Stories from International Student Athletes

Hear from former international student athletes who have experienced the US college scholarship journey firsthand. Each of these athletes secured a sports scholarship in the USA, balancing academic and athletic commitments at colleges and universities across the United States.

Olivia Pezo

Tennis  I  Sweden

Bachelors in International Business with a minor in Entrepreneurship

“Moving to the USA to play college tennis was one of the biggest decisions of my life. Hillsborough Community College helped me grow so much, both on the court and in the classroom. The experience pushed me to work harder and believe more in myself.

 

Transferring to Valdosta State University was another exciting challenge. The level of competition and being part of a strong team environment really took my game to the next level.

Beyond tennis, earning my academic degree has been one of my proudest achievements. Balancing athletics and academics taught me discipline, time management, and resilience that will stay with me for life.

 

Looking back, choosing the USA college pathway was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and the opportunity to grow both on and off the court. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey.”

Xaveam Van Wijk

Tennis  I  Curaçao

Bachelors in Sports Management and an MBA

“I didn’t really know what to expect when I first moved to the U.S., but Belmont Abbey quickly felt like home. Transferring to Valdosta State was a fresh start and a new challenge. The energy around the program was great, everyone believed we could achieve something special. Winning a national championship together was unreal. It’s hard to even describe that feeling – knowing all the work, the tough days, and the sacrifices led to that moment.

 

College sport in the U.S. gave me more than just a title. It gave me friendships, memories, and a degree that sets me up for the future. I’m proud of the journey and everything it taught me.”

 

 

 

Emilia Alfaro

Tennis  I  Argentina

Bachelors in Mathematics & Master’s in Applied Data Science

“When I finished high school, I knew that quitting tennis was not an option for me. I wasn’t very familiar with the idea of college tennis in the USA, but I decided to give it a try. When I arrived, I was really impressed by the level of competition and the professionalism of the college tennis environment, and I quickly realized that it offered me far more opportunities than I could have had otherwise.

 

By coming to the USA, not only did I get to practice and compete at a high level for five more years, but I was also able to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the meantime. Along this journey, I grew both athletically and personally, and I made great friends from all over the world.

 

I would strongly encourage anyone considering a college tennis career to go for it.”

 

Paige Noble-Lucas

Tennis  I  Australia

Bachelors in Business Management with a minor in Business Administration and Marketing

“I remember preparing for my move from Australia to the USA for college and being super excited and absolutely terrified at the same time. I was excited for new experiences, meeting people from around the world and discovering the world outside of Australia while being nervous to be away from home and family at eighteen. But regardless it was the best decision and journey of my life. Being given the opportunity to get my academic degree while playing my favourite sport was amazing.

 

Learning independency while navigating life as a fresh adult in a new country was the best experience I could have asked for. Having to manage my class, training and work schedule throughout the four years was tough but it set me for great success in my future career path. My experience through the U.S college system allowed me to connect with new and lifelong friends from all over the world while achieving one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. If I could do it all again I would.

 

The years of hard work, training, weekends, and holidays dedicated to tennis competitions, and the injuries along the way, I would do it again because it led me to a successful future, new journeys, and great friends.”

 

Helena Jokanovic

Tennis  I  Australia

Bachelors in Business Administration

“I didn’t really know what to expect when I came to the U.S., but I hoped it would be a great experience like it had been for so many others I knew.

I started at Eastern Florida State College for my freshman and sophomore years, where I made amazing memories and had great success with my team, including going to nationals — something I’ll always be proud of.

 

I then transferred to a school in South Carolina to finish my junior and senior years, where I met lifelong friends and experienced so much personal and academic growth.

 

Choosing to come to college in the U.S. is something that will always be part of me. It taught me independence, discipline, and so many important life skills. I was also able to use my OPT year to work in my field, which gave me valuable real-world experience.”

 

Kanna Kobayakawa

Tennis  I  Japan

Bachelors in Accounting

“Playing college tennis in the United States has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I started my college career at a junior college, where I adapted to a new environment and developed both academically and athletically while learning valuable lessons on and off the court.

 

I later transferred to Lee University, where I continued balancing competitive tennis with my studies alongside supportive coaches and teammates. Through college tennis, I was able to receive athletic scholarships that significantly helped me and my family financially while allowing me to pursue my academic degree.

 

The opportunity to study what I enjoy while competing at a high level was something I could not have found in my home country. The U.S. college pathway gave me the chance to grow personally, academically, and athletically, and I am truly grateful for the experiences and opportunities it provided.”

 

Inspired?

Your U.S Scholarship Journey Starts Here.

Find out where your talent can take you.

Contact us for a free scholarship review and discover your scholarship opportunities.

© KARA Education 2026