TEMPE, Ariz. — Over the course of the 2025-26 college tennis season, members of the ITA Student-Athlete Council will be featured in monthly spotlights that will give the greater college tennis community an inside look at some of our Student-Athlete Council members and what they are accomplishing on and off the court.
The next spotlight of the season features Stella Fruijtier, a junior at Rollins College who hopes her tenure on the Council can show international recruits that competitive tennis exists across every level and division in the sport. From Buchillon, Switzerland, Fruijtier has an innate ability to connect with teammates, peers and competitors from diverse backgrounds and upbringings.
“The level of play is very high, and these programs often provide a balanced and supportive student-athlete environment. Expanding awareness of these opportunities can help recruits make more informed and fulfilling decisions.”
Read more about Stella in this spotlight below:
Why was it important to you to apply to the ITA Student-Athlete Council, and what does it mean to you to represent college tennis athletes from across all levels of play, as well as specifically the level of play where you compete?
It was important for me to apply to the ITA Student-Athlete Council because I want to give back to the sport that has shaped me both on and off the court. As an international student-athlete, I also feel the responsibility to make sure the voices of international players are heard and represented at the national level. Representing college tennis means advocating for inclusivity and visibility, especially for Division II, where I compete, and ensuring that athletes feel seen and valued.
Being fluent in English, French, Italian, and German is an incredible asset. How has your multilingual background helped you build bridges between teammates and competitors from different corners of the globe?
Being fluent in English, French, Italian, and German has allowed me to connect more deeply with teammates and competitors from diverse backgrounds. It helps break down communication barriers and fosters a sense of belonging for international players adjusting to a new environment. Through language, I’ve been able to build trust, foster friendships, and create stronger team dynamics across cultures.
You’ve mentioned that outside the U.S., there is a misconception that only Division I is truly competitive. What is one thing you want international recruits to know about the level of play and the student-athlete experience in all other divisions (Division II, III, NAIA, Junior College, and Wheelchair)?
One important thing I want international recruits to understand is that competitive tennis exists at every level, not just Division I. Divisions like DII, DIII, and NAIA offer incredible opportunities to compete at a high level while also receiving a strong academic and personal development experience. The level of play is very high, and these programs often provide a balanced and supportive student-athlete environment. Expanding awareness of these opportunities can help recruits make more informed and fulfilling decisions.
You’ve focused on building collaboration between athletes and the wider student body. Why is it important for tennis players to be seen as leaders across the entire campus, not just within the athletic department?
It is important for tennis players and athletes in general to be seen as leaders across campus because our impact extends far beyond athletics. By engaging with the wider student body, we can strengthen connections across campus and help create a more unified community. Being visible leaders also allows us to advocate more effectively and collaborate with different groups. Ultimately, this experience prepares us for leadership roles beyond college, where strong communication and collaboration are essential.
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The ITA Student-Athlete Council is a committee of student-athletes who play college tennis assembled to provide insights regarding the sport with a special emphasis on the student-athlete experience. The goals of this committee are as follows: Present a student-athlete voice within the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) (1), Offer input regarding matters pertaining to the sport, particularly issues impacting the lives of student-athletes (2), Work to enhance the student-athlete experience specific to college tennis across all divisions (3), Invest in the leaders of tomorrow by creating leadership and professional development opportunities (4).