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Ross Greenstein of Scholarship for Athletes talks with Jessica Stiles, a senior at the University of Kentucky who plays the No. 1 singles and doubles positions. Stiles discusses her journey through recruiting and college tennis, providing some valuable information for prospective student-athletes.
Questions and Answers
Scholarship for Athletes (SFA): What advice can you give high-school student-athletes just beginning their recruitment process?
Kentucky's Jessica Stiles
courtesy, Kentucky Athletics
Jessica Stiles (JS): To realize it's a process that takes time. Even though you might really want something in the beginning of the process, your feelings might change and you have to be open to how you are really truly feeling about a decision. You need to make sure your decision reflects where you really feel you can enjoy four years in college.
SFA: How important is it to know the coaches and athletes at the college before you commit?
JS: Very important! Make sure to spend a lot of time with the coaches individually and see how they interact with their players. Spend time with all of the players as well and make sure you meet everyone so you can get a good feel of the team's chemistry. Try to develop some sort of relationship with them so you can get their "true" input on the coaches and their experience.
SFA: How is the University of Kentucky different than you thought it was going to be on and off the court?
JS: I personally really enjoy school but until you are actually in college as a student-athlete you don't realize how big a commitment it really is. Student-athletes in college need to be really good at managing their time and organizing their priorities.
