Robles Solis featured by the American Rivers Conference
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – When Javier Robles Solis was choosing which college to attend, he was looking for a place that reminded him of his home in Mexico.
He wanted to be part of a community that cared for each other, had a strong sense of school spirit, and would push him to be better.
Robles Solis found all that and more at Simpson College.
"The environment and the community at Simpson make you feel at home," said Robles Solis. "As well as the continuous desire from staff, coaches, and professors to care about you, pushing you to be better and creating a deep connection with students and athletes across campus."
The sophomore on the Storm men's tennis team is majoring in sports administration and minoring in coaching, and he's been enjoying every moment of his collegiate career.
Combining fun and competition
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Robles Solis loves competing in the American Rivers Conference because of the level of competition it presents and the opportunity to have fun doing it.
"The A-R-C has a great level of tennis, and competing with great players every match pushes me to work harder and try to perform the best I can," said Robles Solis. "Division III lets you compete and have fun at the same time, without the pressure of results but with the same or more desire to compete and be better."
While he's been having fun, Robles Solis is still a competitor at heart and wants to win every match he plays.
He remembers a match last season that took place on a cold Saturday morning. The temperature was around 30 degrees, and Robles Solis didn't think there'd be much of a crowd there to support the team.
But he was wrong.
His friends, professors, and family all showed up to cheer him and his teammates on.
"I managed to get the win in a close match in front of my loved ones," said Robles Solis. "It was not just great how good they cheered for the team, but showing up in the cold weather and being able to celebrate with them that victory is something I will not forget."
Finding his path
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When Robles Solis isn't competing, he enjoys spending time with his friends, keeping in touch with his family back home, and sharing his experiences with others.
In addition to being on the tennis team, he's also involved with the SAAC committee, ISO (International Student Organization), and the Spanish Club.
Robles Solis has always had a passion for sports, and he plans to continue to pursue that passion after college.
"Staying involved in sports and following that passion is the path I want to pursue, probably staying in the US and making my way in college sports," said Robles Solis. "But most importantly, enjoying the process and sharing with others my experiences and helping them to be better."
Robles Solis is grateful for his parents, who have supported him every step of the way and have influenced him to become the person he is today.
"I am really grateful with them for the support they have given me through the years in every situation, the way they raised me, and how I became the person that I am today thanks to them," said Robles Solis.
Robles Solis also looks up to Carlos Alcaraz, a professional tennis player known for his intense passion and fighting spirit.
"I try to replicate the way he enjoys the game but maintaining that fighting spirit every time he steps on court," said Robles Solis.
A dream come true
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Robles Solis' journey to Simpson has been filled with ups and downs, but he's blessed to be part of such a caring community.
"College has its ups and downs, but there will always be people close to you that care about you and make you feel happy," said Robles Solis.
When Robles Solis first began his recruiting process, he was impressed with how encouraging the Simpson tennis coach was from the very first contact.
"It was really easy to make my decision after talking to him and feeling welcomed and confident with him," said Robles Solis.
Robles Solis is living his dream, competing at the collegiate level for a school and program that he loves.
He knows that none of it would have been possible without the support of his family, coaches, and the Simpson community.
