Fabrizio Tucci

Fabrizio Tucci’s first year on the OCC campus was filled with outstanding accomplishments. He came to Central New York from Venezuela, learned the English language, was inducted into international honor society Phi Theta Kappa, worked at the SRC Arena as an usher and was a second team All-American on the Men’s Tennis team.

Tucci wound up at OCC after meeting coach John LaRose at a tennis showcase in Florida. “I had a dream of living in New York City but didn’t realize how far away Syracuse is,” said Tucci. “I like the college, I like the facilities and despite the weather I like it here.” During his freshman season Tucci played both singles and doubles with the Lazers. He also achieved the highest grade point average on the team.

Tucci says his biggest challenge has been adjusting to life in the United States. He has also had to learn English. During his first semester on campus an English as Second Language course eased his transition away from his native language of Spanish. “I only knew a little English before I came here. I was better at typing it than speaking it. During my second semester I did much better. You learn English fast when everyone around you speaks it.”

Tucci is spending part of his summer visiting Division 1 and Division 2 schools where he hopes to continue playing tennis while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. When he returns to OCC in the fall he will work in the Residence Hall as a Resident Assistant.