Episode 6: The John Rado Interview
In Episode 6, Pat sit down with John Rado from Palo Alto, California, and Furman University, to share his journey through college tennis — a journey that started at Division 3 and ended at Division 1.
Not every athlete walks straight into a D1 program, and John's story is a reminder that your starting point doesn't define your ceiling. He began his college career at Skidmore College, a Division 3 school in New York, before transferring to Furman University in South Carolina to compete at the D1 level. Along the way, he also trained at Rafa Nadal's academy in Mallorca, Spain — an experience that gave him a completely different perspective on how tennis is developed outside the U.S.
John gets honest about what it was like to bet on himself, make the jump between divisions, and navigate the challenges that come with each level. Whether you're a player weighing your options between D1 and D3, or a family trying to understand what the right fit actually looks like, this is a conversation worth hearing.
We cover:
Growing up in Palo Alto and deciding to pursue college tennis
Training at Rafa Nadal's academy in Mallorca and how it compared to U.S. tennis development
Why Division 3 at Skidmore College was the right starting point
The transition process from D3 to D1 at Furman University
D3 vs. D1 — the real differences in athletics, academics, and social life
Dealing with burnout, pressure, and balancing sport with real life
What separates good players from great players at the college level
Skills from being an athlete that carry into everyday life
John's most valuable advice for the next generation of athletes
This episode is all about real experiences, honest conversation, and lessons for any athlete considering the college tennis journey — no matter where the starting point is.
Watch the full episode! 🎾
