College Soccer Success Story: Eden Skyers
How Eden Skyers went from college soccer in the US to professional football in the UK
When Eden Skyers left London to play college soccer in the United States, she wasn’t sure she’d made the right decision. Four years later, she graduated from university and signed her first professional contract.
Today, Eden is a professional footballer and defender for Watford FC. She’s also part of the Keystone Sports team, where she helps young athletes and their families learn about the US college pathway.
Eden knows exactly what it’s like to leave home, balance studying with college soccer, and chase the dream of becoming a professional footballer. That’s why she’s passionate about helping the next generation do the same.
Being a young footballer in the UK
Eden grew up in London, playing football from the age of 10. By the time she was 16 and training with Brighton Academy, she was good enough to dream about going professional. But there was a problem.
“There wasn’t a clear pathway at home where I could succeed both academically and professionally. I would have to choose between the two: either go pro and put my education on hold, or go to the US and compete in both at a high level.”
That’s a tough position to be in at 16, and it’s a situation many talented young players in the UK still face today. Eden didn’t want to choose between football and education, so she decided to pursue the US student-athlete pathway.
Getting recruited for college soccer
At 17, a coach from Jacksonville University in Florida found Eden on Instagram. It started with a random DM. Her parents were skeptical, and Eden had no real idea what she was getting into.
She figured it out anyway. After speaking with the coach, sending over her transcripts, sharing match footage, and scheduling her visa appointment at the US Embassy in London, she was on a plane to Florida.
It all worked out. Looking back, though, Eden remembers how uncertain the process felt.
“Now that I work at Keystone Sports, I can really appreciate how valuable it is to have a team supporting young players through every step of the process.”
She went through the college recruiting process without a roadmap. Today, she helps other players navigate it with one.
The moment the nerves hit
Even with everything in place, there was one moment when it all suddenly felt real.
“The first doubts I had honestly happened right when I was driving to the airport. It suddenly hit me that I’d committed to this. Leaving my family for such a long time really scared me.”
Those nerves are completely normal. For Eden, they disappeared quickly when two teammates picked her up at the airport and welcomed her to campus in sunny Florida.
“As soon as I got there, I knew I was going to be well looked after. I didn’t have to worry.”
Training like a professional athlete in the US
One thing that surprises many international players is just how physically demanding college soccer is. Eden noticed it immediately.
“In the US, there was definitely more emphasis on being an athlete. They make you really fast, fit, and strong. In the UK, there was more emphasis on technical skills and tactics.”
Rather than feeling overwhelmed, Eden embraced the challenge.
“I was in the best shape I’d ever been while I was in the US. Now I use everything I learned there in my professional career, and it gives me an advantage.”
Levelling up: Virginia Tech and the ACC
After two successful years at Jacksonville, Eden wanted a new challenge. She entered the transfer portal and earned a place at Virginia Tech, where she competed in the ACC – one of the top conferences in NCAA soccer.
“Playing in the ACC, you have a lot of eyes on you. There was a lot of attention when we made the NCAA Tournament, and it really helped me transition into the professional game.”
The US college pathway wasn’t a detour from a professional career. For Eden, it was the launchpad.
Coming home and going pro
After graduating, Eden had trials with Women’s Super League clubs while she was still in the US. In the end, her family influenced her decision. When they flew over for graduation, she realised it was time to return home.
She signed her first professional contract in the UK and brought everything she’d learned during four years of college soccer with her.
“The organisational skills are something I’ll always keep with me. It’s been ingrained in me to be on time and stay on top of everything I need to do. I’m so grateful for that.”
How college soccer made her a better player
Four years in the US helped Eden grow in every way. Moving to a new country as a young adult meant she had to adjust quickly. The confidence she built in herself and around new teammates has stayed with her throughout her professional career.
“Just coming into a team, being myself, feeling comfortable, and getting to know my teammates. I’m so used to that now.”
College athletes balance training, travel, matches, and a full academic schedule. Staying organised isn’t optional.
“It’s been ingrained in me to be on time and stay on top of everything I need to do.”
The education she received about strength, fitness, and recovery also changed how she approaches the game.
“What they taught us about injury prevention was incredible. From what I learned there, I know how to take care of my body, avoid injuries, and be the best player I can be.”
The biggest myth in women's football
Ask around and you’ll probably hear it: if you go to the US, you’re giving up your chance to play professionally in Europe.
Eden has heard that too, and she’s living proof it isn’t true.
“Sometimes people think that if you go to the US, you’re shutting yourself away from those opportunities. But being there is a great addition to your career if you want to go pro. It can definitely open doors.”
Her advice for any player thinking about taking the same path as her?
“Stay confident. Being in the US can open doors, 100%. Just believe in yourself and keep going.”
What Keystone Sports is all about
Eden’s story shows what’s possible when talented players get the right support at the right time. As a current professional footballer and Recruitment Associate, she helps young athletes and their families understand what it really takes to earn a football scholarship and follow the same path as her.
If you’re wondering whether the US college soccer pathway is right for you, Eden’s advice is simple: Go for it.
Start today by learning more about your chances to get recruited and play football in the USA. Fill out our free assessment form now.
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Paulina Romo
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