Spring Break
Freshman overcomes language barrier to find success on the court
Artur Klimenka nearly played professional tennis in Belarus before coming to Sac State
Cameron Ross
Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: Sports
Freshman Artur Klimenka came to the United States from Belarus for opportunities not available in his homeland.
At one time he was ranked No. 131 in the world at the under-18 International Tennis Foundation level, where many professionals have once played.
In his thick Russian accent, Klimenka said adaptation has been difficult. Once he found his zone on the tennis court, however, he went on a tear through the Big Sky Conference.
"In the beginning of the season I was trying to play well but had problems with acclimation and practices," Klimenka said.
He is still learning English and has tutors to assist him with homework occasionally.
When he was 12, he began learning the language but his studies ended after only a year and he spent time concentrating on tennis.
"His English was not as good when he entered school as some of the other foreign players," Director of Tennis Bill Campbell said. "He's really had to work at school this semester."
In the classroom he found an academic interest that he wants to pursue in his studies of business.
"I think I want to study real estate eventually, but for right now I just want to learn business," Klimenka said.
Playing nearly the entire season at the No. 3 position, Klimenka built up a head of steam for the Big Sky Tournament with nine straight wins to close the season, going undefeated against Big Sky opponents.
He has a connection with women's coach Dima Hrynashka, who recommended Klimenka as a recruit to Campbell.
Klimenka studied English intensely for about six months before moving to the United States, so intensely that he cut back on tennis practice, which he believes contributed to the rough start.
"I think he's played right where I thought he'd play," Campbell said. "I knew he hadn't played for a while and he was right at the same level as Anton (Stryhas) and Kiryl (Harbatsiuk), which is a really high level."
Before his winning streak he posted a record of 6-6, mediocre by typical standards but the Hornets are a reigning Big Sky power.
At one time he was ranked No. 131 in the world at the under-18 International Tennis Foundation level, where many professionals have once played.
In his thick Russian accent, Klimenka said adaptation has been difficult. Once he found his zone on the tennis court, however, he went on a tear through the Big Sky Conference.
"In the beginning of the season I was trying to play well but had problems with acclimation and practices," Klimenka said.
He is still learning English and has tutors to assist him with homework occasionally.
When he was 12, he began learning the language but his studies ended after only a year and he spent time concentrating on tennis.
"His English was not as good when he entered school as some of the other foreign players," Director of Tennis Bill Campbell said. "He's really had to work at school this semester."
In the classroom he found an academic interest that he wants to pursue in his studies of business.
"I think I want to study real estate eventually, but for right now I just want to learn business," Klimenka said.
Playing nearly the entire season at the No. 3 position, Klimenka built up a head of steam for the Big Sky Tournament with nine straight wins to close the season, going undefeated against Big Sky opponents.
He has a connection with women's coach Dima Hrynashka, who recommended Klimenka as a recruit to Campbell.
Klimenka studied English intensely for about six months before moving to the United States, so intensely that he cut back on tennis practice, which he believes contributed to the rough start.
"I think he's played right where I thought he'd play," Campbell said. "I knew he hadn't played for a while and he was right at the same level as Anton (Stryhas) and Kiryl (Harbatsiuk), which is a really high level."
Before his winning streak he posted a record of 6-6, mediocre by typical standards but the Hornets are a reigning Big Sky power.
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