Tennis is a Tool for International Student Success

Senior Sofia Valdespino remembers when she fell in love.

Her parents had enrolled her in tennis lessons in her native Mexico City when she was five years old.

"From the moment I picked up a racket, I fell in love with the sport," she said.

More than a sport or hobby, tennis has taught Valdespino discipline and resilience and given her the drive to push herself mentally and physically.
That drive to challenge herself led her from Mexico to Rockhurst, where she is studying international business and is part of the women's tennis team. In spring 2025, the squad captured their first-ever Great Lakes Valley Conference championship and first-ever NCAA Division II Sweet 16 berth. Despite coming from different corners of the world, Valdespino said the team members coalesced on the court.

"We share the same goal of representing Rockhurst well and giving our best in every match," she said. "That determination played a big part in our success."

It's also helped her adjust to life away from home and as a student-athlete.

"Balancing academics, athletics, and life away from home isn't always easy, but it's taught me how strong and adaptable I can be," Valdespino said.

This story first appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of RU magazine .