James Hardy Wraps Up Breakout First Season in U.S. College Tennis 🎾
After making the move to the United States in 2025, Perth’s own James Hardy has now wrapped up his first full season of college tennis at Converse University in South Carolina.
With a year of competition, training, and life abroad under his belt, we caught up with James to reflect on how his first season played out and what’s ahead as he heads into year two.
You’ve just completed your first full college tennis season - how did it go overall?
Overall my first year at college was awesome. I really enjoyed the training on the court and in the weight room. I was consistently playing in the singles and doubles lineup and getting some great results. It was a great experience to play different players from all over the world and to be around such a competitive environment.ÂWhat’s been your standout match or moment from the season so far?
The highlight of my first year was definitely winning the deciding match for the team in a 4-3 win at home against Belmont Abbey, a team we had never beaten before. I won 7-5 7-6 in a very close match with so many people watching including my family
What are the biggest differences you’ve noticed between living and studying in the U.S. compared to Australia?
The biggest difference between the U.S. and Australia is how college sports are much bigger and integrated into the university life in the U.S. I believe you cannot get the same sporting experience anywhere else in the world.ÂLiving overseas has also made me more independent and responsible for managing things myself.Â
How have you found maintaining the balance between your academic and sporting commitments?
For me personally I feel it was very manageable. Living on campus made it very simple to go to class and complete all of my assignments while still being able to fully focus on my tennis. Everything being in walking distance is very helpful.Â
Earlier this year, you set some clear goals for yourself - including achieving a winning record in both singles and doubles, becoming a consistent starter, and stepping up in those tight, match-deciding moments for the team. You also spoke about the team’s bigger ambitions of winning your conference and making it to nationals, alongside staying on top of your academics.
How did you go with achieving those goals, and what are you aiming for in the year ahead?
This year I was a consistent starter and important member of the team in both singles and doubles. I achieved a 14-3 winning conference record in singles and 11-5 winning conference record in doubles. I also won the deciding match for the team against Belmont Abbey to win the day 4-3. The team just missed out on going to nationals by 1 spot which was disappointing and we lost in the semi final of our conference tournament to Belmont Abbey which was unfortunate.Â
However I am extremely happy with how my first year went individually and as a team. On top of tennis, I was able to stay on top my my academics where I achieved a 3.8 gpa. I look forward to going back this year where my goal is to make an all conference team, and again for the team to make nationals and to challenge for our conference championship.
James has taken on the challenge of U.S. college tennis with determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Completing a full season is no small feat, and it’s exciting to see how far he’s come in such a short time.
We’re proud to support James as he builds on this momentum and takes on his second year abroad. Bring on season two! 🇦🇺🎾💪Â