University of San Francisco Athletics

SAN FRANCISCO — As it is for many athletes entering college, the experience of adapting to a new environment takes courage and strength to understand the true purpose of becoming a Division 1 athlete. Mya Bui, a member of The University of San Francisco's women's tennis program embodies these traits and has used them to have success on the court and in the classroom.

"Tennis is my whole life. I have been playing since I was five years old. When I was little I had to choose one sport and that was tennis. I thought it would have been a better opportunity to play tennis in the states to earn a scholarship. Tennis has been everything," said sophomore Mya Bui. 

WHERE IT BEGAN
Coming from a different part of the world, the opportunity and lifestyle is different compared to the states, as Bui's parents supported Mya by pushing her to strive for her passion and to pursue her dream of playing tennis at the highest level.

"My parents really pushed for me to get a scholarship to play in California, especially for the University of San Francisco. They wanted to put me in either tennis or golf, where women can go further and make money playing a sport. My parents never played tennis, they just love the sport and love watching me and my sister play," said Bui. 

Taking on a whole new environment while trying to go to school and play tennis isn't an easy task. The opportunity, however, to compete and earn a degree from the USF was something Bui and her parents wanted for her. It wasn't just the support from her parents, as Mya's younger sister is also a big factor in her years growing up and playing tennis. 

"It is definitely competitive when we play each other. It used to get bad, but it's better now, we really look out and help each other. We played doubles together and that was really fun. She is a really good player so when I go back home I can play with her and it feels great," said Bui. "I do miss her. We did pretty much everything together. We went to school for a year together, played tennis for hours together. Everything."

Being the oldest, Mya certainly sets an example for her younger sister and describes the importance tennis has been in not only her growth as an athlete but as a person as well. "It has given me opportunity to travel around the world and see different places. Just coming to the states to attend one of the best schools with a great program has given me a healthy lifestyle. Tennis has taken a different step in my life from high school to college," said Bui. 

Staying humble throughout the process of being a student athlete is important, as Mya constantly reminds herself the opportunity she is given and the effort she needs to bring to her teammates and coaches every day. The long hours of training that got her to this point never leave the back of her mind. 

AMBITION
"Every single time I play, I am thankful to be out there, playing and not injured or anything. I am really dedicated and a hardworking person on and off the court. Back home we trained a lot so when I come here I want to train more and more to get better. Putting in enough hours when it comes down to quality and quantity is important. In the gym I work hard and put in my full effort in every session we do. I think that is how I have been my whole life and that is wanting the best for myself," said Bui. 

Mya showed off her talent this fall season, playing against high competition and took her singles play as far as the semifinal rounds. During the Battle In Bay Tournament, Mya defeated Sacramento State and Fresno State and later faced her toughest opponent, USC in the semifinals. At the Saint Mary's Invitational, she performed exceptionally well by making it all the way to quarterfinals after defeating Santa Clara for her biggest win of the fall season.

"I have long term and short term goals for myself and that is important. Everyday is about getting out there and giving it my 100 percent. Doing everything I can in that day because I know I have to be patient and all the hard work will pay off," said Bui.

Being only a sophomore and having these strong ambitions will pave Mya's success not just for her remaining years at USF, but for her future. Tennis has formed many opportunities in her life as she believes that the value of her opportunity is what's setting a prominent future for her. 

"Sports is definitely a huge asset in understanding life challenges. You learn that determination and perseverance all comes in sports and that translates into everyday life. It makes us who we are," said Bui. "These past couple of years I thought I really grew as an individual. Playing in Canada and it being a really individualized sport and then coming here and experiencing a team environment, broke me out of my shell. I realized that moving away and doing what I love made me take things into my own hands, break out of my shell and go after my ambitions."

COACH'S QUOTE
"Mya is the type of player we are trying to recruit into the program. She is the type of athlete that is hungry for advice and experience. Last season as it is for a lot of freshman it can be a learning experience. A lot of last season is figuring out the level of the tennis and the new habits required to propel yourself in college tennis," said head coach Peter Bartlett. "I think this is the case with Mya, she has come back this Fall and returned in good shape wanting to make an impact for herself and the team. This is really positive as we play the tournaments in the Fall season and prepare for team competition in the Spring. Her potential is starting to show and we're excited for the future and how she will contribute to the team going forward."