By Laura Quero / Staff Writer

The Missouri Valley Women’s Tennis program in recent years has been known for incorporating new young talents into the team. A good example is Queralt Carbo, who already in her Freshman year has been recognized as a First Team All-Conference in singles selection, and also as an all-conference second team doubles by the NAIA.

Carbo is now a Sophomore student-athlete originally from Barcelona, Spain, who came in Fall 2022 to chase a dream; be one of the best tennis players. From an early age, she already knew what the future was holding for her. 

“I started playing tennis at the age of five,” Carbo said. “My family has been practicing this sport for many years, that is the main reason why I started developing a huge interest for it,” she added.

Although tennis plays an important role in Carbo’s life, her vocation as a journalist was also a determining factor in crossing the ocean and attending college on the other side of the world; the United States, specifically at MVC. This college is known for having one of the best Mass Communication programs in the country.

“I feel like MVC was the most appropriate path to follow in order to study the major I wanted,” Carbo said. “Also, I had a really good connection with the coach from the beginning,” she added.

After graduating, international students have many options to choose in which direction they want to focus their professional career. Some decide to stay in the United States and gain experience for a year, others like Carbo prefer to go back home. Regarding tennis, Carbo is very clear. 

“I’m not going to quit tennis, I’ve lived many experiences thanks to this sport, not only positive, but negative ones which now are a part of me,” Carbo said.

Being a student-athlete can be tough for many people. Mentally dealing with so many factors can end up causing difficulties when practicing the sport. Carbo concludes that being confident is a key aspect of achieving success and avoiding those complications.

“You can be the most talented player in the world, but if you don’t believe in yourself and you don’t trust what you’re doing, that talent is nothing more than just that,” Carbo said.

This semester, Carbo has already won two singles games and two double. Although there are multiple games left this semester for her to play, she is now looking forward to the conference, which starts in Spring 2024.