International presence adds flavor to New Mexico State men’s tennis team

By Isabel Laulhé

LAS CRUCES, N.M — The New Mexico State University men’s tennis team is made up, for the most part, of international players, an increasingly common trend in college tennis.

Tennis is a global sport at both the professional and college levels. In recent years, more international players have chosen to compete in college, combining high-level competition with academic development. Today, college tennis ranks among the sports with the most international athletes.

At NMSU, this diversity is clear: Five of seven players on the men’s team are international.

Despite differences in culture and background, the team has built a strong cohesion, as many international athletes share similar experiences being far from home. Players from Chile, Mexico, Croatia, Sweden and France are on this year’s roster.

“We international players are far from home, but that is something that brings us closer,” said Matías Rojas, a sophomore from Chile on the men’s tennis team.

**Five of the seven players on the NMSU men’s tennis team, as well as its coach, hail from outside the U.S.**
*Photo/NMSU Athletics*

Men’s tennis coach Carlos Vargas – who, as a Venezuelan, is an international himself –highlights the commitment of these international athletes.

“You look at their grades, their attitude, their gratitude and their interest in coming and representing the university,” Vargas said.

Beyond the athletic aspect, players say international athletes place a high value on the opportunity.

“I feel like international players value it more and put more effort in many aspects, since it’s an opportunity that we don’t have in our countries,” Rojas said.

However, this trend also generates debate. Some critics question the use of athletic scholarships for international athletes, arguing that U.S funds are going to players from abroad and viewing it as a negative. They say those opportunities should prioritize domestic players.

From a competitive standpoint, many coaches say the priority remains in building the strongest possible roster.

“At the end of the day, you want to build the best team you can,” Vargas said. “Even if you want to fill your team with local and national players, you’re not going to get enough players.”