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The IMG Academy Standard
It’s the competitive atmosphere and the unmatched intensity and drive within the courts that creates such a balanced and supportive culture within IMG’s tennis program. IMG tennis coaches and trainers customize individual development plans and tournament schedules that set each student-athlete up for success. Paired with challenging academics, the tennis program’s college-preparatory environment offers a schedule that closely mirrors that of a collegiate program.
With structured and tangible plans in place throughout the week, student-athletes and coaches communicate regularly and build relationships that lead to unprecedented success. Student-athletes utilize video analysis to review key elements of their games as well.
Fundamental instruction and individualized on-court training in addition to internal Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) tournaments creates an ideal balance between instruction and competition. Technical and tactical elements remain the focus, along with footwork, conditioning, mental toughness, vision training, leadership, nutrition, and speed and agility training.
By creating a challenging environment that drives accountability, strength, and respect, the tennis academy continues to focus on making an impact on each individual to reach his best version as both a student and an athlete. Within the program, student-athletes have a defined development track that includes:
- Foundation
- Developmental
- Competitive
- Junior elite
- Professional
No matter if a student-athlete aspires to join a high-level D1 program, attend a university of the highest academic regard, or compete on the WTA and ITF tours, IMG Academy's program understands how to create a personalized track for every individual.
Enrollment & Evaluation Period
Coaches familiarize themselves with a student-athlete's game as much as possible during the enrollment process and begin to create a plan and training structure for each student-athlete throughout their first few weeks on campus. During that period, student-athletes and coaches will work on the below:
- A physical evaluation
- Addressing anything technical or tactical that may need improvement
- Understanding what works best for each individual and develop programs accordingly
- Competitive match play
- Progression and development from drills to competition
INDIVIDUAL, WEEKLY PLANS
Depending on a student-athlete's upcoming tournament schedule or previous week's play, coaches will create individual, weekly plans inclusive of in-house match play, drills and training, and performance elements like mental toughness and vision training. In-house tournaments (described below) are incorporated into weekly plans dependent on the student-athlete's overall tournament and travel schedule.
Weekly plans incorporate the following methods:
- Establishing an objective and goal
- Coaches increasing or decreasing intensity/volume based on pre-post competition
- Situational sessions based on a student-athlete's upcoming opponent(s)
- Coach/player meetings following the week to understand performance, next week's focus, and next-steps for improvement
College Recruitment
With the continued evolvement of the game, college is a huge part of player development. The prestige of IMG’s tennis program creates an unrivaled atmosphere for the college recruitment process and offers endless opportunities both academically and athletically. No matter the path a student-athlete hopes to take, the tennis program, along with the College Planning and Placement Department, outlines a strategic plan for success at the next level, inclusive of the below:
- Standardized test prep
- College applications from enrollment in grade 9 through graduation
- Working directly with a specific college advisor to confidently reach next-level goals
- Creating recruitment videos
- Creating a list of schools that suit the student-athlete both academically and athletically
- Communication with college coaches through visits to IMG Academy, official, and unofficial visits
Tournament Schedules & Program Environment
IMG Academy's tennis program provides the world's most diverse and well-rounded competition available. Student-athletes work with their coach to develop a tournament schedule that fits their level and needs, as each player's pathway to success varies. With the ability to outline the year dependent on initial skill level, ranking, and qualifying ability, if applicable, student-athletes feel comfortable entering each tournament with a structure and a plan. Additionally, depending on the event, coaches may travel to tournaments with players. Tournament schedules may include:
- ITF Junior Entry Level, Advanced, and Pro level
- COSAT
- USTA (local and national)
- UTR
- Junior Grand Slams
- IMG In-House Tournaments (details below)
In-House Competition
Because of the high level of tennis available from one location on IMG’s campus, including players from around the world, student-athletes are constantly challenged and have the ability to compete against different levels and styles at any time. Many of IMG’s in-house tournaments last throughout the year or for several months and build a camaraderie and culture around the program that's absolutely unique to IMG Academy.
UTR On-Campus Tournaments
Hosted 2-3 times/semester, Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) tournaments allow every student-athlete to play matches and build their UTR. With every student-athlete competing and earning a rating, the level of play and intensity grows with each round. Although formal tournaments occur as scheduled, match play during practice oftentimes is scored through the UTR system, allowing student-athletes an opportunity to improve their rating year-round. Format for the tournaments are as follows:
- Draws based on UTR rating with an average of 16 players per draw
- Compass Draws
- Guaranteed 4 matches
- College coaches visit regularly during play
Squad v. Squad Event
The Squad v Squad event is hosted once per semester and is one of our most fun filled events. It gives our student-athletes a chance to compete in a college-like atmosphere as all levels and groups combine into teams for a chance to be the overall winner. Each team has a dedicated team name and coach, who can also provide on-court coaching during play. College rules apply, and the energy during this tournament rivals the intensity in many college towns. Student-athletes gain experience in both singles and doubles while competing under pressure against any level while playing in an atmosphere where every point counts.
