Recruiting Profile
Bergeson Achieves Childhood Dream with BYU Commitment
by Rhiannon Potkey, 12 May 2025
| Share: |  |
|  | |
|
|
BYU became Sage Bergeson’s dream school at age 12 after her mom first took her to a match in Provo, Utah.
As she got closer to recruiting age, however, Bergeson began to consider alternative plans. The Bountiful, Utah native didn’t think she was playing at a high enough level to get an offer from the Cougars and verbally committed to Utah State–her mom’s alma mater.
Five-Star Sage Bergeson Has Committed to BYU
© Contributed Photo
“I had a couple years of hard losses and I started to think, ‘okay, what's the point?’” Bergeson said. “But I just kept persevering and kept going even when it wasn't super fun. I just kept showing up to practice every day and trying to improve.”
Bergeson’s progress caught the eye of the BYU coaching staff, leading to a commitment from the five-star senior. The flip was bittersweet for Bergeson. Although she is elated to accomplish her dream of playing for BYU, she hated to leave behind Utah State.
“It was sad, because I love Utah State and I love those coaches and the team so much,” she said. “But I just felt like BYU was a tiny bit of a better fit for me, mostly academically and church wise.”
Bergeson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and plans to serve a mission during college. Women can begin serving missions at age 19 and serve for 18 months.
“I do want to go on one, so I'll try to figure out the timing,” Bergeson said. “Maybe I'll play a year and go, or two years and go. I have not decided, but I would love to go on one, because I feel like it would help me grow my testimony so much. I love the gospel so much, and it brings me so much joy and I just want to share it with other people.”
Bergeson’s mom, Jocee, played tennis at Utah State and introduced her daughter to the sport. They started playing on a concrete pad in their backyard when Bergeson was 6. Bergeson also participated in soccer and dance, but decided to focus solely on tennis by age 12
“I'm an all-court player. I love slicing and I love coming to the net and volleying, and mixing it up that way, which I feel like not a lot of girls do,” Bergeson said. “Usually it's just baseline to baseline, but I feel like one thing I'm good at is mixing it up with slices and coming to the net.”
Bergeson's Mom Introduced Her to Tennis Early
© Contributed Photo
Bergeson is a 4.0 student and takes all AP classes. She has attended regular public school her entire life.
“It was kind of hard with traveling and always missing school, but I really love school and I love having friends and the social aspect of being semi-normal,” said Bergeson, who plays the piano and organ for her LDS ward. “I also feel that if you homeschool it just puts so much pressure on tennis. It’s like your whole life revolves around tennis.”
Bergeson wants to be challenged at the NCAA Division I level, and believes BYU head coach Holly Parkinson Hasler is the perfect person to help her reach her potential.
“She's very intense, and I feel like she's going to help me get better through college,” she said. “I didn't really want to go to a college where you stay at the same level. I'm really trying to improve during college.”
Bergeson’s road from watching her first BYU match to eventually playing in her first BYU match hasn’t come without some hurdles. Yet, that only makes Bergeson even more grateful she stayed the course to achieve her dream of representing the Cougars.
“I'm so excited to be on a team with people. I'm so excited to have tennis be a team sport, because I'm a very social person,” she said. “Obviously tennis is a very individual sport, so I'm super excited to be on a team and have the team aspect and be like playing for your team.”
Leave a Comment
More Recruiting Profiles
25-Apr-2025
Seminoles Suit Blue Chip Kennedy
Colorado native JoAnna Kennedy took her time during the recruiting process before determining Florida State was the best place for her to play in college. The blue chip recruit is ranked No. 22 in the Class of 2026.
11-Apr-2025
Babson-Bound Shu Finds Better Balance in D3
Elizabeth Shu grew up hearing about playing NCAA Division I tennis from friends and fellow competitors. But as she got older, Shu realized Division III would be a better fit for her needs. The Texas native as committed to Babson College.
24-Mar-2025
Multi-Sport Standout Barretto Brings Versailtity to Toledo
Isabella Barretto has never just focused on playing tennis. The Michigan native also enjoys running track, playing volleyball, music, and drawing. The versatlity is part of what made her such an attractive recruit for the University of Toledo.
About Rhiannon Potkey
Rhiannon Potkey is a veteran sportswriter with more than two
decades of experience in journalism. Potkey has covered many
sports at many levels and has a passion for finding great stories.
Potkey has covered the U.S. Open, junior sectional and national
events, college conference championships and Davis Cup matches.
Potkey is currently Content Strategist for Tennis Recruiting. You
can reach Rhiannon by email at
rhiannon@tennisrecruiting.net.
