California (Pennsylvania) tennis coach Pablo Montana swings by the Coaches’ Corner to share some thoughts about the international game of tennis. Montana discusses his recruiting strategies and the impact of having international players on his roster.

Tennis is an international sport and there are great tennis players all over the world. In the professional arena, it is one of the only sports where the season is all year long - much like college tennis. The United States has produced many of its great prodigies from the USTA, but today you see countries such as Russia, Serbia, and Spain that seem to dominate the professional ranks in tennis.

I am going to try to recruit the best possible tennis players I can for my program, whether they are American or international. I have had more success with the international pool of recruits than with the American talent simply because there are more international prospects available. The norm seems to be for the best American junior tennis players to play at the top Division I programs, but in every top 10 Division I and II program, you will see rosters filled with international players. For me, I do not want to be left out when these top international players are playing for my competitors.

A great attribute most international players bring to the table when they come to play college tennis for the first time is that many of them have played on club teams before and are used to playing on teams and playing under pressure situations. The European Tennis System is brilliant in the sense that they encourage young players to play on their club team and compete for a title. I really think this experience alone helps most international players succeed when they come to the States to play college tennis.

Some other positives I have experienced bringing in international players to my program is that they are so excited, thankful and eager for the opportunity to be in the States and get a quality education while competing for a team. Most of my international players are ready to compete the first day they arrive to campus - I love that! Again, I want to go on record that I think American players are great too and if I had the opportunity to recruit more quality U.S. players, I absolutely would! I want the best players in my program!

Some negatives about having an international team is that I rarely have that connection with parents and family as I would with American players. I do miss having parents and family come to our home matches, reunions, community service events, etc... You definitely have more of a bond with the U.S. parents than with international parents for the obvious reason of travel. I have made some great relationships with some of my international players parents and I wish I could have more of them.

As far as coaching my players - American or international, they either get it or they don't. I do not change my coaching style or philosophies just because one player may be from another country. I believe a good coach is one who can adapt to his or her players. My best coaching is done when I can establish a comfortable rapport with my players. Sometimes it may take a little longer with the international players because of the new arena and lifestyle of college living, but ultimately, good coaching requires patience and understanding - whether you are coaching a team of American or international players.