For head tennis coach Patrick Sullivan, recruiting quality players to UH is a breeze. He said the great academic opportunity, family environment, our fun and diverse city and the chance to play on a nationally-ranked tennis team is hard to pass up.
“The place really recruits itself,” Sullivan said. Fresh after a 6-1 win against Texas State in the HEB Invitational, the Cougars picked up the sixth ranked recruiting class according to TennisRecruiting.net.
When recruiting, Sullivan’s key focuses are on work ethic, attitude and talent. More than what the players have to offer us, Sullivan focuses on the positive environment he can offer our players.
“Recruiting is about building relationships. I work hard to really get to know recruits and am very honest about what we have to offer and what we’re looking for. I try hard to meet and to get to know their families and try to relieve their fears about sending their 18-year-old daughters far away from home. I try to give our current players the best experience they can on and off the tennis court,” Sullivan said.
He said he also works to maintain these relationships.
“With all of the time we spend together, if you don’t develop life-long friendships, you’re doing something wrong.”
Sullivan believes maintaining these relationships is also good for the school and coaching staff as well as the students. Student-athletes will share their experiences with others on and off the court.
“It’s exciting to have a great foundation of high-character individuals that really do want to be great,” Sullivan said. “We have had a really great start to the season, getting our first national ranking since 2006 and things are really looking up for us,” Sullivan said.
