LU tennis team celebrates camaraderie through international backgrounds

Every year, millions of people around the world stare at their TVs watching tennis events like Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. 

Liberty’s tennis team reflects that global appeal, featuring players from all over the world. 

“We want to build one of the best programs we can, so we have to look at the whole world to find the right guys that fit into our culture,” Head Coach Derek Schwandt said. “We do not just look at one region or area – we look everywhere, and I think that is what you have to do if you want to compete.”

Deji Thomas-Smith, originally from London, England, came to Liberty in the fall to play on the tennis team. 

Although his travels took him far from home, Thomas-Smith has enjoyed the opportunities Liberty has provided him. 

“It has been really nice to be on a team like this,” he said. “I came to university here to get a different experience, not just playing the same English players and tennis around the same kind of people, so it is nice to have a big, diverse group.”

The team features players from England, Canada, Portugal, South Africa, Brazil, Germany and the United States.

One player, sophomore Ian Sturgill, always knew about Liberty and grew up minutes away from campus in Madison Heights, but he has enjoyed playing with his teammates from all over the world.

“Unity is a big part of what we do, so it is interesting to have people from all these different cultural backgrounds coming together,” Sturgill said. “I think it brings us closer together because each guy brings his own perspective.”

Thomas-Smith had to adjust to life in Lynchburg, especially to the heat.

“There was definitely an adjustment period for the first couple of months here. The training is a lot more intense, but so is the heat,” Thomas-Smith said. “In Celsius it was in the high 30s (95-102 degrees Fahrenheit).”

The team has been able to grow close throughout the preseason and regular season through meals and meetings. The team members hope to spend as much time together as possible.

“I think the main thing when we are on trips together is the camaraderie and that we communicate with everyone, and that really brings us together,” Sturgill said. “I can’t think of specific things we do to try and get closer – I feel like it almost just happens naturally.” 

While the family atmosphere is something Schwandt is familiar with in coaching international players, but he feels that this team is unique because of its competitive spirit.

“What stands out to me with this team is how they are embracing competition. The team matches are electric, and the guys are bringing a ton of energy to matches and practice,” Schwandt said.

After beating William & Mary on Sunday, Feb. 16, the Flames will next play at Penn State before hosting Elon Feb. 28.

Dean is a sports reporter. Follow him on Twitter.