David Giménez
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025: Growth and Passion in Action
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025 is more than just a name — it’s a campaign built on the voices of international student-athletes who live, train, and compete in the U.S. every single day. No one understands what it’s like to be an international student-athlete in 2025 better than someone living it right now.
Train. Study. Compete. Grow.
Through real stories from around the world, we’re showing what it means to give everything to the sport you love, your education, and your future while building a new life thousands of miles from home.
Because it’s not just about matches or titles. It’s about the drive, the sacrifice, the growth, and the community you find along the way. Being a student-athlete in 2025 is demanding but powerful, unforgettable, and an experience you carry with you forever.
We asked David Giménez, a tennis player from Spain studying at Coastal Alabama Community College, to give a glimpse into his student-athlete experience.
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025: This is what living it really feels like.
My College Experience in 2025
David shares what it’s been like to experience life as a student-athlete this year. Balancing tennis and his studies have kept him busy, but it’s also taught him valuable skills.
“My student athlete experience at Coastal is amazing. I have the opportunity to combine my studies with tennis, competing for the university and representing a team. Since the beginning I have been really busy. As a student-athlete, you have some responsibilities, and you need to organize well yourself. This experience is teaching me a lot of valuable things that are going to help me for my future.”
Tennis at College Level
David gives us an inside look at what it’s like to play tennis at college level. Playing a sport at university comes with a completely different atmosphere, and in addition, athletes have to stay on top of their academics. He shares the challenges and rewards of college tennis, as well as the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.
“For me being a student-athlete, it means a lot. I have worked really hard to get into where I am and I feel so lucky for the opportunity. Competing in college tennis has taught me many things, mostly off the court. As we play a lot, we need to really organize our schedule and take care of our academics.
Also, college tennis has helped me to be more prepared physically because of the emphasis on conditioning and the higher volume of training. The schedule is really much denser, and practices are different, as you are part of a team.
Tennis feels different when you are in a team. My teammates have really helped me here; they push me to get better. Outside the court they are always there to support me.
I’m doing well balancing tennis with having fun in college. I can do both things at the same time. I am always focused on competing hard but being conscious that it is an experience and you are also here for enjoyment.
My favorite moment so far was when we reached the doubles quarterfinals in nationals with my pattern, winning a really tough match. That was really emotive and a memory that I’ll never forget.
The biggest lesson tennis has taught me is to always find solutions in the hardest days or moments.”
Adapting to the U.S. College System as an International Student
The U.S. academic system is different from what many international students are used to in their home countries. It’s common for students to need a few months to adjust to new routines, teaching methods, and expectations. David adapted quickly, and with the support of professors and tutors, he is now excelling in his classes.
“I am studying business; I was clear that I wanted to study something related to that field, so I did a little bit of research and decided that was the best option.
At the beginning it is a little bit hard to adapt to the U.S. academic system as they work in a really different way than we do in Spain. But I adapted really well and after a while it was fine. The professors are always there for you and help you anytime you need it. You also have tutors for every subject that really help you understanding concepts or doing homework.”
My First Impressions of Campus Life in the U.S.
American college campuses can vary widely: some are large and spread out, others are located in rural areas, and some are small and situated in the heart of a city. The campus type often shapes the student life and culture. David shares his first impressions and what life on his campus has been like.
“The first time I stepped onto campus I was really shocked as I was finally in the place I had been visualizing for a long time. It felt really nice. My campus is small, so the atmosphere is calm. My favorite spot is a bench located in a little field. Sometimes I go there to disconnect, I really like it.
Campus life is one of the main parts of the experience. Being around good people helps a lot and makes your experience better. But at the end of the day, you are with your team most of the time as you all have the same schedule.”
The Biggest Surprises When I First Arrived in the U.S.
David’s transition to life in a new country came with a few cultural surprises. For him, they were all positive, and he has enjoyed discovering new perspectives and ways of thinking.
“What surprised me the most when I arrived was how people are and their kindness. They always say “hi” and always help you if you need it, even if you don’t know them much. The transition is shocking sometimes but really worth it, as you can develop and grow as a person. Learning from new cultures is always nice.”
Building Friendships Through College Sports
Before arriving in the United States, many student-athletes wonder how easy it will be to make friends and meet new people. Being part of a college sports team gives you a built-in group from day one, and many of those teammates often become some of your closest friends.
“For me making friends has been really easy as I am part of a team. When you belong to a group, it is much easier to build relationships. My team has become my second family for sure. They are my closest people here, the ones that I share mostly everything, and we experience a lot of things. Inside the court they help me and push me to get better. Outside the court, we enjoy the college experience together. I know here I have built relationships that will last, for example, with one of my teammates who is also from Spain.
Definitely my favorites memories with the team are when we travel. Those moments on the bus or in the hotels are so nice and we have a lot of fun.”
A Life-Changing Experience That Shaped My Future
After completing his first year of college in spring 2025, David reflects on his experience so far. He is excited for the years ahead and plans to continue his studies in the U.S. after finishing his bachelor’s degree.
“I’ve grown so much through this experience. It has taught me important values and lessons that will help shape my future. Living on my own has also been amazing, it’s helped me become more independent and learn a lot about myself.
At the end of my first semester, during Christmas break, I had the time to process everything that happened during those first couple of months. I saw everything with perspective, and I realized I made the right decision to come to the U.S.
Even if you have doubts, definitely do it! It is going to give you a lot more stuff than you think. The experience will be unforgettable.”
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