Jamestown High Senior Signs with University of Jamestown Tennis

Elise Roberts formalized her commitment to play collegiate tennis at the University of Jamestown on December 13, 2025, capping a high school career that saw her rise from a beginner with a ten dollar racquet to the Jamestown High Jays No 1 singles player. Roberts arrives as a local signing for a newly formed women’s team at UJ, a notable development for the college and for Jamestown High, which has produced several regional competitors in recent seasons.

Roberts’ senior season included solid showings at regional and state tournaments, where match results repeatedly placed her among the area’s leading players and helped the Jays compete at higher levels of play. Her recruiting process combined traditional coach outreach with modern tools, including a recruiting app she used to contact college coaches, illustrating how digital platforms are altering talent pipelines for small city programs. She cited staying in Jamestown for community continuity and academic fit as key factors in her decision, and her family’s ties to Jamestown Public Schools were an important influence.

For local residents the signing matters on several fronts. Athletically, it signals that University of Jamestown intends to draw on nearby talent as it builds its women’s program, which could increase local attendance at matches and expand high school to college pathways within Stutsman County. Economically, retaining a hometown recruit tends to concentrate the modest but meaningful spending associated with college athletics in the local area, from family visits to game day purchases at restaurants and retailers. From an education perspective, the decision underscores the appeal of staying local when academic and athletic priorities align.

Longer term, Roberts’ signing is part of a broader trend of colleges paying closer attention to regional recruiting and of student athletes using digital tools to navigate options. For Jamestown High and local families, the immediate impact is both symbolic and practical. A top player will continue to develop her game close to home, and the community will have a direct stake in the opening seasons of UJ’s new women’s program as it establishes itself within NCAA Division II competition.