From Late Starter to College Champion Now Helping You Do the Same
Coach Michelle’s story proves that it’s never too late to turn dreams into reality.
My Journey to College Tennis
Coach Michelle Gbelama- Okore
At 16, I discovered tennis and fell in love with the game. Starting late, I felt unprepared and overlooked, but I worked tirelessly, practiced before and after school, and leaned on every opportunity I could find. Despite the odds, I earned $51,000 in scholarships, was recruited to play tennis at Drew University, and rose from #4 to #1 singles. I became MVP, competed in NCAA tournaments, and earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees through tennis.
Today, as a Youth Development Specialist, Professional Tennis Coach, and Founder of She Leads Sports and WE Lead Sports, I have helped over 5,000 young people succeed. Now I want to guide you and your child through the same journey.
The Challenge
Why Families Struggle with the College Tennis Process
Many athletes and parents feel lost navigating recruitment. Schools do not provide enough guidance, deadlines creep up, and families miss out on scholarships or settle for the wrong school. Coaches today want more than just strong players. They are looking for well-rounded students who fit their program’s culture. Without preparation, your child could miss life-changing opportunities.
The Solution
Your Step-by-Step Path to College Tennis Success
That is why I created College Ready Recruit, a proven program designed to guide both parents and athletes through the college recruitment process.
You will learn how to:
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Create an outstanding recruitment profile
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Build confidence and attract coach interest
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Choose the right schools academically and athletically
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Communicate effectively with coaches
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Find and secure scholarships
The College Ready Recruit mini online course is designed to help high school tennis athletes navigate the college recruitment process with confidence.
In this self-paced program, athletes will learn how to:
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Showcase their skills effectively
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Build a standout recruiting profile
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Reach out to coaches the right way
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Understand the NCAA recruiting process
With expert insights and actionable steps, this course prepares students to make a strong impression and boost their chances of securing a college roster spot.
Do not miss this opportunity to set your child up for success. Get the course today and take the first step toward their dream school.
Parents, This is For You Too
I know what it feels like to worry about your child’s future.
You might be thinking:
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“I do not know how the recruitment process works.”
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“I do not have enough time.”
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“My child is not confident enough.”
The truth is...Coaches are no longer just looking for talented players; they want well-rounded individuals. Being good at a sport alone is no longer enough. How involved your child is in their community, how they present themselves, and how they showcase their personality could make the difference between getting into their dream school or settling for less.
Our Purpose
College Ready Recruit is a course designed to help parents of high school tennis athletes who are navigating the complex recruitment process. This course provides valuable insights on how to guide your child in becoming a well-rounded student-athlete. The goal is to help them efficiently prepare for college, enhance their mental performance, and secure a scholarship at their DREAM school—one that meets not only their athletic aspirations but also their academic goals.
Our
Approach
This comprehensive course is designed for high school tennis players aspiring to compete at the collegiate level. Participants will gain essential insights into the college recruiting process, build strategies for effective communication with college coaches, and develop a standout athletic and academic profile.
Key topics covered include:
• Understanding NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA eligibility requirements
• Creating a compelling tennis recruiting video and resume
• Identifying and targeting the right college programs
• Navigating scholarship opportunities
• Preparing for recruiting calls and campus visits
• Maintaining academic and athletic balance
By the end of this course, student-athletes will be equipped with the tools and confidence to take control of their college recruiting journey and position themselves for success both on and off the court.
This course helps athletes learn how to:
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Set realistic goals and create an outstanding recruitment profile
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Develop more confidence and increase interest in the recruitment process
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Select the right colleges that fulfill both athletic and academic needs
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Effectively communicate with coaches and conduct interviews
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Locate and secure athletic, academic, and outside scholarships
Discovery Masterclass
Get inspired to start your college sports journey.
A quick 10-minute pre-recorded session introducing what College Ready Recruit is all about. Learn the big picture of college athletics, the value of playing a sport in college, and how the recruiting process works.
10
College Ready Blueprint
Your full roadmap to becoming a college athlete.
This in-depth program includes multiple video lessons, interactive worksheets, planning checklists, and real-world examples to help you build your college tennis recruiting strategy. Perfect for those ready to take serious, guided steps toward earning their scholarship.
SIGNATURE
COACHING
Personalized guidance with Coach Michelle.
An exclusive, one-on-one coaching experience tailored to your unique goals, timeline, and skill level. Begins with a Discovery Call to assess where you are in your recruiting journey and design a custom plan to help you succeed. Ideal for serious athletes seeking hands-on mentorship and accountability.
A Satisfied Parent
Sherry’s daughter, Natalie, was recruited to play tennis at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.
By following the program's instructions step by step, Sherry and Natalie were able to apply for 100 scholarships, giving Natalie the opportunity to fund her entire college career without paying anything out of pocket.
Now, Natalie is thriving at Whitworth University, excelling in the sport she loves and receiving a great education, all without the burden of financial stress.
What You Should Know
What are the benefits of working with College Ready Recruit?
Working with College Ready Recruit provides a number of benefits including personalized guidance, access to expert knowledge and resources, and a higher likelihood of gaining acceptance into top-choice colleges.
How long does the college counseling process take?
The length of the college counseling process varies depending on the needs of the student. Generally, we recommend starting the process at least one year before the student plans to apply to colleges.
Does College Ready Recruit offer assistance with standardized testing?
No, College Ready Recruit does not offer detail test preparation services for the SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests. Our coach can help students understand how to take these tests and increase their chances of admission.
In Partnership With
If your school or organization would like to partner with us to host a College Ready Recruit workshop, please contact us below.
Connect with Us
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