
Meet Oliver Pardoe: College Sports Recruitment Expert
Former student-athlete and university coach guiding athletes chase their U.S. dreams
We recently had the chance to talk to Oliver Pardoe, Recruitment Associate at Keystone Sports UK, and hear about his unique journey. Originally from Northampton, England, Oliver first crossed the Atlantic to pursue university football in the United States. He began his playing career at Southwestern Christian University before transferring to Midwestern State University in Texas, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise.
Following his time as a student-athlete, Oliver stepped into coaching, serving as an Assistant Coach at LSU Shreveport. He also gained valuable experience working with young players at Corpus Christi FC’s youth academy and with their USL 2 team.
Now, drawing on both his experiences as a player and a coach, Oliver is committed to supporting the next generation of student-athletes. In this interview, he shares insights into his personal journey, from competing on the pitch to guiding others through the recruitment process.
What inspired you to pursue a football scholarship in the United States?
I spent two years at Northampton studying and playing football full-time from age 16 to 18. When my time came to leave, I wanted to find somewhere I could play full time or as close to full time as possible. When I heard about the opportunity to go out to the United States and be in full time football with unbelievable facilities, I knew it was for me.
Tell us about your career in the U.S. as a student-athlete.
I first went out to Oklahoma City, and I remember the first thing I noticed was the intense heat! It was a bit of an interesting first year with COVID-19 happening in the middle of it, so I had to come home. After being locked for 6 months, I got to head back out to the States. We went on to win the conference, going to nationals and I managed to win some individual awards as well.
After this, I transferred to Texas where I had a great time as well and managed to win another conference.
You transitioned from player to coach—how did that change your perspective on the game and what is it like to coach at college level?
Yes, my perspective changed massively! I started to see every single detail in the game. Individually and as a team how important the fine details are. I started to see how attitude and everything that happens off the field have a big factor in how the coach views you.
The most important thing I learnt was how much a coach has to do off the field that the players don’t realise. I absolutely loved my time as a coach and learnt a lot in just a year on and off the field.
As a coach, how do you spot a student-athlete with real potential beyond just skill?
As I mentioned earlier, off the field is such a big part about how a coach views a player. Their body language, how they talk to their coach and how they talk to their teammates.
Another big part is how they handle negativity. Football is a sport where nothing is perfect, so it’s important to see how they react when something goes wrong.
What do you enjoy most about working at Keystone Sports and supporting student-athletes on their journey?
One of the most rewarding parts of this role is seeing the athletes we support go on to succeed in the United States. It’s inspiring to follow their pathway and see how much they enjoy the experience—from that very first conversation at 17, through their time at university, and all the way to graduation.
Another great aspect is being part of such a diverse team. At Keystone Sports, we have staff from across the world, each bringing different backgrounds and unique stories from their own journeys in the United States.
If you were talking to your 17-year-old self right before leaving for the U.S., what tips would you give him?
Be open to everything and give it your all. Short and simple, but like anyone flying across the world to a new country, life is going to be very different, be open to the changes and give it all along the way and you’ll make some memories that you’ll never forget and friends that will become family.
One word that sums up your time in the United States?
Unforgettable.
One last tough question for you, Oliver: Texas BBQ or English Sunday roast?
I honestly love both and could eat them every day. That’s such a tough question! If I had to choose, I’d go with a traditional English Sunday roast — but it’s a very close call!
At Keystone Sports, we help international athletes turn their dreams into reality. With more than 20 years of experience, we have supported over 15,000 student-athletes secure sports scholarships in the United States.
Our experts have experienced the process themselves; they can give you a unique and realistic perspective—just like Oliver Pardoe, who knows what it takes to succeed on the pitch and what coaches are looking for off it.
Complete our free assessment form and begin your journey towards a college football scholarship in the U.S.!
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About the author
Lorena Montañés
Lorena Montañés, SEO Specialist at Keystone Sports, played DI football at California State University, Fresno, while earning degrees in Mass Communication & Journalism and Psychology. She later earned an MBA in Business Analytics while coaching at a Division II university. Now, her goal is to encourage other student-athletes to pursue their dreams and have a life-changing experience.
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