Torres, Vlckova, Perez and Ricolfi (left to right)
International Student-Athletes Form Strong Bond Far From Home
Friday, December 16, 2016 | Women's Golf
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Two are seniors and two are freshmen, but the foursome's bond is real.
By: Lindsey Spatola
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- When looking at the Gators' newest golfers, Marta Perez and Carlotta Ricolfi, people see two freshmen adjusting to their first year in college and their first year as collegiate golfers.
When seniorsMaria Torres and Karolina Vlckova see the two freshmen, it's like
looking into the past at themselves just three years ago.
Vlckova (left) and Perez (right) gator chomping at a practice round in the fall
"Sometimes I look at them and then I look at Maria, and it's just crazy," Vlckova said.
The similarities can be seen at surface level. Perez and Ricolfi live together in the Springs Complex, just like Vlckova and Torres did their freshman year. The two freshmen are always together, waiting for each other after practices and tutoring. Something you will still find Torres and Vlckova doing now.
"We were walking toward them one day, and they were whispering," Perez said. "We asked what they were talking about, and they said, 'you two are the new us.' "
Torres and Vlckova like to say that they're the iPhone 4, while Perez and Ricolfi are the new iPhone 7.
The similarities between the two pairs go far deeper though. They are a support system when they are so far away from home.
All four of these Florida golfers have had to make the transition to college like so many others, but they had to do it in another country.
Torres (left) and Vlckova (right) pose together at a Gators Booster Brunch
"It was such a big change, and I had to adapt really quickly," Vlckova, who is from the Czech Republic, said.
The transition was made a little easier by having a teammate who was going through the same exact thing.
Torres and Vlckova, who did not know each other before coming to Florida, have such a strong bond because they've been in the same position since day one at UF.
"You know that there's someone who is there for you 100 percent, no matter what, in good and bad," Torres, from Puerto Rico, said.
"I don't have a sister, so I didn't know what that felt like. But with Karolina, I have that bond."
It was the same for Ricolfi and Perez. Both over 4,000 miles away from home, Ricolfi from Italy and Perez from Spain.
They've been able to do all this because they've had each other to lean on. Ricolfi and Perez have someone who is facing the same struggles and transitions, who is always there.
"This process was made easier to the coaches and the team, but also to Marta," Ricolfi said. "We established a really good friendship, and it has helped us to overcome all the difficulties we've faced. It's a really great support."
Perez recently celebrated her 18th birthday, a milestone in Spain. Since she couldn't be home with her family, Ricolfi tried to make the day as special as she could for Perez.
Perez (left) and Ricolfi (right) at the Golden Gate Bridge at the last fall tournament
Most of the team took a trip to Jacksonville to go to the Florida-Georgia game for Perez's birthday. The day ended with Ricolfi giving Perez a birthday present: a bracelet and a picture of the two them with memories of their first two months in Gainesville.
"I couldn't even imagine being here alone," Perez said.
Ricolfi and Perez not only have each other for support, but they also have Torres and Vlckova. The two seniors have been able to offer advice and support to the two newest Gators.
"I wanted them to feel welcome because I know how hard it is being far away from home," Vlckova said. "They know if they need something, they can come to us."
Perez and Ricolfi's other teammates have welcomed them with open arms, and Torres and Vlckova have already experienced exactly what the freshmen are going through.
The seniors have gone through the same struggles and hardships, and they can now be there for Ricolfi and Perez as they go through the same transitions. Torres and Vlckova have offered advice and guidance to the two freshmen, but the best thing they have been able to do is just be there.
"We had a lot of worries coming here, and they are always ready to help us," Ricolfi said.
Perez and Ricolfi are about to begin their first season teeing it up for the Gators, Torres and Vlckova their last. The two seniors are excited for their last season with the Orange and Blue, but the fact that their college careers are coming to a close
Vlckova (left), Ricolfi (middle) Torres (right) represented their home countries at the 2016 World Amateur Team
Championships
is not lost on them.
Just like Torres and Vlckova are helping Perez and Ricolfi, the freshmen are doing the same for the seniors. Ricolfi and Perez are reminding the seniors to enjoy their senior year and to have fun.
"We felt like they had our backs, even though we're the seniors and they're the freshmen," Torres said.
"We should be teaching them or helping them, but they're the ones that are helping us and comforting us," she said.
Torres and Vlckova's careers at Florida are coming to an end, while Perez and Ricolfi's are just beginning. But that doesn't mean the four can't continue to learn and grow from each other in the time they have left together.
"Looking at them, it's like living our freshman year over again," Vlckova said.
