For Juan Vallejo, the journey to Biola University wasn't planned. After the tennis program at Reinhardt University unexpectedly shut down, the international junior from Argentina had to find a new team, a new campus, and a new opportunity to keep playing the sport that brought him to the United States.

From Argentina to Georgia and now California, Vallejo's collegiate tennis journey has taken him across the world. But he didn't make the transition alone. He transferred alongside his Reinhardt doubles partner, Pol Masafret Hernandez, his best friend both on and off the court.

DYNAMIC DUO
When Vallejo first met Masafret Hernandez at Reinhardt University, he wasn't sure what to expect. The two shared Latin roots, Vallejo from Argentina and Masafret Hernandez from Spain, but it was the first time Vallejo had ever met someone from Spain. Although the two players complement each other's playing style, they did not begin their journey as original partners. 

"The chemistry came up alone," said Vallejo. "We play good when we laugh in the car, and enjoy each other. I feel like we're just playing, and that makes everything fun and easier. It wasn't something we'd been working on since the first day we played; everything was perfect."

With Vallejo playing on the conservative side and Masafret Hernandez known for taking risks, the doubles partners create the perfect balance.

"Sometimes we need to take risks, and he's the one who steps in to do it," said Vallejo. "We balance and push each other."

The dynamic duo wasn't ready to part ways, so when searching for a new school they did it as a team. While tennis brought them to the United States, the uncertainty of their next move pushed them to search for a school where they could continue competing while pursuing their academic goals. They looked at schools from Atlanta, Florida, and eventually landed on California. 

"For me it wasn't just about tennis," said Vallejo. "I wanted a balance between academics, tennis and the people around me. I want to compete and perform well, but if you have a strong team and you don't get along with anyone off the court, you're not going to enjoy it."

And that is how the two landed on Biola. 

"I always wanted to study and to keep enjoying tennis at a competitive level", said Vallejo. "To get a degree, keep growing intellectually and academically as well."

When Vallejo pushed himself, he reminded himself "no temas" to not fear what is coming. With the support of his family and doing the jump alongside his doubles partner, he was ready to conquer the courts. 

A SECOND SERVE
It was important to Vallejo to transfer with Masafret Hernandez because they were each other's built-in support and Vallejo considers him his "brother." Vallejo considers every day in the United States as an adventure. 

"There were for sure a lot of fear and insecurities," said Vallejo. "But I am in my 20s, when will I have the opportunity to do this again?" 

Vallejo chose Biola because he trusted three things: the program, coaches, and his teammates. 

"I strongly believe that we have the chance and the ability to do great things," said Vallejo. "I was super sure that I was able to provide something to the team, either singles, doubles, or outside the court."

Vallejo arrived at Biola with a brother, but he says he's beginning the season with a family.

"Tennis helps my life, because the sport taught me resilience," said Vallejo. " It sounds crazy, but everything that happens in tennis, I can put it outside my life."

Vallejo views his journey as a puzzle, with Biola as the missing piece.

"Being respectful, humble, and always fighting, that's who I am," said Vallejo. "At Biola, it's about pushing hard, giving your all, and never giving up. That's what the eagle represents to me."