For freshman tennis player Diana Mortlock, making the transition to the United States was a long journey filled with social and cultural challenges and adjustments.
“Well I don’t have lions in my backyard.” She said with a chuckle, “when i first moved here that was the question everyone asked me.”
Growing up in rural South Africa, far from the lion’s gate, but on a farm with sheep and cattle nonetheless, Mortlock has already become one of the most dominant players on the women’s tennis team.
“I grew up in the middle of nowhere,” Mortlock said. “To play competitive tennis, I had to move away from home.”
She began her journey at fourteen when she moved to a school three hours from her home to hone her tennis skills. During high school, she competed at an institution outside of Cape Town, nearly ten hours from her home. Traveling for success has allowed her to gain recognition and make a name for herself separate from her mother’s success.
Mortlock’s mother, Linky Mortlock won the doubles championship at the US Open, and finished runner-up in the French Open in 1976.
“My mom was a pro tennis player in the 70s,” Mortlock said. “She was my coach. I’ve loved being around the game my entire life.”
Making the transition to the United States is a common occurance for many South African athletes.
“After junior tennis, a lot of players come to the U.S.” Mortlock said. “That has been my plan ever since I was little.”
Mortlock grew up with two tennis courts in her backyard, and with practice and the influence of a professional, she grew as a player and as a person.
“I didn’t start playing [competitively] everyday until the tenth grade. I don’t know if it was luck or just chance but God puts people in your life to help fulfill the path he has for me.”
Not knowing where she would end up, Mortlock came to the U.S. with a dream and a vision. She began her journey at the John Newcombe Tennis Academy in Texas. It was here that she was recruited by N.C. State’s tennis program.
“I didn’t know anything about colleges here. I wasn’t in contact with any coaches” she said. “My mom knew some people that lived [in the United States] and contacted a guy who put me in contact with universities. It’s amazing how everything just fell into place.”
The transition has been anything but easy for her, as she has dealt with moving across the country and getting situated in new cultures and environments.
“It has been difficult. South Africa is so laid back and slow paced,” she said. “Everything is really fast paced here. That was the biggest adjustment for me; [it is] a different lifestyle, a different culture, and a different world.”
Mortlock came to N.C. State to play tennis. Beyond tennis she is a fully well-rounded person, being classically trained in piano and guitar, and pursuing a degree in Business Management. As for her teammates, they have quickly fallen in love with her.
“She has been a great addition to the team” senior Neils Barringer said. “She’s a great girl and her face radiates. No matter how bad of a day she has had, she puts on a smile and makes you feel great.”
