Congratulations to U/18s and Men's county player, James Henery who has signed for NCAA Division 2 College Tennis at Tusculum University in Tennessee, USA.

1. How did you go about getting a US Scholarship?

My parents initially asked around and found out from other players who have been to the States that the vast majority of applicants use a broker or agency to help them through the process. We then had an initial Facetime call with Sarah Borwell from Tennis Smart and felt confident that this was the best route for us. The process involved submitting tennis results and creating a video of me playing tennis. All this was done through an online portal. Tennis Smart then made the information available to colleges.

2. What does the Scholarship Involve?

The scholarship means that the total cost of tuition fees, board and coaching is vastly reduced, although flights to and from the States aren’t included.

3. Do you get to choose your University?

Once my details were uploaded, I then had to wait for communication from college coaches. I had about 10 calls and they gave me the chance to ask various questions. I then weighed up the different options, trying to think about my preferred climate and location. The settings vary a lot. I was initially interested in an offer from Chicago but the college was very much an inner city one and the fees were quite a lot more expensive. In the end I felt that the best match for me was Tusculum College in Tennessee so accepted their offer.

4. What will you study?

Sports science

5. How much tennis will you play?

I should be playing quite a lot of tennis – probably at least two hours a day and then matches against other colleges

6. Will you travel around the US?

I am sure the matches will involve travelling to nearby States, plus I’m looking forward to travelling to see relatives out there, too.

7. Have you had much communication with the uni and coaching team?

Since the initial call with the tennis coach I have had quite a lot of communication from the college, prompting me to complete various documents etc.

I am expecting to go out to Tennessee mid-August, probably having a short holiday with my parents over there before starting my course.