Clara Elsholz
| Sport | Soccer |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| University | Eastern Washington University |
| Major | Bachelor in International Management |
| Sport | Soccer |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| University | Eastern Washington University |
| Major | Bachelor in International Management |
A year before I graduated from high school, I was thinking about what the next step could be. Since I always had the idea to go abroad, this was the perfect combination for me. It gave me the chance to continue playing soccer and start my studies. In addition, the conditions in the USA were much better than in Germany.
First of all, you have to distinguish between the season, spring season and off-season. In the preparation for the season and the off-season you have a lot of training sessions. Since the preparation starts in the lecture-free time, it is really relaxed at first. You can concentrate super on the sport and spend a lot of time with the team. During that time, you’re on the soccer field almost every day, even several times, and you have at least two games or even preparation tournaments on the weekends.
Then, when the lectures start, the season usually starts as well. During this time, you spend a lot of time in the classroom and then have training. On the weekends there are always two games. The season lasts until the end of October/beginning of November and then the training intensity is reduced. In January and February, we often have strength training in the morning and organize ourselves into small groups. This leaves a lot of free time and you can concentrate very well on university and enjoy the free hours after university. The intensity of the training increases towards spring. This means that we are together more often on the training field and also have individual test matches. In summer there will be a break for a few months before the season starts again.
To sum it up, the season consists exclusively of university, soccer and sleeping, and the off-season months are more relaxed. There you have more time to meet with friends and do something.
At first I had a lot of respect for the language and how I was going to manage at university. Because speaking English is one thing, but then studying in English? Once I got there, I realized that you don’t have to worry about that. You get support from all sides and quickly get used to the language. This also makes it easier academically. It is helpful that general classes are taken at the beginning. This gives you time to get used to the language and the requirements in a variety of subjects.
Let’s start with the facilities: WOW. Really. The standard in the USA can hardly be compared to the one here in Germany. The universities have an incredibly good sports infrastructure. There are several courts, some of them indoor, a weight room, physio rooms, ice baths, etc. Really everything you can imagine. As a result, the possibilities for training are also greater. Athletics is the most important aspect of training. The weight room means that work is also done there. Overall, the training is faster and more intensive.
At home games, we meet in the dressing rooms on match day. Which, by the way, is really a little oasis of well-being. Together we start with a little activation and the girls who need treatment plan time for it. Then it goes into the cabin and the procedure there is similar to here in Germany. We get ready together, talk to the coaches and then warm up on the court. The playing system in college allows for free substitutions. This also gives all players the chance to get playing time.
For away games, it is a little different. In my division, the distances were sometimes very long. That means we flew to them with a smaller squad. 18 girls were allowed to join us and we usually left a day before the game. Once we arrived at the opposing university, we checked into a hotel and had dinner together. Depending on when the arrival was, we could also complete a short unit. The next morning, the schedule was the same as for the home games.
Train daily at the highest level and compete with up-and-coming athletes from around the world.
The USA offers you the best universities in the world: the academic content and methods are first-class and internationally recognized.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to develop personally in a short period of time: gain experience with other cultures and learn perfect English.
One thing is for sure: You will stand out positively for future employers with your international education.
YES – an athletic trainer, i.e. physio, was permanently available to us, as well as up to 3 other athletic trainers. In case of problems, we received our treatment there and were able to complete rehabilitation training.
In summary, it was one of the best experiences in my life. I was able to play soccer under the best conditions, find my way around a foreign country and start my studies. As a result, I grew in many ways and still benefit from my time there today. It really is a unique experience that I would do again and again.
In the USA, you have the best training opportunities and can combine sports with your studies in the best possible way. Something that is not possible in Germany, especially in a variety of sports. You don’t have to cut back on sports or studies and have a variety of options after your time. Especially sports, which are not so strongly promoted in Germany, can be pursued in the best way at the college. You can build a foundation there in sports and in the profession and build on it. Be it as a path to professional sports or a career in the profession. The time at the college prepares you for both in the best possible way.
