Tempe, AZ – Throughout the 2024-25 college tennis season, members of the ITA Student-Athlete Council will have the opportunity to be featured in monthly spotlights that will give the greater college tennis community an inside look at some of our Student-Athlete Council members and what they are accomplishing on and off the court.
In this spotlight, Kitsa Scime of Daemen University will share a little bit about herself and some of her experiences serving on the ITA Student-Athlete Council.
Read more about Kitsa in this spotlight below:
Hello, my name is Kitsa Scime, and I am a senior at Daemen University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management. Alongside my major, I am also completing minors in Sport Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and E-Commerce/Web Design. After graduation, I plan to further my education by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Why was it important to you to apply to the ITA Student-Athlete Council, and what does it mean to you to represent college tennis athletes from across all levels of play, as well as specifically the Division II level of play where you compete?
The council provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with players from all divisions, which is why I chose to apply—to give a voice to my peers and to advocate for the future of college tennis. As someone who aspires to coach at the collegiate level, I felt that joining the council would also provide me with valuable insights into the ITA’s work and initiatives, to gain a better understanding of how they impact college tennis at large.
It is such an honor to represent Division II tennis players nationwide. I feel it is important to highlight the experiences and challenges that are present in our division, particularly the balance we maintain between academics and athletics. I have experienced firsthand how our university embodies the Division II mentality, emphasizing success both on the court and in the classroom, and I am passionate about advocating for similar experiences for all Division II student-athletes.
Being a very active member in many student-driven councils and leadership opportunities, what advice would you give to other student-athletes who are looking to get more involved in their athletic department or sport?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in so many amazing opportunities, both at Daemen and beyond, and I’m incredibly grateful for each one. My advice to others is to start by exploring what your campus has to offer—whether it’s leadership development programs, your school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, or any other initiatives that might spark your interest.
Also, don’t be afraid to share your goals and passions to your coaches and administrators—they’re often eager to help open doors to new opportunities to help you succeed. Once you discover something that you feel is a good fit, take a leap of faith, and apply for it! You’ll often find that one opportunity will lead to another, so take the time to network and build meaningful connections with the people you meet along the way.
Attending the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum this past November, what lessons did you learn from fellow student-athletes in attendance that you hope to bring back to the ITA Student-Athlete Council for the remainder of the year?
I am beyond thankful to Daemen and the East Coast Conference for the opportunity to attend the forum. It was an eye-opening experience that helped me realize many of us, regardless of sport or division, face similar struggles. One of the most impactful moments came when we were asked if we have ever experienced performance anxiety or mental health struggles, and nearly all 260 attendees had.
This powerful moment reinforced the importance of recognizing that we, as athletes, are so much more than our sport. Our performance does not define our worth. I am committed to bringing this concept back to the ITA Student-Athlete Council, ensuring we are prioritizing our initiatives and conversations to help our fellow college tennis players. My goal is to create a supportive environment where all athletes feel valued as individuals, well beyond tennis.
Why was college tennis the right choice for you, and what have you learned from playing college tennis that you think will benefit you throughout your life?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to play tennis in college, and I can confidently say it was the right choice for me. It has allowed me to pursue my education while continuing to compete in the sport I love, and also experience the camaraderie of a team. Although tennis is often seen as an individual sport, playing at the collegiate level has taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and mutual support for success.
I’ve been fortunate to receive support not only from my teammates but also from my coaches, whose guidance has been instrumental in my growth both on and off the court. The experiences and life lessons I’ve gained through the sport will continue to benefit me personally and professionally throughout my life.
The ITA Student-Athlete Council is a committee of student-athletes who play college tennis assembled to provide insights regarding the sport with a special emphasis on the student-athlete experience. The goals of this committee are as follows: Present a student-athlete voice within the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) (1), Offer input regarding matters pertaining to the sport, particularly issues impacting the lives of student-athletes (2), Work to enhance the student-athlete experience specific to college tennis across all divisions (3), Invest in the leaders of tomorrow by creating leadership and professional development opportunities (4).
