Ian Moreira

At Recruited, finding the right fit is never just about rankings or location—it is about the full picture. For Ian Moreira, that meant finding a Division II program where his game would be valued, his development could continue, and the environment felt right from the start.

Ian, a talented player from Brazil, came into the process with a clear goal: he wanted to play Division II college tennis in the United States. At around a 9.5 UTR, he brought a lot to the table. He had a powerful baseline game, strong physical tools, and the kind of size that immediately catches a coach’s attention. As a taller player with a big presence on court, Ian had attributes that made him especially intriguing to college programs.

From the beginning, we focused our search on Division II schools that matched both his level and his preferences. Ian was especially interested in warmer-weather locations, so that was a major part of our outreach early on. We spoke with a number of programs and explored several strong options, always keeping in mind the type of team culture and coaching staff that would suit him best.

Then Davenport University entered the picture.

On paper, Michigan was not exactly the warm-weather destination Ian had imagined at the start of the process. But recruiting is not just about checking boxes—it is about finding the place that feels right when everything comes together. And with Davenport, that is exactly what happened.

The connection was immediate. Ian really clicked with the coaches, felt comfortable with the team, and could see himself thriving in that environment. The program offered the right competitive level, a strong sense of fit, and a coaching staff that genuinely believed in what he could bring to the team.

What made the opportunity even more special was that one of Ian’s best friends, Leo—another player we worked with—had also committed to Davenport. That added a whole new layer of comfort and excitement to the decision. The idea of beginning this new chapter alongside one of his closest friends made the choice feel even more natural.

At that point, it became a no-brainer.

Ian committed to Davenport University and is now set to begin in Fall 2026, joining a program that matched not only his tennis goals, but also the kind of environment he wanted for his college experience.

His story is a great reminder that the perfect fit is not always where you first expect to find it. Sometimes the best opportunity comes from the connections you build, the people you trust, and the place that simply feels right once you see it clearly.

Now, Ian is heading to Davenport ready for the next stage of his journey—with a strong program, a great team environment, and an exciting future ahead.