Bonadonna Taking Fall Season One Step At A Time

AMES, Iowa- Getting acclimated to your first semester in college can take some time. There are more responsibilities and freedoms than ever before.

Iowa State's freshman tennis athlete Annabella Bonadonna embraces the freedom while balancing class, tennis and learning a new language.

“I love the freedom that I have here,” Bonadonna said. "Coming to America and being able to live on my own has been amazing."

Bonadonna came to Iowa State from the northern coast of South America in Venezuela. She decided to make her transition easier by moving to Ames in the Summer.

Head coach Armando Espinosa knew it would be the best way to get her acclimated to life in America before school and tennis begun.

“The biggest thing that I have seen from Annabelle is that her English has vastly improved," Espinosa said. “We let her get acclimated to her classes, the English language and she has been doing a great job at all of it.”

Bonadonna started her collegiate career off strong by posting a 3-2 record in singles and a 3-1 mark in her doubles matches.

“The first weekend taught me how to play within a team,” Bonadonna said. "My point does not just count for myself, but it is more important that it counts for Iowa State."

Bonadonna and the rest of the Iowa State tennis team will compete in their second fall tournament this weekend. The Cyclones will be traveling to Des Moines for the Drake Jamboree.

The tournament will consist of three days of competition.

Bonadonna is focused on building from her first collegiate action.

“I want to go into this weekend with the focus on trying to win and not being afraid to lose," Bonadonna said. "In the first tournament I was a little timid."

Espinosa hopes to see the same change out of his freshman in their second tournament.

“She needs to keep dictating points,” Espinosa said. "Her game is very reactive of what her opponent is doing and we hope to see her be a little more aggressive."

Similar to your first semester in college, getting comfortable can take some time and that is to be expected.

“Changing your game is a process,” Espinosa said. "She has done a great job, but sometimes changing to the college game can be a little overwhelming."

Bonadonna has embraced every challenge the same way since coming to Ames. One step at a time.

One step at a time, she learned the English language. One step at a time, she became acclimated to college life in a new country. Now she's focused on tennis.

“My goal is to get a spot in the lineup," Bonadonna said. "I want to fight for every point in every match."

One point at a time or one step at a time, no challenge seems too big for the Venezuelan freshman.