How the Salas family brought their love for tennis from Venezuela to Indiana

However, recent years of skyrocketing inflation in Venezuela and shortages of basic goods have made it increasingly difficult to play tennis. With any sport you need equipment. There's the cost of classes, and it became hard for the Salas family to afford. Rafael was an electronic engineer and Mariela worked as an accountant. "The economic situation in Venezuela, it affects salaries. So it's very hard to afford the basic needs," Mariela told USTA.com. 

The Salas family moved to Pendleton, Ind. where young Rafael is now an 11th grader at Pendleton Heights High School and Valeria attends the middle school. The United States is where Valeria experienced her greatest tennis achievement, winning first place at a tournament. Her brother is enjoying the Midwest, too. 

"Something I really love is the cold and the snow," said young Rafael, who was all smiles as he talked about potentially learning to snowboard one day. 

As for the parents, what they appreciate most are the Hoosiers; both of them agree that the folks they've met have been friendly and compassionate from the moment the Salas family arrived.

A consistent support system is one thing, in particular, the Salas family feels grateful for. Instructors here in the U.S., Bryant Beard and Allison Davis, played a big role in getting the kids back into tennis.

Before them, it was the kids' coaches in Venezuela who inspired them to keep learning and growing their game. "David, José Gregorio and Ivan, they were with them in each stage," Rafael explained. "They supported the kids despite the difficulties during the pandemic. They did everything they could to play tennis and to make it possible," said Rafael and Mariela together.

Their son Rafael said his favorite tennis memory was from his last national tournament in Venezuela. He considers himself to be extremely competitive, which is why he prefers singles. But Rafael knows that tennis isn't necessarily a one-person sport—we have our coaches, our cheerleaders, our families and our companions.

"I played in a national tournament representing my state that I used to live in," Rafael said. "My friends... that was the last time that I saw some of them."

As the Salas family thrives in the U.S., they play a lot of sports together; of course tennis, but also soccer and pickleball, and Valeria loves volleyball. Mariela especially loves family movie nights—she recommends Beetlejuice... Beetlejuice Beetlejuice! But they also enjoy remembering life in Venezuela. Through cooking, they celebrate their heritage; dishes like sweet and savory cachapas, arepas stuffed with delicious ingredients and tequeños, a rich pastry crust with queso blanco inside.

"I love the Venezuelan food and the candy," added Valeria. "My family, too, I miss." 

What does Rafael Sr. miss? Playa San Luis.

In Venezuela, the Salas family lived right by the beach. They could look up at palm trees and gaze out over the beautiful Caribbean coast. Naturally, they played beach tennis, and of course, won several tournaments.

As a dad, Rafael is extremely proud that his kids play tennis, and for Mariela, she sees the children learning responsibility. Years ago, both parents watched as Valeria stepped out onto the tennis courts at just 2 years old, eager to play with her big brother. 

"I love tennis. I've played it all my life," Valeria shared. 

The Salas family looks forward to competing in more tournaments across the Midwest and learning new skills every day—and that includes fun family training sessions at Community Sports and Wellness right after an interview with USTA.com!