Colas Adapts To Changes

STARKVILLE – Alberto Colas arrived at Mississippi State in January 2020.

And it didn't take the Zaragoza, Spain native long to adapt to life as college tennis player. Colas posted a 7-3 singles and an 8-2 doubles record during his first two months on campus, including a 6-2, 6-0 ranked win over Oklahoma's Jochen Bertsch.

However, Colas' adjustments in the classroom and to American culture took a little more time.

"It was a huge change, especially the language," Colas said. "When I first came here, my English wasn't as good. I can remember my first day of class, I didn't understand anything. I was wondering how I was going to pass these classes. But I think I'm doing pretty good now. I love where we are. I love the language and love the culture. Like with any change, it just takes time."

Another hurdle Colas had to cross was a global pandemic. COVID-19 shut everything down during Colas' first semester at MSU and ended his promising freshman campaign on the court. In fact, Colas was named the SEC Freshman of the Week following his final matches of 2020.

And although Colas was shipped back to Spain only 90 or so days into his college experience, that brief exposure helped him prepare for his return to the U.S. later that fall.

"Those three months helped me realize how everything works here," Colas said. "I kind of got used to the language and the classes."

'OFF THE CHARTS'

During his first full year competing, Colas was ranked in both singles and doubles by the ITA. Along with then doubles partner Gregor Ramskogler, Colas earned a career-high No. 47 ranking and was also ranked a personal-best 92^nd as a singles competitor this past fall.

The 6-foot junior enters Sunday's doubleheader against Tennessee Tech with a 32-23 career record in singles and a 25-23 mark in doubles.

"Alberto has been an integral part of this team ever since he stepped foot here as a mid-year freshman in January 2020," said assistant coach Jake Jacoby. "Being thrust into the lineup in singles and doubles immediately is no small task - especially in the SEC - and he took it in stride. His talent level is off the charts and his presence in the lineup and off the court has always given the team confidence."

Colas has been hampered by an injured ankle in the early goings this year. He sustained the injury during his opening singles match and has only been able to compete in doubles since. However, that could change very soon.

"It was rough at the beginning because I rolled my ankle the first match of the season," Colas said. "It was unlucky. But things are going good now. I'm doing good and getting better. I've been playing doubles and hope to get back playing singles on Sunday or next week."

Colas is 3-0 in doubles this spring. He has won once with Bautista Vilicich as his partner and two additional times with friend and fellow countryman Carles Hernandez.

"We are good friends," Colas said of Hernandez. "We're both from Spain and have known each other since we were 10 or 11-years old. Playing here with him is a reward. We can talk in Spanish and have fun over there. It's been super healthy."

MEDITERRANEAN DIET

In addition to the language and culture, another aspect of America that Colas had to adapt to is the cuisine.

"Food in Spain is very different," Colas said. "We have a Mediterranean diet and that's what I'm used to. It's a lot of seafood and here it's not as big. I like the food here, but I like my food better back home."

There is, however, one restaurant that Colas has grown quite fond of during his time in Starkville and that is an establishment that isn't open on Sundays.
"A place that we don't have back home is Chick-fil-A," Colas said. "Oh my god, that is a good place."

Chick-fil-A isn't the only change Colas has made to his eating habits. He has learned to dine much earlier than he grew up accustomed to. Back in Spain, he would usually have lunch around 2 p.m. and eat dinner at 9 or 10 p.m.

During his trips home, Colas has maintained the same eating routine as he has in the United States.

"Now when I go back home, I'm having dinner at 7 p.m. so I'm having dinner alone," Colas said. "My family will have dinner at like 10."

'REAL POSITIVE EXPERIENCE'

Colas' time at Mississippi State has taught him a lot about being on a team. He credits the Bulldogs' coaching staff with engraining that concept in his tennis game as well as other areas in his life.

"I've grown a lot thanks to the coaches, Matt (Roberts), Jake and now Grant (Esposito)," Colas said. "They've helped me a lot and developed my game. They've developed me as a tennis player and also as a human being.

"Tennis players are used to traveling alone but being here on a tennis team where you're living with seven or eight other guys and competing next to you helps a lot. I'm always going to be grateful for them bringing me here and helping me in every way that they could."

Colas considers himself fortunate to have found a school and a coaching staff like MSU has to help him mature both on and off the court.

"It's been a real positive experience at Mississippi State," Colas said. "I've learned a lot of things as a tennis player and as a human being too. I think I've grown a lot. I don't think I would've grown this much back at home doing college there or playing tennis. Coming here has let me develop a lot in a lot of aspects in my life."

Mississippi State University Athletics

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Alberto Colas

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