BOYNTON BEACH, Fl. – Tennis isn't just a sport to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley freshman men's tennis student-athlete Agustin Salazar. It's a family tradition. 
 
Salazar's father, Agustin, was once the third-best junior tennis player in Mexico and went on to play and coach for legacy institution Pan American University. Salazar's older brothers, David and Jorge, both excelled in high school tennis and went on to play collegiately for Lipscomb and Arkansas Fort Smith/St. Edward's, respectively. 
 
The youngest Salazar spent most of his childhood on a tennis court soaking up valuable lessons. When his time came, he was a standout at McAllen Memorial like his brothers and earned a spot on the UTRGV men's tennis team, like his dad. 
 
"It means a lot to be playing for UTRGV like my dad because he always talks about how he had the best time here. He talks to me about his matches, his various wins and heartbreaking losses. To continue that legacy is very special to me," Salazar said. "It's a tennis family. Every day we talk about tennis. My dad always asks me how I did in practice. When I see my brothers, I try to get in a good hit with them. They tell me what to do, what not to do, they give me tips on volleys and service. They teach me and try to make me better." 
 
The elder Agustin Salazar played for PAU from 1983-85 after transferring from Laredo Junior College, where he played at No. 1. Salazar Sr. stepped into the No. 1 role his first season with the Broncs and accumulated over 25 career victories before becoming an assistant coach. The Durango, Mexico native had the honor of representing his country in the Junior Davis Cup. 
 
The youngest Agustin Salazar will have a similar honor. The freshman will be playing for Team Mexico as it takes on Team USA at the 2022 Copa Amigos tennis tournament Friday through Sunday at The Tennis Club at Quail Ridge in Boynton Beach, Fl. 
 
"I'm excited because it's my first time representing a country. I'm excited to meet my countrymen, my teammates, and to play good matches," Salazar said. "It means a lot because Mexican tennis is not that popular. There's a lot of good junior players in Mexico, there's a lot of good college players from Mexico, but not many make it to the best of the best. I'm just trying to put in a good word for Mexico." 
 
The "Amigos Cup" began in 1981. It runs like a dual match, pitting Mexican and American players against each other in singles and doubles matches with the team victory going to the country with the most match wins. Andy Lake, a captain for Team USA, said the event is "a lot of fun with intense competition and overall, about friendship," hence the name. Lake said this year's participants range from 19 to 73 years old and will combine to play nearly 40 matches set up according to age first, then by levels as the tournament progresses. 
 
Salazar joined Team Mexico through his friendship with fellow McAllen Memorial alum and current UTSA men's tennis player Alan Magadan, who he called one of Mexico's best players. Magadan was selected for the tournament and extended an invitation to Salazar, who he trains with in McAllen when not at school. It's a valuable experience Salazar and UTRGV head men's tennis coach Nathan Robinson were quick to say yes to. 
 
"It's huge for him to compete on the international level. The experience gained from that is amazing. In our program we push each other to find these opportunities to grow and get better. This will allow him to grow exponentially," Robinson said. "Agustin has been an absolute sponge and a massive team guy, always asking questions, looking to help out and just wanting to win as a team. From a level standpoint, he has become more consistent while playing his attacking style. If he keeps this focus up, he will become one heck of a college player." 
 
Salazar has been working on having more variety in his shots and "learning to defend, slow down the pace and be more technical" in his first semester with UTRGV. He went 3-0 in singles at his first collegiate tournament in September, defeating SMU's Eli Susser, Our Lady of the Lake's Michael Canales and UTRGV teammate Chris Lawrance. He missed the second fall tournament with an injury, but he's feeling good heading into the Copa Amigos. 
 
Though born in the United States, Salazar lived in Reynosa for three years and has a lot of family in Mexico, which he visits frequently. He's thankful and excited for the opportunity to represent his family, his heritage and UTRGV while gaining high-level tennis experience which will help him leave his own mark with the Vaqueros tennis team, following in his father's footsteps once again. 
 
"This is going to help me get ready for the spring season. I'm going to try to put what I've been practicing into my matches at Copa Amigos. The key for me is to serve good, and my forehand is how I do the most damage," Salazar said. "Win or lose, I'm going to take this as a learning experience and just get better." 

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