Oklahoma State University Athletics
More Than a Match: From Childhood Swings to Collegiate Wins
February 18, 2026 | Cowboy Tennis
Long before he ever stepped onto a college court, Derek Pham's tennis journey began with a handful of rackets and a daycare discovery that quietly shaped his future.
"I first started playing tennis when I was two," Pham said. "It was a daycare sort of thing… there was this guy who came in with a whole bunch of balls, a whole bunch of rackets and he just sort of left them there and we would mess around for hours."
That moment sparked something lasting. His parents noticed the fascination almost immediately, and their encouragement became the foundation of his career. "If it wasn't for them, I don't know how far I would have gotten in the sport," he said. "They've always been very supportive of me and my goals."
Now a standout for Oklahoma State, Pham carries that same love for the game into one of college tennis' most competitive environments. He arrived in Stillwater unsure what to expect from college athletics but quickly realized he had found the right place.
"Once I came on a visit here, I just really liked the place," Pham said. "I thought that this would probably be a good fit."
Competing in the Big 12 Conference has only accelerated his development. Without many preconceived expectations, Pham instead embraced the challenge.
"I'm definitely liking the competition," he said. "It's very challenging, and I think that's really good for everyone — my teammates, myself included."
One match from last season still stands out as a defining memory. Battling against BYU, sick and exhausted due to illness, Pham stepped onto the court as the final match in play. Despite the circumstances, he battled through and won, then celebrated with teammates surrounding him courtside.
"It was just a really memorable experience," Pham said.
Moments like that capture what he believes separates college tennis from the individual version of the sport. "The team aspect of college tennis is definitely the greatest," he said. "Tennis is a very individual sport naturally, so having guys there to support you all the time… everyone's looking out for each other."
That support system has also fueled his growth as a player. Since arriving at OSU, he credits his coaching staff with helping him better understand the fundamentals and strategy of the game. "He's helped me understand the game better," Pham said. "Recognize the most basic fundamental stuff and help me see the game the way he does."
Inside the locker room, he describes the Cowboys' culture as unusually tight-knit. "Everyone is very, very good friends," he said. "It's a very safe environment, and I think that's part of the reason we can travel and win or lose, always continue to have that camaraderie."
Home matches at the Greenwood Tennis Center add another layer of energy. "It's really nice to play at home," he said. "The fans are always very supportive, and we usually get a decent turnout. We love having them."
Pham's experience extends beyond college courts. He has competed on one of tennis' biggest stages, the Australian Open, an opportunity he once only imagined.
"I was extremely anxious," he said. "It was really, really fun, but it was a very big stage. It's my home country slam, so it's always something that I wanted to play in since I was young."
Even with international experience, wearing the Cowboys uniform remains a point of pride. "I've been in school for the last two and a half years and I've found this place being my home away from home," he said. "Putting on the school uniform is definitely something that I love doing."
From a toddler swinging at daycare balls to a collegiate athlete competing on national and global stages, Pham's path has been shaped by support, resilience and a genuine love for tennis, the same joy he first felt when he picked up a racket before he could even speak.
"I first started playing tennis when I was two," Pham said. "It was a daycare sort of thing… there was this guy who came in with a whole bunch of balls, a whole bunch of rackets and he just sort of left them there and we would mess around for hours."
That moment sparked something lasting. His parents noticed the fascination almost immediately, and their encouragement became the foundation of his career. "If it wasn't for them, I don't know how far I would have gotten in the sport," he said. "They've always been very supportive of me and my goals."
Now a standout for Oklahoma State, Pham carries that same love for the game into one of college tennis' most competitive environments. He arrived in Stillwater unsure what to expect from college athletics but quickly realized he had found the right place.
"Once I came on a visit here, I just really liked the place," Pham said. "I thought that this would probably be a good fit."
Competing in the Big 12 Conference has only accelerated his development. Without many preconceived expectations, Pham instead embraced the challenge.
"I'm definitely liking the competition," he said. "It's very challenging, and I think that's really good for everyone — my teammates, myself included."
One match from last season still stands out as a defining memory. Battling against BYU, sick and exhausted due to illness, Pham stepped onto the court as the final match in play. Despite the circumstances, he battled through and won, then celebrated with teammates surrounding him courtside.
"It was just a really memorable experience," Pham said.
Moments like that capture what he believes separates college tennis from the individual version of the sport. "The team aspect of college tennis is definitely the greatest," he said. "Tennis is a very individual sport naturally, so having guys there to support you all the time… everyone's looking out for each other."
That support system has also fueled his growth as a player. Since arriving at OSU, he credits his coaching staff with helping him better understand the fundamentals and strategy of the game. "He's helped me understand the game better," Pham said. "Recognize the most basic fundamental stuff and help me see the game the way he does."
Inside the locker room, he describes the Cowboys' culture as unusually tight-knit. "Everyone is very, very good friends," he said. "It's a very safe environment, and I think that's part of the reason we can travel and win or lose, always continue to have that camaraderie."
Home matches at the Greenwood Tennis Center add another layer of energy. "It's really nice to play at home," he said. "The fans are always very supportive, and we usually get a decent turnout. We love having them."
Pham's experience extends beyond college courts. He has competed on one of tennis' biggest stages, the Australian Open, an opportunity he once only imagined.
"I was extremely anxious," he said. "It was really, really fun, but it was a very big stage. It's my home country slam, so it's always something that I wanted to play in since I was young."
Even with international experience, wearing the Cowboys uniform remains a point of pride. "I've been in school for the last two and a half years and I've found this place being my home away from home," he said. "Putting on the school uniform is definitely something that I love doing."
From a toddler swinging at daycare balls to a collegiate athlete competing on national and global stages, Pham's path has been shaped by support, resilience and a genuine love for tennis, the same joy he first felt when he picked up a racket before he could even speak.
Players Mentioned
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