From Wrocław to California! Filip Tunia is taking on the USA!

Destination: Watsonville Valley and Elite American Football

Monte Vista Christian School (MVC) is a private co-ed boarding high school beautifully situated in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County - just a few miles from the Pacific coast and a stone’s throw from the world's technological heart, Silicon Valley. Besides its stunning location, the school’s campus is famous primarily for its top-tier academic and athletic infrastructure.

For Filip, it is the perfect place to grow. Not only does the school offer a demanding International Baccalaureate (IB) program, but it is also renowned for its outstanding football program. The MVC Mustangs compete at a high Californian level, and their coaching staff knows exactly how to polish raw diamonds. The school’s new head coach has developed nine players who went straight to the NFL. Interestingly, the coach himself used to play as a linebacker, meaning the young Wrocław native will be under the wings of an ideal mentor.

Filip’s Beginnings with the Panthers

Filip’s path to the linebacker position was incredibly dynamic. Przemysław Lewszyk, one of his first coaches, recalls the young player’s early days in the Panthers Wrocław junior section:

-At first, Filip started out as a defensive back, but he was one of the few new recruits who was completely fearless when it came to contact. That boded well for more physical positions, so I decided to move him to linebacker. Filip found his footing there quickly and jumped right into the game rotation. In his very first match, filling in after a starter got injured, he recorded an interception and multiple tackles. That only solidified my conviction that we shouldn't take him off the field for the rest of the season. If I had to point out his greatest strengths, it would definitely be how fast he learns the game, his powerful and precise tackling, and his excellent teamwork skills.

How does Filip himself remember his beginnings, what went on behind the scenes of his transfer across the ocean, and what will he miss most about Wrocław? We invite you to read our conversation with the young American football prospect:

How did your adventure with American football begin, and how did you end up joining the Panthers Wrocław?

I had always played soccer. I had a friend there who was really fascinated by the culture of the United States, and he mentioned he was going to the Panthers tryouts. Back then, I still confused American football with rugby. My friend brought me along to the practice and... I fell in love with the sport instantly.

How did the time you spent at the Wrocław club prepare you to compete on American fields? What did you learn the most here?

Above all, my time at the club taught me discipline, respect for coaches, and perseverance in pursuing my goals. The coaches and staff at Panthers Wrocław didn't just prepare me physically; they taught me how to think outside the box on the field - how to anticipate situations during a play and how to prevent them.

When did the thought first cross your mind that you’d like to continue your athletic development and education in the United States?

I think that spark appeared after about a year of playing for the club. I realized then that American football is exactly what I want to do in life. The first step toward this dream was participating in the Gridiron Imports camp, after which I received a few offers.

Organizing a move like this is a massive logistical and bureaucratic challenge. Who helped you the most in making this huge leap?

Yes, I completely agree. There was a mountain of paperwork to handle, even more forms, plus all the doctor appointments. Honestly, my parents took care of almost everything. I’m incredibly grateful to them because I definitely couldn't have managed it by myself.

You chose Monte Vista Christian School in California. Why MVC specifically, and were there any other options on the table?

Why MVC? Out of several options, it was the only school that combined high-level American football with the IB program, meaning the International Baccalaureate. Thanks to this, I will be able to study at any university in the world later on. On top of that, MVC hired a new coach who played linebacker (just like me) and has already sent nine players to the NFL. As for other options, schools from Tennessee and Georgia Academy (GAC) also reached out to me.

How would you describe your style of play? What are your biggest strengths on the field that you want to showcase to the American coaches?

I feel like my biggest strength is that I can play aggressively but smart. I'm not afraid of hard hits. I love competition, and I intend to show on the American field that I don't fear anyone.

High school football in America is something we in Poland mostly know from movies. What are your expectations regarding the level of play and all that famous game-day atmosphere?

I expect the level of play in the States to be really high. I’m counting on every practice being professionally prepared, and I hope the physical therapists will be at least as good as ours at Panthers Wrocław. I can’t wait for my first game at the MVC stadium. I'm hoping for packed stands and a great, healthy atmosphere.

Moving across the ocean isn’t just about sports; it’s also about studying in a new system. How do you plan to balance your school duties with intense practices?

The school has prepared a special program for international students. Every day, I will have two mandatory hours of study hall on campus under the supervision of educators. The rules there are clear: if your grades drop, you can be suspended from practices until you improve them. I intend to study hard to get the best possible results and fight for a Division 1 scholarship in the future.

In fact, I've already been entered into the NCSA database. Throughout the year, coaches from top colleges will be able to watch my highlight tapes, as well as track my grades and stats - both in school and on the field.

You fly out as early as July 12th. What are you looking forward to the most after arriving in California, and what will you miss the most from the perspective of the Wrocław locker room?

I’m definitely looking forward to my first practice with the varsity team - that’s one of my biggest dreams right now. On the flip side, I will surely miss the guys from the team and the amazing coaches who always helped me, no matter the problem. I’ll also miss the physical therapists who constantly looked after me, and all the incredibly nice people in the front office.

What are your main goals for this upcoming season, and where do you see yourself in a few years? What are your ultimate football dreams?

My goal for the upcoming season is to put together the best possible highlight tape and get excellent grades. Besides that, I obviously want to maintain close relationships with my friends and family staying in Poland. In a few years, I’d love to play in D1, and later in the NFL. But if things turn out differently, I see myself studying at a university in Poland, close to my family, and wearing the Panthers Wrocław colors. We’ll see what path God has planned for me.

What can the Panthers Wrocław fans and your teammates wish you before you board that plane?

I think above all, perseverance, because that’s what I’ll need the most right now. And of course, that my dreams come true. Those two things will be more than enough.