Smashing the ball towards the opponent, junior foreign exchange student Jil Schwethelm scores yet another point for the Bowie tennis team. Schwethelm is one of the two foreign exchange students on the Bowie tennis team.
The Bowie tennis program has a unique requirement that at least two foreign exchange students must be included on the team if they try out. This requirement allows for the inclusion of foreign international students and creates a diverse environment for the team, allowing the foreign exchange students to showcase their talents.
“The standard of leaving two spots open on the team for foreign exchange students has come around by happenstance and perhaps an assist from our counselors,” tennis coach Diana Croll-Guard said. “Since tennis is an international sport, many international students already have an understanding of the rules of the game and may feel more comfortable trying it out.”
With the introduction of international exchange students from all around the world onto the team, there are cultural differences that can positively impact the team by improving diversity and team bonding. Senior team captain Andrea Abundis thoroughly enjoys the energy that the foreign exchange students bring.
“I believe that the foreign exchange students bring amazing diversity to the team,” Abundis said. “They broaden the team’s cultural perspectives that don’t normally happen without them on the team. For example, I now know more about tennis abroad and the activities they use to practice.”
The international students themselves are appreciative of the opportunity to play at Bowie, improving both their athletic and cultural experiences. Schwethelm favors this opportunity to get better at Bowie.
“I think it is pretty cool that they have two open spots for international students like me,” Schwethelm said. “I’m really thankful that they are so inclusive so that I can play a sport that I love.”
The requirement of foreign exchange students to be included on sports teams requires acceptance from the UIL Foreign Exchange Waiver Officer for varsity athletics. Most students have easy access to this which helps the incorporation of their skills.
“Our international students need prior approval from higher-ups in the school district to be eligible to play,” Croll-Guard said. “Luckily, they meet all the requirements like having a copy of a J-1 visa and a signed waiver from their guardians.”
Schwethelm isn’t the only foreign exchange student on the tennis team, sophomore Emma Langner is another. She thinks the experience of being on the team at Bowie has helped her improve her style and movement of play.
“I just started tennis when I moved here, so I definitely wasn’t the best,” Langner said. “There are really good people on the team here and playing with them makes me play better myself.”
According to Croll-Guard, the foreign exchange students that make the team and compete have to be of quality as the rest of the team and on the same level. Even with limitations, Croll-Guard has confidence in the international athletes.
“Foreign exchange students are held to the same standards as our other athletes; they need to practice and represent our program well,” Croll-Guard said. “They are limited to playing up to JV because of UIL rules. During spring individual tournament season, we love for them to try and compete depending on their comfort and desire.”
There are new foreign exchange students every year who impact the team in their own unique ways. Abundis loves the influence that these athletes bring to the squad.
“Our foreign exchange students have made a positive impact on the team which is important to us,” Abundis said. “They have introduced new ways of working together and communicating that we hadn’t learned or used before.”
Abundis knows the team thoroughly enjoys the presence of the international students, as well the international students love playing with the rest of the team too. They reference it as a different experience for them and what they enjoy.
“It is much easier to make friends here, and being on the tennis team helped with that too,” Schwethelm said. “They also have different celebrations here like Thanksgiving which was fun. In Germany, they are really passionate about soccer, but here they are passionate about more than just one sport.”
According to Abundis, the foreign exchange students are outgoing and are easy to mingle with. This corresponds with the team chemistry being improved and keeps the morale of the players positive.
“The girls’ personalities are extremely friendly and adaptable,” Abundis said. “They stay open-minded to anything which helps connect them well to the rest of the team. We all gel really well together and I really adore them along with the team this year. Our morale this year has been very positive, which helps our chemistry as a whole.”
