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Wednesday, 01 February 2012 22:37 |
For almost everyone, leaving home for college is a landmark moment.
But it’s even bigger when you’re leaving to travel across the Atlantic Ocean, landing at a relatively small school in Boone, N.C.
Kim- Le`a Dinh has played tennis since the age of four and left to come to America to hone her tennis skills.
Originally, Dinh turned to the Midwest, looking into schools in Michigan. But when Bethel University, a small school in Tennessee, called with an offer, she didn’t hesitate.
As a sophomore, she played as the number one for Bethel and performed well - but she was looking for more.
“I was looking to transfer to a bigger school and I was at first going to go to a school in Florida, but Coach Crothers called me first so I came here,” Dinh said.
The adjustment has not always been easy coming from big-city Paris, which has a population of around 15 million, to Boone.
“It has been hard,” Dinh said. “It’s so small here and everything is different, the way of life especially. It was difficult, but once I got into the team it was a lot easier. They accepted me with open arms, but they still make fun of me accent and all.”
Dinh hasn’t just brought French flair to App State tennis - she has also brought talent.
“She’s definitely added a lot of depth,” Dinh said. “She was the number-one player at Bethel University in Tennessee. She’s done really well, moved up in the lineup and has improved her game to become one of the top players.”
Assistant Coach Eri Latimer agreed.
“She has adjusted pretty well and being a transfer and being from France, she’s acclimated well,” Latimer said. “She is a pretty feisty and passionate player and her volley has improved tremendously.”
After a strong start to the season, Dinh is all about taking the next step.
“I just hope we can do better and knock off some bigger schools,” she said.
The women’s tennis team will take on Virginia Tech Jan. 5, hoping to improve to 2-1.
Story: JORDAN DEVERE, Intern Sports Reporter |
