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, Cade Nadeau of Southern New Hampshire University will share a little bit about himself and some of his experiences serving on the ITA Student-Athlete Council.
Read more about Cade in this spotlight below:
Hello, my name is Cade Nadeau, and I am a senior at Southern New Hampshire University, where I am completing my MBA in Global Sport Business. I previously majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management. Upon graduation, I aspire to pursue a career in the sports business industry but will still continue to play tennis.
Why was it important to you to apply to the ITA Student-Athlete Council, and what does it mean to be a voice for fellow Division II college tennis players?
I applied to the ITA Student-Athlete Council because I wanted to be a voice for Division II college tennis players and help elevate the visibility of our sport. Being a representative allows me to advocate for the unique experiences of student-athletes while also contributing to the continued growth of college tennis. It means a lot to me to play a role in shaping the future of our sport.
Why was it important for you to share your college tennis experience with the world through your YouTube channel? What advice would you give fellow student-athletes looking to share their experience through social media platforms.
Part of the reason why I continued my YouTube channel into college (MPTennis) was to give people an inside look at the life of a college tennis player and inspire future student-athletes. My advice to others looking to share their experiences is to be authentic, consistent, and unafraid to show both the highs and lows of their journey. Social media is a powerful tool to connect with others and build a personal brand.
How do you balance content creation with the busy life of being a student-athlete? What unique perspectives do you think you bring to the student-athlete council through your knowledge of many digital platforms?
Balancing content creation with the demands of being a student-athlete is definitely a challenge, but I’ve learned that strong time management and prioritization are key. I believe my experience with content creation gives me a unique perspective on how to promote college tennis and engage with a broader audience. I also understand the importance of storytelling, which can be valuable in showcasing the student-athlete experience, which is still something I am trying to improve at on the channel today.
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?
Choosing to play college tennis was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It has taught me resilience, teamwork, and discipline — qualities that will benefit me throughout my life. I’ve also built lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories that I will always cherish. Tennis has shaped me both on and off the court, preparing me for whatever comes next.
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).
