#GlobalBillikens is an online feature highlighting the more than 25 international student-athletes at Saint Louis University. In this installment, we learn more about Oscar Alvarez, a junior on the Billikens' men's tennis team. Alvarez is in his first season at SLU after transferring from Presbyterian College, where he earned All-Conference honors.

Enjoy this feature on Oscar, and check back to SLUBillikens.com periodically to learn more about our #GlobalBillikens.

Name
Oscar Alvarez

Hometown
Mexico City, Mexico

What factors led you to choose Saint Louis University to continue your education and play your sport?
I arrived at SLU this year as a transfer student. I think SLU has a great balance of outstanding academics and a great athletic program. When I visited, I loved the facilities, the fact of an urban scene and the atmosphere as a whole. Also, big things are coming for the tennis program, so stay tuned.
 
Who is someone who has inspired you or guided you along your path to get to Saint Louis University?
There are many people who helped me to get where I am right now including several coaches, but nothing would be possible without my family. My parents always supported me, and they always encouraged me to come here. Also, my sister was a role model because she played college tennis before me.
 
What are you studying at SLU, and what are your future aspirations?
I am majoring in finance. My short-term plans are finishing my undergraduate education and trying to get a graduate education with the help of the extra year of eligibility.
 
What has been your most memorable moment as a student at Saint Louis University?
It's hard to say one because, of course, I just got here this semester and we haven't competed because of COVID-19. But if I have to pick one, I will pick any team bonding that we've had so far. Usually our practices are very enjoyable, too.
 
What has been your most memorable moment as a student-athlete? It can be team related or individual based.
I always love winning on the road. I think there is an extra value to winning on the road, and with my former school I had the chance to win at Davidson. Now that I am in the Atlantic 10 Conference, I look forward to doing it again with SLU. Also, clinching a conference match was an amazing sensation.
 
What is the best sporting event you've ever attended, and what made it memorable?
As a spectator, I've been to Roland Garros and the U.S. Open, but I had a chance to play in a GA junior tournament, which in juniors is basically the same level as a Grand Slam. It was an unbelievable experience as the best players in the world played the tournament, and in both singles in doubles I played against top-10 players. In doubles, I played Sebastian Korda, an American rising star now on the ATP tour.
 
What do you consider to be the best qualities you bring to the team, both in and outside of competition?
I think the two main things I bring to the team are leadership and experience. We are a very close team, and everyone is expected to always give his best. I think I do a good job in keeping everyone accountable and reminding them what our goals are.
 
If you were to take your teammates to your hometown, what is the one attraction you would take them to first?
This is a tough one since Mexico has plenty of things to do. As soon as we arrive I would take them to eat a street taco, so they can see what a real taco tastes like. After that, their best culinary experience will start as Mexican food is the best in the world. We would probably go to the beach as Mexican beaches are the best on the continent.
 
What is one thing people would be surprised to discover about your hometown or home country?
I think people have a misconception of what Mexico looks like. A lot of people have been to the beaches in Mexico, but I feel like people don't know what the city looks like, and I think they would be surprised as it's a really nice city.
 
If you were hosting your teammates for a meal in your hometown, where would you go, or what would you cook for them?
After eating a real taco, the real experience starts. Mexico has so many different dishes that they would get to eat a different dish at every meal for a whole week, and then they could pick the best one. It's hard for me to stick with one.