Indiana University Athletics
International Players Provide Diversity Both On and Off the Court
1/13/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Jan. 13, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Tennis, like many sports, has the benefit of having international appeal. After originating in England in the late 19th century, the game has spread throughout the world with increasing popularity. In recent years, tennis at the college level has increased in size with more schools adopting programs, making recruiting strictly within the United States a challenge. As a result, teams have started looking for players in other places.
This year's Indiana women's tennis team features four international players, who all hail from different countries. Additionally, the team's five domestic born players are all from different states themselves. No other team in the Big Ten has more than four international competitors.
"It is great having girls from all around the world," senior Sarah Batty said. "It provides the team with a great learning experience."
Indiana's roster includes players from Chesterfield, England (Batty), Briey, France (junior Cecile Perton), Geron, Spain (freshman Alba Berdala), and Eisenberg, Germany (freshman Sigrid Fischer).
While in seasons past the Hoosiers have featured one or two internationally born players, the last several years have seen an increase in international recruiting, due in large part to the constant growth of the Internet.
"We get a lot of e-mails from players who have gone on to college websites and done their homework," head coach Lin Loring explained. "Most of the international players we have recruited have contacted us first, with the exception of one of two instances when players have been recommended to us."
One of IU's newest international players, freshman Alba Berdala, came to Indiana with lots of talent but only basic knowledge of the English language. As a result, associate head coach Ramiro Azcui found himself assisting Berdala in more ways than one.
"At the beginning of the season, when [Alba] was unsure of some of the things going on in practice, I would talk to her in Spanish. However nowadays, in order for her to get used to both coach Loring and myself, we have been talking to her primarily in English," Azcui said. "She is making a lot of progress and her English is getting much better."
Not only do the international players provide the team with cultural diversity, both players and coaches have been able to spot differences in the international game.
"In Europe, the technique that they use can sometimes be a little bit different," Azcui explained. "The girls on the team have been able to see that and adjust to it."
The team has embraced the different cultures in a variety of ways. Several weeks ago, junior Cecile Perton prepared a French dinner for the team. Also, Loring noted that each summer several girls will travel overseas to spend a couple weeks with their international teammates and tour throughout Europe.
"It is both interesting and exciting," said freshman Sigrid Fischer. "While we have cultural differences, as we practice together, build friendships, and come together as a team, it really doesn't matter where we have all come from. It is something very special."
