College Knowledge: Quinnipiac University

At a school like Quinnipiac, what can a New England junior do to set themself apart in the recruiting process?

Contact the coach. Right now because of the NCAA rules, we cannot go and watch them play.  They can however email us a match video and information about themselves or set up a phone call.

What do you do to help players navigate the recruiting process and make them more comfortable with the Quinnipiac community?

I set up many phone calls. I stay in contact often with texts and calls. Usually I’ll have them come to campus to meet the team and am hoping that will happen again soon. I think it helps to see how well they get along with each other and with me. I also get them in contact with our admissions contact to help with that process. If they are interested in a certain major, I will also have someone in that department reach out about the academics. 

How has COVID-19 affected your recruiting? 

First off, it's hard because you have players deciding whether to come for an extra year or not.  Most of our players are in accelerated programs, so they already receive their Master’s Degree in four years. It’s a matter of if they have another major they may want to pursue. But on the other hand, there are many graduate students now looking for rosters for the extra year. There were many players I was recruiting for this coming fall 2021, but instead I have two graduate students coming from other Division I programs. There are more players to recruit. 

What advice do you have for aspiring NCAA tennis players who haven't begun to be scouted or recruited yet?

1. The primary reason for going to college is to get a quality education that will prepare you for life after school. Make sure the college you are looking at has your major of interest. 

2. Second, the culture, location and other attributes of the campus. Can you see yourself on this campus for four years?

3. Athletics. Ask questions that are important for you. Do you like the coach, the team chemistry, the program’s history? Ask, “Do I realistically have a chance to play or contribute to the team?” 

What is the biggest selling point when talking to a prospective recruit about Quinnipiac?

Family. All our alumni are still very close and keep in contact. You had teammates that are now considered family. And it’s not just our women. Our men and women are extremely close. I’ve been at Quinnipiac since 1992 as a player, then Assistant Coach, Associate Head Coach and Head Coach/Director. It all started with former Head Coach Michael Quitko who coached both the men and women starting in 1991. He started this one big Quinnipiac tennis family and it still continues!

To learn more about Quinnipiac Women’s Tennis, visit their website.