Artur Fernandes, who is from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and Bernat Casanovas, who is from Moià, Spain, are two exchange students on the Varsity Tennis Team at Carson High School. Being on the tennis team this season has helped them to adjust to cultural differences and to feel at home here in Carson City.

Bernat says, “Playing in this team has become one of the best things I have done while being here. I really enjoy away games and the dinner after it. All my teammates are really nice, and they help me a lot in adapting here.” Bernat played tennis in Spain but says one of the cultural differences is that you don’t have sports in high school in Spain like you do here. He is playing with Ashton Wilkin in the number one doubles slot, and they are seeded number five in the regional tournament which starts October 13 in Reno.

Unlike Bernat, Artur had only played tennis four or five times with classmates in what he describes as an “unorganized way.” He says, “Joining the tennis team was essential for me to adapt to the culture, the language, and to make friends during my first weeks…Attending team dinners and being part of practices was very enjoyable and certainly has had a positive impact on my year: I made friends and improved my skills in tennis.” Artur improved quite a bit during the short regular season but will not be going on to the regional tournament.

Talking about the season, Artur says, “Even though I initially struggled with difficulties such as serving, the coaches, with great patience, spent each day going over technique and correcting what I needed to improve. After much persistence from me and support from the coaches, I began to play matches with just over a month of practice. By the end, I was already playing doubles with my partner Noah (Alvarado). We played a match that ended 6–6, but unfortunately, we lost in the tie-break. Even though it was not a victory on the scoreboard, it was a victory for life because we could see the results after such a short practice period.”

Both Artur and Bernat are grateful for their coaches, Pete and Amy Gretsch, and their teammates for being so welcoming and supportive. Bernat says, “Hanging out with my friends from here is really nice. I appreciate how they involve me in their plans, and this helps me to not think a lot about things in Spain.” He says it is hard to leave your life and family for a year but adds, “I really like how American life is.” For these two exchange students, tennis is part of that American life that has helped them to adapt and find a home and friendship on and off the court.

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