‘Haven’t Been Home In..’- 21-Year-Old Belarusian NCAA Player’s Terrifying Confession Amid Constant Tensions in Ukraine

The war between Russia and Ukraine still rages on. It is an ongoing conflict that has affected millions around the world. On top of human rights abuses, many countries have suffered economic issues and thousands in Russia lost their jobs as companies pulled out of the country. Moreover, the war also had a deep impact on sports professionals. One such player is NCAA tennis player Tatsiana Sasnouskaya as she hasn’t been in her home country for two years, ever since the war began.

The ban handed to players of several sports worldwide was another lasting impact of the war. Russian sports pros weren’t able to compete in the Olympics and represent their country. Additionally, Russian and Belarusian players received a ban from competing in Wimbledon. However, the decision to impose the ban this year is still being discussed.

NCAA Tennis player missing home

Old Dominion University is a university in Norfolk, Virginia which has a competitive tennis team and is a part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association or the NCAA. The team also has three players from the belligerent countries of Russia and Belarus. The players are facing a difficult time as they have problems traveling home in general. As per ODU player Tatsiana Sasnouskaya, the journey to Minsk, Belarus takes close to 30 hours.

Since the war began Sasnouskaya has been unable to travel home for over two years. She has also been unable to see her family. “I haven’t been home in the last two years because of what’s been going on with Russia and Ukraine,” she said. Further adding, “Belarus demographically is right in the middle.”

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The Belarusian’s parents have also been unable to leave the country to visit their daughter. They recognized their daughter’s potential and sent her to the US.

Tatsiana Sasnouskaya had to grow up fast

Leaving her home at the tender age of 18, Sasnouskaya had to grow up fast. With living alone comes a plethora of responsibilities. Having cooked for herself, doing her laundry, and learning to drive were some of the challenges the Belarusian youngster had to face on her own.

Although she hasn’t seen her family for quite some time, Sasnouskaya wouldn’t give up the experiences she had at ODU. “I definitely wouldn’t trade any of my experiences. I feel like its such a blessing to be so independent but at the same time very curious.”

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As for her, learning to be independent was worth some of the sacrifices she has made throughout her life. She still looks forward to seeing her parents soon, either in the USA or in her home country.