Jensen emphasizes American-only policy in recruiting, scheduling military academies

Luke Jensen wanted to field a fully American team.

That was his mission when he took over the program nearly seven years ago. Since then, he’s made it a point to only recruit players from the United States.

All of the Syracuse warm-up jerseys feature a “USA” insignia on the back.

“It’s fair trade, in a sense,” Jensen said. “If our players can’t go to international countries and get their education paid for through tennis, why is it OK for international players to come here and take U.S. scholarships away from U.S. players?”

The Orange (7-6, 4-1 Big East) roster features eight American athletes and Peruvian walk-on Jimena Wu. Jensen and Wu have an understanding about the policy, and her teammates are plenty accepting. Still, that policy prompts Jensen to recruit players similar to those who play for Wednesday’s 1 p.m. opponent, Army (13-3, 3-0 Patriot League).

Although Jensen and the rest of the team are more than welcoming to Wu, she must pay for her education despite earning the No. 3 singles spot for SU this season.

Jensen said he’s communicated his position to Wu, and that it’s important for her to take pride in the country in which she’s receiving her education.

“She wears our colors, you’ll see her uniform has the American theme on it,” Jensen said. “And the one thing that we have stressed to her is that she is getting an American education.”

Even with the steadfast policy, Wu was able to earn a spot on the team after trying out as a walk-on. She said the fact that she is the lone non-scholarship player is not something that has affected her time on the team.

“I completely respect this team being all-American,“ Wu said. “Whether I’m on scholarship or not, I’m playing for the team. It doesn’t really impact anything. I don’t really think about it that much, honestly.”

Jensen said he often tries to recruit prospects similar to players who go to armed forces academies such as Army and Navy.

He has also made a point of scheduling the academies as often as possible. The Orange defeated Navy 6-1 earlier this season and will face Army in its final home match on Wednesday afternoon. The Orange has played either Army or Navy in four of the seven seasons with Jensen as head coach.

“It’s a different breed of individual,” Jensen said. “They’re committing their lives to defending our country. It’s a real opportunity for us to compete against that type of individual.”

Junior captain Maddie Kobelt said the value of facing armed forces schools is not lost on her or her teammates.

“They have great character on and off the tennis court,” Kobelt said. “They really do represent our country well. They are strong individuals. I think it’s great competition for us.”

Jensen said his respect for the way those athletes carry themselves is motivation for the way he likes to shape his program.

He said while he has no problem with international players, he does not like the international trend that collegiate women’s tennis has taken.

“I know why they recruit international players,” Jensen said, “but I told Dr. (Daryl) Gross in 2006 that I’d only have an American team and American tennis players that strive to be professionals through the college system.”