Multiple languages and accents echo across the tennis courts at Northwestern State University of Louisiana as the Lady Demon tennis team prepares for matches.
The team’s roster is made up entirely of international student-athletes, with players from several different countries. Martina Acebedo Bonocore, Maria Farina and Sofi Garcia are from Buenos Aires, Argentina; Pika Doberlet from Šencur, Slovenia; Lija Mumlek are from Mairbor, Slovenia; Lolita Hukasian is from Odessa, Ukraine; Honoka Umenda is from Kurnamoto, Japan.
For the Lady Demons, different international backgrounds do not divide the team. Instead, they are united by their shared experience of adjusting to life in the United States while competing at the collegiate level.
Doberlet, a sophomore psychology major, said her reasoning for moving to the United States was driven by the opportunity to continue playing tennis while pursuing a degree.
“I wanted to continue playing tennis, and in Slovenia, it is much harder to play competitively in college,” Doberlet said. “The opportunity here is really good because I can pursue both my dreams in tennis and my studies.”
Adjusting to life in Louisiana comes with several major life changes for international student-athletes. From trying new food to navigating language barriers, the athletes must adapt to a culture far different from their home countries.
Spyrou, a senior psychology major, said transportation was one of the biggest adjustments she noticed after moving to the United States.
“Back home everything is close together, so you can walk most places,” Spyrou said. “Here you have to drive everywhere.”
Spyrou spent two years in Texas before transferring to NSU, which helped her prepare for some of the cultural differences in Louisiana.
“I was shocked by how many McDonald’s locations there are, everything here is fried,” Spyrou said. “In Greece, we have fast food but it is healthier and usually grilled meat.”
Head coach Marcos Morelli, in his third season leading the program after previously serving two seasons as assistant coach, said the team continues to grow as the season progresses.
“We are only at the beginning, so there is still a long way to go,” Morelli said. “I trust that they can do great things.”
Morelli added that the team’s international makeup has helped build a strong sense of unity among the players.
“We are always making steps forward in terms of hard work, respect and unity,” Morelli said.
The Lady Demons currently hold a 9-5 overall record and 5-1 in Southland Conference play.
Despite coming from different countries and cultures, the Lady Demons share a common goal of representing NSU while balancing academics and athletics. Their diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives to the team, but on the court they compete together as one.
