By Kely Revall

When I was a typical “fish out of water” college student, I was at a loss for words when people asked me what I want to be when I grow up.  Eventually, I just started making things up.  That was until I was introduced to the Professional Tennis Management program at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich.  I was playing a tournament at the Ferris State Racquet and Fitness Center when I sat down with then-director, Tom Daglis, to discuss the opportunity of playing tennis for the Ferris State team and beginning my undergraduate degree at the school.

When I had my chat with Mr. Daglis, I wasn't sure of anything I wanted to do with my career and life outside of high school.  I knew I wanted to go to college and possibly play tennis.  I started my tennis career by playing every year for one week, spring break.  I would play only because my parents and grandparents asked.  When I finally entered middle school and realized the idea of playing tennis for a team, it struck a chord.  I was fascinated and I have played year-round ever since. 

Even now that I've graduated college--after attending Ferris State and playing for the team--I’m still not sure what I want to do when I finish school, but the idea behind the PTM program is that there are a lot of options one can pursue, and a B.S. degree in business provides great preparation for anything.  I have always been very fond of sales.  Some people can’t stand sales.  Others enjoy working on court with players and teaching the game that they love to anyone who will listen.  Some want to own, operate or direct a club where tennis is the topic of discussion day-in and day-out.  There are also "loners" out there who enjoy the sweet solitude of stringing in silence in pro shops, at tournaments, and anywhere else people wear out or break strings.  PTM has the curriculum for all of them. 

The curriculum, workshops, banquets, and internships set you up with the knowledge and connections to get you jobs in tennis anywhere in the world. There are opportunities with clay-court specialists and racquet stringing competitions as well as your regular tennis facilities or country clubs that need a professional to help teach Championship Carl (if you read my last article you’ll remember him) how to hit a two-handed backhand. 

PTM is a great program for anyone who loves the game of tennis.  It's at a cozy, Division II school in the midwest that offers a myriad of people and activities to participate in. 

I am at the start of my tennis career. Not sure exactly where it will take me, but one thing's for sure: I am proud to be a Professional Tennis Management program at Ferris State University !