Marcel Maddeé | College Soccer | The Life as a Student-Athlete

Marcel Maddeé

Sport Soccer
Position Offensive Midfield
University Saint Peter’s University
Major Bachelor in International Business Management

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO PLAY COLLEGE SOCCER?

I chose this path to combine my academic and athletic goals and to develop myself linguistically and socially. I have also been to the US 1-2 times and really enjoyed my time there and really wanted to get to know the country more.

WHAT DID A TYPICAL DAY AS A STUDENT-ATHLETE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

As a rule, the first courses started early, around 8 am. Mostly the different courses went until about 2 pm. After that it was time for lunch. Then we went to the treatment room to get treated or to prepare for the training. Shortly after the training session followed. After the training you could have another treatment and then it was time for dinner. After dinner, there was usually time for free time. Every now and then we had a team meeting, a post-game analysis.

WHAT WAS YOUR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE LIKE AS A STUDENT-ATHLETE?

It was very challenging. I was able to learn a lot and took away a lot for later life. The university had very good professors in every academic area who took very good care of the students.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND FACILITIES?

The training was very demanding and was super led. I was able to develop very well in terms of soccer. The facilities were good. There were pools, ice baths, a large treatment room and the training fields were also very new. I didn’t want for anything.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL COLLEGE GAME DAY LOOK LIKE?

If it was a home match, the whole team went together to a restaurant for a pre-match breakfast. After that, we went to the team meeting and talked about everything important. Afterwards we went to the dressing room, some of the players went for treatment and then after the speech in the dressing room we went to the field. After the game, we usually ate together.
On an away trip, we met together in the parking lot and then took the bus to the away game. Depending on the planning, we also ate together in a restaurant or hotel before preparing for the game.

WHY COLLEGE SPORTS?

SOCCER

Train daily at the highest level and compete with up-and-coming athletes from around the world.

EDUCATION

The USA offers you the best universities in the world: the academic content and methods are first-class and internationally recognized.

DEVELOPMENT

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to develop personally in a short period of time: gain experience with other cultures and learn perfect English.

CAREER

One thing is for sure: You will stand out positively for future employers with your international education.

DID YOU HAVE ACCESS TO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS?

We had access to a physio at all times. The athletes could always go to the physio and get treatment.

SUMMARIZE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA

My time in the USA was an absolutely great experience. I developed a lot in many areas, both athletically and academically and socially. My language skills also improved a lot and I was able to make many contacts from all over the world, with whom I am still in constant exchange today. It was a very exciting time in which I learned a lot.

WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND OTHER ATHLETES TO GO TO THE USA?

I would always recommend it again, because I was able to develop not only from a sporting point of view, but also made many steps forward from a social and human point of view. I learned so much for life in the 4 years, which I probably wouldn’t have done in Germany.