The USP Showcase – A Game-Changer for Future College Players
Oct 29, 2024
Get ready for a landmark event in college tennis! The 19th USP College Tennis Showcase is set to take place on December 4-5, 2024, at the beautiful Emilio Sanchez Academy in Naples, FL. This prestigious event continues to be a game-changer for players and coaches alike, offering a unique platform where talent meets opportunity.
Transformative Experiences
In November 2023, the USP Showcase welcomed a familiar face in a new role. Jesus Lucart, who first graced our Showcase as a player in 2016, returned as an assistant coach for Tufts University. His journey from player to coach highlights the lasting impact of our event.
In 2016 Jesus participated in our Showcase seeking to catch the eyes of college coaches. His impressive performance at the event secured him a spot at Eastern Nazarene University, marking the start of his successful collegiate career. But his journey didn't stop there. After completing his undergraduate degree at Eastern Nazarene College, where he excelled as a player and team captain, Jesus went on to earn his master’s degree in management while performing as the tennis team Assistant Coach.
Following his graduation, Jesus was offered a position as the assistant coach for the women’s tennis team at Tufts University, further advancing his career in college tennis. Since his first year as an assistant coach, Jesus has returned to the USP Showcase every year to recruit new talent. His continued involvement in the Showcase is proof of the event’s significant role in shaping careers and fostering connections in the world of college tennis.
Miranda's story is equally inspiring. With limited past results, Miranda knew she needed to stand out. Determined to make her mark, she took the initiative to contact college coaches before the Showcase, ensuring they knew her name. Her proactive approach made a significant impact, with coaches specifically asking about her. During the event, Miranda’s energy and dedication shone through. She maximized every opportunity, engaging with coaches, demonstrating her skills, and ultimately earning multiple offers, including several scholarships. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and preparation.
These are just two examples from the hundreds of stories we’ve encountered over the past 18 years of hosting the USP College Tennis Showcase. The event has welcomed players from various backgrounds and skill levels, each seeking their own path in college tennis. Throughout its history, the showcase has been a turning point for many, helping them connect with colleges and programs that align with their aspirations.
What Sets the USP Showcase Apart
- Two Days of High-Stakes Action: Experience intense, college-style team matches in a format that simulates the collegiate tennis environment. Players compete in front of a diverse array of college coaches from across the USA, providing them with valuable exposure.
- WTN Verified Matches: Participants play a minimum of 4 WTN verified matches, ensuring that their performance is officially recorded and recognized.
- College Coaches Expo: The Ultimate Networking Hub. On December 4th, players will have the opportunity to interact with over 100 college coaches during the College Expo. This face-to-face interaction is crucial for building connections and making lasting impressions.
- Virtual College Expo: After the Showcase, players can engage with coaches through live chats and video calls, extending the networking possibilities beyond the coaches who participated live at the showcase.
Showcase Stats
In 2023, the Showcase brought together 180 players from 31 countries and 19 US states. USP hosted 122 college coaches from prestigious institutions such as Babson College, BYU, Colgate, Florida Gulf Coast University, Miami University, UConn, Delaware, Memphis, Upenn, Virginia Tech, and many more. Over the course of two days, 242 matches were played, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of the participants.
Endorsements from the Tennis Community
Marino Martin, father of a Showcase player, reflects, “I think the USP Showcase is a terrific event. It offers everything for athletes, coaches, and parents to get educated and network with college coaches. It’s been a fantastic experience and investment for our daughter.”
Ivan Fernandez, head women's tennis coach at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), praises, “Great event in South Florida, we enjoy coming here every year. USP always gets some really good players, hopefully, we can get a couple more players here for the future.”
Lucas Weston-Webb, a player at the 2022 and 2023 editions of the showcase, says with excitement “I had a fantastic time here, it was a blast, I met all kinds of new people and I loved it. It was an amazing experience. I recommend it for everyone thinking about coming down, it’s an absolute must.”
Sign up for an Unforgettable Event
For nearly two decades, the University Sports Program (USP) has been a driving force in connecting aspiring student-athletes with their dream college tennis programs.
USP’s flagship event, the USP College Tennis Showcase, serves as a pivotal platform where talented players, regardless of their current exposure, can showcase their skills in front of a vast network of college coaches. This isn't just a tournament; it's a life- changing opportunity to gain recognition, forge connections, and secure scholarships.
USP invites players, coaches, and tennis enthusiasts to join them in Naples for this transformative experience. For more information or to register, visit showcase.myusp.com.
Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this incredible event. The 19th USP College Tennis Showcase is happening on December 4-5, 2024—make sure to be there!
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Source: USP