Marco Kermet came to the University of the Incarnate Word to purse his tennis career but will walk away with so much more. As a graphic design major and student-athlete on the men's tennis team, he has worked with the UIW Athletic Department to create content for the men's tennis team, giving him a chance to combine his two favorite worlds.
"I really can't express enough how amazing it has been to combine the two largest aspects of my life with tennis and graphic design," Kermet explained. "Being able to create graphics and promote my closest friends and teammates on social media has meant so much to me. The brotherhood we have created on the men's tennis team has made for an environment where we all want to help each other and watch each other succeed."
Growing up, tennis was Kermet's main priority, but he found joy in drawing and designing as he traveled for tournaments every weekend. At that point, he knew graphic design was what he wanted to pursue in college.
Kermet began periodically helping the UIW Athletic Department with graphics in the spring of 2020 before creating content for the men's tennis team full-time this last season. Having a student-athlete help build the brand of the team, while working within the parameters set out by the athletics department, allowed Kermet to use his creativity while learning about organizational branding.
"I also know the importance of some of the accomplishments and put a lot of care and attention into my graphics that are congratulating someone on a certain achievement," Kermet added.
Balancing school, tennis and design work was not easy at first, but Kermet adjusted, making graphics ahead of time and creating design templates. This gave him more opportunities to branch out and work on projects outside of UIW Athletics, like helping his teammate, Warren Fulgenzi, develop his own athletic clothing brand.
"It really meant a lot to me to design for him because I consider Warren to be a mentor and big brother to me, and he has been an incredible teammate and friend to me over my years at UIW," Kermet expressed. "Being able to develop a brand that fits him and encapsulates his personality and values was something I really enjoyed doing."
Kermet, who is excited about a future career in graphic design, will continue to showcase his talents and build his portfolio as he returns to the men's tennis team next season for his senior year.
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