College Tennis Recruiting 2025–26: Emails, Video, UTR Benchmarks

The 2025–26 recruiting reality in one page

If you remember only one thing, make it this: execution wins. Players and parents who build a focused target list, communicate well, and show steady development get recruited. The rest is noise.

Two rating systems matter most. World Tennis Number is a global rating used by federations and events. If you are new to it, read the International Tennis Federation’s overview on how WTN works. Universal Tennis Rating is widely used by college coaches to compare players across regions and ages. Learn what drives your rating in UTR’s explainer, what UTR measures. You do not need to obsess over daily fluctuations. You do need to understand how coaches use these numbers as a quick filter before they watch video, read resumes, and track progress over time.

This guide gives you a grade‑by‑grade plan, ready‑to‑send emails, a highlight video shot list and filming specs, realistic UTR and GPA targets by division, visit checklists, scholarship realities, a 30 day outreach plan, and a printable one page tennis resume template.

Build a target list with UTR and WTN the smart way

Use ratings as a doorway, not a destiny. Coaches want competitors who improve, win the big points, and fit their team culture.

Follow this sequence:

Capture your current numbers. Write down current singles UTR and doubles UTR, and your WTN. Add win rate over the last 90 days and your best three wins.
Map your trajectory. Compare your UTR now to six months ago and twelve months ago. Coaches care about slope as much as the snapshot. A steady rise of 0.10 to 0.20 UTR per quarter is meaningful.
Study rosters. Google “School Name tennis roster UTR” and look at recent lineups. Note UTR of line 2, line 4, and line 6 from last season. This creates a realistic bandwidth for that program.
Fit yourself to the lineup. If your current UTR is within 0.2 of a program’s typical line 6, you are in the conversation. If you are within 0.5 of line 4 and your trend is rising, you are a development bet. If you are 0.8 or more below line 6, treat it as a reach unless your trajectory is steep and backed by strong video and results.
Use WTN as a cross check. If a coach or event relies more on WTN, compare your number to their current players. Consistency across both systems builds trust.
Build a three tier list. Ten target schools where your UTR is within 0.2 to 0.5 of line 4 to 6. Five reach schools where you are 0.5 to 0.8 below line 6 but rising. Five safety schools where you are at or above line 4.

Add columns for major, location, roster balance by class, international versus domestic mix, and the assistant coach who recruits your region. To choose events that move your rating and profile, use our planning guide on 2025–26 tennis calendars, UTR, USTA, ITF.

UTR and GPA benchmarks by division

These are typical roster ranges, not hard cutoffs. Programs vary and trends change. Use them to calibrate your list, then reach out and ask where the staff sees you.

Division I

Men
- Top 25 programs: UTR 13.5 and higher
- Competitive majors and strong mid majors: UTR 12.0 to 13.5
- Developmental DI programs: UTR 10.8 to 12.2
Women
- Top 25 programs: UTR 10.5 to 11.8 and higher
- Competitive majors and strong mid majors: UTR 9.5 to 10.8
- Developmental DI programs: UTR 8.2 to 9.8
Academics
- GPA 3.5 and higher opens more options for merit aid and selective majors
- Standardized testing is often optional for admission, yet a solid score can unlock merit dollars. As a rule of thumb, a 1250 plus SAT or 28 plus ACT strengthens your academic profile. Check each school’s policy.

Division II

Men: UTR 10.0 to 12.5 for impact roles, with top teams reaching higher
Women: UTR 8.5 to 10.5 for impact roles
Academics: GPA 3.3 and higher helps with stacking academic and athletic aid

Division III

Men: Wide range from UTR 8.0 to 12.0. Top DIII can reach 11 plus
Women: UTR 7.0 to 10.0. Top DIII can reach 9.5 plus
Academics: Admission and merit drive the process. GPA 3.7 and higher is significant at selective schools. Strong course rigor matters

NAIA

Men: UTR 9.0 to 11.5 across most competitive rosters
Women: UTR 7.5 to 9.8 across most competitive rosters
Academics: Merit scholarships stack readily. GPA 3.3 plus improves total package

NJCAA

Men: UTR 7.0 to 11.0, with top junior colleges developing players who later transfer to DI
Women: UTR 6.0 to 9.0, with similar transfer paths
Academics: Keep transcripts clean for a smooth transfer into four year programs

Remember that many staffs weigh traits that numbers do not capture. Movement, point construction, serve quality, return depth, shot tolerance, tactical discipline, and competitive grit travel well across surfaces and schedules.

