Recruiting Profile
Grayson Finds Lucrative Opportunity at Howard University
by Rhiannon Potkey, 9 February 2021
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Taka Bertrand has counseled many players about their recruiting process. As a senior coach and college advisor at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland, Bertrand is available to answer questions, give suggestions and provide feedback.
Four-Star Jordan Grayson Has Signed with Howard
© Contributed Photo
During Jordan Grayson’s college search, Bertrand was struck by the four-star senior’s self-awareness.
"A lot of kids go for the prestige and to show off and tell friends what schools are recruiting them," Bertrand said. "Jordan focused on what school had her major field of study, what schools could offer her a full ride in Division l and how she would connect with the coach. She was more concerned with being in a supportive environment and what was best for her development than about what society would think or looking cool to friends."
Grayson found all the elements she wanted at Howard University. The Gaithersburg, Maryland native selected the HBCU in Washington, D.C. over Rutgers, George Washington and Delaware.
"It’s a great school, and they offered me a full ride,” Grayson said. “I want to be a physical therapist, and they have one of the best pre-med schools in the country. That is a really great opportunity for me. Howard had the total package, and it made it so difficult to refuse that."
Grayson’s parents told her to pick a college that made her happy, and not worry about the financial implications. But she knew the sacrifices they’ve already made to fund her dreams.
“They were very clear until the end that my decision shouldn't be based on money and I took that to heart,” Grayson said. “But I knew I had worked so hard to get to where I am with them behind me and the least I could do was repay them in some sort of way."
Attending a historically black university was always something Grayson had on her radar. After going on a visit to Howard, she fell in love with the campus and environment.
"HBCUs have a lot to offer,” she said. “Having had a couple of relatives go there and just hearing them talk about their experience and how they could have never learned what they learned anywhere else really resonated with me."
