Traveling fromKazakhstan toArkansas, sophomore international business major Olzhas Taniyev had already made quite a name for himself. The only student from Kazakhstan, this tremendous talent was already an accomplished athlete before setting foot on Harding’s courts. He attended the College of Kazntk in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where he was named champion of the Ariadna Club in Almaty and in the city of Almaty. He ranked No. 2 among juniors in Kazakhstan, and he was champion of the Capital Cup in his hometown. Taniyev learned of Harding through his tennis coach. He was looking to play college tennis, and Harding offered him the opportunity. “The best option for me was college tennis and the only country to do that in was the U.S.,”Taniyev said. “Nowhere else can you play and get an education at the same time.” Bisons’ tennis coach David Elliott complimented Taniyev on his healthy balance between school and tennis. “He’s in class,gets to practice early and is very,very professional,” Elliot said. The decision to come to Harding was Taniyev’s, and his family was supportive the entire way. “It was a little bit hard for the first couple of months to be so far from home,”Taniyev said. “Yeah I miss home, but I’m here to play tennis and go to school.We stay in touch.” The biggest adjustment since leaving Kazakhstan was the simple fact that everyone spoke English.The Arkansas humidity was also difficult for Taniyev. “It was a little hard to adjust to the climate,”Taniyev said.“It’s pretty hot in my country, but the humidity here is terrible.” When offering advice for future students from foreign countries interested in sports at Harding, Taniyev stressed the importance of learning English. “It can be very stressful in a new environment,” he said. Being on the tennis team helped make the transition easier. “Before, I played tennis individually, and now I play with the team,”Taniyev said. “It’s a good feeling to be on the team and be with the guys.” Teammate Ethan Bryant, a senior accounting major, had nothing but praise for Taniyev. “This was my second year of playing on the team with Olzhas,” Bryant said.“He has a great work ethic and unprecedented tenacity. He is a great guy.” Taniyev had similar feelings for his teammates. “I just love my team and the coach,” Taniyev said. “We are doing the same thing, just doing our best to win matches and be as good as we can for the school.That’s our major aim.” Some of Olzhas’ favorite memories came from the teamwork and support of all the men. Coach Elliott recognized what a vital role Olzhas was to the team. Tennis had been a passionate part of Taniyev’s life since age six, and he could not imagine his life without it. “I started at six and have never stopped,”Taniyev said. “I can’t live without it. It’s my lifestyle.” [Danielle Kanipe] Sophomore Marco Ruiz smashes the ball during amatch against the University of the Ozarks at Harding on April 9, 2007. The Bisons defeated the University of the Ozarks 8-1. [Jeff Montgomery] Athlete embraces new culture Distance 264 [athletics]
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==