis that requires years of youth investment. This is a major, fatal disadvantage for American tennis. In Europe, South America and lately in Asia, kids from all social classes have a shot at a tennis career. If they show sufficient talent and motivation, there are numerous community organizations, government programs and general social assistance systems to help build up their careers, in part because these other societies strongly support investment in their youth. ”
Malcolm Gladwell’s follow up book, REVENGE OF THE TIPPING POINT, comments on the expense issue. The list of needs for wannabe great tennis players looks to be about 100-150 k annually. Six year cost ? 600 -900 thousand . Anyone wishing to follow junior tennis into pro tennis will probably have to go the Challenger route at 100k for expenses and 100k for a coach. Average time to develop needed tools about 3 years ( or 600k) to “make it”. ???
North Carolina has 4 men in its total tennis history who made enough to cover the tab and break even.
One spinoff will surely affect the only other way to recoup some of the investment: College Tennis scholarships. Tennis scholarships, already usurped in large part by internationals, are about to become even more rare for Americans. Two main reasons are 1. Sizable amounts of cash are now legal. Enough that the college route will attract more talented internationals. These people now know the harshness, expense, and probabilities of the Challengers tour. 2. A seismic shift is aided by the attractive improvements in College tennis such as the new money, competition levels that can aid development, no expenses, great coaches, facilities, teammates. What the hell, I may even go to class.
The new ITA’S new video on the history of American college tennis is enlightening. Seven minutes of the video address the international issue
(minutes 50-57 ). 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 .
With the door shut to scholarships, the expense of tennis player development becomes more and more a questionable sport to pursue.
Along with many American aspirants another group is about to be bumped : Marginal Internationals.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
ITA HISTORY VIDEO (link below ):
FROM THE ITA
FROM STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Stanford senior Filip Kolasinski can envision the different paths his tennis career might have taken simply by looking at the group of players he trained with back home in Poland
Some now work or attend university in Europe, playing tennis only in their free time; others took coaching jobs. It’s a far cry from four years ago, when their schedules necessitated online high school, practicing four to five hours a day and traveling 25 to 30 weeks per year for tournaments and training. Several within this group of Polish junior players decided to turn pro, Kolasinski said, but it has been challenging for them.
Four years into their professional careers, some are still barely able to break even financially, Kolasinski explained, in spite of achieving decent on-court results. “I think the important thing is that you have to be really, really good in tennis to make significant money,” he said. “Because the costs of basically training and traveling are so high.”
Kolasinski, a Warsaw native once ranked among the top 100 juniors in the world, ultimately took a different route: NCAA Division I tennis. He is one of an increasing number of international players who are choosing to postpone or forgo professional careers in favor of additional years of competition and education at American universities.
And while collegiate tennis in the United States has long been an option for non-domestic players, athletes and coaches say that the financial incentives, professional opportunities and motivations for prospective international student-athletes have only grown in recent years.
According to an NCAA Research report published in December 2022, 61% of male and 66% of female Division I tennis players are international students, up from approximately 38% and 50% reported in 2006-2007. Many attribute this large increase to high-profile professional players who successfully transitioned from collegiate tennis to pro careers. Currently, 15 men in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) top 100 are former college players, and six of those are in the top 50.
Recent talent to emerge from the collegiate sphere includes the American phenom, Ben Shelton, who won the 2022 NCAA singles and team titles for the University of Florida and reached a major quarterfinal less than a year after turning pro; American Danielle Collins, a two-time NCAA singles champion at the University of Virginia and now Australian Open finalist; the top-ranked British male, Cameron Norrie, who held the No. 1 national collegiate ranking in singles while at Texas Christian University; and Diana Shnaider from Russia, who spent this past season alternating between dual matches for North Carolina State and various pro events, scoring her first two major match wins in 2023.
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“The success of some of the collegiate players on tour has increased the viability for international student-athletes to consider college as a pathway to professional tennis,” said Stanford men’s tennis head coach Paul Goldstein.
Students can also benefit financially from playing pro events while at school, though only to a certain extent. NCAA eligibility rules state that Division I tennis players may collect up to $10,000 in prize money from professional tournaments each calendar year. Any additional money accepted after reaching that limit may not exceed the athlete’s expenses for participating in an event.
The ATP announced an additional incentive last January, unveiling a partnership with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). The top 20 players in the June ITA rankings and any other player who reaches the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament singles draw will now be awarded wildcards into Challenger 50 and 75 events, entry-level tournaments designed to provide upward mobility to lower-ranked players. Those ranked in the top 10 will be entered into a tournament’s main draw, while Nos. 11-20 will gain still sought-after places in qualifying brackets. These opportunities, the ATP said in a statement, are intended to help the next generation of collegiate athletes jumpstart their professional careers.
“AND THE BEAT GOES ON.”
SEVEN MINUTES
Seven Minutes
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 have included a letter to the ITA on this issue and others related
The Little Green Book of Tennis 