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I’ve always been the kind of person who trusts his gut.
It’s how I’ve navigated the twists and turns of my journey — from Mozambique to Morocco, then Kansas, and eventually to Norman, Oklahoma.
It’s also how I knew I wanted to pursue tennis in the United States.
Growing up, tennis was everywhere in my family.
My dad, my older brother, and countless relatives all played.
I spent hours tagging along to their matches, cheering them on and soaking in every moment.
It didn’t take long before I picked up a racquet myself.
With tennis running in my blood, it felt natural, almost inevitable.
But as I grew older, I realized that staying in Mozambique would limit my dreams.
Mozambique only has one club with six tennis courts, and resources were scarce.
My passion for tennis demanded more, and my family supported my decision to chase something bigger.
At just 13, I left home to train at the International Tennis Federation Center in Morocco.
The move was exhilarating and terrifying.
Leaving behind everything familiar—my family, my friends, my language—was one of the hardest things I’d ever done.
There were countless days when I wanted to go back home.
But every time doubt crept in, I reminded myself why I was there: to make my dream of playing tennis a reality.
I pushed through and grew as both a player and a person.
When I eventually returned to Mozambique, it was with a new perspective and an even bigger dream.
This time, I wanted to go to the United States, where I could compete at the highest levels and earn an education.
That’s how I found myself signing with Cowley College, a junior college in Kansas.
The Leap to DI
My time at Cowley College was incredible.
It gave me the foundation I needed to thrive both on and off the court.
But I knew if I wanted to become the best tennis player I could be, I had to take the next step.
That meant playing Division I tennis.
When the University of Oklahoma came calling, I didn’t hesitate.
Without even visiting, I committed to OU.
It might sound crazy, but I trusted my gut—just like I always have.
And this time, my instincts were spot on.
Part of my decision was the connections I already had at OU.
One of my childhood friends, someone I’d known since I was ten, was on the team.
I also knew one of the assistant coaches, Manuel Raga, and felt an immediate connection with Coach Ben and Coach Nick during our conversations.
Their mentality matched mine: do whatever it takes to win.
The resources OU offered were another huge draw.
Coming from Mozambique and even junior college, the support here feels like a dream.
At OU, I have access to athletic trainers, nutritionists, and even a team of tutors to keep me on track academically.
After every game or practice, I can recover properly, and there’s always someone ready to help me fine-tune my skills.
These are things most people take for granted, but for me, they’ve been life-changing.
They’ve not only transformed my game but also shaped me into a more well-rounded individual.
The Heart of OU: Its People
Beyond the resources, what makes OU truly special is the people.
From day one, I’ve felt the kindness and support of this community.
Whether it’s my teammates, coaches, or even people I’ve never met, there’s a genuine sense that everyone here wants me to succeed.
That support has been invaluable.
It fuels me to give my all every single day, both on and off the court.
It’s hard to put into words how much that means to me.
Knowing I have an entire community behind me makes me want to work harder—not just for myself but for everyone who believes in me.
OU isn’t just a school or a tennis program; it’s a family.
And being part of this family is something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Leading by Example
While my ultimate goal is to play professional tennis, my focus right now is on being the best captain I can be for my team.
I want to bring the energy, drive, and leadership we need to succeed.
This season, my teammates and I are chasing something big—a championship.
I know we have what it takes to win, and I’m determined to do everything in my power to help us get there.
Whether that means motivating my teammates during practice or stepping up during matches, I’m all in.
Being a captain is about more than just playing well; it’s about showing up every day and setting the tone for the team.
It’s about making sure my teammates feel supported, just like OU has supported me.
Everything I do for the team helps me grow as a player and a leader, and I know those lessons will stay with me long after this season is over.
Grateful for the Journey
Looking back, I’m so glad I trusted my gut.
Every decision—moving to Morocco, coming to the United States, choosing OU—has led me to where I am today.
And I couldn’t be happier.
This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it.
OU has given me the tools, the support, and the community I needed to chase my dreams.
Now, I get to do what I love every day, surrounded by people who believe in me.
As I step onto the court each time, I remind myself of the little boy in Mozambique who dreamed of playing tennis on the biggest stage.
I’m living that dream now, and I’m determined to make the most of it—for myself, for my team, and for the people who’ve helped me along the way.
Trusting my gut has always led me to the right place, and choosing OU is one decision I’ll never regret.
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