California State University-Fullerton issued the following announcement on October 26.
Every single one of us has a story. A story that is unique and helped form us into the person we are today. With the United States being the melting pot of all different stories and backgrounds, there's plenty of opportunity to learn and embrace other cultures.
With October being Filipino American History Month, we are taking time to highlight one of our own. Head women's tennis coach, Dianne Matias, shared her story of coming to the United States from the Philippines.
The fondest memory Dianne has of growing up in the Philippines is the courts. Joined at the hip of her father, you could find her watching him coach his clients during their private tennis lessons. Unlike the tennis courts in the States, in her hometown, it was expensive to play. There, you have to pay for court usage, pay for ball boys, in addition to purchasing your own equipment (tennis racket, shoes, string, etc…). Despite the the challenges that came with tennis, her father knew that tennis would provide his daughter and other children plenty of opportunities (an education, a career). Having been exposed to the game of tennis at such a young age, it was evident that she'd fall into the sport.
Her and her family's move to the U.S. took time and patience. Dianne's mother was the first one to be approved to move to the U.S. while the rest of the family waited in the Philippines to receive their petitions. During that time, Dianne continued to learn the game of tennis under the guidance and direction of her father; while occasionally seeing her mother several times a year when she came to visit.
After a few years of waiting, at the age of six, she was able to come to the U.S. alongside her father. Adjusting to the new country was fairly easy for her because of the tight-knit California communities she lived in, Gardena and Carson. Dianne remembers those being the "fun days", getting out of school and going straight to the public courts to train and play games with her uncle, father, and other local kids. Never forgetting where she came from, she knew she was fortunate to have easy and affordable access to tennis courts and lessons.
Just like her father envisioned, the sport opened up many opportunities for Dianne. She was able to compete at a high collegiate level while earning an education at USC. Her upbringing helped her with the success she experienced while being a collegiate student-athlete. Coming from a poor country, she knew that she needed to be grateful for all opportunities that came her way. Things were not going to be given to her, she had to earn it. And she did just that, amongst several of her accomplishments, she was nationally ranked and competed on the Fed Cup team as a representative of the Philippines. The work ethic that was instilled in her early on, propelled her as a young athlete to an adult.
Now as a head coach of the Titans women's tennis team, she takes the work ethic she's inherited and uses that to motivate her team. When it comes to her Filipino culture, one thing she is prideful of, is the togetherness and unity. Those who are or identify as being apart of the Filipino community are always proud to see others do well and represent their small country. Whether they are related or not, they consider fellow Filipinos as family. She brings that same togetherness to her team and works to form that tight bond. While under Dianne's leadership, the program has experienced more success than it has in years.
She has led the team to three semifinals and a finals appearance at the Big West Tournament in the last three years and has had a winning record in every year except her first. In four of her seven seasons, the Titans have won over 70% of their matches.
"Being humble and putting in the hard work. If the opportunity is there, go for it," said Matias.
While she hopes to see more Asian Americans represented in college sports, she is proud to be in her position to represent both females and Filipinos. Just like Matias, we all have our story, a story that has morphed us into who we are. Every time our story is told or another's is shared, we increase awareness about our cultures, journeys and experiences.
Original source here.
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