Rwandan tennis player Brian Hirwa Karenzi is in the United States to study at Ferrum College based in Virginia, the home of a structured collegiate tennis program that trains and competes under the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) system. The 18-year-old, currently the only Rwandan ranked on the ITF M25 tour, departed on Kigali on Tuesday, August 5, to start a new chapter at the College for the next four years. “It is a good platform for me as a tennis player because I will be able to test myself against players competing at a high level. I hope to grow both professionally and academically,” Karenzi told Time Sport. ALSO READ: Habiyambere shines in doubles as walkovers favor Rwandan girls Before getting a tennis scholarship, Karenzi was enrolled at Mount Kigali University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Public Relations. Karenzi, who is currently ranked 2167th in the ITF junior rankings, encouraged fellow Rwandan tennis players to work hard, noting that there are many opportunities in the sport for those willing to pursue them. “It is a good platform for me as a tennis player because I will be able to test myself against players who are playing tennis at a high level,” he said. He becomes the fourth Rwandan tennis player to earn a scholarship to a U.S. institution, following in the footsteps of Bertin Karenzi, who is currently studying at Morgan State University. What to know about Ferrum College Ferrum College features both men's and women's tennis teams that compete in singles and doubles matches, following the official rules set by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the NCAA. As a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), Ferrum is set to transition to Conference Carolinas in NCAA Division II, allowing its teams to compete in more regional and national tournaments. The program serves as a training ground for student-athletes aged 18 to 23, offering regular coaching, structured practice sessions, and a competitive season of collegiate tennis. With well-maintained tennis courts and professional guidance from head coach Noah Hughes, Ferrum College provides a supportive environment for young athletes to develop their skills while pursuing academic success.
