Oklahoma State University Athletics
More than a Match: Charlie Valentine, The Power of Playing for a Team
May 04, 2026 | Cowboy Tennis
For Oklahoma State freshman Charlie Valentine, the journey to college tennis has been shaped just as much by mindset as it has by skill.
Now competing in the Big 12, Valentine is quickly learning that success at the collegiate level goes far beyond strong serves.
"I think my Spanish coach, when I lived in Marbella, had a really big influence on me," Valentine said. "He taught me a lot about tennis, but more importantly about the mental side of it."
The mental approach has continued to evolve since arriving in Stillwater. Valentine credits his coaches, Dustin Taylor and Max Stewart, for expanding his understanding of the game in ways he hadn't experienced.
"They've taught me so much about the game itself, things I never really knew before," he said. "They've shown me a lot since I've been here."
The transition into Big 12 play has been an eye-opening experience. While the level of competition is high, Valentine says the biggest difference lies in how matches are won.
"It's much more about competing than I expected," Valentine said. "It's learning how to beat your opponent instead of just focusing on playing good tennis yourself. You have to play the match, not just the ball."
That shift in perspective is tied closely to one of the biggest changes in Valentine's career: becoming part of a team.
After years of competing individually, he's embraced the team dynamic that defines college tennis.
"I prefer being in a team much more than playing on my own," Valentine said. "I love having guys to lean on and also being someone they can lean on."
That support system becomes especially valuable during tough moments in matches.
"When things get tough, seeing your best friends battling on the other courts and trying their best helps you out a lot," he said. "And celebrating wins as a team is so much better because you feel like you've contributed to something bigger than yourself."
That sense of accountability changes how Valentine prepares before stepping on the court.
"Here, it's more about playing for my team," he said. "I enjoy playing for my teammates and coaches much more than just for myself. Before a match, I think about what kind of teammate I want to be on the court."
Though his freshman season has included its share of highlights, Valentine says it's not a single moment that stands out- it's the overall experience.
"The general feeling of being with the guys and the coaches is just so special," he said. "The coaches are great, the team is great. Every single guy loves tennis and wants to be there for every other guy."
That bond reflects the culture within Oklahoma State's program.
"It's very respect-based and very hard work-based," Valentine said. "We pride ourselves on outworking the other team and winning with respect."
For Valentine, wearing the Oklahoma State uniform carries a deeper meaning, especially as an international athlete adjusting to college athletics in the United States.
"It means a lot," he said. "Coming from Europe, I didn't know much about college sports as a whole. But the guys, the coaches, what they represent. There's so much pride in OSU for me."
As he continues his freshman season, Valentine is already thinking about what he would tell younger players hoping to follow a similar path.
"Keep enjoying it," he said. "It's easy to become very results-based and lose perspective. Keep working hard, find people who are going to push you and help you, and just enjoy it."
For a player still early in his college career, Valentine has already found something many athletes spend years chasing- not just success of the court, but a sense of belonging within college tennis.
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Now competing in the Big 12, Valentine is quickly learning that success at the collegiate level goes far beyond strong serves.
"I think my Spanish coach, when I lived in Marbella, had a really big influence on me," Valentine said. "He taught me a lot about tennis, but more importantly about the mental side of it."
The mental approach has continued to evolve since arriving in Stillwater. Valentine credits his coaches, Dustin Taylor and Max Stewart, for expanding his understanding of the game in ways he hadn't experienced.
"They've taught me so much about the game itself, things I never really knew before," he said. "They've shown me a lot since I've been here."
The transition into Big 12 play has been an eye-opening experience. While the level of competition is high, Valentine says the biggest difference lies in how matches are won.
"It's much more about competing than I expected," Valentine said. "It's learning how to beat your opponent instead of just focusing on playing good tennis yourself. You have to play the match, not just the ball."
That shift in perspective is tied closely to one of the biggest changes in Valentine's career: becoming part of a team.
After years of competing individually, he's embraced the team dynamic that defines college tennis.
"I prefer being in a team much more than playing on my own," Valentine said. "I love having guys to lean on and also being someone they can lean on."
That support system becomes especially valuable during tough moments in matches.
"When things get tough, seeing your best friends battling on the other courts and trying their best helps you out a lot," he said. "And celebrating wins as a team is so much better because you feel like you've contributed to something bigger than yourself."
That sense of accountability changes how Valentine prepares before stepping on the court.
"Here, it's more about playing for my team," he said. "I enjoy playing for my teammates and coaches much more than just for myself. Before a match, I think about what kind of teammate I want to be on the court."
Though his freshman season has included its share of highlights, Valentine says it's not a single moment that stands out- it's the overall experience.
"The general feeling of being with the guys and the coaches is just so special," he said. "The coaches are great, the team is great. Every single guy loves tennis and wants to be there for every other guy."
That bond reflects the culture within Oklahoma State's program.
"It's very respect-based and very hard work-based," Valentine said. "We pride ourselves on outworking the other team and winning with respect."
For Valentine, wearing the Oklahoma State uniform carries a deeper meaning, especially as an international athlete adjusting to college athletics in the United States.
"It means a lot," he said. "Coming from Europe, I didn't know much about college sports as a whole. But the guys, the coaches, what they represent. There's so much pride in OSU for me."
As he continues his freshman season, Valentine is already thinking about what he would tell younger players hoping to follow a similar path.
"Keep enjoying it," he said. "It's easy to become very results-based and lose perspective. Keep working hard, find people who are going to push you and help you, and just enjoy it."
For a player still early in his college career, Valentine has already found something many athletes spend years chasing- not just success of the court, but a sense of belonging within college tennis.
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Players Mentioned
/ Cowboy Tennis
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