MARYVILLE, Mo. When Polina Gontaryk steps onto the court at Northwest Missouri State, she brings more than just her racket and fierce competitive spirit. She carries the weight of her journey from war-torn Ukraine to a college campus on the other side of the world. For Polina, every match is not just about winning; it represents resilience, hope and a deep love for the sport that has anchored her through life's uncertainties.
Polina's passion for tennis started when she was six years old. She ran with her brother when he took up the sport after being inspired by a friend. As a practical matter, their mother enrolled them both in lessons, not knowing that Polina would soon fall in love with tennis. What started as a shared activity between siblings quickly grew into her passion and paved the way for her collegiate career at Maryville.
I started planning to come to the US when I was fifteen. This is what I want to do; I want to study in America, Gontaryk remembers.
Her dream took root early, fueled by her talent and determination.
Her journey to the United States began at Francis Marion University in South Carolina, where she attended during her freshman year in 2023. However, Polina was looking for a program with even greater challenges and opportunities. As a sophomore, she transferred to Northwest to improve her tennis skills and further develop her academics.
The main reason I chose Northwest Missouri State is because the tennis program here is very strong, and I like that we compete against ranked teams, Gontaryk said.
Northwest offered Polina more than just competition; it gave her a supportive academic environment and a welcoming community.
Additionally, some of Polina's teammates come from different countries, which helps her find a sense of belonging.
We both traveled a long way from home to study and play tennis, leaving our friends and family behind and forced to build a new life in a new country with many different challenges, said Alva Norberg, Polina's roommate.
This shared experience has created a bond between Polina and her teammates, a bond built on understanding the sacrifices and triumphs that come with building a new life away from home.
Polina's trip to the United States took on even greater significance in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. The war, fueled by Russian opposition to Ukraine's ties with Western countries and NATO, has brought devastating challenges for millions of people, including Polina's family.
Her father remains in Brovary, near the Ukrainian capital Kiev, and cannot leave because of Ukraine's martial law that forces men of military age to stay put. In search of safety, Polina, her mother and her older brother moved to Germany in 2022.
Because we live close to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, there is a lot of protection, so he is safe, Gontaryk said.
While this is reassuring, the unpredictability of war remains disturbing because no one knows when it will actually end.
Thousands of kilometers away, Polina can process her emotions in her tennis matches. On the field, she honors the strength of her family and represents the spirit of her homeland.
Polina's transition to life in America was supported by her teammates and coaches, who have become her second family. Coach Mark Rosewell and her teammates have provided her with a sense of connection and comfort during difficult times, helping her adjust to life away from home.
You start with the culture, coming from all kinds of different countries and customs may be different, but you have to build them into a team, Rosewell said.
This sense of unity is fueled by Rosewell, who emphasizes that both the men's and women's teams do everything together, from playing games to practicing and conditioning together, to build a family within the program.
Gontaryk's journey has deepened her appreciation for the opportunities she found in the United States. Although she misses Ukraine dearly, she has come to appreciate the diversity and openness of American culture.
For now, Gontaryk is committed to excelling on the field and in the classroom by studying sports management while staying connected to her roots. Every time she steps onto the field dressed in Northwestern green, she carries with her not only the hopes of her teammates, but also the strength and spirit of her family and homeland.
Gontaryk's story is one of perseverance in the face of uncertainty. It serves as a testament to the power of sports, community and unbreakable family ties. As she continues her tennis career at Northwest, Gontaryk embodies the essence of rising above adversity and pursuing dreams no matter the obstacles. For Gontaryk, every serve is strong, every step on the court is purposeful and every victory, big or small, is a tribute to her family and the bond she shares with her country, Ukraine.
