USTA, ITA Partner on New Strategic Alliance

The United States Tennis Association and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association have entered into a new alliance that expands upon the existing collaboration between the two organizations, with the goal to strengthen and elevate collegiate tennis.

“College tennis is a critical part of the player pathway as it not only serves as the aspirational dream of thousands of youth tennis players, but also plays a pivotal role in helping to ensure players stay in the game for life,” said Craig Morris, USTA chief executive of community tennis. “The USTA is proud to continue our impactful work alongside the ITA to enhance the college tennis experience as part of our mission to grow the sport of tennis.”

The five-year agreement between the sport’s national governing body and its college coaches’ association will focus on coaching education, community usage of college facilities and technology integration. The agreement will work to improve coaching education and the recruitment of future coaches. That includes support of the ITA’s Center for Coach Education, an online resource and series of in-person programs for active and prospective college coaches. Additionally, the ITA will work with the USTA to identify candidates to join the coaching pathway, with an emphasis on female and minority coaches.

“Given the complex, challenging, and ever-changing arena of college athletics, the world of higher education and the evolution of the global tennis ecosystem, the ever-growing partnership between the ITA and the USTA creates an important and very solid foundation for the success of our sport moving forward,” said Dr. Timothy Russell, ITA president and chief executive officer.

The agreement will also further integrate the International Tennis Federation’s World Tennis Number into collegiate tennis. The WTN will continue to be the rating for the ITA and will be the presenting sponsor of the ITA’s Summer Series and featured in the broadcast coverage of the DI National Men’s and Women’s Team Indoor Championships.

Both organizations will continue to encourage colleges and universities to open their facilities to the public and turn the space into a “community hub” by hosting private and group instruction, tournaments for all ages and abilities, USTA League play, coach education workshops and community service offerings. The USTA will assist each community hub location with the integration of various programs and initiatives.