Deborah Schaudt
| Sport | Soccer |
| Position | Defensive Midfield |
| University | University of Tennessee Martin |
| Major | Bachelor in International Area Studies |
| Sport | Soccer |
| Position | Defensive Midfield |
| University | University of Tennessee Martin |
| Major | Bachelor in International Area Studies |
I wanted to develop my sporting skills first and foremost, but at the same time I didn’t want to neglect my academic career. In women’s soccer in particular, it would have been very difficult for me to study during my time as a soccer player. Through acquaintances, I learned at the time that the combination of soccer and university in the U.S. is super coordinated. Since I also really wanted to travel, it was clear to me that this option was ideal for me.
In the mornings I usually had lecture, which started at 08:00. We trained 3-4 times a week and had one or two games a week during the season (September to November). Sometimes we also met with the team in the morning for meetings or practice sessions.
I visited the dining hall three times a day. In the morning before the lectures started once, for lunch and for dinner. In the evenings, I liked to meet up again with friends or teammates. Often we went together to the games of the other sports (basketball, football, baseball, tennis, volleyball). In the spring season (off-season) I often went to the gym on campus before classes.
Academically, I was able to take away a lot for myself personally. First of all, of course, the language. Certain courses are required in the first two semesters. For me, that was perfect to get into. For example, I chose English, history and math as well as two courses from my major (international business). Unlike in Germany, I particularly liked the flexibility. I was able to get a taste of the “International Business” course I had chosen. However, I could have changed my major again. Due to injury, I returned to Germany after one year and continued my studies in Germany. I was able to get credit for the courses I had taken in the U.S. without any problems.
The training was much more athletic than I was used to from my team in Germany (SC Freiburg). I had to get used to that at the beginning. But that’s exactly why it was also the perfect opportunity for me to develop further. The facilities were top notch. We had a pitch to train and play on, a large physio room, a weight room and a huge gym.
At home games, we ate together and then took time for ourselves again. After that, we met with the team and the preparations started. The squad was usually discussed the night before. Many of our friends from the other sports teams were at our games. After the game, it was time to run out and stretch, and finally an ice bath. For away games, we usually arrived one or two days earlier and spent the night in a hotel. I have fond memories of those trips. It was nice to travel around the U.S. so much with the team.
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.
The athletic trainers were available 24/7 and the care was great. I unfortunately tore my ACL during my time there. However, I felt optimally cared for at every second. Our physio drove me to surgery at the time and then also gave me top care during my rehab. I couldn’t have imagined it any better.
Even though I didn’t get to play 4 years of college soccer as planned, my time at college was the springboard for my academic career. I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to learn English and then also completed my bachelor’s degree in Germany completely in English. I met many students from all over the world and it was a fantastic mix of first-class sports, studying, traveling and spending time with friends.
I think that an athletic scholarship in the U.S. offers an optimal opportunity to pursue sports without having to sacrifice your studies. Completing your bachelor’s degree while continuing to play soccer at a top level offers you a unique opportunity. As described above, this is accompanied by other things such as international exchange with other athletes or students and travel in the USA. You learn to take on responsibility very quickly and also develop personally a lot. Because of the perfectly equipped universities, you can also develop extremely well in sports. Some soccer players were able to use their college years as a springboard to the professional ranks. All doors are open to you, both athletically and academically. I can only recommend that you take this path!
