Ricardo Espaillat is a freshman on the Lafayette Leopards men's tennis team and a neuroscience major from Parkland, Florida. He earned 2026 All-Patriot League Second Team honors during his first collegiate season while balancing the demands of a neuroscience curriculum. Not only has he made an impact out on the court, but Espaillat also serves on the Executive Board for Lafayette's Neuroscience Club.
"The biggest thing college tennis has taught me is to play freely with no pressure and just trust the work I've put in. Balancing neuroscience and athletics has challenged me, but it has also helped me grow both mentally and academically." — Espaillat
He hopes to continue gaining experience throughout the Psychology and Biology Department while excelling in both his academic and athletic goals at Lafayette.
On College the Hill
What made you choose Lafayette?
What made me choose Lafayette was the rigorous academics combined with playing in the Patriot League. This allows for a balance of great academics and great athletics, where I do not have to sacrifice one for the other.
What keeps you motivated throughout the season?
What keeps me motivated through the ups and downs of the season is remembering that it is a privilege to play collegiate sports and that I have nothing to prove to anybody. I remind myself to go out there and give 100% every time I step on the court, which helps keep me steady throughout the season.
What has been your favorite part about being at Lafayette so far?
My favorite part of being at Lafayette has been the community of freshmen in our dorm hall. We are all super close and do almost everything together, so that has been really fun.
What is your favorite thing to do around campus with friends?
My favorite thing to do around campus with friends is play padel at a local padel club near campus.
What does a typical in-season day look like for you?
A typical day in season is waking up and going to breakfast at Upper Farinon, then going to lift if we have it that day, followed by classes. After that, I head to practice, which normally ends around 6:15 p.m., then get dinner with the team before heading back to my dorm to finish homework or studying.
Serving Success
What has been your toughest class so far?
My toughest class so far has been General Chemistry II, which I am taking right now.
How have you balanced neuroscience and tennis?
It has been hard to manage a major like neuroscience with my tennis schedule, but not as hard as I expected. Professors at Lafayette make everything very manageable and allow for open communication if I am missing classes due to matches.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Some advice I would give to freshmen coming in would be to enjoy every second of freshman year and not be afraid to talk to people you do not know because they could become a good friend of yours.
What is something college has taught you outside of tennis?
Something college has taught me outside of tennis is that people are willing to help as long as you are willing to ask. Opportunities are very accessible at Lafayette, so you just have to be willing to ask.
Who on the team brings the best energy to practice?
The person on the team who brings the most energy to practice would have to be Owen Studdiford. I honestly don't know where he gets his energy from most of the time, but the team loves it and it's a big part of keeping us in these close matches.
Inside the Match
How did you first get into tennis?
I first got into tennis when I was 5 years old, and it was the only sport I tried that I was actually good at. I loved the individuality of the sport, and the competitive nature of tournaments kept me motivated to continue training throughout my teenage years.
What has been the biggest difference between high school and college tennis?
The biggest difference between high school and college tennis is definitely how much the other team tries to get in your head during matches. In high school it was sort of frowned upon, but in college tennis it is encouraged and happens in almost every match.
Do you enjoy the pressure of close matches?
Honestly, I prefer the pressure of close matches because it raises the stakes a little more and makes everyone more invested in the match. It also makes winning feel much more satisfying.
What is your most reliable shot right now?
My most reliable shot right now would have to be my backhand racket-side redirect.
The Player's Box
Who is someone you look up to on and off the court?
Someone I look up to on and off the court would have to be Michael Beasley, who had a unique skill set and openly talks about what it is like to be an athlete off the court.
How do you stay locked in during matches?
I stay locked in during matches by focusing on my breathing and practicing mindfulness meditation in between games. That allows me to focus on each point and detach from points that already happened.
What has been your favorite match so far with the team?
My favorite match with the team so far would definitely have to be the Holy Cross Patriot League Tournament matchup where we clinched a 4-3 win. It was definitely the highlight of the season, and being able to extend the season one more match and keep the dream alive meant a lot to all of us.
What is something you have added to your game recently?
Something I have added to my game would have to be a bigger serve, as it is something that is really important in college tennis.
If your playing style had a nickname, what would it be?
If my playing style had a nickname, it would be "The Anomaly." That is what my teammates have been calling me.
Quick Hits
What is your go-to meal after a match?
My go-to meal after a match is Chipotle with the team.
Who would survive the longest on a reality show?
Out of all the guys on the team, I think either me or Sam Gelber would survive the longest on a reality show. Niko Martirossian would probably be the first to go.
What is a hobby you have picked up recently?
A hobby I have picked up recently is playing the piano, which I started at the end of the fall semester.
If you could travel anywhere for a tournament, where would it be?
If I could travel anywhere for a tournament, it would be Spain.
What is one thing you never forget to pack for matches?
One thing I never forget to pack for matches is a bandana.
If you could donate to any cause, what would it be?
If I could donate to any cause, it would be Project Hope, which provides healthcare for those who need it most in disasters and under-resourced communities.
What has been your favorite clothing brand lately?
My favorite clothing brand lately has been Fabletics, specifically the All-Day sweatpants and hoodie