Masters Tournament
This 5-day event, hosted annually at the end of the spring semester, builds off of the program’s prestigious tournament established years ago. With past winners including Maria Sharapova, Tommy Haas, and other top ITF, ATP and WTA players, student-athletes compete until the final day for a slot in the finals. Student-athletes look forward to this challenge every year, and the honor of being the Masters Tournament champion holds true for the remainder of the year. Tournament details include:
- French-style draw, with lower ratings competing first and higher ratings entering in later rounds
- One girls draw and one boys draw, for two total winners and the ultimate showcase of international talent
- Trophies awarded at the end-of-year banquet with the entire program
Continental Cup
A high-intensity yet fun event, the Continental Cup produces an annual evening showcase where teams are formed based on continents and compete against each other in a four-day, round robin tournament. The Laver Cup-like atmosphere produces top performances. Student-athletes and their respective team and coach compete through two boys singles, one girls singles, doubles, and a mixed doubles matches. The entire campus is welcome to cheer on their continent of choice which builds a unique, inspirational energy. Student-athletes under 14 participate in the Junior Continental Cup, which offers them the opportunity to compete in their own event and aspire to play in the main tournament.
Eddie Herr Wild Card Tournament
Prior to the Eddie Herr Championships, this on-campus wild card event offers student-athletes a chance to play for a slot in their respective age division (BG12-18s) in the main event. Each draw's winner is guaranteed a wild card. This tournament is an opportunity to not only earn a spot in a world class event, but to also play in an intense atmosphere that counts towards the UTR system as well.
Athletic and Personal Development
Athletic and Personal Development plays an integral role in the overall development of each tennis student-athlete. Athletic and Personal Development instructors focus on crucial areas such as mental toughness, strength & conditioning, nutrition, leadership, life skills and character development, and more to ensure that IMG Academy tennis student-athletes not only have an advantage over their competition but understand what it takes to succeed in college, on the professional tour, and in life.
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Academics
Grades 6-12
IMG Academy’s collegiate-style schedule provides the ultimate preparation for student-athletes to succeed at the next level. Tennis student-athletes have the ability to select their courses and electives to identify their areas of interest ahead of enrolling into the collegiate program that best aligns with their academic and athletic goals.
View Grades 6-12 CurriculumPost-Graduate
Post-graduate tennis student-athletes will benefit from a gap year at IMG with available standardized test prep, college course credit opportunities, college placement and recruitment advisement, and more. Tennis post-graduates compete in on-campus UTR events while still having the opportunity to focus on an individual development plan with their respective coach. Post-graduate tennis student-athletes experience immense benefits by ensuring they’re prepared for their next steps as collegiate-student-athletes. Post-graduates will not jeopardize their NCAA eligibility by enrolling in this program.
Learn More about Post-GraduateTechnology & Facilities
- 55 tennis courts (34 hard, 17 clay, and 4 indoor)
- Tennis-specific building with coaches' offices and rooms to analyze practice and match videos, meet with coaches or advisors, and
- Covered turf facility for speed and agility training with specific coaches who focus on working with tennis players
Performance and Sports Science Center
- Mind Gym for mental conditioning sessions and vision training
- Fit Lights, dynaBOARD, and cognitive perceptive technology
- Yoga studio
- Strength and conditioning equipment
- Classrooms for nutrition and leadership training
- Athletic training facility for recovery and regeneration, including hot and cold tubs
Girls Tennis Academy Photo Gallery
Tennis Coaches & Staff
Notable Girls Tennis Program College Commitments
Student-athletes receive guidance from college placement specialists and sport coaches for reaching their goal of playing their sport at the collegiate level. This work begins when a student enters upper school at grade 9 and above.
Testimonials
- Whitney Osuigwe IMG Academy AlumnaI’ve worked so hard through all the groups here at IMG. It’s made me who I am today. This is my home!
- Heather Watson IMG Academy AlumnaI’ve been at since I was 12 years old. IMG Academy is my home away from home. My best friends today are friends I made here at IMG.
- Mallory Cecil IMG Academy AlumnaI owe a huge part of my success in college to IMG Academy. The lessons and skills I acquired at IMG allowed me to be successful not only on the court, but off as well. Going straight to college from IMG, I knew how to be part of a team, get my studies done, work hard on the court, and still have a social life. I was disciplined but had fun.
