My Experience In Women’s College Football In The United States
Student-athlete Lorena Montañés shares her university experience and compares women’s football in the USA and Europe.
Lorena Montañés is a Spanish student-athlete who played Division I soccer at Fresno State in California where she completed a double degree. Then, she transferred to Point Park University to pursue a master’s degree. During her college football career, she has competed at the highest level playing against some of the best teams in the USA, including national champions Stanford, UCLA, and Santa Clara.
Read about her experience and discover women’s football scholarships in the United States.
Why Women’s College Football in the United States?
When I was 18, I received a college football scholarship in the United States. At that time, I felt that at home women’s football was far behind the men’s game in terms of resources, recognition, and opportunities.
Europe relies mainly on clubs for players’ development. Most teams don’t have the funds or resources for female athletes to combine football and an university degree at a high level. I was looking for better opportunities to play and study at the same time. Thanks to Keystone Sports I obtained a football scholarship in the USA.
Remarkable Resources and Support for Athletes
When I arrived in California, I was impressed by the level of resources and support available to us.
In addition to the coaching staff, we have a team of trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists, sports psychologists, as well as a media team. The team’s staff are available throughout the day, so you can go check with them whenever it works best for you. This is great when you have a busy schedule with classes and training sessions.
The facilities available are amazing. From large gyms to a changing room with massage sofas (ideal for taking a nap between classes). We have access to a “fueling station,” a room stocked with food and drinks to fuel athletes. The training room is also exceptionally equipped, with ice pools, jacuzzis, and advanced technology.
Combine Athletics and Academics as a Women’s College Football Player
In the US, the university facilitates your sports career, and the sports department assists with academics. You don’t have to choose one over the other.
As a student, you don’t have to worry about missing a lecture due to a match or team travel. Professors work with you to rearrange exams and assignments that you might miss.
As an athlete, you can receive additional academic support. At Fresno State, the sports department provides tutors for all student-athletes. Let’s say that you are struggling with a subject, you can get a tutor to help you during the term, or just for a specific assignment. Each team is also assigned an sports advisor who checked on how each player was doing with their studies.
I was also impressed by how they prepare athletes for their professional careers beyond sports. The sports department organizes career fairs where you can network with representatives from multiple companies. This presents great internship and job opportunities.
Women’s college football in the United States is markedly different from the style of football played in Europe. In Europe, you’ll find more technically skilled players, while the US is known for its physical style of play. This has forced me to improve my strength and speed, making me a more complete player.
Women’s football scholarships open doors to a more professional athletic experience. As a Division I women’s football player, I felt like a professional athlete for the first time. Most of my day is dedicated to the sport I love. I have everything I need to excel.
In 2023, Keystone Sports helped 225 women’s football players get a scholarship in the United States. Complete the free assessment and take the first step towards your women’s college football career.
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About the author
Lorena Montañés
Current student-athlete in the United States completing an MBA in Business Analytics. Born in Pamplona, Spain, she decided to continue her football career in the US. She played DI football at California State University, Fresno, while earning a double degree in Mass Communication and Journalism, and Psychology. She aims to empower other student-athletes to achieve their dreams and have a life-changing experience.
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