Essential NCAA Tennis Gear: What College Players Really Need
By: Tracy Rolling
College tennis is fast, competitive, and demanding—both mentally and physically. In order for NCAA athletes to perform at their best level, they need to find a healthy combination of high-quality gear, team-issued equipment, and personalized tools to help them stay prepared throughout the long season.
Whether you're an incoming freshman, a recruit researching the college game, or a fan curious about what players actually use, here’s a breakdown of the essential NCAA tennis gear every college athlete needs to know.
Racquets: The Foundation of Every NCAA Tennis Player
A reliable racquet setup is crucial for success in college tennis. Most college players carry at least four identical racquets, matching in weight, balance, and string tension. Key features include:
- College team–sponsored racquet by brands like Wilson, Babolat, Head, and Yonex
- Frequent restringing, especially during long tournaments
- Customized specifications to maximize power, spin, or control
The most popular NCAA racquets are:
- Yonex EZONE 98 & 100 are a trusted blend of power and feel
- Babolat Pure Aero 98 & 100 have explosive spin and a big pop
- Head Speed Pro & MP give all-court precision to manage the ball with ease
The Wilson Blade 98 v9 & Blade 100 v9 also offers a strong blend of control, feel, and spin—ideal for college players who want to dictate points and keep opponents guessing throughout the match.
Tennis Strings: Power, Spin, and Feel
Strings can dramatically influence a player’s game, making them one of the most important pieces of equipment in college tennis. Many NCAA players will experiment with string until they find the perfect blend of control, power, and feel. Key string features are:
- Polyester strings for maximum durability, power, and spin
- Multifilament strings for superior comfort and control
- Hybrid string setups for blended performance College players generate heavy pace and spin, which causes strings to lose tension fast—meaning many athletes restring before almost every match. The right string setup keeps their performance sharp, consistent, and reliable, giving them the advantage from the get-go.
- Solinco Hyper-G Round has a consistent response, high spin, and durability
- Luxilon ALU Power is the tour standard for control and feel
- Babolat RPM Blast unites spin and tension maintenance for daily training loads
- Match-day shoes for competition
- Practice shoes designed to handle daily training
- Specialty court shoes for specific surfaces (such as clay court shoes)
- Asics Gel Resolution X excellent for lateral movements and stability
- Nike Zoom Vapor Pro 3 crafted for players who want speed, precision, and refined style
- Adidas Barricade 13 has an adaptive fit for elite performance
- Adidas Avacourt 2 best known for comfort and support
- Nike Vapor Pro 3 offers a balance of grip and give for excellent traction
- Nike Vapor 12 are lightweight, game-day shoes for quickness and agility
- Large racquet bags that hold between 9 and 15 racquets
- Backpacks for schoolwork and personal items
- Bags made by manufacturers that match their racquet and other gear
- Yonex Pro 9-Pack available in multiple colors
- Wilson Super Tour 15-Pack equipped with Thermoguard lining to protect gear
- Head Pro Tour 9-pack reinforced construction for enhanced stability and protection
Among the most-used college setups are:
Shoes for Every Surface and Situation
Quality tennis shoes are essential for injury prevention and optimal movement. College players typically go through multiple pairs of tennis shoes each season. This footwear collection might include:
Best NCAA Men's Tennis Shoes
Best NCAA Women's Tennis Shoes
Tennis Bags and Travel Gear for NCAA Team Trips
Because collegiate teams travel frequently, players rely on a durable bag to keep them organized and match ready. Most NCAA players carry:
Final Thoughts:
The right NCAA tennis gear—racquets, strings, shoes, and bags, gives college players the competitive edge they need. Begin your path to college-level success with Midwest Racquet Sports, your trusted source for reliable equipment and custom performance setups. GEAR UP. GAME ON.