Photos By Matt Weir / The Collegian
The Fresno State tennis program is the most culturally diverse program on campus. There are 17 players. On both teams from nine different countries. Here is how some of them became Bulldogs.
Tejesvi Veerepalli
Class:
Senior
Height/Weight:
5-9 137
Born in:
Vijayawada, India
Why did you choose Fresno State?
Fresno State has always been a great athletic college. I chose Fresno State for its richness in tennis tradition and the hard working program.
What is your major?
My major is Finance. Fresno State has one of the best business schools in the state and nation. The Craig School of Business is recognized and respected around the state. I was always interested in numbers. This is what made me choose my major.
What are your plans after college?
I am planning on coming back to Fresno State to pursue my M.B.A. Hopefully, I will get into the M.B.A program for the fall of 2010.
Photos By Matt Weir / The Collegian
Rinkus de Villiers
Class:
Junior
Height/Weight:
5-10 175
Born in :
Cape Town, South Africa
Why did you choose Fresno State?
We play a good schedule and work really hard on every aspect of the game, I think this is vital to my improvement as an individual player. Also my teammates are great guys and that was definitely a big concern of mine when choosing a school.
What is your major?
My major is physical therapy, I chose it because I feel like I could relate to many people coming in to get rehab and treatment since I have done so many times myself. My experiences made me interested in the field.
What are your plans after college?
I would like to be able to go pro, but I do not know whether I will try yet, perhaps in doubles. Otherwise I will probably get my masters degree and get a job.
Photos By Matt Weir / The Collegian
Laura Pola
Class:
Sophomore
Height:
5-10
Born in:
Ottawa, Canada
Why did you choose Fresno State?
Location always appealed to me. No one can argue with you going to sunny California. But a side from the weather, the tennis program had a solid foundation and a great team. The coach was also from Canada which made it really easy to communicate with and made my decision simple.
What is your major?
I have probably changed my major three times and back. I have decided for now that I will complete a degree in mass communications and journalism…or Management….maybe both.
What are your plans after college?
Maybe become a coach in the Bahamas, find a job in Fresno, or go back to Canada. But seriously, I don’t even know what I’m doing tomorrow.
