From Perth to Stillwater

Thirty-one hours. That is how long a flight is from Perth, Australia, to Stillwater, Oklahoma. Derek Pham is the newest Cowboy tennis player who knows this all too well.

Tennis Down Under

Pham started playing tennis at age three. Whether it was at tennis camp, or begging his mom to get more lessons, he was born with a passion for tennis.

By 14, he won the Australian Nationals in singles and doubles, proving to himself that he could be successful. Winning at a national level was assurance that he had what it took to accomplish his dream – to be a professional tennis player.

In January, Pham's career took off. He made his Grand Slam debut in his national championship, the 2023 qualifying round of the Australian Open.

"That was an unbelievable experience," Pham said. "Playing with the actual professionals, it's just something different. You're immersed into what they do, you can see how they train, and you're getting to play against them in a match."

It is an experience that a lot of college tennis players can't relate to. He felt as if he couldn't accomplish what he did without someone to look up to.

Pham admires Jason Kubler, a professional since 2013, who has been a mentor to the young pro. Their bond grew during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"During that COVID period, I got to train a fair bit with him," Pham said. "He's coming over to my house and we're still practicing. I like the way he goes about his business. He's very professional. We sort of have similar game sides in a way."

Perth to Stillwater

A couple of months ago, Pham would have been shocked to be playing collegiate tennis. After a short tennis trip to California, he was convinced that college was the right path.

In his college search, Pham found it important the head coach had strong leadership skills.

He believes he has found that in Oklahoma State head coach Dustin Taylor.

"One of the main factors for me when deciding where to play was the coach and I think DT [Dustin Taylor] runs a really tight program," Pham said. "You know, he's a very, very good coach and his track record proves that. I talked to some of the team before and I'm like, 'Yeah, this is a really good culture that they're building and it's something I want to be a part of.'"

In the first week of official practice with the Cowboys, Taylor took a liking to the freshmen. Taylor emphasizes focus, attention to detail and winning the mental side of the game which is something Pham appreciates in his coach.

"He's really over the ball and pays a lot of attention to detail and the little things," Pham said. "I think that's really good in a coach. We're just mastering the basics right now of controlling our subconscious."

As one of four freshmen, along with new assistant coach, Max Koller, there is a lot of new blood within Cowboy tennis. Pham hopes to play a part in building a winning culture, even if that means going to Cowgirl soccer matches as a team.

"From what I've heard from other people, you go to college and you build your best experiences with the people that you grew up with your freshman year," Pham said. "It feels like we're building something. We're expecting potentially the best year of the school yet. It's exciting."

That culture is built at Greenwood Tennis Center. Coming from Australia, Pham has played at over a dozen high-class facilities, but something about the GTC is different.

"I've only got really good stuff to say about Tennis Australia because they've supported me through pretty much my entire tennis career," Pham said. "I think something about going to college and getting to see all these different colleges and the facilities that they have. It's crazy."

Looking Towards The Future

Pham's focus is getting as strong as possible. He has constantly been in the weight room, trying to outwork the competition through strength. Mix that with the pursuit of better shot selection, Pham looks to be a specimen in the spring for the Cowboys.

"It's a good opportunity for me to develop that side of me and just not lose any matches due to physicality," Pham said. "If I can get really strong, really fit and really physical over the course of the season, then hopefully playing in the spring will be good."

Tyler Zink has been a major factor in Pham's growth as a player and teammate. Pham may have Grand Slam experience, but for the college game, he turns to Zink for guidance.

"I think he's a great leader," Pham said. "He leads by example, is very professional and takes care of his business on and off the court. He's definitely played on the best stage collegiately and that's something I can look up to."

Moving towards the spring season, Pham wants everything that a college season can throw at him. From a full, new-look Big 12 schedule, to the travel, Pham wants all of it.

"If I can compete in the spring and get to play that full schedule, I think it is going to be really intense," Pham said. "You get to compete one to two times every single weekend and it is a lot of tennis, and it's something I'm really looking forward to."

Pham has plenty to learn but feels as if he's found a home with Cowboy Tennis. From Perth, Australia to Stillwater, Pham will look to make a major impact in both his career and for Cowboy Tennis.

For season-long coverage of Oklahoma State men's tennis, visit okstate.com or follow @CowboyTennis on Instagram and Twitter.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Derek Pham

Tyler Zink

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