May 13, 2026

Ferris State’s Professional Tennis Management program partners with USTA Coaching to develop the next generation of tennis coaches

Ferris State University is partnering with USTA Coaching on a new collaborative framework designed to strengthen the pipeline of future tennis professionals.  

Through a newly established program, USTA Coaching will collaborate with Ferris State’s Professional Tennis Management program, Hope College in Holland and Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina to further align academic preparation with the evolving needs of the tennis industry. 

This collaboration is intended to support students pursuing careers in tennis by creating stronger connections between university programs and the professional coaching ecosystem. 

By working together, the institutions and USTA Coaching aim to help students gain earlier exposure to industry resources, professional standards and development opportunities that support successful careers in coaching and racquet sports leadership. 

“We could not be more excited to be working with these colleges to help us recruit the next generation of tennis professionals,” said Elliott Pettit, USTA Coaching’s senior director, Education and Certification. “As an alum of the program, it really opened doors for me to expand my skills in the tennis industry. As we look to get 35 million people playing tennis by 2035, we need to be sure that the proper infrastructure is there to make sure those heading out onto a court have a great experience and want to keep coming back.” 

As part of the collaboration, students enrolled in Professional Tennis Management and Racquet Sports Management programs will have expanded opportunities to engage with USTA Coaching resources and professional development tools as they prepare to enter the workforce.  

The initiative is designed to help bridge the gap between academic study and real-world experience while supporting the long-term growth of the tennis profession.

The collaboration will also create opportunities for enhanced engagement between university programs and the broader tennis community, including access to educational resources, industry insights, and select professional development experiences designed to support student learning and career readiness.

“This partnership with USTA Coaching represents a meaningful advancement in preparing the next wave of tennis leaders through a more connected and forward-thinking educational experience,” said RJ Tessier, director of Ferris State’s Professional Tennis Management Program. “By opening doors to hands-on learning, mentorship and real-world insight, our students will graduate ready to make an immediate impact across the racquet sports industry.”

Students in the Ferris State program gain skills on and off the court. They receive extensive player development and coaching training from the PTM staff, including a RSPA Master Professional and a RSPA Elite Professional.

Off the court, students master the business of tennis, prepared for a wide variety of roles, 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.

USTA Coaching is a new entity established by the United States Tennis Association with a national platform created to support, elevate and expand the tennis coaching community across the country.