| A Lithuanian tennis player chases his dreams in America |
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| Written by Temicca Hunter, The Shorthorn staff | ||||
| Thursday, 03 December 2009 09:20 PM | ||||
  Business Sophomore Mindaugas Celedinas plays as the number one player for the Mavericks Tennis team in doubles and singles. He was given the title of Freshmen of the year for 2009. ( The Shothorn: Michel Rivera) Before moving to the states, sophomore Mindaugas Celedinas faced a personal tragedy that still affects him today — his older brother was involved in an biking accident. During the time his brother was in the hospital, Celedinas made a promise to him that he would live out his dreams. “It was hard on the whole family to see the aftermath of the accident and the toll it took on my brother,” he said. “It was truly one the hardest times in my life.” But Celedinas practiced hard and won several awards while playing tennis in Lithuania, including Baltic States Champion and the European Champion in 2002 in the 14-and-under division. In 2008 his ability was recognized and he was recruited to play for UTA. During his first semester he was the third student ever to be named SLC Freshman of the Year. He was also the first of three Mavericks to earn SLC Player of the Week honors after a three-set singles triumph over a player from nationally-ranked New Orleans. Head tennis coach Diego Benitez said Celedinas’ strongest ability is fighting for every point and giving everything he has when playing. “He has a very aggressive game and hits the ball with a great deal of power,” he said. Celedinas, an international business sophomore, said the idea of college would not be possible if he had not received a tennis scholarship. “I don’t have the possibility to pay the money for college,” he said. “I am very thankful for the scholarship and I appreciate it very much.” Fun facts about Mindaugas CeledinasParents: Darius Celedinas and Nijole Celediniene Hometown: Vilnius, Lithuania Birthdate: Jan. 23, 1989 UTA recognitions: Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, Southland Conference Player of the Week Recognitions prior to UTA: Ranked in the top-20 players in the 14-and-under division, Baltic States Champion and the European Champion in 2002, Lithuania champion “I really love music,” he said. “I take my iPod everywhere.” Celedinas said he has met many good people while staying in the States, including interdisciplinary studies senior, Dmitry Minkin. Minkin, originally from Russia, is also a tennis player. He said upon first meeting Celedinas, he knew that he would be a good addition to the team. Celedinas and Minkin became friends shortly after his move here because they share a love for tennis and similar cultural customs. “I can pretty much talk to him about anything,” Minkin said. The two go once a week to eat familiar foods, such as borsch, a soup made with beetroot or tomato paste. “Every week we try to eat some form of Russian food, because it’s very similar to Lithuanian food,” Minkin said. “Here in Arlington there is a Russian store where you can try Russian food and buy it as well.” Celedinas plans to either play tennis professionally or own a business. He said he looks forward to returning to Lituahnia this month to visit his family and girlfriend, but said he likes the U.S. “I’m very happy to have the chance to have met so many different people here in the States,” he said. “For me learning new things in life is a big goal.” Views: 2078 | E-mail
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 January 2010 01:44 PM ) | ||||
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