Completed Event: Men's Tennis versus Baylor on April 16, 2026 , Loss , 1, to, 4
Final Score
Men's Tennis
1
vs Baylor
4
The University of Utah Athletics
Photo by: Steve C. Wilson
A New Home In U: Mathias Gavelin
10/30/2020 10:30 AM | Men's Tennis
From Stockholm to Salt Lake City...
Sophomore Mathias Gavelin is one of multiple international student-athletes on the men's tennis team. In his third year with the program, Gavelin still finds himself adjusting to the American lifestyle, but has found a comfort within the Utah tennis family. Find out from the Stockholm, Sweden native what it is like to be an international student moving across the world for college.
What was the hardest part about moving across the world for college?
The hardest part about moving to the US for me was leaving my family, along with having to adjust to a completely different culture and surroundings. Speaking and studying in your second language is not always easy, and living in a country where you don't know anyone can definitely be hard in the beginning.
What do you miss the most about Stockholm?
Even though I miss the city itself, I miss my family the most. Also, I'm not going to lie, but I've been playing a lot of Padel in Stockholm and I do miss it.
What are some of the most striking differences between Utah and Sweden? What are some similarities between Utah and Sweden?
I mean there are a lot of differences and similarities between Utah and Sweden. Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, and it's constantly busy with a lot of things to do. Salt Lake City on the other hand, is a smaller, more calm city, where the lifestyle is slower than I was used to. People are also a lot different in the U.S. compared to Sweden. An example is that Americans are very talkative and outgoing in my opinion, which is not as common in Sweden. The most obvious similarity would probably be the food. Most of the time I eat the same food here as I do back home.
When you were growing up, when did you know you wanted to come to the U.S. and play college tennis? Were you considering staying in Europe for college?
Already at a young age I had planned to come to the U.S. for college tennis. My dad played college tennis, and based on his stories, I knew that college would be a great experience. He definitely influenced me to come here. Colleges in Europe would not give me the same opportunity to combine school and tennis, which is another reason why I chose to come to the U.S.
What made Salt Lake City begin to feel like your home away from home? Why?
Salt Lake City began to feel like a home when I got to know my teammates, coaches, and other people. I'm always excited to come back to Utah since I know that I have a group of people that I love being around.
Why do you think Utah is such a great destination for international students like yourself?
As for most universities, I believe that a lot of people come from different cultures and backgrounds. So being an international student coming from a different background, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. Utah is a place that you quickly will adapt to, with friendly people and beautiful nature.Â
What is it like to have multiple other international players on the team?
I honestly enjoy having multiple international players on our team. We all come from different cultures, but we are here for the same reason, to play tennis while getting a degree. We all know what it's like to be in a foreign country, speaking your second language, and being away from your family. I feel like it creates a special connection between us. We all get along perfectly and I couldn't be happier with them. Â
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What was the hardest part about moving across the world for college?
The hardest part about moving to the US for me was leaving my family, along with having to adjust to a completely different culture and surroundings. Speaking and studying in your second language is not always easy, and living in a country where you don't know anyone can definitely be hard in the beginning.
What do you miss the most about Stockholm?
Even though I miss the city itself, I miss my family the most. Also, I'm not going to lie, but I've been playing a lot of Padel in Stockholm and I do miss it.
What are some of the most striking differences between Utah and Sweden? What are some similarities between Utah and Sweden?
I mean there are a lot of differences and similarities between Utah and Sweden. Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, and it's constantly busy with a lot of things to do. Salt Lake City on the other hand, is a smaller, more calm city, where the lifestyle is slower than I was used to. People are also a lot different in the U.S. compared to Sweden. An example is that Americans are very talkative and outgoing in my opinion, which is not as common in Sweden. The most obvious similarity would probably be the food. Most of the time I eat the same food here as I do back home.
When you were growing up, when did you know you wanted to come to the U.S. and play college tennis? Were you considering staying in Europe for college?
Already at a young age I had planned to come to the U.S. for college tennis. My dad played college tennis, and based on his stories, I knew that college would be a great experience. He definitely influenced me to come here. Colleges in Europe would not give me the same opportunity to combine school and tennis, which is another reason why I chose to come to the U.S.
What made Salt Lake City begin to feel like your home away from home? Why?
Salt Lake City began to feel like a home when I got to know my teammates, coaches, and other people. I'm always excited to come back to Utah since I know that I have a group of people that I love being around.
Why do you think Utah is such a great destination for international students like yourself?
As for most universities, I believe that a lot of people come from different cultures and backgrounds. So being an international student coming from a different background, you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. Utah is a place that you quickly will adapt to, with friendly people and beautiful nature.Â
What is it like to have multiple other international players on the team?
I honestly enjoy having multiple international players on our team. We all come from different cultures, but we are here for the same reason, to play tennis while getting a degree. We all know what it's like to be in a foreign country, speaking your second language, and being away from your family. I feel like it creates a special connection between us. We all get along perfectly and I couldn't be happier with them. Â
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Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
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