Oklahoma State University Athletics
Erik Schiessl – From Nuremberg to Stillwater
October 23, 2023 | Cowboy Tennis
Five thousand miles separates Stillwater from Nuremberg, Germany. The distance is enough cause hesitancy toward attending school in the U.S., but Erik Schiessl is embracing the change.
It's All in the Family
Family member interest in a sport can spark a child's excitement and passion. For Schiessl, his mother, Dagmar, was the person who kindled his tennis career.
"My mom was a big tennis fan," Schiessl said. "She always took me to the club when my sister played at a tennis camp,"
From the moment he picked up a racket at 4, it felt like destiny. He could play the ball over the net as if he'd done it his entire life.
"[My sister's coach] was like, 'Do you want to come next time?' So, I went to the tennis camp as well," Schiessl said. "That's what started it. I got a lesson once a week, then two times a week."
That one day changed Schiessl's life forever. Fifteen years later, he finds himself playing tennis for Oklahoma State University.
Not only is he facing challenges in his game, but also has to take on the ultimate test of culture shock.
Europe to America
Germany and Oklahoma have vastly different cultures. Moving far from home can be difficult, but Schiessl is immersing himself in American culture.
"Everyone is so nice here, it's completely different," Schiessl said. "In Germany, everyone is watching themselves. Here, everyone wants the best for you and not for [themselves]."
Training to be a professional tennis player, dieting is one of the many challenges athletes face in their day-to-day lives. The food is just one of the differences Schiessl is noticing in America.
"In all of the dining halls, they have a lot of fast food," Schiessl said. "It was a little bit of a change to watch what I'm eating but also find what I like.'"
Stillwater is Home
Schiessl acknowledges a friend for persuading him to come to OSU. Tom Bittner, a player at the University of Montana, was familiar with the collegiate tennis scene.
A conversation with Bittner went a long way for Schiessl.
"He was telling me it's a pretty good program," Schiessl said. "I visited here and another university. I was convinced that this was the best program for me."
Although he hasn't been in Stillwater long, Schiessl feels as if he's already fitting in with the team. Building relationships with his teammates is something that has made the transition much easier.
He gets along best with his freshman teammate and roommate, Derek Pham.
"We do everything together," Schiessl said. "Getting here to practice, living together, getting lunch, dinner, everything."
Pham is also a first-year Stillwater resident, hailing from Australia. The two are figuring things out together, whether it's college tennis or what's for dinner.
Getting comfortable with his teammates and the athletic facilities are helping Schiessl get acclimated. He finds being at the Greenwood Tennis Center is making for an easier transition. It was also another reason he came to OSU.
"Look at the facilities," Schiessl said. "One of the best facilities in the country, I think. I'm glad to be here."
The culture shock may be difficult enough, not to mention schoolwork. Finding a balance between tennis, social life and school is a must.
"I want to compete as hard as I can – leaving everything on the court," Schiessl said. "On the other side, doing school well is important to me."
With the help of teammates, friends and the tennis facility, adjusting to life in Stillwater is no easy feat, but he can now call himself an Oklahoma State Cowboy.
"I'm happy to be here," Schiessl said. "It was a big decision for me, but I feel like I made the right decision."
It's All in the Family
Family member interest in a sport can spark a child's excitement and passion. For Schiessl, his mother, Dagmar, was the person who kindled his tennis career.
"My mom was a big tennis fan," Schiessl said. "She always took me to the club when my sister played at a tennis camp,"
From the moment he picked up a racket at 4, it felt like destiny. He could play the ball over the net as if he'd done it his entire life.
"[My sister's coach] was like, 'Do you want to come next time?' So, I went to the tennis camp as well," Schiessl said. "That's what started it. I got a lesson once a week, then two times a week."
That one day changed Schiessl's life forever. Fifteen years later, he finds himself playing tennis for Oklahoma State University.
Not only is he facing challenges in his game, but also has to take on the ultimate test of culture shock.
Europe to America
Germany and Oklahoma have vastly different cultures. Moving far from home can be difficult, but Schiessl is immersing himself in American culture.
"Everyone is so nice here, it's completely different," Schiessl said. "In Germany, everyone is watching themselves. Here, everyone wants the best for you and not for [themselves]."
Training to be a professional tennis player, dieting is one of the many challenges athletes face in their day-to-day lives. The food is just one of the differences Schiessl is noticing in America.
"In all of the dining halls, they have a lot of fast food," Schiessl said. "It was a little bit of a change to watch what I'm eating but also find what I like.'"
Stillwater is Home
Schiessl acknowledges a friend for persuading him to come to OSU. Tom Bittner, a player at the University of Montana, was familiar with the collegiate tennis scene.
A conversation with Bittner went a long way for Schiessl.
"He was telling me it's a pretty good program," Schiessl said. "I visited here and another university. I was convinced that this was the best program for me."
Although he hasn't been in Stillwater long, Schiessl feels as if he's already fitting in with the team. Building relationships with his teammates is something that has made the transition much easier.
He gets along best with his freshman teammate and roommate, Derek Pham.
"We do everything together," Schiessl said. "Getting here to practice, living together, getting lunch, dinner, everything."
Pham is also a first-year Stillwater resident, hailing from Australia. The two are figuring things out together, whether it's college tennis or what's for dinner.
Getting comfortable with his teammates and the athletic facilities are helping Schiessl get acclimated. He finds being at the Greenwood Tennis Center is making for an easier transition. It was also another reason he came to OSU.
"Look at the facilities," Schiessl said. "One of the best facilities in the country, I think. I'm glad to be here."
The culture shock may be difficult enough, not to mention schoolwork. Finding a balance between tennis, social life and school is a must.
"I want to compete as hard as I can – leaving everything on the court," Schiessl said. "On the other side, doing school well is important to me."
With the help of teammates, friends and the tennis facility, adjusting to life in Stillwater is no easy feat, but he can now call himself an Oklahoma State Cowboy.
"I'm happy to be here," Schiessl said. "It was a big decision for me, but I feel like I made the right decision."
Players Mentioned
/ Cowboy Tennis
/ Cowboy Tennis
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