Tempe, AZ – Working in collaboration with the ITA Student-Athlete Council, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (“ITA”) is proud to spotlight another student-athlete in our monthly spotlights that aim to highlight the many diverse backgrounds and communities that make up the sport of college tennis.
With June being Pride Month, the ITA is continuing to spotlight student-athletes who have created accepting communities on their campus. This spotlight features Cade Nadeau from Southern New Hampshire University who has not only served as a leader on the ITA Student-Athlete Council but has been an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community during his time on campus.
See what Nadeau had to say in this spotlight below:
What was your journey to becoming a college tennis player and specifically coming to your school?
I went to Southern New Hampshire University for four years and just graduated in May. It wasn’t an easy choice because I had a few other schools, but I chose SNHU because it was a good fit for both my tennis and academics, and I got along well with the coach. It just felt right.
What has been the most rewarding part of your college tennis experience so far?
The most rewarding thing about college tennis is spending quality time with teammates who have now become my friends for life. It’s really an amazing thing. Don’t get me wrong—winning a conference championship and playing in nationals was awesome—but for me, it was always about the relationships. The memories made off the court with teammates and friends made my experience that much better.
Representation matters — what does it mean to see LGBTQIA+ athletes in tennis, and what impact can that have on younger generations?
There aren’t many of us out there—especially on the men’s side. Sports can be really cutthroat, and tennis is a traditional “gentleman’s game” that can be very traditional in its culture. For me, it’s all about being open and real. It’s not about pushing anything on anyone—something I think people sometimes misunderstand about the LGBTQIA+ community. We’re not trying to force anything; we just want to be seen, treated equally, and accepted like everyone else.
How do you think college tennis can improve to be more inclusive and supportive of athletes from diverse backgrounds?
It starts with acceptance, and I do think we’ve begun to move in the right direction. But the reality is, when I look around, I don’t see many players like me. That lack of visibility can make athletes feel like they have to hide who they are to be accepted or successful. I think college tennis needs to be more intentional about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community—creating safe spaces, encouraging open conversations, and making it clear that this sport is for everyone.
What legacy do you hope to leave for future LGBTQIA+ tennis players at your school or in the sport overall?
I’m sharing my story because I know there are young tennis players out there who feel the way I did growing up—unsure of themselves, stressed, isolated, and wondering if they really belong. I’m bisexual, and for a long time, I didn’t see anyone like me in the sport, especially on the men’s side. That can make you feel invisible, or like you have to hide part of who you are just to fit in. I know that feeling well—I felt like I was hiding for my first two years in college before I was finally open with some of my teammates.
I want to help change that. I want to be someone a younger version of me could have looked up to. Someone who’s open, who competes hard, and who reminds others that being yourself is more than enough. If my story helps even one person feel more seen or more confident, then that means everything to me.
So, to anyone out there feeling unsure or alone—I see you. And I promise, it’s okay to be exactly who you are.
What broader lessons have you learned about identity, community, and resilience through your tennis journey?
Through tennis, I’ve learned how important it is to stay true to who you are, even when it’s hard. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community in a sport that doesn’t always have a lot of visibility has taught me a lot about resilience. I’ve also come to understand the value of community—even if it’s small, it can be incredibly powerful. And I’ve learned that identity isn’t something to hide; it’s something to be proud of.
How has being part of a college team helped shape your identity both on and off the court?
Being part of a college team gave me a real sense of belonging. On the court, I became a more confident player, but off the court is where I truly grew as a person. Having the support of my family, friends, and teammates made me feel safe and accepted, which helped me be more open and comfortable in my identity. That kind of environment really helped shape who I am today.
What has tennis taught you about life outside of the sport?
Tennis has taught me how to deal with pressure, stay focused, and push through tough moments. It’s shown me that setbacks are part of the journey, both on and off the court. The sport has helped me become more patient, disciplined, and grounded. So many of the lessons I’ve learned through tennis apply directly to life—how to handle challenges, how to stay motivated, and how to believe in yourself no matter what.
