Israeli Coyote playing through the memories

Before coming to Weatherford College, where he delivers missile-like serves on the tennis court, Guy Morian was surviving actual missile fire back home in Israel.

"For the past two years, my country has been living through war. On October 7, 2023, one of the darkest days my family and I have ever experienced, we woke up before dawn to the sound of sirens and spent hours in the bomb shelter," the WC sophomore said. "For months after that, the attacks continued almost daily, and we had to adapt to living with that constant threat. It became part of everyday life, even driving somewhere, we always knew what to do if a missile alert started."

A year later there was an Iranian attack when over 300 missiles were launched at Israel in one night. Thanks to the air defense system, almost all were intercepted, but it was one of the scariest nights in the lives of him, his family and many he knew. 

Then, this past summer, another short but intense conflict broke out, lasting about two weeks. During that time, the country almost completely shut down, and one missile even hit just a few hundred meters from his home, destroying a building and killing an entire family. 

"It was heartbreaking," Morian said. 

But the hardest moment he experienced during this war with Hamas happened this past summer.

"Just a few days after I came back home from my last semester here (at WC), one of my close friends was killed," he said. "I woke up one morning to messages from friends telling me the news, and it completely broke me. 

"Many people I know, including friends and relatives, had lost someone during the war, but until that day, it hadn't reached me personally. This friend and I had been together for twelve years, from elementary school all the way through high school."

Since that day, Moran said he's gained a new perspective on life. 

"It was the hardest experience I've ever had, and it made me realize how fragile life can be," he said. 

TURNING TO TENNIS

Morian started playing tennis at age 11. His older sister played at the local tennis club, and one day he joined her and his dad for a casual hit.

"I immediately found myself drawn to the game. After watching one of the training sessions at the club, I decided to join the program myself, and from that moment on, tennis became a big part of my life," he said.

There were not many opportunities to play competitive tennis where Morian grew up. There was only one club in town, but he made the most of what opportunities he had, deciding around 16 years old to travel and compete.

"I started traveling on my own by public transportation to a top tennis academy outside my city. That's when my training and competition level really improved," he said.

He began competing in tournaments around the age of 14, starting with local and regional events, where he experienced a lot of success. Later, he moved on to national-level tournaments. 

"I managed to reach the quarterfinals in several national competitions and achieved a ranking within the top 16 junior players in Israel," he said. "Those years taught me a lot about discipline, hard work, and dealing with both wins and losses."

COMING TO WC

Morian said his first phone call conversation with WC coach Steph Wooten convinced him WC was the place for him.

"During that call, I could immediately sense her professionalism, her passion for the sport, and her genuine care for her players," he said. "I felt I could truly trust her, even just through that first talk, and that's what made me choose Weatherford College."

Wooten said she learned about Morian through an agency based in Spain. 

"They described him as mature and hard-working. Guy is the best teammate anyone could ever ask for," she said. "He is the spark that lights our team's fire. He brings our energy. 

"He supports his teammates on and off the court. He is selfless and an all-round great person."

COMING TO AMERICA

Morian had never been to the U.S. before arriving in Weatherford. 

"I'm really happy to be here. It's been an incredible experience so far, both on and off the court," he said.

One of the first challenges he faced was the cold weather. 

"I come from a very warm country, and during my first winter here, I really struggled to adjust to practicing and competing in the cold," he said. "But with time, I got used to it."

The biggest challenge, though, is the homesickness.

"My family and friends mean everything to me," he said. "I'm in touch with them every single day, but I still miss them deeply, especially my mom's cooking, which is the best in the world."

He said the thing he loves most about being here, however, is the structure of daily life, the balance between classes and training. He also values the relationships with his coaches and teammates. 

"Tennis is usually an individual sport, but here it feels like a team sport. We support each other, and that sense of brotherhood and togetherness means a lot to me," he said.

HONORING HIS FRIEND

Morian does want to play at a higher level, perhaps even turning pro someday.

"My goal is to transfer to a competitive tennis program after Weatherford College and play at the highest level I can reach," he said. "Over the next year, I want to give everything I have to improve as much as possible and earn good offers for the next step in my tennis journey."

And through it all, he has his late friend on his mind.

"I try every day to honor his memory and to appreciate the life I have, every opportunity, every person, and every moment," he said. "R.I.P. Lior Steinberg, my dear friend."