Concordia is home to many international students, especially within our sports teams. Women’s water polo is no exception to that. Sophomore Anna Tyukasz took the time to do an exclusive interview with Sofia Dominguez to speak on her transition from Hungary to the United States. 

“It’s an interesting story because before I found out I had the opportunity to come here, I was dealing with a really hard injury in my spine, so I almost gave up water polo,” said Tyukasz. When asked when she first knew she wanted to play in the United States. “My mentor reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in coming here to the U.S. and play water polo and study. That gave me hope and is why I am here.” 

Choosing a school for international student-athletes can be difficult, but it seemed that everything lined up perfectly for Tyukasz. “[Concordia women’s water polo head coach] Casey Greenawalt reached out to me, and before that I had never heard about this college, but then he reached out, and I was searching for more answers to see what it would look like to come here and what the college looked like.” 

Tyukasz had conversations with Fresno State and the University of Hawaii, but ultimately landed on Concordia as her home. 

“I was nervous when I had my first meeting with Casey because I had never done this before.” While the legal aspects of being an international student weren’t an issue, the cultural transition from Hungary to the United States was one that Tyukasz had to get used to. 

“I learned English in my high school and thought I spoke really good English, but I clearly didn't, which was the fun part. My mentor helped me with all the paperwork, so I feel I didn’t struggle with that, but it definitely took a while to adapt to the language, even though I was still home.” 

The hardest part of transitioning between countries is saying goodbye to your comfort zone and loved ones, even if just temporarily. 

“They were supportive, and when I had doubt in myself, they told me that I should still try and pushed me, telling me to try because if I never try it I am going to regret it for my whole life and they were right,” said Tyukasz. “It is also hard because I am the first one in my family [to] study across the world. It is really hard for every parent to let go of a child, especially when they come across the world. It is still hard sometimes, but easier than it was the first time.” 

Along with her life out of the pool, American athletics are also quite different from those of her home country. “In Hungary, we don’t have athletics in high school and only a few in college, but it is not the same level as here. The whole system is very different…We are playing in clubs, and it was a huge thing for me when I found out that every year a bunch of girls are going to leave the team because they are graduating, and a bunch are going to come in. I never experienced that much change after only one year.” 

Tyukasz went on to explain that the water polo back home is more physical and “they let us play more than here.” 

Tyukasz’s adjustment has been greatly aided by her teammates. “I made a lot of good memories with my team, friends, and coaches. Sometimes I forget that I am actually here in the U.S…I have a really good time with the team.” 

“My coaches are my parents, my teammates are my best friends,” said Tyukasz. “I am so grateful for everyone, and it is crazy that I came here alone without knowing anyone and they accepted me and helped me without having to ask or do anything.” 

Living in Southern California also plays a helpful hand in the transition. “Going to the beach, the first time I have seen the ocean was here. The closest sea I have at home is in Croatia, so a different country.” 

Life for an international student-athlete is always ever-changing and exciting. “It would be awesome if we win the championship this year and maybe the following years too, but I don’t want to look that far ahead,” said Tyukasz. “‘Stay in the present’ is my motto, and do the best I can. I like being here, but I also miss home and have always seen myself at home doing my work and starting my business.” 

You can stay up to date with Tyukasz and her teammates by following @cuiwwp on instagram. Be sure to attend all of their home games at William Woollett Jr. Aquatic Center.

Tags: water polo, women's athletics

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