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Last month, more than ten Division I women's tennis head coaching jobs were open. New coaches were needed at schools such as Pepperdine, Syracuse, Oregon, TCU, Yale, Davidson, Bowling Green, Kansas State and N.C. State. These jobs are being filled by other Division I head coaches, which means more jobs will open, creating a ripple effect in Division I women's tennis. If we take the men into account, there will be dozens of new Division I tennis coaches before the summer is over.

This "coaching carousel" is important for many reasons. Most importantly, current high school athletes need to understand the "business" they will be entering into. Recruits who realize that the chances of keeping the same coach for four years are dicey can make better decisions during the recruiting process. Recruits should look beyond the head coach as a top priority when choosing a college. Most importantly, these changes should help emphasize that athletes need to be choosing schools they would be happy attending if the coach were to leave.

Another important factor influencing the "coaching carousel" is the student athletes currently on the team. These are just like the employees at a company. Just because the boss leaves does not mean the employees will leave. This is why it is essential that high school student athletes build strong relationships with their future teammates and choose universities where they like the players on the team.