December 13, 2024

How to Prepare for Studying in the USA as a Student-Athlete

Interview with a Tennis Player on Preparing for College Life in America

Discover how to prepare for university as a student-athlete with tips from Mariia – tennis player at University of Louisiana Monroe. Learn how Keystone Sports Performance Program can help you prepare both mentally and physically, so you can perform at your best as both an athlete and a student!

Preparing both athletically and mentally is key to making the most of your sports scholarship. Understanding how to prepare for studying in the USA as a student-athlete goes beyond skill and talent.

As an athlete in the university system, you’re entering a structured environment where you are both a student and an athlete. Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. Balancing academics, sports, and a new culture can be challenging.

Mariia Iordanova was recruited by the University of Louisiana Monroe and secured a tennis scholarship. We had the opportunity to ask her how she prepared herself before heading to the US as a tennis student-athlete.

1. How did you prepare mentally and physically before leaving for university in the US?

“Before leaving for the US, I felt physically ready. However, mentally, I spent a long time preparing myself for being away from my family, starting a new life in a different place, and balancing the demands of university and tennis.“

2. What were some things you focused on improving before starting university sports?

“One of the most important things I worked on was improving my English and ensuring my grades met the admission requirements. I also focused on my physical fitness, knowing that training at the university would be intense.“

3. Did you receive any advice or tips from coaches or mentors? If so, what were they?

“I received plenty of advice from my coaches about my on-court performance. They also gave me recommendations about studying in the US, handling documentation, communication, and what to expect from moving to a university abroad.“

4. How did you balance preparing for academics alongside your athletic training?

“My training schedule didn’t change before the move, but I dedicated more time to studying to achieve good grades at school. I also made an effort to practise English more since I struggled with it.”

5. Was there anything challenging about preparing for such a significant transition?

“The hardest part of my preparation was managing all the studying. It made me very anxious about both the entrance exams and my final exams at school.“

6. What were the most important items you packed for your academic and athletic life?

“I tried to pack lightly for the move. For academics, I brought only my laptop, and for athletics, I packed just my tennis equipment.“

Prepare for U.S. College Life with Keystone Sports Performance Programme

Being well-prepared mentally and physically is essential for students heading to university, especially those with sports scholarships who aim to train and compete at a high level. That’s why we launched Keystone Sports Performance Program earlier this year.

Created with the unique challenges of student-athletes in mind, we’ve partnered with two internationally renowned experts, Dr Darren Treasure and Clive Brewer, to develop a comprehensive sports performance programme. Focusing on both mental and physical performance, this programme supports you in reaching your full potential as both an athlete and a student.

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About the author

Malin Büchner

Malin Büchner, Marketing Project Manager at Keystone Sports, holds a Master’s degree in Sport Management. With her experience as a Division 1 tennis player at Jacksonville State University, she understands the challenges and opportunities that come with being a student-athlete. Malin uses her expertise and passion to help aspiring talents achieve similar experiences and fulfill their dreams of a successful sports and academic career in the USA.