Case Study: William Norton — Reigniting a Dream and Finding the Perfect Fit: Committing to the University of Hawaii at Hilo
William Norton's story is one of rediscovery, resilience, and the power of believing in a second chance. A talented player from Brazil, William had finished high school at the end of 2023 and moved on with his life—starting college in Brazil and stepping away from competitive tennis altogether. But deep down, the fire never really went out. As he watched his friends head to the United States to pursue their college tennis journeys, something sparked again. He missed the sport. He missed the competition. And he knew he wanted his own path in the U.S., combining education and tennis at a university that believed in him.
William had the passion and the talent—but the road wouldn't be simple.
Because he'd been out of high school for a while, wasn't competing in tournaments, and was just beginning to learn English, his case came with real challenges. Eligibility was complex. The timeline was tight. And the margin for error was small. These were exactly the kinds of situations where experience and precision matter, and where the right guidance can make all the difference.
From the beginning, we believed in William. His attitude, character, and raw ability made it clear he was worth fighting for. Our job was to match his determination with strategy and help him turn a difficult situation into a real opportunity.
Given the constraints, we focused on Division II and NAIA programs—programs that could work with his eligibility window and provide the developmental environment he needed. We reached out widely, spoke to multiple coaches, and started building momentum. But the right fit wasn't just about a roster spot. It needed to be a place that understood his situation, supported his growth, and aligned with his vision.
Then we found it.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo became the turning point. Their coach spoke Portuguese, creating an immediate comfort level for William and his dad. The communication was natural. The trust was instant. And the connection? Unmistakable. It felt right from the first conversation.
On top of that, Hilo offered an environment perfectly suited for William's development—a strong program, a supportive culture, and a setting where his tennis, English, and personal growth could thrive. Everything clicked.
From there, we walked him through the full eligibility process, step by step, ensuring every document, requirement, and deadline was handled correctly. And now, William is officially set to arrive in spring 2026, ready to start a new chapter built on courage, commitment, and belief.
We couldn't be more proud of how far he's come—and we're beyond excited to see the impact he'll make at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. This is just the beginning for William.
