#UHGrad Series: Cortijo Parreno Builds Confidence, Excels with Cougars
5/2/2024 10:24:00 AM | Tennis
Spaniard bonds with international teammates, using UH degree to fulfill life-long dream
In conjunction with the University of Houston's May commencement ceremonies, UH Athletics is celebrating its standout graduates who have shined in the classroom and in the arena of competition with our #UHGrad Series.
HOUSTON – University of Houston Tennis senior Blanca Cortijo Parreno's career ambitions have been crystal clear since her upbringing in Alicante, Spain.
"When I was 12 years old, I always told my parents that I wanted to be an English teacher," Cortijo Parreno said. "I love languages. Even if my parents do not know how to speak English, I always try to watch movies in English or TV in English. And then once I came here for the major, I enjoyed it so much."
On the court, Cortijo Parreno's Tennis journey was taking off including being ranked globally by the International Tennis Foundation (ITF). A trip overseas to the United States offered the opportunity to continue competing at a high level while also pursuing a world-class education.
"If you stay in Spain, it's really difficult to combine both things like studies and tennis," Cortijo Parreno said. "I put together a recruiting video and many different universities contacted me. I had never left Spain so for me coming to Houston, which is one of the biggest ones in the United States, is why I wanted to go there. I was fortunate that the University of Houston offered me a full scholarship."
Cortijo Parreno, who graduates this month from the University of Houston with her Bachelor of Science in Teaching and Learning, was thrilled to be in Houston when she arrived in 2021. Then, things sunk in.
"I remember when I got here, I was so excited, because I love traveling," Cortijo Parreno said. "During the first month, I was so happy all the time. After the first month, reality hit me. It is because I need to be close to my family, and the first month was exciting. After that, I started to realize that I will live here for four years, so it was hard."
That's when the bond with her teammates paid off. During 2023-24, Houston Tennis's eight-member roster hailed from eight different countries. The teammates became an extended family and support system.
"My teammates are my friends, my sisters and my second family because we are all internationals," Cortijo Parreno said. "We are all here alone, and we do not have our families. Whenever there is something going on, they are there for me, and I will always be there for them. I'm so happy but I'm going to miss them. The good thing is now I'll have friends all around the world."
Cortijo Parreno adapted to her new home, and new team, leading the Cougars in doubles victories alongside primary partner Azul Pedemonti in her first season with the program. A season later, eight consecutive victories in singles play highlighted a 9-6 record. Despite her individual successes, Cortijo Parreno's lasting memories are off the court.
"I enjoyed every single moment with them, because it was special," Cortijo Parreno said. "I know if I did not go here then it wouldn't be like that. I enjoyed traveling with them in the van and the songs we'd play or when we'd fly for the tournaments and matches. When I played, they cheered for me. I will miss the team dinners too."
According to Cortijo Parreno, her biggest transformation during her time at the University of Houston was her confidence and eventual grasp of the English language.
"When I came here, I knew how to have a conversation, but I was so shy," Cortijo Parreno said. "I realized that my English was not good at all. I just knew the basic stuff. I remember, whenever we went to a restaurant on tournaments, I would ask my coach or any of my teammates to order the food for me."
With her undergraduate journey complete, alongside a Tennis career which began at seven years old, Cortijo Parreno will use her summer to travel and make determinations on whether to pursue a master's, which is needed to teach in Spain's public schools, or instead begin teaching immediately, come September, at one of the country's private institutions.
Regardless of the decision, Cortijo Parreno's time in Houston has taught her she can tackle any uncertainties ahead.
"There were many times I wanted to give up and it was so hard for me to be far from my family," Cortijo Parreno said. "I have learned that I am so strong even though I have been through so many different difficult moments. I am so thankful that my parents and friends were there for me even from a distance.
"I learned that I could achieve anything. It takes effort and you must be consistent, work hard and sacrifice yourself sometimes. In the end, I am so proud of myself that I made it. In a few weeks, I am going to go back to Spain. I am so excited to see my family and friends."
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
HOUSTON – University of Houston Tennis senior Blanca Cortijo Parreno's career ambitions have been crystal clear since her upbringing in Alicante, Spain.
"When I was 12 years old, I always told my parents that I wanted to be an English teacher," Cortijo Parreno said. "I love languages. Even if my parents do not know how to speak English, I always try to watch movies in English or TV in English. And then once I came here for the major, I enjoyed it so much."
On the court, Cortijo Parreno's Tennis journey was taking off including being ranked globally by the International Tennis Foundation (ITF). A trip overseas to the United States offered the opportunity to continue competing at a high level while also pursuing a world-class education.
"If you stay in Spain, it's really difficult to combine both things like studies and tennis," Cortijo Parreno said. "I put together a recruiting video and many different universities contacted me. I had never left Spain so for me coming to Houston, which is one of the biggest ones in the United States, is why I wanted to go there. I was fortunate that the University of Houston offered me a full scholarship."
Cortijo Parreno, who graduates this month from the University of Houston with her Bachelor of Science in Teaching and Learning, was thrilled to be in Houston when she arrived in 2021. Then, things sunk in.
"I remember when I got here, I was so excited, because I love traveling," Cortijo Parreno said. "During the first month, I was so happy all the time. After the first month, reality hit me. It is because I need to be close to my family, and the first month was exciting. After that, I started to realize that I will live here for four years, so it was hard."
That's when the bond with her teammates paid off. During 2023-24, Houston Tennis's eight-member roster hailed from eight different countries. The teammates became an extended family and support system.
"My teammates are my friends, my sisters and my second family because we are all internationals," Cortijo Parreno said. "We are all here alone, and we do not have our families. Whenever there is something going on, they are there for me, and I will always be there for them. I'm so happy but I'm going to miss them. The good thing is now I'll have friends all around the world."
Cortijo Parreno adapted to her new home, and new team, leading the Cougars in doubles victories alongside primary partner Azul Pedemonti in her first season with the program. A season later, eight consecutive victories in singles play highlighted a 9-6 record. Despite her individual successes, Cortijo Parreno's lasting memories are off the court.
"I enjoyed every single moment with them, because it was special," Cortijo Parreno said. "I know if I did not go here then it wouldn't be like that. I enjoyed traveling with them in the van and the songs we'd play or when we'd fly for the tournaments and matches. When I played, they cheered for me. I will miss the team dinners too."
According to Cortijo Parreno, her biggest transformation during her time at the University of Houston was her confidence and eventual grasp of the English language.
"When I came here, I knew how to have a conversation, but I was so shy," Cortijo Parreno said. "I realized that my English was not good at all. I just knew the basic stuff. I remember, whenever we went to a restaurant on tournaments, I would ask my coach or any of my teammates to order the food for me."
With her undergraduate journey complete, alongside a Tennis career which began at seven years old, Cortijo Parreno will use her summer to travel and make determinations on whether to pursue a master's, which is needed to teach in Spain's public schools, or instead begin teaching immediately, come September, at one of the country's private institutions.
Regardless of the decision, Cortijo Parreno's time in Houston has taught her she can tackle any uncertainties ahead.
"There were many times I wanted to give up and it was so hard for me to be far from my family," Cortijo Parreno said. "I have learned that I am so strong even though I have been through so many different difficult moments. I am so thankful that my parents and friends were there for me even from a distance.
"I learned that I could achieve anything. It takes effort and you must be consistent, work hard and sacrifice yourself sometimes. In the end, I am so proud of myself that I made it. In a few weeks, I am going to go back to Spain. I am so excited to see my family and friends."
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
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