Chané Steyn will join Western Carolina University and compete in NCAA Division I tennis, the highest level of collegiate tennis in the United States.
The university announced her signing in a press release on May 7.

She is a former Hoërskool Nelspruit learner and a member of the Mbombela-based All4tennis Academy, run by Schalk Schutte.

“Western Carolina women’s tennis head coach Bret Beaver has added incoming freshman Chané Steyn, who will join the programme for the fall 2026 semester. Steyn joins the Catamounts after graduating from Nelspruit High in South Africa,” the press release read.

Steyn recently spent three months in Florida, United States, training at the Abrie du Plooy Inspiration Tennis Academy.

“Coach Abrie helped me improve my game a lot, especially my technical and physical training on the court, field and in the gym,” Steyn said.

“He helped me get recruited by the college and knew Western Carolina would be the perfect fit for me, where I would excel in the team. We contacted the head coach and set up a one-on-one call. From the start of the call, we had an instant coach-player connection, and I knew from the way he asked questions and answered mine that I wanted to go there,” she said.

“I will be studying sports management because I’ve always loved sports and have played many different disciplines. I wanted to combine my academic path with something I am passionate about – tennis.”

“We are honoured to have had Chané as part of the All4tennis programme. She has been with us for four years and has shown that hard work helps you reach your goals,” said Schutte. “Chané has signed with the Catamounts, and we are very appreciative of the opportunity she has received.”

“Coach Schalk didn’t just develop me into an incredible tennis player, but also the person I am today. From the day I started playing full-time tennis, we had one goal, and we went through many highs and lows to achieve it. We both envisioned D1 college tennis. Coach Schalk pushed me to my limits every day, and I’m beyond grateful for that because I wouldn’t be where I am today without him,” said Steyn.

Her new adventure marks the beginning of greater ambitions. “I want to become the player every little kid looks up to. Anything is possible if you are willing to work for it and make sacrifices. I am going to play college tennis to improve my game, contribute as a teammate, and to be a good student for my coaches. I want to develop in every aspect as a person and show the world what Chané Steyn has to offer.

“College tennis is my first step and professional tennis will be my destination. I am willing to do whatever it takes to reach that goal with an amazing team behind me. Tennis has taught me more than forehands and backhands – it has taught me that life is not always fair, but you must keep your head up and face what’s coming your way. No shortcuts.”