Yara Madi, a sophomore from Lebanon, has found a new home at Ferris State University as part of the women’s tennis team. Madi, who began playing tennis at age seven in her home country, credits the sport with connecting her family and shaping her personal goals.
“I’ve been playing tennis since I was seven years old. So, it has always been a big part of my life and my family’s as well,” said Madi. “My dad and my sister both play tennis. The sport has always been something that connects us.”
Madi considered several options before deciding to pursue both higher education and athletics in the United States.
“During my junior year of high school, when it was time to start applying to universities, I tried to picture my life without tennis and honestly couldn’t,” she said. “What attracted me to the United States was the chance to pursue my education while still competing at a high level.”
She noted that balancing academics and athletics is not always possible outside the U.S.
“In many other places, you often have to choose one or the other,” Madi said. “The U.S. system allows you to do both. That balance stood out to me.”
After speaking with head coach Mark Doren and members of the Ferris State team, Madi felt confident in her decision.
“As simple as it sounds, my decision to commit to Ferris State really came down to a feeling,” she said. “I had spoken with several coaches from different universities. This one felt different from the start. Talking with the coach and the girls on the team made me feel super comfortable. I just felt like it was the right choice for me.”
Now in her second year in Big Rapids, Michigan, Madi describes her experience as positive.
“It’s kind of like I have my second family here,” she said.
Her older sister Joan also plays collegiate tennis for East Carolina University in North Carolina.
“She’s been doing really well and is enjoying her last semester,” Yara said. “It’s been nice having her to share this experience with, even though we’re pretty far from each other. I’ve learned a lot from her, and I’m very grateful.”
Adjusting to life in another country presented challenges for Madi.
“It was definitely hard at the beginning. Being away from home and everything familiar isn’t easy, especially at first,” Yara said. “My teammates and coaches helped a lot. Having a team with so many internationals made a big difference. A lot of us understood what each other were going through.”
She added that maintaining contact with family can be difficult due to time differences but finds support through shared experiences with her sister.
“The hardest part is the time difference, which makes it frustrating to communicate with my family,” Yara said. “But having a sister who is also studying in the U.S. makes it a lot easier since we’re going through the same experience together.”
Madi appreciates learning about new cultures within her team environment.
“It’s been really cool,” she said. “I’ve gotten to learn about different cultures while also sharing mine. That has made the whole experience feel easier.”
On court performance has improved steadily for Madi under Coach Doren’s guidance during NCAA Division II competition within the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The program uses dedicated facilities for training and matches on campus (official website).
“This season has been going really well,” said Yara, referencing recent match results including singles and doubles wins against Hillsdale College on February 21 alongside partner Madeline Peisley.”We have a strong lineup from top to bottom, and I honestly think this is the closest team we’ve had since I’ve been here.That chemistry has made a big difference on and off the court.”
She described progress since arriving at Ferris State:
“I feel like I’ve improved a lot, especially mentally,” Yara said.”I’m also a much stronger doubles player than I was when I first arrived.Getting hit in the eye during my first doubles match definitely forced me to adjust and improve quickly.”
While recognizing that tennis is largely individualistic,Madi values being part of an organized collegiate program affiliated with Ferris State University:
“I’ve realized how much being part of a team pushes you as an individual,” she said.”There have been many moments where my teammates helped me compete at a higher level than I would have on my own.We have amazing vibes and a really strong team.”
Looking ahead,the Bulldogs aim for further success after participating recently in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Tournament (2025)and holding membership within NCAA Division II competitions.The current record stands at 6-2,and upcoming matches are scheduled over spring break in Florida March 8-13.Five victories out of their last seven matches include contests against regional opponents such as Western Michigan University.
“As a team our goal is win GLIAC go as far as we possibly can.I’m excited keep competing fighting alongside them,”Madi stated.
Academically,Madi majors Marketing pursues certificate User Experience Design expects graduate spring 2028.She finds coursework rewarding:
“So far,I am really liking it.I get combine strategic creative parts.It challenges me different ways which probably why I’ve stuck with it,”she explained.“The more classes take,the more understand what areas interest most.”
Both athletically academically,Yara Madi continues build future centered around opportunities provided by collegiate women’s tennis program operated by Ferris State Bulldogs Women’s Tennis.
