Donovan Tennis Strategies

05/23/2026

What does the college tennis recruiting process actually feel like from the player's side?

We asked a former DTS client (now playing NESCAC tennis) to reflect on what worked, what they'd do differently, and what they wish they'd known going in. What they shared is some of the most honest and practical recruiting advice you'll come across.

Five takeaways that stood out:
• Cast a wide net
• Compete as much as possible
• Think beyond tennis
• Talk to current players
• Have fun!

Full the full post for even more helpful insights!

A former 4-star recruit now playing NESCAC tennis shares five honest pieces of advice for players just beginning the tennis recruiting process.

05/14/2026

Most families go through tennis recruiting once. Coaches do it every year.

That gap in experience is where things often go wrong - misreading interest as an offer, targeting the wrong programs, or facing a high-pressure deadline without knowing where you actually stand with your higher priority options.

We break down why having an experienced advisor changes the outcome. Read the full post.

The college tennis recruiting process can feel straightforward, but it rarely is. We break down some reasons a family needs an experienced advisor like DTS.

04/29/2026

College coaches all say the same thing:
they want players to own their recruitment.

When parents send the emails, make the calls, or lead the conversations… it stands out—and not in a good way.

Here’s what coaches actually want to see (and what raises red flags) 👀

One thing we hear from college tennis coaches about the recruitment process is they wish student-athletes would take more ownership of their own recruitment.

04/16/2026

Are you helping your child get recruited for college tennis… or quietly hurting their chances?

College coaches revealed what they really hear when parents talk about rankings, “close matches,” and more. The truth might surprise you 👀

Based on direct feedback from college tennis coaches, here are some parent comments that raise red flags during recruiting, and what to do instead.

03/27/2026

Every year, we hear from families thinking of holding off on the recruiting process. Waiting for the UTR to climb a little higher. Waiting until the ranking looks more impressive. Waiting until they feel "ready."

Here's the thing, though: we looked at 317 players who committed for fall 2024 and tracked their UTR over the 18 months leading up to their commitment. The results may not be what you'd expect.

Read our full breakdown of the data and our advice for families going through the process.

DTS analyzed the UTR progression of 300+ college tennis recruits. The results may surprise you, and change how you approach your timeline.

03/17/2026

Why junior tennis players shouldn't avoid playing tournaments where they are a top seed.
https://conta.cc/4dqXwHg

02/19/2026

Thinking about Division 1 tennis? Check out my article on why it might not be the best fit!
https://donovantennis.com/2026/02/41444/

05/29/2021

DTS Summer Showcases are BACK in 2021, and the registration deadline is quickly approaching!

SIGN UP NOW for our events:

June 28-30, at Mercer County Park, W. Windsor, NJ

July 24-25, Roxbury Latin School, Boston, MA

The impressive list of college coaches that are committed to attending is growing by the day. We expect to have in the neighborhood of 90 women’s and 75 men’s coaches in attendance.

Register today!:

Finding a school that fits both a player’s academic and athletic needs can present challenges; one such challenge is getting exposure to college coaches. While coaches can get an idea of a player’s overall level of play through a ranking and list of accomplishments, there’s no substitute for s...

04/17/2021

DTS is thrilled that the Division 1 recruiting dead period will be lifted as of June 1st (More info here: https://tennisrecruiting.net/article.asp?id=355943710), and coaches from all three NCAA divisions will be able to attend our two summer showcases! Registration is now open on our website for both events:

· June 28-30 at Mercer County Park in West Windsor, NJ

· July 24-25, this year at the Roxbury Latin School in West Roxbury, MA (usually at Harvard University)

https://www.donovantennis.com/showcases/

The NCAA Division I Council approved the return to recruiting activities during its video conference this week, and officially announced the change on Thursday. All Division I sports will return to their regular recruiting calendars beginning June 1st.

03/09/2021

MAKE THE MOST OF SPRING BREAK! Spring Break, particularly for high school juniors, is one of the most popular times for college visits. It's a great opportunity to see different campuses, talk to coaches in person, and watch teams compete during their season. Unfortunately, Covid-19 in-person recruiting restrictions have made these visits impossible for 2021. But...there's still plenty you can be doing over Spring Break as part of the recruiting process. DTS Founder Tim Donovan goes over some of the things you should be doing as a recruit to make the best of your Spring Break!

02/19/2021

While it's far from a normal season, many college teams are currently competing in matches. Others, including the Ivy League, have cancelled competition for the spring. As DTS Founder Tim Donovan explains in our latest college tennis recruiting advice video, it's important for recruits to stay up to date and in communication with the schools they are interested in, regardless of whether those teams are competing right now. Tim also gives an update on the extended NCAA recruiting dead period—and his hope that the DTS summer recruiting showcases will still be able to take place in-person as scheduled! (To Register: https://www.donovantennis.com/showcases/dts-college-prospects-showcase-yale-university/)