College Tennis Player Cade Nadeau Sends Powerful Message to Gay and Bi Athletes:
Cade Nadeau / Instagram Source: Cade Nadeau / Instagram

College Tennis Player Cade Nadeau Sends Powerful Message to Gay and Bi Athletes: "I See You"

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Cade Nadeau, a recent graduate of Southern New Hampshire University and standout member of its men's tennis team, has stepped into the national spotlight this July by opening up about his journey as a bisexual athlete in a sport with few openly LGBTQ+ men. Nadeau’s message, delivered during Pride Month and amplified by both the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and LGBTQ+ sports media, is a call to visibility and authenticity for others who may be struggling in silence .

Nadeau’s story is one of perseverance and gradual self-acceptance. “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,” Nadeau said in an interview with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association . “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.”

For his first two years in college, Nadeau kept his identity hidden from many of his teammates. “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,” he shared. The relief and belonging that followed encouraged him to become more visible, not just for himself but for others who might feel alone.

Nadeau’s advocacy extends beyond his own experience. As a leader on the ITA Student-Athlete Council, he has worked to foster a more inclusive environment on his campus and within college tennis at large. The ITA spotlighted him for his efforts to create an accepting community, especially during Pride Month .

Reflecting on his college years, Nadeau emphasized that the most rewarding aspects were not just athletic achievements, but the relationships and support he found among teammates. “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,” he told the ITA .

Nadeau’s message to other gay and bi men in tennis is simple yet powerful: “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 OK to be exactly who you are” .

His courage adds to a growing but still small number of openly LGBTQ+ men in college tennis, a sport where athletes often feel pressure to conform to traditional expectations of masculinity. For many, Nadeau’s visibility is a sign that change is possible — and that there are supportive communities waiting for those ready to come out.

While progress has been made, Nadeau’s story underscores the ongoing need for visibility and support for LGBTQ+ college athletes. Organizations like the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and media outlets such as Outsports are helping amplify these voices, but representation remains scarce, particularly among men’s teams .

Nadeau’s leadership and willingness to speak openly serve as a beacon of hope for others. By sharing his journey, he is not only affirming his own place in the sport but also helping to create a more inclusive environment for the next generation of LGBTQ+ athletes.


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