Joan Crespo | College Tennis | The Life as a Student-Athlete

Joan Crespo

Sport Tennis
University Lamar University
Major Bachelor in Sports Science

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO PLAY COLLEGE TENNIS?

I had many friends who played college tennis and told me only positive things. As a result, I did a little more research and became more and more interested in going to college. I also realized that I would have a lot more opportunities to improve my tennis game in college.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AS A STUDENT-ATHLETE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

I always have uni in the morning after breakfast until about 12-12:30 p.m. Then I have lunch in our dining hall and then at 2 p.m. we go to practice. After the training we have stretching. After practice I have free time where I usually do my homework or study.

WHAT WAS YOUR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE LIKE AS A STUDENT-ATHLETE?

My experience so far has been very good. Compared to Germany, I don’t have so much university and in general, university life is very relaxed.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND FACILITIES?

The training has a high intensity and is structured differently compared to Germany. We do fewer baskets, but a lot of drill exercises among ourselves.
The facility is very large and there are a lot of coaches here for each sports team. For example, we have a big football stadium, a huge basketball and baseball arena, and a big golf and soccer field on campus.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL COLLEGE GAME DAY LOOK LIKE?

In the morning we go for breakfast together as a team before we warm up 1h before the match starts. Then the doubles are played first, 3 to be exact. As soon as they are finished, we go straight to the singles without warming up again. After the match there is always a team dinner.

WHY COLLEGE SPORTS?

TENNIS

Train daily at the highest level and compete with up-and-coming athletes from around the world.

EDUCATION

The USA offers you the best universities in the world: the academic content and methods are first-class and internationally recognized.

DEVELOPMENT

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to develop personally in a short period of time: gain experience with other cultures and learn perfect English.

CAREER

One thing is for sure: You will stand out positively for future employers with your international education.

DID YOU HAVE ACCESS TO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS?

Yes, I have access to a physio every day, whether one is injured or not.

SUMMARIZE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA

So far, my time at the college has been a complete success. I have not only developed as a tennis player, but also as a person. The guys have become like a second family to me and I also get along great with the coaches.

WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND OTHER ATHLETES TO GO TO THE USA?

College in the USA is a unique opportunity for an athlete. In my opinion, college only brings advantages. In addition, you also have your studies at the same time as your sport, which means that you always have a plan B if your sport is not enough for your professional career.