Spring break is proving a blessing for Bermuda's Davis Cup squad.

The presence of North American collegiate players on the Island between now and late March has gifted Bermuda's squad for the upcoming tournament in Costa Rica with a chance to practise against some high-quality competition.

In addition, the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is using the visits by various college teams to expose junior players here to the standard which they must attain to vie for college tennis scholarships.

“This is a great opportunity for us all around. In the coming weeks, our Davis Cup contenders will be hitting against some of these college players just before they fly off to South America. They are also going to play some competitive matches. It will be a final tune-up before they leave,” said BLTA president David Lambert.

Disclosing that Bermuda's squad will again be coached and captained by Steve Bean, Lambert explained that four out of five players currently in training - Jenson Bascome, James Collieson, Ricky Mallory, Jovan Whitter and Ryan Swan - will be selected to represent the Island. Whatever combination is chosen, all have played at that level before. The squad leaves March 28 for the tournament which takes place March 31 to April 6.

The women's equivalent - the Federation Cup - is slated for April 21-26 in Puerto Rico where Bermuda will be lead by Kelly Holland. However, unlike the Davis Cup unit, those chosen for the Fed Cup will not practise together until they reach their destination because all are studying overseas.

The likely quartet is Zara DeSilva, Sasha Fisher, Ashley Brooks - Bermuda's 14-year-old No.1 women's player - and Kara Fisher - Sasha's sister. Since the Fisher sisters attend school in England and Brooks and DeSilva are in USA, Holland will be liasing with the college coaches of the respective players to make a final determination on their suitability.

“Their college coaches have to submit monthly reports to Kelly on how they are playing; how many matches they have won; are they fit or injured; are they available. These reports are passed on to the BLTA and that way we know what's going on with our juniors overseas,” said Lambert.

Both Davis and Fed Cup squads will be picked three weeks before their respective departures.

Meanwhile, the BLTA is moving to ensure juniors too take full advantage of the presence of college players on the Island.

“With college scholarships being at the top of the BLTA's agenda we are very excited that a number of colleges will be training here.

“This offers exposure to our juniors to see what level collegiate players are at so they can determine first-hand where they are; how close they are (to collegiate standards) and how much work is required.

“It also gives our players and coaches an opportunity to meet and talk to collegiate players and coaches. We're focusing on giving many of our juniors a chance to hit against some of the college players and to study their methods of training and warming up,” said Lambert.

Efforts are being made to have some of the college coaches attend the Sunday training sessions for national junior players at Tennis Stadium.

“We would like the coaches to talk to our juniors and answer queries about what it takes to get into college on a tennis scholarship and how to go about this,” said the BLTA head.

Stressing the importance of a strong academic background, Lambert advised young players to place equal emphasis on their education and not be fooled into thinking that on-court excellence is the lone scholarship requirement.

“You have to do well in school also. You need good SAT results, good transcripts and you have to graduate (from high school). If not, no college will touch you.

“You could be a very talented player but if you don't do well in high school, it's not going to happen.

“Education is a serious part of every player's development.”