Hirotaka Arishima

Hiro came from Japan to Florida in December 2025 with one goal: to improve his tennis and create an opportunity to play college tennis in the United States. At the time, he was rated around a 6 UTR and still had a long way to go before receiving serious attention from competitive college programs.

But Hiro possessed something that no ranking could measure: an extraordinary work ethic.

After returning to Florida for the summer, everything began to change. Hiro’s dedication was unlike anything we had seen. He trained with remarkable discipline, approached every session with purpose, and consistently pushed himself beyond his limits. The improvement happened quickly, but it was never accidental.

Before long, Hiro had climbed from a 6 UTR to a 10 UTR.

As his level rose, new opportunities began to open. Coaches started recognizing his potential, and schools that had previously been out of reach suddenly became realistic options. Hiro also had an excellent academic profile, so the challenge was no longer simply finding him a college—it was finding the right balance between high-level tennis and strong academics.

We believed a competitive NCAA Division II program would provide Hiro with the ideal environment. He needed a team where he could contribute, continue developing, and receive a quality education.

We spoke with many schools throughout the process. Hiro had numerous conversations with coaches, explored different programs, and completed several visits. Each opportunity offered something different, but we remained focused on finding the complete fit.

Everything came together with Saint Leo University.

Hiro had been training in Clearwater, Florida, and Saint Leo’s location near Tampa allowed him to remain close to the environment where he had made such incredible progress. The university offered everything he was looking for: a beautiful campus, strong academics, competitive Division II tennis, and a program with the ambition to help him reach another level.

Saint Leo had also recently welcomed an outstanding new coach whose philosophy and vision immediately connected with Hiro. The program’s direction, coaching, team environment, and commitment to player development made the decision clear.

Hiro chose Saint Leo University.

He will arrive prepared to work, continue improving, and make a positive impact on his new team. His journey from a 6 UTR to a 10 UTR shows what is possible when talent is matched by relentless effort and the right environment.

We are incredibly excited for Hiro. He came to Florida searching for an opportunity, earned that opportunity through his work, and found a university where he can thrive both athletically and academically.

Saint Leo is gaining more than a talented player. It is gaining someone whose discipline, attitude, and determination will raise the standard of everyone around him.

We’re proud to be part of his journey.