Commitment Profile
Jada Hart Commits to the UCLA Bruins for Spring 2016
by Keith Kropp, 15 July 2015
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Once the idea of playing college tennis became a more viable option, Jada Hart went through a methodical process of searching for the right program. The 17-year-old Blue Chip recruit from Colton, Calif., naturally explored colleges close to those of her Southern California home in addition to looking at a few top universities on the East Coast.
Finally, after making visits to six colleges, including nearby
UCLA, The opportunity to play for the Bruins and stay in Southern California was too good to pass up. Hart recently confirmed she has made a verbal commitment to UCLA. She plans to sign her letter of intent in November.
"UCLA really stood out to me," Hart said. "[Head coach] Stella [Sampras Webster] and [associated head coach] Rance [Brown] are really great people and great coaches. They care about the girls in their tennis, fitness, academics and in general, so I knew I would be in great hands."
The reason Hart won't be signing her letter of intent for several more months is because she will soon be entering her senior year of high school at Riverside Virtual School, a small independent public school located just outside of Colton. Hart will be graduating in December, thereby enabling her to be eligible to play for the Bruins when they open their dual season in January of 2016.
"I am potentially interested in studying architecture at UCLA," said Hart. "But I am also still keeping my options open as far as majors."
In the early stages of her college search, Hart believed a move from Southern California might be the best way to go. East Coast schools like Virginia and North Carolina seemed very appealing. But as the process continued the lifelong Southern Californian realized the advantages of staying close to home and thereby making it much easier for her family to watch her play.
Hart did not limit her search of Southern California schools to UCLA. She also considered Pepperdine and USC. In the end, she is confident about her choice.
"I have a lot of friends who attend UCLA, and they said it is a loving and family-like atmosphere," Hart said. "That also helped my decision a little bit."
Hart's journey from a rising junior to top college recruit has not been that surprising. Not long after she began playing tennis, Hart played her first tournament at age 7 and a few years later captured a significant title - the Girls 12s singles championship at one of the most prestigious junior tournaments in the nation, the Southern California Junior Sectionals, in 2010.
