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Mark Finnegan: A Personal Touch in College Tennis Recruitment
 

A Personal Touch in College Tennis Recruitment

This week we are talking about college tennis recruitment with Mark Finnegan at All Sports Recruitment! We’ve got all the information you need if you are a young tennis player dreaming of a college tennis scholarship; Mark Finnegan, the founder of All Sports Recruitment, is here to guide you through the complex world of college tennis recruitment.

Mark Wylam: Good afternoon Mark, it’s great to have you in our interview seat today… Tell us a little about you and your background in the tennis world?

Mark Finnegan: Thank you for taking the time today to learn more about All Sports Recruitment. Tennis has been a central part of my life since I was just six years old. I was fortunate to have incredibly supportive parents who helped fuel my passion and pushed me to achieve my goals, both as a junior player and later in college.

Along the way, I had the privilege of representing Ireland in the Junior Olympics, becoming a national champion across all junior age groups, and eventually earning a tennis scholarship to play in the U.S. Despite standing at just 5’5”, I always knew professional tennis wasn’t my long-term path. So, I began focusing on what would become my true calling—college tennis coaching.

I got my start at my alma mater, Memphis, where I was lucky enough to be mentored by Paul Goebel, the head coach at the time. Over the course of 11 rewarding years, I built a career coaching at North Florida, Memphis, and Auburn, helping to lead those programs to several “firsts” and memorable seasons.

Eventually, though, family became my top priority, and the desire to raise my children in Ireland brought me back home. I had always joked about starting my own recruitment agency—and that’s exactly what I did. Now, having been a college tennis player, a college coach, and a mentor, I’ve come full circle, helping young athletes prepare for their own journeys in American college sports.

Emily O'Beirne

Emily O’Beirne

MW: Thanks very much Mark… So today we are here to discuss All Sports Recruitment. Please give us some history and successes from within Ireland and beyond for All Sports Recruitment?

MF: We’ve now had the privilege of helping over 65 players navigate the recruitment process. What we’re most proud of, though, is that each one of them went over as prepared as possible. I believe that’s the key aspect so many overlook during recruitment—they focus solely on the scholarship.

Don’t get me wrong, scholarships are incredibly important, but the real value comes from being fully ready to take advantage of every opportunity while avoiding the potential pitfalls along the way. That’s what makes the experience truly meaningful.

I like to think that when our players face challenges over there, they’ll remember the conversations we had about similar situations. Armed with that preparation, they can handle whatever comes their way—and everyone benefits.

Mark Finnegan

Mark Finnegan

MW: When did you decide to set up All Sports Recruitment Mark, and where did the inspiration to create it come from?

MF: A little over 6 years ago my family and I decided to relocate back to Ireland. My sister runs an extremely successful recruitment company and she helped mentor me for the first year on what it takes to build a company. Without her support, I’m not sure if I could have ever gotten All Sports Recruitment off the ground. I really wanted college tennis to stay a part of my life but I also wanted to try focus on putting my own three boys and wife #1. That was the biggest challenge of being a college coach.

MW: Do you concentrate on tennis only or as your name suggests go into other sports too?

MF: We have done Golfers, Track & Field, Swimmers, and Soccer. I would love to do more of other sports. For me, it’s all about surrounding myself with energy givers. It doesn’t matter what sport they are in. If you are an energy giver and 100 percent all in with the process, we will work very well together.

Sharon Semchiy | Swimming | Fall 2024 | University of Indianapolis

Sharon Semchiy | Swimming | Fall 2024 | University of Indianapolis

MW: 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?

MF: I offer a truly personalised service, and everyone I work with deals directly with me. Having been an athlete, coach, and now a recruiter gives me a unique advantage—I understand all three perspectives. Over the past six years, I’ve intentionally kept the number of athletes I work with small to maintain the highest quality of service.

When I was a college coach, I saw where many recruiting agencies fall short. To me, you need to treat each athlete as if they were your own child. That level of care is impossible when you’re handling too many clients or outsourcing the work to someone else just to secure a scholarship.

MW: At SPC, we are delighted to have partnered with you as one of our three US College Recruitment Companies… How do you see this business opportunity work?  What ideas do you have to help the next generation of US College Athletes?

MF: My goal is to continuously expand the circle of positive, energising people around me. I thrive in sales when I truly believe in someone or something. The more connections I make, the better I can find those who will make the journey both fun and rewarding.

Sports Pros Connect has grown significantly, and I believe it’s on track to become the go-to platform for opportunities in the tennis world. I’m truly honored to play a part in its success.

Yerasyl Murat | Swimming | Fall 2022 | Samford University

Yerasyl Murat | Swimming | Fall 2022 | Samford University

MW: Finally, a quick fire round of questions to leave you with:

  • Favorite food: Steak
  • Favorite tennis player: Jack Draper
  • Football team: Nottingham Forest or Memphis Tigers. Depends what football you mean
  • Favorite movie: Happy Gilmore
  • Tennis racket you play with: Wilson Blade
  • Other Sports follows: American Football & Soccer, Golf
  • Three famous dinner party guests: Trump, Mother Theresa, Tiger Woods
  • Favorite Grand Slam: US Open

MW: Thanks once again, Mark – all at SPC are delighted to have partnered with you and All Sports Recruitment. If you’re serious about your college tennis aspirations, consider partnering with All Sports Recruitment!

We look forward to a long and successful partnership!

Check out All Sports Recruitment’s website: https://allsportsrecruitment.com/

and their profile on SPC: https://sportsprosconnect.com/profiles/allsportsrecruitment/

 

 

 

October 31, 2024 Categories: Interviews