Trent Bryde: The Definition of INTENNSE
INTENNSE Tennis
3 MINS | Published on 10/07/25
INTENNSE has quickly established itself as a home for players who want to keep competing at a high level beyond college, and few stories highlight that importance more than Trent Bryde, a 2025 University of Georgia graduate.
A four-time All-American, Bryde stepped into the League in Season One following a distinguished NCAA tennis career as a standout for the Bulldogs, earning multiple accolades and recognition for his performance and leadership.
He credits his choice to attend Georgia instead of turning professional straight out of juniors, where he was ranked as high as No. 8 in the world in both singles and doubles and compiled a 107–69 singles record and a 92–52 doubles record, as a period that allowed him to mature on and off the court.
While the idea of striking out on his own to make a career out of tennis was exciting, Trent knew that it takes time and there was no guarantee he would be successful. “I felt like if I wasn’t in a position where I could do it really fast, my game needed to mature a little bit more. It needed to develop a little bit more. And that’s why I felt like college was the right path for me.”
For Bryde, the college environment provided structure, world-class training, and the motivation that comes from competing for something larger than yourself. “Once you get to a college team, you’re playing for something bigger than you. And in some cases, it can be more pressure, but it can also be more rewarding because not only are you winning for yourself, but you’re also winning for people that you love that are around you.”
Following graduation, he decided it was time to put the idea of being a professional touring player to the side and take a corporate job in finance; that is, until Team Atlanta Head Coach Marcelo Ferreira introduced him to INTENNSE.
The team based structure, salaries, expenses covered and regional travel made joining the league an easy decision.
His collegiate team experience translated seamlessly to INTENNSE. Bryde relished the stability, and the chance to compete again in a team-first setting was a welcome change of pace from the routine of his day job. “For me, when it came to wanting to play tennis again, it wasn’t as much about the tennis as it was more about competing. That’s what I missed the most, being able to go out and just compete and just play for something.”
The league also addressed one of the biggest hurdles facing players after college: financial sustainability. Bryde, who received wildcard entries into the 2019 and 2021 Atlanta Opens and played mini-tour events, was candid about the difference. “You’re going into a tournament each week on tour, you know what you’re gonna probably spend, yet you have no clue what you’re gonna make. Sometimes, even if you win the tournament, it doesn’t even cover your expenses, which is pretty crazy. With INTENNSE, you can actually make money.”
Graduated college players like Bryde embody the vision INTENNSE has set for itself: a pathway where athletes can extend their careers, stay connected to the team environment they love, and compete at a professional level without the same risks of going at it alone on tour.
The second season of INTENNSE will feature 80 elite players across 10 teams selected by draft in the spring.
The draft process is now open, with athlete applications due by January 31, 2026. Selected finalists will advance to interviews before the live draft.
INTENNSE is also expanding its coaching staff for the 2026 season and encourages qualified, experienced coaches to register below.