Grade by grade execution plan

Eighth grade

Build the habits. Weekly fitness, footwork ladders, and a simple match journal
Start a highlight clip reel with clean fundamentals. No music needed
Create a short player bio and a Gmail address that looks professional

Ninth grade

Track all matches in one sheet. Include opponent UTR, score, and a one sentence lesson
Film two matches from the back fence. Save the raw files
Set up profiles on UTR and WTN and keep them current
Begin a light school list based on size, location, and majors

Tenth grade

Update your video with live points and patterns. Add serve and return sequences
Identify twenty schools. Follow both coaches on social media and take notes on their style and roster needs
Introduce yourself with a short email and a three to five minute video link
Take the most challenging classes you can manage. Keep grades high and improve study habits

Eleventh grade

Play events that improve your schedule strength. Seek good matchups, not only easy wins
Send two updates per semester to coaches with new wins, video, and academic notes
Visit campuses unofficially if you can. Watch practice, meet players, and see facilities
If testing helps your case, take the SAT or ACT early enough to retest if needed

Twelfth grade

Sharpen your video and send a clean mid season update
Ask directly about fit, timeline, and next steps. If a program is full, pivot quickly
Keep training hard through graduation. Late spring and summer transfers can open a spot

Coach outreach that gets replies

Subject lines that get opened

2026 recruit, 10.6 UTR, lefty serve and volley, short video
2026 recruit, 3.8 GPA, rising 9.8 UTR, looking at environmental science
Texas 2027 recruit, 10.2 UTR, 6 foot 2, recent wins vs 10.8 and 10.6

Initial email template

Hi Coach [Last Name],

I am [Full Name], class of [Year], from [City, State]. My current UTR is [Singles UTR] and [Doubles UTR]. I have a [GPA], and I am interested in [intended major].

In the last three months I have wins over [Player UTRs or names], and I am trending up [brief trajectory note]. Here is a 3 minute video that shows live points and patterns: [link].

I admire [specific aspect of the team or a recent result]. Based on your roster’s recent lineups, I believe I could compete for [role or lineup] and add value in [specific ways, for example doubles energy and return depth].

Could I get feedback on my fit and what you look for in a [position or class] for [entry year]?

Thank you for your time, Coach. I attached a one page resume with academics, results, and schedule.

Best,

[Name] | [Phone] | [Email] | [City, State]

Update email template

Subject: Spring update, 10.4 to 10.7 UTR, new 3 min video

Coach [Last Name],

Quick update since we last spoke. My singles UTR moved from 10.4 to 10.7 with wins over [opponent UTRs]. I tightened my return patterns and first serve percentage is up five points. New 3 minute video link: [link]. GPA is [GPA]. Upcoming schedule: [list two events]. Would you like to schedule a call this week?

Thanks for the feedback you shared on [earlier point]. I applied it in the last two events.

[Signature]

Tournament schedule email template

Subject: July schedule and quick video refresh

Coach [Last Name],

I will be in [City] for [event] on [dates]. If you attend, my matches are likely to start [morning or afternoon]. I attached my one page resume and a 2 minute clip that highlights serve patterns and first ball aggression.

Thank you,

[Signature]

Pro tips

Keep emails to 150 to 200 words
Make it skimmable with bolded numbers and short paragraphs
Use a short, unlisted video link. Avoid giant attachments
Always add one specific detail about the program so it does not read like a mass email

Highlight video that coaches actually watch

Length and structure

Total runtime 3 to 5 minutes
Open with 20 seconds of groundstroke rhythm from behind the baseline
Show 8 to 10 live points from the back view. Keep the ball in frame the whole rally
Include serve plus one pattern from both deuce and ad sides
Add 6 return points that show depth and direction. No trick shots. For technique and decision making, see our return of serve mastery guide.
End with two 10 point tiebreak snippets that show pressure moments

Shot list

Forehands and backhands crosscourt and down the line, alternating
Serves: flat, slice, and kick. Show pace and location variety
Returns: deep middle, then change of direction
Approaches and volleys, plus two overheads
Transition points that demonstrate footwork and recovery

Filming specs

Camera behind the baseline, on center line, at a height that clears the net tape
1080p at 60 frames per second. Lock exposure and focus
Use a tripod or fence mount. Do not handhold
Natural audio is fine. No music required
Keep the sun behind the camera if possible
Title the video “Name, class year, UTR, date, 3 minutes”

Editing and delivery

No slow motion except for a single short segment if needed
Keep on screen text minimal. Name, class year, UTR, and a contact line is enough
Host as unlisted and share the link in your email signature
Save raw files in a folder. Coaches may ask for full games

For a deeper walkthrough of camera setups, framing, and sample shot lists, use our smart‑court and phone video guide.

Unofficial and official visits checklists

Unofficial visit checklist

Confirm whether coaches can meet in person under current rules. If not, plan a self guided campus walk and watch practice from public areas
Prepare five questions about training blocks, player development, travel, and academics
Ask to meet current players if permissible. Listen more than you talk
Watch a practice drill block. Note tempo, feedback, and player to coach ratio
Tour academic support and strength spaces. Picture your daily routine
Take notes right after the visit while details are fresh

Official visit checklist

Pack tennis gear for a possible hit. Bring a notebook and a copy of your resume
Ask for a typical weekly schedule with lifts, study hall, and travel
Clarify scholarship structure, academic support, and how injuries are handled
Meet the athletic trainer and academic advisor if possible
Sleep in the dorm or with a host if offered. Ask hosts what surprised them as freshmen
Send a thank you email within 24 hours that includes one specific highlight from the visit

Scholarship realities in plain language

Men’s tennis funding is often spread across the roster. Expect partial awards and plan to stack academic and need based aid. Full rides happen, especially for early lineup players, but most packages combine athletics, academics, and sometimes leadership or departmental funds.

