Uwe Scholz represents Germany at the FISU World University Games

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games (formerly Universiade) will take place from 16 to 27 July 2025. Dr Uwe Scholz, Head of University Sports at the University of Bayreuth, will be there. He has been Team Manager Tennis at the German University Sports Association (adh) since 2015 and is in charge of the eight-strong national Studi team at the World University Games. In 2007, Scholz started as a research assistant at the Institute of Sports Science at UBT, since 2012 he has been working as a lecturer for special tasks at the Bayreuth Centre for Sports Science and finally took over the university sports department in a managerial role in 2013. Since then, he has greatly expanded the competition area and is the top sports representative at the UBT. In an interview with UBTaktuell, he spoke about his goals and challenges at the World University Games.

UBTaktuell: What are your responsibilities as Team Manager Tennis?

Dr. Uwe Scholz: There is an annual World Team Championship and the World University Games every two years, for which I recruit the players. Recruitment is done almost exclusively by telephone or via social media. I also organise training courses and take care of registrations for international tournaments.

UBTaktuell: Are UBT students also taking part in the Rhine-Rhur 2025 FISU World University Games?

Dr. Uwe Scholz: Although not as athletes, there are some who are taking part as interns and volunteers. One student from the sports teaching programme is even part of the delegation management team as part of her role on the adh board.

UBTaktuell: How did you prepare for this year's World University Games?

Dr. Uwe Scholz: The first contact with the athletes took place in November and December 2024. As they are all professionals and only study part-time, early planning and organisation is very important. For the Rhine-Ruhr Games, there was a two-day preparation course in Essen at the tournament venue in mid-May 2025 with at least half of the players; the others were travelling to international tournaments around the world.

UBTaktuell: What special challenges does the role of Team Manager Tennis entail?

Dr. Uwe Scholz: The biggest and most difficult challenge is coordinating schedules, as the players are involved in tournaments and league matches all year round. A current example for the current Summer Games: many important and very good players had to cancel the Games because the Bundesliga season is running at the same time and the players have contractual obligations! The women's Bundesliga season is already over, making recruitment much easier.

UBTaktuell: In your opinion, what significance do university sport and the World University Games have for the development of young athletes?

Dr. Uwe Scholz: Competitive sport is just one part of university sport and for many young athletes, these events are a very special experience for their personal and sometimes also their sporting development. Examples of this are Fabian Hambüchen (Olympic champion in artistic gymnastics, who has taken part in several World University Games) and Laura Siegemund (currently one of the best German tennis players, several Grand Slam titles in doubles), who was also a member of the national student tennis team at the time.

UBTaktuell: What are you most looking forward to at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games?

Dr. Uwe Scholz: For me, meeting and socialising with foreign coaches and players, as well as getting to know many other German athletes from other sports, is always a top priority. The unique atmosphere at the World University Games and the ‘power’ of sport to break down cultural barriers and political tensions between countries is always impressive. And of course I'm looking forward to my tennis team and a medal😉.