USTA to Provide $100,000 in Scholarships to PTM Students in 2021-22
February 24, 2021
ORLANDO, Fla.; February 22, 2021 – The USTA announced that it will partner with the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) to grant up to $100,000 in scholarships to current or incoming college students enrolled in Professional Tennis Management programs, a move to support students looking to pursue careers in the tennis industry.
A total of 50 students can receive up to $2,000 in scholarship money for tuition, provided they are enrolled in a Professional Tennis Management program during the 2021-22 academic year. Ten universities and colleges in America have designed PTM programs for students who want to learn the coaching and business skills necessary to be successful in the tennis industry.
The USPTA and PTR are the two fully USTA-accredited organizations that certify coaches in the United States. The goal of this initiative is to work with the USPTA and PTR to provide scholarship opportunities for college students who choose tennis as a profession. This year, the three organizations (USTA, USPTA and PTR) have partnered to elevate the standards for coaching education for every certified tennis coach.
“With four million new tennis players in 2020, we have a unique opportunity to make sure we retain and engage our new players with the best experience possible,” said Martin Blackman, General Manager, USTA Player and Coach Development. “That means great coaches delivering the sport at every level, and Professional Tennis Management programs are a perfect launch pad for our next generation of coaches.”
“We need a pipeline of talented tennis teaching professionals to come into the profession to sustain the growth of our sport, and we need more of them,” said John Embree, CEO and Executive Director, USPTA. “PTM programs are the perfect bridge for aspiring junior players who have a passion for tennis and want a fabulous career.”
“PTR has enjoyed a 35-year relationship with PTM programs, and we’ve been fortunate to have several PTMers on staff during that time period,” said Dan Santorum, PTR CEO. “The quality and impact of PTM in our industry is evident, and we believe that the USTA’s grants will be a tremendous boost to increase the number of future tennis coaches attending PTM Programs.”
For more information and to apply, visit usta.com/ptm and click on Scholarships. The application deadline is April 24, 2021.
Visit the USTA’s Professional Tennis Management program homepage for more information.