Nonchalant and yet always friendly, Aliaksei Kavalenka has been a member of the men’s tennis team for more than three years.

Kavalenka, originally from Belarus, is currently the No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles tennis player for the Lions.

Kavalenka started his college career at Lambuth College in Jackson, Tenn., which competes at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics level.

“I didn’t really like it there,” Kavalenka said. “But after one semester coach (Brice) Bishop offered me an opportunity here at UNA.”

Bishop has helped Kavalenka, amongst other international tennis players at UNA, adapt to life away from home.

“He has been really helpful,” Kavalenka said. “But he cannot do everything for you — you have to go out and do things for yourself.”

In his home country, Kavalenka made his living as a tennis professional at local pro shops.

“You have to study for two years in Belarus to be able to teach others how to play,” Kavalenka said.

Playing tennis for UNA has taught Kavalenka he is playing for more than just himself.

“I don’t just play for myself anymore,” Kavalenka said. “I play for my teammates as well, and I don’t want to let them down. I have met some great friends playing tennis here at UNA. We’re really close — we spend a lot of time together off the court doing other activities.”

Kavalenka is able to enjoy the holidays as well, even without having the luxury of always being able to go home.

“My friends invite me to their homes over the holidays,” Kavalenka said. “I always have somewhere to go, and I’m always treated well.”

Currently a business management major and also working on a minor in sales, Kavalenka plans to stay in the U.S. after college to pursue his career.

“I hope to find work here in the U.S. after college,” Kavalenka said. “I feel like there is some great opportunity here.”

In his last season as a tennis player for the Lions, Kavalenka believes regionals and nationals are a possibility.

“I say let’s shoot for the stars,” Kavalenka said. “Coach (Bishop) has high expectations for us, but he always says player’s expectations should be higher than his, and mine are very high this year.”

Maintaining a student athlete’s schedule is not always easy, but Kavalenka seems to be up to the task.

“It’s complicated,” Kavalenka said. “But coach (Bishop) always schedules practices around class schedules and does his best to have matches for us on the weekends. After four years of studying, you have to figure out a way or you wouldn’t be around anymore.”