College or Career in the Game of Life, er, Tennis?

I apologize that this post is long overdue. This weekend, I spent my time in Rochester, cheering on my tennis team to our Empire Eight Championship! Congrats Lady Bombers! We now move onto the NCAA tournament in May where we have a chance to battle some of the best in Division III tennis.

Spending the weekend surrounded by college tennis got me thinking - thinking about college tennis and thinking about pro tennis. Obviously, I know that Division III tennis is not even close to par with Division I tennis. In fact, the skill level is like Anna Kournikova playing Maria Sharapova. However, I was thinking how awesome it would be to be a Division I caliber tennis player. At this level, you are about as close to being pro as you can be. Some even end up dropping out of college or skipping it all together to go pro. So what should you do? If you are THAT good at tennis, would you want to travel the world year-round as a professional or stay in school, get an education, and play some awesome tennis along the way?

In American tennis, I think of two young athletes who have recently been in this situation - John Isner and Sam Querrey.

Isner, 22, had an awesome summer, jumping from the high 800's in the rankings to around 150. He almost beat Andy Roddick in the Washington final and even took a set from Mr. Roger Federer in the third round of the US Open in August. Known for his serve, the 6'-9" Isner is making a name for himself as a pro. However, he has something most other pros do not have - college experience. Sam Querrey, 18, also had a fantastic summer and is now officially in the Top 50. Also known for his height and serve, Querrey turned down a full ride to Southern California to turn pro.

Looking at these two youngsters who already have been successful (Isner has earned over $130,000 and Querrey more than $450,000), I would say that the pro circuit outshines the college competition. However, both sides have been debated and both could be worth it.

Isner says that playing for the University of Georgia was the best decision he ever could have made. While the pro circuit seems to be filled with pressures to do well, Isner explains that it was actually worse in college because it was a team sport - no one wants to let their team down. But that team atmosphere is what makes it all worth it. Isner was able to lead his Bulldogs to a 2007 NCAA Championship and he says that the memories he has of college are priceless. His mental game has also grew so much from the experience, being a team sport - more than any professional match could do. Isner is now reaping the rewards and finding himself with some trophys and nice paychecks.

Isner recently said, "Now that I'm playing just for me, I didn't feel that much pressure at all. The only person I'm going to disappoint is myself. I'm not going to let anyone else down."

Agreed. For the Bombers, I play in both regular matches and in many exhibition matches, too. It is a whole different ballgame playing in a match that counts for your team. "What-if" scenarios are endless as you are catching glimpses of your fellow teammates on the other courts. What if it comes down to you to win the match? You CANNOT let your team down. However, as Isner so wisely states, the pro circuit is you, and only you. If YOU mess up, then that's the money YOU will not be getting for that trip, car, or new pair of shoes. In college, the pressure is on you to do well for your TEAM. Obviously, an athlete learns very quickly how to deal mentally with playing the game.

On the other hand, Querrey decided to skip out on school because the pro circuit offered him something college would not - much financial opportunities. When you are a player with enough skill to be pro, endorsement money alone can reach the seven figures very, very quickly. When that opportunity is open, who wouldn't jump on it? You can go to school anytime so long you have the money for it, but a professional athlete's career (especially in tennis) can be very short-lived. We can see that Querrey probably has made the right decision, as he has already traveled the world and has almost made a half a million dollars in JUST prize money - and he is only 18!

So what is the verdict? College or Career? Sounds like the Game of Life to me. Should a tennis player move the little token to the left or to the right?

For me, I would say that if a player has the skill to go pro and be successful with it, go for it! Who wouldn't? The money, the travel, the free equipment and endorsements, and the endless opportunities are at your fingertips...Take it! You can go back to college later if you want to! Yes, I love college, I really do, but the pro circuit is too appealing to turn down. So, where would you move your little car in the Game of Life, er, the game of tennis? Take it on a road trip to the next school or transform it into a plane and travel to Australia for the first tourney of the year? I am taking the plane.