October 3, 2025
Classroom to Careers: Lorenzo Pierini comes to Ferris State from Italy prepare for a career in professional tennis management
Lorenzo Pierini grew up in Italy with a passion for tennis and eagerness to learn more about it – and seek a career in the sport.
That passion brought him to Ferris State University and its nationally respected Professional Tennis Management program. He had an opportunity to put his skills to work this year as an internship with Bald Head Island Club in Bald Head Island, North Carolina, south of Wilmington on the Atlantic coast.
Pierini came to the United States as an exchange student his senior year of high school in Battle Creek and opted to return to the states for his college education. His friends at Ferrs State all share a love for tennis and enjoy learning and improving in the sport together.
“I have been able to meet lots of people from across the country and create connections through PTM,” Pierini said. “At first, I didn’t know where I wanted to end up with PTM, but what I do know is that I love tennis and the connections I’ve made along the way.”
Pierini’s internship at the private club ran from May to August, and he felt well prepared due to all the resources provided for him through Ferris State.
He carried out a variety of responsibilities, some of which included running group and private lessons each week, running his own clinic, event planning, cleaning courts, booking lessons, and even running his own match.
“It felt like I had a lot of responsibilities, but I improved daily and represented Ferris well,” he said. “I try my best every day and it reflects my preparation from the program here.”
Amongst all his responsibilities, his favorite was coaching. He was able to teach lots of young players and see them improve with his help. To him, it’s the best feeling knowing that he’s helped people improve, and that they’re pleased with their improvements.
"Lorenzo's international journey reminds us that tennis is a universal sport, and his perspective enriches the PTM program with a truly global vision,” PTM program director RJ Tessier said. The internships allow PTM students to coach and teach players as well as be mentored by industry professionals with unique and dynamic backgrounds."
Ferris State’s Professional Tennis Management program is the first four-year program to be accredited by the Racquet Sports Professionals Association and helps students build a foundation to succeed on and off the court.
Students in the program receive extensive player development and coaching training from the PTM staff, including a RSPA Master Professional and a RSPA Elite Professional, using the university's world-class Racquet and Fitness Center to train and learn.
Off the court, students master the business of tennis, including club management, equipment sales, and more.
As a part of the College of Business, they also receive a well-rounded business education, with classes in marketing, accounting, and management.