3 minute read
Serving Up Success
By Amy Charles, MBA '23
The journey of Martin Lorenzo ’24 into the world of tennis began on the courts of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where his passion ignited at the young age of five. With each passing year, his dedication and talent flourished, carving a path of promise and potential. That path eventually led him to the University of Pikeville on an athletic scholarship. His journey to the United States is one marked by extraordinary talent, tireless determination and a deep passion for tennis. In May, he proudly walked across the graduation stage, receiving a bachelor’s degree in communication, complemented by a minor in entrepreneurship.
“UPIKE’s tennis team was experiencing a rebuilding period when I was recruited, so I knew I was coming to a school where I would get the opportunity to play a lot and help to build a program,” said Lorenzo. “Out of all the college offers I had to play tennis, UPIKE was the best fit for me and it was a great decision. I had the best professors and coaches who’ve been so supportive of me here.”
Lorenzo was respected among his peers as captain of the UPIKE men’s tennis team. His dedication to the sport and to his teammates was instrumental in the team's success.
I was not the only player on the team from a dIfferent country,“ saId Lorenzo. “so, beIng bIlIngual allowed me to better communIcate wIth other InternatIonal athletes, whIch helped me to be a more effectIve leader.
Last summer, Lorenzo seized the opportunity to serve as a tennis professional at the prestigious Wilton Riding Club in Connecticut. This experience gave him the platform to share his tennis knowledge with aspiring players and offered a glimpse into his future ambitions. After graduation, Lorenzo returned to the Wilton Riding Club, dedicated to further refining his tennis skills. This fall, he plans to embark on a new chapter, pursuing a master's degree while continuing his tennis career.
Beyond his achievements on the court, Lorenzo envisions a future where he can combine his love for tennis with his communication degree. He aspires to become a coach or director within a tennis club in his native country, where he can leverage his expertise to encourage the next generation of tennis lovers.
“My goal is to gain as much knowledge and skill as possible in America and then return to Argentina to start a career,” said Lorenzo. “I think my communication degree will really help me adapt to whatever career opportunities come my way.”
