The first time women's tennis standout Sasha Abraham ever set foot in America was barely before the start of her freshman year at Penn State. Since she hit the ground three years ago the India native has been off and running, building an impressive tennis and academic career. While most students leave for school with the safety net of their parents a short drive or plane ride away, this India native had to navigate a new school, home and country on her own. "It was a big step," says Abraham. "It was different than India, but on the other hand, I have traveled to a lot of countries, so I didn't have that much of a culture shock." Abraham never experienced America until she came here for her freshman year from Hyderabad, India. She is the only child in her family, and is extremely close to her parents who she calls her best friends. Despite the enormous distance and difference in cultures, Abraham talks to her parents almost every day, and tries to keep them closely involved with every factor of her life. Although Abraham possesses an extremely fond attitude toward her home life in India, she recognized its limitations in that schools that had a high reputation for academics in India generally didn't allow the students to participate in sports. On the other hand, the schools that were well-known for their athletics usually did not maintain a high academic mark. Abraham says that she heard that the United States was the best at balancing both academics and athletics, so she embarked on her journey to The Pennsylvania State University to acquire the best of both-tennis and academics. "Tennis in America really isn't that different than in India because in the end, a sport is a sport," she says. "The spirit of competition is basically the same. Everyone wants to win and will work hard for it. I wouldn't say America is easier academically either, it's just different. I think the pressure on academics is extremely high in India and maybe more so than here, but I still set the same standards for myself."
Abraham's determination and exceptional work ethic allow her to prosper in the classroom and on the tennis court. A junior in the Smeal College of Business, Abraham plans to continue her education beyond graduation at home in India. Her same sense of commitment is evident on the tennis court, as well, as she competes as one of the top players on the team. Consistently competing at the No. 1 singles spot, Abraham grabbed 21 wins this season. Her most accomplished victory was earned on Jan. 22 at the Northwestern Mock Duals when she defeated the then No. 45-ranked Iva Gersic of New Mexico. "One thing I can always count on is knowing that Sasha is going to show up--not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally," says head coach Buffy Baker. "She maintains a high level of focus throughout games and practice, and focus is the one thing that gets tougher as the season goes on. Sasha has a professional attitude on the court that stems predominantly from her love of the sport and the competition." Abraham sacrifices seeing her family and friends throughout the year for this opportunity to compete and go to school at Penn State. She says that her motivation has always depended on her love for tennis. Baker says that she is the epitome of a sports pupil because of her positive attitude, something that Baker believes will take Abraham far in life. "I just always believe when it comes to tennis, make sure you love it," says Abraham. "It makes it that much easier. You might be having a bad day or have to work really hard when you don't feel like it, but in the end when you look back and realize you love the sport, it makes it so much easier. I love tennis, and would love to always be having a good day, but I've had my ups and downs, and as long as you enjoy the whole experience, it's all worth it."
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