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Advice, interviews, and thoughts about junior and college level tennis; focusing on the process of getting there, enjoying your college years, and becoming the best college player you can be!

Written by Annette J. Broersma, M.S.
Photo courtesty of:  www.4specialtytennis.com 

Take advantage of the holidays, and deflect the “Where are you going to college next year?” question your relatives keep asking you.

For many college-bound athletes this is a tough time to sit around ‘cooling your jets’ on the college search process.  Coaches are no longer in their offices so they don’t return emails or calls. The stress of figuring out where you’re going next year does not leave you, but there is a lot of time to think about it since all your relatives keep asking you that same question . . . Let me suggest you take a different tactic and not only redirect the question, but actually give yourself insight and research. Just about everyone around you has either gone to college or has an opinion about colleges. Have a handful of standard questions ready, such as:    

1.  Where did you go to college and why?
2.  How did you pay for it?
3.  How did you choose your major?
4.  What extra-curricular activities or sports did you play?

Of course you should also have follow-up questions ready once they’ve answered so you can show that you actually listened to their answer. But seriously, this will help you in your own search and will definitely keep “Uncle Bob” from focusing in on your lack of decision-making – he’d much rather talk about himself!  

If you’re a tennis player, you must know dozens of older players who might be home for the holidays, hanging around the courts where you play or visiting family in the area. Take advantage of that access, and ask them about their experiences with their coaches, schools, and team. Yes, you may sound like you’re writing for the school newspaper, but it will be worth it. There is little doubt the person you interview will think you’re fairly smart for doing your homework. You might even get some help from them if it turns out you have any interest in going to their college (there is no better advocate than a current player on the team).     So, while you’re pounding down the eggnog and hitting the holiday party circuit, stay on verbal offense when it comes to “The College Question.”


 

Annette J. Broersma is one of CTO's resident college placement and recruiting counselors.  She has a Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance with an emphasis in Sport Psychology.  She has written "Wilson College Placement Workbook" used at national presentations, and "The Athlete's Guide to College Scholarships," a book which has sold over 10,000 copies.  Annette played college tennis at U.C. Irvine and her children have also moved on to receive college tennis scholarships.  She has a great passion for tennis and helping the youth make the best decisions for their student - athlete career. 
For more information and to contact Annette visit: www.annettesports.com.