Universal Tennis has long been elevating and showcasing college tennis but the company most well-known for the gold-standard UTR Rating is taking things to new heights in 2023. If you’re interested in playing college tennis or are already on the scene, you may want to take close notice.
For those in Europe, Universal Tennis has partnered with Keystone Sports to host the Keystone Sports Tennis Showcase from July 13-16 in Leverkusen, Germany. The Showcase is a one-stop event for college tennis recruiting in Europe, helping international players maximize their chances of scoring a college tennis scholarship in the U.S.
Later this month at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, Universal Tennis will host the UTR College Match Challenge, featuring Pepperdine versus USC. The men’s tennis teams will compete in a regular season dual match on the morning of March 19, providing fans the chance to witness the talent and energy of college tennis. Held the same day as the BNP Paribas Open finals, the college athletes will get a taste of the pro life.
Also during the BNP Paribas Open, the Universal Tennis Foundation will reveal the recipients of the Universal Tennis Foundation Hurd Awards. The awards were first started by the late Mark Hurd and Oracle.
Hurd’s wife Paula Hurd and the Universal Tennis Foundation will offer $100,000 player grants awarded each year to an aspiring American male and female tennis player looking to play professionally. Past recipients include the likes of Mackenzie McDonald, Danielle Collins, Christopher Eubanks, Francesca di Lorenzo, J.C. Aragone, Jamie Loeb, JJ Wolf, and Sophie Whittle.
Paula Hurd and Universal Tennis Foundation Hurd Awards Council members will be on-site at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to present the awards. Council members include Lindsay Davenport, Tracy Austin, Mary Joe Fernandez, Peggy Michel, Todd Martin, Gordon Uehling, and Stephen Amritraj.
Looking farther ahead, Universal Tennis already has plans for the 2024 Australian Open, as it will host another UTR College Match Challenge, featuring yet-to-be-announced men’s and women’s college teams. The UTR College Match Challenge will provide aspiring Aussie players with exposure to the high level of competition available to athletes involved in the well-proven American college pathway.
