It's a long way from Brisbane, Australia, to Weatherford, but sometimes fate has a way of shortening that distance through the heart.

Weatherford College Coyotes basketball players Konnor Ross (freshman) and Fraser McDonald (sophomore), along with Lady Coyote Monika Faerber are all from Brisbane. And, as fate would have it, all three found their way to WC - not knowing the others were there.

Monika and Konnor have known each other for several years, having met through basketball back in Australia, each playing club ball. Fraser and Konnor have known each other for about a year, also through basketball, having worked out together, ironically, training for college.

But each was surprised to find out the other was going to be a fellow player at WC. Monika was the first to arrive as this is her second year with the Lady Coyotes. She was surprised when she learned of Konnor's arrival.

"We saw each other play back home. I was on a good girls team, and he was on a good guys team," she said. "I found out at the last minute he was coming, and I immediately texted Konnor."

"I didn't know she was here until I committed," Konnor said. "I felt joy right away knowing someone else from my home country, my hometown, was also here."

"I was stoked," Fraser said. "Having a familiar face with you when you're halfway around the world, someone who can relate to your culture, that's so cool. And with Monika also here, it shows you how small the world is."

Monika recalled her first year on campus, being the lone Australian on the team. She made friends and enjoyed herself, but, now, having someone from home to connect to has heightened the experience for her and gives her an opportunity to make Konnor and Fraser feel at home right away.

"Last year I had no one from home," she said. "I know how they would feel if we weren't all here and they were alone.

"I'd never been overseas before, so I was really nervous, but this has made it a lot less stressful," Konnor said.

All three came to the U.S. for the same reason, the chance to excel at the sport they love. Of course, there are perks they don't have back home, Konnor added with a chuckle.

"I do like Whataburger," he said, smiling. "But the level of basketball here, America is always No. 1. I knew if I wanted to succeed in basketball, America is the place."

Naturally, they miss a lot about home, mostly their families. Technology and social media allows folks across the globe to communicate more than ever now, but it doesn't replace closeness.

"Family's the biggest, for sure. I have little brothers and sisters, and I am very close to them," Fraser said. "I miss them so much."

Fraser is majoring in kinesiology, Konnor in business and Monika in occupational therapy. Next year Monika and Fraser will move on to other schools, likely different ones, and all three will be on their own again.

But not completely. Though they may not be in the same town or on the same campus, all three say they have made friends for life.

"You make special relationships with your teammates, but with us we have that extra connection," Fraser said. "Of course we'll stay in touch."

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