Women’s tennis funding tends to be deeper. More teams carry larger athletic aid pools, and full or near full packages are more common for lineup players. That said, academics still drive many of the best packages. A strong GPA can unlock merit dollars that are renewable and predictable.

Across all divisions, schools may fund below the maximum allowed. The head coach’s philosophy, the athletic department budget, roster size, and international recruiting strategy all shape offers. Be clear about total cost of attendance, what renewals require, and how increases are handled after year one.

Stacking strategy

Keep GPA as high as possible to qualify for automatic merit tiers
If testing helps, submit scores to reach the next merit band
Ask directly about stacking policies. Some schools reduce athletic aid when merit increases, others stack freely
Understand the four year picture, not just year one

A 30 day outreach plan you can start today

Week 1

Day 1 to 2: Build a list of twenty programs using the target and reach method above
Day 3: Draft your resume and assemble your best three minutes of video
Day 4: Write your first email and personalize it for five programs
Day 5: Send five emails, track them in a simple spreadsheet, and set reminders
Day 6: Film a full match from the back view. Save raw footage
Day 7: Review the match with your coach. Note three patterns to improve

Week 2

Day 8: Personalize five more emails with one program specific detail
Day 9: Lift or movement session, then film serve and return blocks
Day 10: Edit a 30 second video refresh and update your link
Day 11: Send a brief update to the first five coaches with the new clip
Day 12: Research roster needs for your next five programs using notes from box scores and past lineups
Day 13 to 14: Compete. Capture scores and opponent ratings on your sheet

Week 3

Day 15: Email the next five programs. Ask one specific question about development
Day 16: Call or text an assistant coach if their contact is listed. Be concise and polite
Day 17: Record a short training clip showing a pattern you are improving
Day 18: Share the clip with any coach who replied, along with two upcoming events
Day 19: Build your campus visit notes template
Day 20 to 21: Compete or train, then add two new wins and one lesson learned to your log

Week 4

Day 22: Follow up with every coach who has not replied. Keep it friendly with one new result
Day 23: Ask your references if they are comfortable answering coach calls. Confirm contact details
Day 24: Refresh your resume with any new results or academic updates
Day 25: Film a second match in case a coach requests full sets
Day 26: Send five short check ins with links to full match files if asked
Day 27: Audit your list. Move schools between reach, target, and safety based on replies
Day 28 to 29: Train with intent on serve plus one and return depth
Day 30: Reflect on the month. Keep what worked and trim what did not. Repeat the cycle

For planning future events and balancing schoolwork, see our calendar guide referenced above, and keep your files organized so updates are quick.

Printable one page tennis resume template

Copy, paste, and fill this in. Keep it to a single page in a clean font.

PLAYER INFO
Name: 
Graduation Year: 
Date of Birth: 
Height and Weight: 
Dominant Hand and Backhand: 
City, State, Country: 
Phone: 
Email: 

ACADEMICS
High School: 
GPA (unweighted and weighted): 
Class Rank or Percentile: 
Course Rigor Highlights: 
Test Scores (if submitting): SAT _____  ACT _____
Intended Major: 
Academic Honors: 

ATHLETICS
UTR Singles:        UTR Doubles:        WTN Singles:        WTN Doubles:
Recent Trend: (for example +0.3 UTR last 6 months)
Style and Strengths: (for example aggressive baseliner, heavy forehand, strong return depth)

RESULTS SNAPSHOT
Top 5 wins in last 6 months with dates and opponent UTRs:
1) 
2) 
3) 
4) 
5) 
Notable Events and Finishes: 

VIDEO LINKS
3 minute highlight: 
Full match 1: 
Full match 2: 

SCHEDULE
Upcoming tournaments and dates: 

REFERENCES
Coach Name, Title, Phone, Email: 
Coach Name, Title, Phone, Email:

Optional fast track package

If you want a short path from scattered files to a coach ready packet, our academy offers a filming and consult package. You get one on court filming session, a 3 to 4 minute highlight edit, a resume polish, and a personalized outreach roadmap.

Final word

You do not need to be perfect to be recruitable. You need steady improvement, clear communication, and the courage to ask for feedback. Use ratings to choose the right rooms, use video to show how you play, and use each month to raise your ceiling. The schools that match your game and your goals will see a competitor who gets better every season. That is the player every coach wants.

Related reading to accelerate your plan: