PROVO, Utah – Fifth-year senior Mateo Vereau is enjoying one final chance to compete with his teammates and friends as part of BYU men's tennis team this season. Learn more about Vereau, including his path to tennis and his plans for the future.
Finding Tennis
Vereau first started playing tennis when he was three years old. He says he had a lot of energy as a child, so his mom was looking for ways to tire him out. As a result, Vereau spent a lot of time at a local tennis academy, which is run by a family friend.
At the academy, Vereau picked up the sport quickly, eventually growing into one of the top players in Peru. While Vereau was also passionate about soccer, he decided to dedicate himself to tennis, as the sport offered a chance to attend a quality university in the United States.
Choosing BYU
Vereau was offered a spot at BYU after playing in a showcase event. He ultimately had 32 different schools to choose from.
“I knew BYU had an insane academic program, the school is really, really good,” Vereau said. “BYU also has good tennis resources. I knew everything I needed to succeed would be provided.”
One More Season
The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out most of Vereau’s original sophomore year, allowing him a chance to play a fifth season in 2023. He has been a staple at BYU since arriving in 2018, making at least 15 appearances in both singles and doubles every season.
As he knows this is his final season, Vereau has mixed feelings. “I’m excited because it’s going to be fun, but I’m also sad because it’s my last season,” he explained. Ultimately, Vereau says he is going to focus on enjoying himself.
“My goals for this season are to have fun and help the team as much as I can,” he added. “Most of all I want to go out there and give my all. Results become a byproduct of having fun and giving your all.”
The Future and Family
Vereau’s future after this season is uncertain, but he knows he will make a shift away from professional tennis. An economics major, Vereau will start looking for employment opportunities, either in the United States or Peru.
Working in Peru would allow Vereau to be near family again. He typically goes home in the summer to visit them, with other opportunities to see them during the season being rare. Not having his immediate family nearby means he is extra grateful for the bond he has with his teammates.
“We are all very good friends with each other,” Vereau said. “Being a part of a team and having a second family over here is really nice, especially since I am away from home.”