Empowering Young Athletes: A Q&A with Gabor Pelva of GoCollegeSports
Developing young tennis talent and preparing them for a successful future in U.S. college tennis is the primary goal of GoCollegeSports. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the world of college sports recruitment, the benefits of early planning, and the key factors that set GoCollegeSports apart.
Q: Please tell us a little about you and your background in the tennis world.
A: I’m currently a consultant for player and coach development in Hungary and internationally. My work involves collaborating with national tennis associations, clubs, coaches, players, and tennis parents. I’m also the founder of two sports agencies, TennisConsultancy and GoCollegeSports, which support athletes and coaches in reaching their full potential.
My career began as a student-athlete with Auburn University’s Men’s Tennis team, where I gained firsthand experience in collegiate athletics. This led me to roles within the Hungarian Tennis Association. This combined background as a player, coach, and consultant gives me a unique perspective that I bring to both my consulting and recruiting work, ensuring we meet the evolving needs and expectations of the tennis community.
Q: Please tell us some more about GoCollegeSports.
A: I founded GoCollegeSports in 2021 to help athletes maximise their potential through U.S. college placements. While our agency is young, we also bring a wealth of experience in the recruiting process. As a former Auburn University student-athlete and coach, I understand firsthand what U.S. college coaches look for in a player, correspondingly, this perspective gives us an advantage. Our team guides athletes and their families through every step, ensuring they’re well-prepared and have the best chance for success.
Q: Being based in Hungary yourself, Gabor, how possible is it for you to work with international players from outside Hungary? Do you have an area of the world you would like to concentrate on?
A: Absolutely. In today’s interconnected world, geography is no barrier to working with international athletes. Our agency already supports athletes across Europe and the Middle East, and we’re actively expanding to work with players from Asia. We’re excited to bring our expertise to more international players and help them navigate the opportunities in U.S. college sports.
Q: Do you concentrate on tennis only, or, as your name suggests, do you work with other sports as well?
A: Although tennis is our primary focus, we do however work with athletes in other sports too. We’ve actively assisting players in swimming, ice hockey, basketball, soccer, and more. Our goal is to help athletes across various sports find the best opportunities in the U.S. college system.
Q: There are plenty of tennis/sports recruitment companies for college scholarships around the world. What are three things that set you apart from your competitors?
A: Three key aspects set GoCollegeSports apart. First, our deep tennis expertise—we’re not just a general recruiting agency; we understand the sport and its requirements thoroughly. Second, our approach is highly collaborative and personalized. We engage both players and their parents in the decision-making process, guiding them on college options, developmental goals, and even tournament planning. Lastly, we take a holistic view of each athlete’s journey, providing insights beyond just college placement, which includes career guidance and a strategic roadmap for their sport.
Q: How do you see this business opportunity working, and what ideas do you have to help the next generation of U.S. college athletes?
A: I believe our role is incredibly valuable in opening doors for international athletes to succeed in the U.S. The U.S. has a vast network of college athletic opportunities, but many athletes and families don’t have the knowledge or experience to navigate this path. Collegiate athletics, especially college tennis, has become a critical part of many athletes’ careers, whether they aim for professional levels or not. My advice to aspiring college athletes is to start early—ideally two years before high school graduation—balancing academics and athletics while preparing to stand out in a competitive environment. We at GoCollegeSports are here to support that journey, offering the expertise and strategy that can make all the difference.
Quick-Fire Round
- Your Favorite Inspirational Quote: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
- Favorite Color: Blue
- Greatest Sporting Moment: Beating the University of Alabama as a freshman, clinching the match for Auburn University 4-3
- Favorite Sports Person: Bruce Lee and Emma Navarro
- Favorite Number: 7
- What Car Do You Drive: Audi
- Favorite Drink: A good cup of coffee
- Favorite Band: Queen
- Sports Followed: Tennis, college football
- Who Will Win the Next Grand Slam (Australian Open): Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka
Call to Action
Ready to take your athletic journey to the next level? Contact GoCollegeSports today to learn more about how they can help you achieve your dreams.
Check out All Sports Recruitment’s website: https://gocollegesports.com/
and their profile on SPC: https://sportsprosconnect.com/profiles/gocollegesports/
