Tempe, AZ – Now in the fourth year of the program, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) is pleased to once again announce the six (6) student-athletes who will earn professional playing opportunities through the ITF College Accelerator Program.
“The ITF College Accelerator Program continues to demonstrate the incredible pathway that college tennis provides for aspiring professional players,” said ITA CEO, David Mullins. “We are grateful to the International Tennis Federation for its ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to transition from collegiate competition to the professional game. The caliber of players qualifying for this year’s program reflects the strength and depth of college tennis, and we are excited to see these student-athletes compete on the ITF World Tennis Tour. On behalf of the ITA, congratulations to all six qualifiers on this outstanding achievement and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
To qualify for this program, athletes must either rank in the Top Five of the Year-End ITA Singles Rankings or reach the finals of the NCAA Singles Championship in the fall. Once qualified, these student-athletes will gain access to opportunities on the ITF World Tennis Tour (WTT) during the year ahead.
In total, the ITF College Accelerator Program will award five (5) main draw places into WTT events (one W75, two W50, two W35) to any qualifying student-athlete who is not returning to college. Meanwhile, for any returning student-athletes, this program will award three main draw places (one W75, two W50) to qualifying student-athletes.
Listed below are the six players who qualified for the 2026 ITF College Accelerator Program through either ITA Year-End Singles Ranking or by reaching the NCAA Division I Tennis Singles Championship Final.
Qualified Student-Athletes
Lucciana Perez | Texas A&M University | ITA Ranking
Reese Brantmeier | University of North Carolina | ITA Ranking & NCAA Champion
Carmen Andreea Herea | University of Texas | ITA Ranking
Luciana Perry | Ohio State University | ITA Ranking
Teah Chavez | Ohio State University | ITA Ranking
Berta Passola Folch | University of California | NCAA Finalist
About the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The ITF is the world governing body of tennis. Founded in 1913, its purpose is to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport, delivering tennis for future generations in association with its 213 member nations. The ITF oversees the rules and regulations that govern international and national competition. The ITF is responsible for the worldwide development of tennis through its highly regarded Development Programme, its Science and Technical department which monitors equipment and technology, and its Officiating department which oversees the education and advancement of officials. The ITF is the owner and co-owner of the two largest annual international team competitions in tennis, the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC) by Gainbridge and manages the Olympic and Paralympic Tennis Events on behalf of the IOC and IPC. The ITF organises over 1,500 weeks of men’s, women’s and junior tournaments on the ITF World Tennis Tour, ITF Beach Tennis Tour, UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour and the ITF Masters Tour. The ITF upholds the highest standards of integrity and is a partner in the International Tennis Integrity Agency.
About the ITA – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) is the governing body and coaches association of college tennis, both an advocate and an authority for the sport and its members. Comprised of 1,260 colleges and universities, 20,000 student-athletes, 1,700 varsity programs, 3,000 coaches, and 1,350 college tennis officials, the ITA empowers college tennis coaches at all levels to deliver vibrant tennis programs that are vital to their college communities and transformational to their student-athletes. Follow the college tennis season on the ITA website and ITA social channels on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.