What happened at the 2024 USP College Tennis Showcase?

In December 2024, the USP College Tennis Showcase took place at the Emilio Sanchez Academy in Naples, Florida. With approximately 180 players and over 100 college coaches in attendance, this event was a game-changer for aspiring young tennis players and a perfect opportunity for college coaches to scout top talent.

The USP College Showcase stands out for its unique blend of competition, networking, and education. Thomas Anderson, the CEO and Founder of USP, shared the event’s background with us. “Nineteen years ago, I realized how inefficient it was for coaches to scout players during big tournaments like Eddie Herr and the Orange Bowl. So, I started this event to bridge that gap, and now, 20 years later, it’s a cornerstone for college recruitment,” Anderson said.

The event offers a team-based format that mimics the dynamics of college tennis. “The unique thing about the event itself is the fact that they’re playing college tennis style,” said Oscar Miranda, USP’s Chief Business Officer. “It allows the players to get their first insight into what their future could look like in college tennis.”

Carlos Onate, USP’s Director of Operations explained, “Some coaches are walking around looking at the matches, taking notes with the players’ information in hand. But then we set up an area with tables, creating a college expo-like setting. This way, college coaches are available and ready for kids to sit down and interact with them.”

Players like Jinai Duany found the event transformative. “I would say the showcase is very helpful because it makes talking to the coaches a lot more approachable,” she said, echoing the sentiments of many participants. Her mother, Aprelle Duany, was equally impressed. “I was really amazed and surprised to see so many coaches out here. I just want Jinai to find a school that she is really passionate about and that has everything she is looking for in her college experience,” she said.

The Showcase isn’t just about matches and meetings. It’s also an educational experience. Workshops covered topics like creating a college list, making recruitment videos, and navigating the NCAA eligibility process. “You’re not on the court the whole day,” Anderson noted. “While you’re not playing, you’re doing some kind of activity indoors, and a lot of activities are seminars.”

For coaches like UCONN's Glenn Marshall, the Showcase provides an invaluable and well-structured opportunity to evaluate potential recruits. “USP’s staff is excellent,” Marshall said. “They get information to us. It’s all clear. We know where the kids are playing and the opportunities they have to play in front of us, which is great.”

The atmosphere was electric, blending competitive spirit with a supportive community. “The team captains, many of whom are former college players, add another layer of excitement,” Anderson said. “It’s all about bragging rights and healthy competition.”

Looking ahead, USP plans to expand its reach. “We’re considering a summer showcase here and more events overseas,” Anderson revealed. “For me, it’s about changing lives. We’ve already helped over 2,000 kids find their path to college, and we’re not stopping.”

Exclusive Interview: Thomas Anderson, USP

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Written by Florida Tennis Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy. Photos: USP.