JOIN TEAM RISE
On The RISE Selection Criteria
Open to junior boy and girl tennis players ages 10-18, on a local, state, regional and/or national level. Our selection process is intensive to ensure we are maintaining the integrity and mission of the program. We are committed to supporting competitive, youth tennis players from diverse backgrounds in hopes that they feel supported physically, mentally, and financially.
Eligibility Criteria for Grant Consideration
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Aspirational Focus
Demonstrates a clear ambition to compete at the college or professional tennis level.
Academic Excellence
Maintains a minimum GPA of 3.2, reflecting a strong commitment to academics.
Character Reference
Submits a letter of recommendation from a non-family member attesting to the applicant’s character and work ethic.
Competitive Experience
Has a desire to OR currently compete in USTA, ITF or UTR-verified singles and doubles tournaments.
Personal Statement
Provides an essay outlining personal goals, dedication to excellence, and notable tennis achievements, if any.
Community Service Commitment
Demonstrates involvement in at least two charitable or volunteer events per year.
NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Compliance
At On the RISE Tennis, we are fully committed to upholding NCAA and NAIA amateurism rules to protect the eligibility of all athletes supported through our program. The following compliance policies guide the structure and distribution of grant funding:
Maintaining Amateur Status
Players under the age of 18 are eligible to receive grant funding for legitimate tennis-related expenses including travel, coaching, tournament fees, and equipment without compromising their amateur status. All financial support is considered assistance for participation, not a reward for athletic performance, rankings, or results.
Strict No Pay-for-Play Policy
Grant funds are not performance-based and are never awarded in exchange for competitive results or ranking achievements. All funding is intended solely to offset the high costs of participation in junior tennis and support athlete development.
No Professional Contracts or Endorsements
On the RISE Tennis does not enter into contracts with players. We do not facilitate or support any professional endorsements or agreements that would jeopardize an athlete’s amateur status.
Verification and NCAA Rule Compliance
All distributed funds must be used strictly for pre-approved, tennis-related expenses. Athletes and/or their families are required to submit receipts and documentation to verify that funds have been used in accordance with NCAA and NAIA regulations.On the RISE Tennis monitors and audits all expenditures to ensure full compliance with amateurism rules.
Oversight and Coordination with School Compliance Offices
As needed, On the RISE Tennis will coordinate with each athlete’s school compliance office to confirm that the use of funds does not conflict with eligibility requirements.
Application Process
1. Eligibility
Applicants must meet the selection criteria outlined in the previous section.
2. Application Submission
Complete the application form, including:
- Personal information
- A letter of support from a non-family member
- A personal essay highlighting tennis aspirations
3. Player Selection Timeline
4. Application / Waiting List
On the RISE Tennis is not currently accepting new applications as we work to grow donations and expand our ability to support additional players. We encourage interested athletes to apply and join our waitlist to be considered for future openings as our program continues to grow.
While placement on the waitlist does not guarantee a spot, it ensures your application will be reviewed as soon as space becomes available. Openings are offered based on availability, eligibility, and program fit.
For questions about your waitlist status, please reach out to info@ontherisetennis.org we are always happy to connect with families interested in joining Team RISE.
Funding Details
Selected players may receive ongoing grant support based on verified needs and participation. Funding is not linked to performance or rankings. Grants are designed to help cover player expenses, enabling athletes to fully engage in tennis, academics, and personal development. For more details, please consult the Grant Guidelines and Procedures Manual in the Governance – Documents and Policy section of the website.
The funding can cover the following:
Player Coaching
Funding for coaching to assist in tennis development.
Tennis Equipment
Financial help for purchasing necessary tennis equipment
Travel Expenses
Assistance with travel and lodging for tennis competitions
Sport-Related Healthcare
Coverage for physical therapy, medical treatments, injury prevention, or other healthcare services related to tennis
Personal Development
Grants for programs that help develop professional independence and personal growth
Academic Tutoring
Support for academic tutoring or other educational services
Players must provide receipts or other documentation to confirm the appropriate use of the funds.
Player Policy
Our players must abide by all NCAA and NAIA rules and regulations. On the RISE Tennis has high standards for our players to ensure they not only make themselves and their teammates proud, but their families, coaches, and communities as well. Our players are diligent, respectful, hard-working, academically focused, and accountable.
Player Monitoring and Termination Policy
On the RISE Tennis expects players to maintain the standards outlined in the selection criteria throughout their participation in the program. If a player fails to meet these expectations the Board of Directors has the right to remove the participant.
We will follow the following protocol:
Initial Warning
The player will receive a formal warning and consultation, along with a plan to address the areas of concern.
Follow-up:
If no improvement is seen after six months, the player may be removed from the program.
Voluntary Withdrawal
Players may choose to voluntarily withdraw if they no longer wish to participate in tennis or if their personal goals change.