When Andrea Giraldo, finance senior, looks back at her four years of competing in tennis at the collegiate level, she can only feel blessed at the chance she has been given.
“I have been able to accomplish a lot of things I would not have been able to do if I would’ve stayed in Columbia,” Giraldo said.
Giraldo is one of four Columbian natives on the Bobcat tennis team this year.
“The opportunity of studying in a different country, (though I am) away from (my) family, while playing tennis has been really fun,” Giraldo said.
Giraldo has been Texas State’s No. 1 singles player the past three years. She has led the Bobcats to an 8-4 record thus far this season.
Giraldo is in her final year playing for the Bobcats, but is not ready to leave the United States yet.
“After I finish this semester, (I will) help next season as the assistant coach and finish my studies,” Giraldo said. “I’ll be ready to flip the page and start a new phase in my life.”
Coach Tory Plunkett said Giraldo brings admirable qualities to the team.
“(She has) excellent leadership skills, work ethics and a special kindness for people,” Plunkett said.
Giraldo, in addition to her other accomplishments, is the team’s captain. Keeping camaraderie, she said, is a top priority under the position.
“I would like to lead the freshmen to keep working hard and to encourage and support them whenever they need it,” Giraldo said. “Our bond is the number one strength we have. When there’s a good bond and atmosphere within all the members, the results are better. Each one of us doesn’t only play to win our individual match, but we all fight hard so the team wins.”
The Bobcats have a 2-1 record in Southland Conference play at this point in the season. Texas State lost its first conference match this year 5-2 against Texas-Arlington last week.
Giraldo has set goals to accomplish for the remainder of the season.
“Individually, I would like to be (a) First-Team All-Southland Conference (selection),” Giraldo said. “I believe I’ve been playing really well. My confidence level is high and, therefore, I have good possibility of accomplishing that.”
Plunkett hopes Giraldo will make the all-conference team and more.
“I hope she accomplishes first-team all-conference and (SLC) Player of the Year,” Plunkett said. “Plus, win a conference ring.”
Giraldo has not been accompanied by her leading support group while in the United States, like other college athletes.
“I miss being at my house,” Giraldo said. “I miss the goodnight kiss from my parents. They are my biggest supporters and the reason why I’ve made it this far.”
Giraldo said playing for the Bobcat tennis team has been beneficial.
“This has been the most rewarding experience of my life,” Giraldo said. “I got here as a little adolescent, and I’ll be leaving as a woman ready to face the real world. It’s indescribable all the things I’ve learned while being at Texas State.”