Moving to a new country means leaving behind familiarity and diving into the unknown — something BYU women’s tennis players Karina Mohamed, Sue Yan Tan and YuYun Chen had to do when they came to Provo.
Over the course of the season, these international players experienced several “firsts": opportunities to try new things, challenges to overcome and chances to prove themselves in a collegiate setting. Now, as the Cougars wrap up their 2025-26 season, they see the experience with a different perspective.
“BYU is different than any other school,” Egyptian-Russian tennis player Mohamed said. “The community is so supportive. I’m just grateful to be here.”
Student-athletes from other countries still face the typical adjustments of new college students, including difficult academics, increased independence and added responsibilities. However, they also move thousands of miles away from home, with some coming from the other side of the world.
“You move into a different state with no one, with just a 23-kilogram case, in a different country,” Mohamed said. “It’s been hard being away from home and being independent.”
Some international student-athletes also face a language barrier upon arrival.
“It’s always tough when English is not their first language,” women’s tennis head coach Holly Hasler said. “BYU is amazing with resources like learning specialists and tutors, but it’s still hard for their mental and emotional state.”
Because of these added stressors, many student-athletes feel pressure to perform at their best, making the decision to come to Provo as an international student difficult.
Despite the challenges, BYU women’s tennis typically has several international players on its roster. Chen attributed her decision to the efforts of the coaching staff.
“The main reason I came here was because of Holly (Hasler),” said Chen, a Taiwanese tennis player for BYU. “She cared not only about my tennis but also about my life and feelings.”
Each year, Hasler tries to make the adjustment to Provo easier by holding Sunday meals with the team and encouraging players to take breaks and have fun.
“We are their tennis coaches, but I do feel like there’s a motherly role behind that as well,” Hasler said. “We are their caretakers away from home, so we really try to step in and do a little more than just the coaching to help them feel comfortable.”
This season, teammates from the United States also stepped up to create a fun, comfortable environment for Mohamed, Tan and Chen. In addition to practicing and competing together, the women’s tennis team has built deep friendships.
“We do everything together,” said Singapore native Sue Yan Tan. “We study together. We do side quests together. We go hiking and to hot springs. Those are the activities that bring us closer as a team.”
New experiences also improved the team dynamic.
“After coming here, I found that they love being outdoors,” Chen said of the Provo community. She has attended football games, visited farms, gone river rafting and camped in Moab, all “firsts” for her.
These adventures strengthened the team’s unity, creating a shared identity despite cultural differences. The coaching staff is proud of that energy.
“Unity brings success,” Hasler said. "We’ve had a couple wins this year not because we were the strongest team, but because we have the strongest culture. Everyone’s all in and … wants to do well for each other, and the other team just hasn’t had that same connection.”
Mohamed, Tan and Chen have not only seen success with their team, but they have also appreciated the higher standard of living associated with BYU.
BYU is known for its Honor Code, a set of behavioral, dress, grooming and living standards intended to help students succeed and be morally responsible. This way of living has been attractive to several international student-athletes.
“The main reason why I chose BYU was the Honor Code,” Tan said. “It really fits my values.”
Hasler has been particularly impressed by the dedication of the international players to live this standard.
“These girls come because that’s how they want to live their life,” Hasler said. “I have seen them be an example for the Americans on our team, and it’s just so cool to see them come to this environment and want it.”
Playing a season together in a unified, grateful environment helped Mohamed, Tan and Chen build success and camaraderie on and off the court.
“One of the goals for us as coaches is to help these girls to not just be better tennis players but also be better people — to learn how to serve, love and be kind,” Hasler said.
She highlighted Chen, noting that she brought one of the trainers a Starbucks drink because she knew the trainer loved it.
The team also developed a deeper sense of gratitude, confidence and leadership. Tan found increased motivation and determination through her time at BYU.
“I’ve learned to never give up, keep pushing and stay disciplined,” Tan said. "Juggling athletics and academics together has been really tough, but that has made me stay really focused on my path.”
Through new friendships, the players also made deep connections away from home.
“I miss my family, friends and Egypt in general,” Mohamed said. “But now I have a new family here!”
What began as a decision to move thousands of miles away became an experience Mohamed, Tan and Chen will carry with them long after they leave BYU.
With the support around them, new experiences to embrace and opportunities to come out of their shell, these international players found a sense of unity, purpose and identity.
In the end, Provo wasn’t just a place to play tennis — it was a place they belonged.