Miami Student

Issue date: 4/27/07 Section: Sports

Miami Senior Linda Jirouskova goes after a ball during one of her matches this season. She quickly had to adapt to American culture and way of life, all while playing tennis at the varsity level.

When senior varsity tennis player Linda Jirouskova graduated from high school four years ago in her hometown of Milevsko, Czech Republic, she wanted to try something new.

For many people, trying something new means experimenting with a new haircut, eating at a new restaurant or watching a television show that they have never seen before.

Jirouskova decided to pack her bags and travel to the United States.

Jirouskova had been offered a handful of scholarships to come play tennis and study in the United States. With advice from coaches and family, she decided that Miami University was the best fit for her.

When Jirouskova originally decided to come to the United States, it was her plan to come study for just one year.

"I originally was just coming for one year for the experience and to learn English," Jirouskova said. "But I liked it so much that I decided to stay."

When Jirouskova decided to stay at Miami for all four years after enjoying her first year in the United States, she admitted that it was very difficult at first.

"I cried every night my first week here," Jirouskova said. "I had to figure out a lot of things on my own."

While Jirouskova had to figure out many things on her own, being a member of the tennis team helped ease the transition. Jirouskova specifically found former Head Coach Ray Reppert and current Head Coach Ricardo Rosas extremely helpful with acclimating her to a completely new life.

"I think it was a culture shock when she first arrived here," Rosas said. "She was not fluent in English so it made things more difficult. She adapted herself though. She had a lot of people helping her out. The tennis team was her support group."

While the tennis team may have been Jirouskova's support group, the team was looking forward to her supporting the success of the Miami tennis program. When Rosas discovered that Jirouskova would be playing for Miami he was ecstatic.

"I was really excited," Rosas said. "International players tend not to take anything for granted. She was here on a full scholarship and was very grateful for the opportunity. She always put in the extra work."

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools