Rising Coaches Program

Rising Coaches is a two-week, intensive, online program that assists current and former college tennis players that are interested in pursuing a career in college tennis coaching.

Next session: July 2026
Applications will open: June 2026

Click here for the application process or continue scrolling for program details

Objectives

Participants in the Rising Coaches program can expect to:

Coaching Preparation

1. Be prepared with the expectations, responsibilities & desired abilities of an assistant coach.

2. Increase their comprehension of the competencies necessary for a career in college coaching.

Self-Awareness & Leadership

3. Gain an understanding of their potential leadership traits & values.

4. Be educated on the importance of fair play & integrity.

Career Advancement

5. Have the foundation to begin building their network within college tennis coaching.

6. Understand how to prepare for the hiring process.

Program Content

Application Process & Requirements

Who Can Apply?

1. Former college tennis players who exhausted their eligibility in Spring 2026 or prior, &/or
2.. Current student-athletes who will exhaust their eligibility in the 2026-27 school year.


Deadline: TBA

How Do I Apply?

Use the link below to access the online application form.

Completed applications need:
1. a current resume,
2. a statement about the impact of college tennis on you,
3. a letter of recommendation from your Head Coach

What is the Cost?

1. $75 - Applicants who exhausted their athletic eligibility between 2024-2026 or are current student-athletes.
• NCAA rules permit institutions to pay for a student-athlete's actual & necessary expenses to participate in the Rising Coaches program. See our FAQ's for bylaw information.

2. $100 - All other applicants.

Apply Here

Program Content

Below are the topics covered in each module, which is made up of video content, assignments, and live Zoom sessions.
Participants who complete Rising Coaches will be given a certificate of completion, and their resumes will be featured in the ITA's "Looking for a Coach?" database that can be accessed by our 1,300 head coaches.

Assistant Coaching 101


•Welcome & Expectations
•Navigating Change - From Athlete to Coach
• A Glimpse into Head Coaching

You: As a Leader



• Take the Coach DISC Profile
• Deep dive into CoachDISC results
• Your Traits & Values as a Leader

Rules, Sportsmanship & Ethics

• The Written & Unwritten Rules
• Take the ITA Officials Test
•Effects of On Court Behavior

Networking & the Hiring Process


• Articulating Your Skills & Values
• Creating a Network
• Getting Hired

Program Agenda & Zoom Calls

FAQ

Have questions? Explore the FAQ section to find the information you need. If you can't find your answer, contact Lauren Conching, Director of Coach Education at lconching@itatennis.com

I am a current student-athlete entering my last year of eligibility in 2025-26. What NCAA bylaw would allow for my institution to pay for me to take part in the Rising Coaches program? arrow faq
Permissive legislation allows for NCAA D1 (Bylaw 16.3.1.1), NCAA DII (Bylaw 16.3.1.1) and NCAA DIII (Bylaw 16.11.1.15) institutions to pay for a student-athlete's actual & necessary expenses to participate in the ITA's Rising Coaches program.
If I miss this session, will I have another opportunity to enroll in the program? arrow faq
The next session will be available in May/June 2025 .
Fall 2025 is my first semester as an assistant coach, but I have no prior experience. Do you recommend I enroll in this program? arrow faq
Absolutely! This short program will give you practical insight, advice and connections that will help you as you navigate your first year of college coaching.
What happens once I complete the program? arrow faq
Once you have finished the program, you will receive a certificate of completion, and your resume will be put into our "Need an Assistant Coach?" database and promoted to head coaches.
If I finished playing college tennis in 2018, never worked for a college tennis program and am looking for a career change, can I apply for this program? arrow faq
Yes! This program is open to any former college tennis player who has not previously been hired as a college tennis coach.
Can't find your answer? Contact me directly!