New York Native Joseph Caracappa Making Collegiate Strides

June 19, 2015 | By Robert Riehle
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From Tampa to Baltimore, Smithtown native Joseph Caracappa continues to prove you can take the player out of Long Island, but you cannot take the Long Island out of the player. Currently playing number two singles and number one doubles for Goucher College, with a record of 15-3 in doubles and 11-4 in singles as a freshman, Joseph has more than earned his spot on the team as an underclassman.

Starting tennis at the ripe age of six after watching his father play, it was quickly evident that Joseph had talent. He began playing tournaments and realized playing competitively is what he wanted to do. Thus when he began his high school career, he and his family made the decision to give Joseph and his brother Vincent, also an aspiring tennis player, the best means to do so. They found Saddlebrook Preparatory School in Wesley Chapel, Fla. With a fully accredited school, worldwide competition, an exceptional training facility, and a reputation for producing great players, the Caracappas found their home for years to come.

Joseph enrolled in the school his freshman year, which may seem intimidating having to make new friends which was no problem for Joseph. Going to school followed by four hours of training and an hour of conditioning daily, the program was demanding and Joseph adjusted quickly. 

Florida, having the elements to train year-round, is renowned as being one of the top training areas players flock to in order to improve their game and conditioning. It was clear the types of players were more diverse and skilled than most other places. Not to mention the Saddlebrook program itself bringing prospects from all over the world to contend with. Joseph, not being as tall as most of his opponents, is where most competitors would start. However, Joseph built upon this disadvantage, creating a foundation for his style. Utilizing his low center of gravity for increased balance and developing an excellent touch, he was able to level the playing field.

“Joseph is a very talented player,” said Sean McQuillan, director of the Saddlebrook Junior Tennis Program. “He’s got unbelievable hands and can drop shot players from anywhere on the court.”

Developing these skills enabled him to move into the top 10 players in the more competitive Saddlebrook program. Joseph applied himself off the court in the area of fitness training, so well that every coach in the academy took notice. He was so impressive that the coaches decided to create the “Coach’s Award,” granted to the most admirable student-athlete, and Joseph was first recipient of the honor in 2013.

It is those qualities and skills which allowed him to receive a college scholarship. Since joining the team, Joseph has been recognized as the “Landmark Conference Athlete of the Week” on two occasions since last September.

“Joseph has proven to be one the better players through his dedication,” said Brendan Kincaid, coach of the Goucher Men’s Tennis team. “I’m excited to see where his tennis career will go.”

Joseph Caracappa is an exemplary student-athlete, and his story is a perfect illustration of what can come when character meets dedication.


Robert Riehle
Centercourt
USTA NTC

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