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© 2025 International Student-Athlete Podcast
Description
The International Student-Athlete Podcast exists to give voice and a platform to international student-athletes in the United States. We are dedicated to sharing stories, exchanging advice, and providing insights that make the college journey more manageable, rewarding, and empowering. Through honest conversations and practical guidance, we aim to support international student-athletes in navigating academics, athletics, and life away from home.
Our vision is to build a connected community of international student-athletes in the U.S. — a space where experiences are celebrated, resources are shared, and challenges are transformed into opportunities. By amplifying diverse voices and fostering connection, we aspire to become a trusted resource that helps international student-athletes thrive on campus and create the life they dream about.
18 Episodes
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In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Marta, an international student-athlete from Bulgaria, who is currently a senior at Rollins College and a player on the volleyball team. Marta shares her experiences of moving to the US, the challenges she faced adapting to a new culture, and her unique approach to the college recruiting process. From her early days in Bulgaria to her current life balancing academics and athletics, Marta's story is one of resilience, determination, and th...
Can you imagine walking across your college campus and being approached by a coach who changes the course of your life? That’s how Flaubert Akepeu’s football journey began at the University of South Florida. Originally from Brazil, Flaubert first came to the U.S. to play basketball in high school before later transitioning to football in college. In this episode, Barbora sits down with him to explore how he balanced Division I football, a chemical engineering degree, and fraternity life — all...
In this episode, we’re joined by Maira Ogata, a Mental Performance professional and soccer coach, who shares insightful and practical tips on how student-athletes can take care of themselves both mentally and emotionally. Drawing from her own experience, Maira discusses the common challenges student-athletes face, how to overcome them, and ways to set yourself up for success—all while enjoying the unique journey and privilege of being a student-athlete. Maira's email address: maira.ogata@gmai...
In this episode, we are joined by Lyndsay Michel, Head Volleyball Coach at Indian Hills Community College, to talk all things recruiting. She shares valuable tips for both international and domestic athletes, insights on navigating transfers, and how a diverse team helps players grow on and off the court. If you’re looking to play at the next level, this conversation is packed with advice you won’t want to miss. Lyndsay's email: Lyndsey.Michel@indianhills.edu Lyndsay's bio: https://indi...
In this episode, we sit down with Andy Heston, Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services at Jacksonville University, a NCAA Division I program in Florida. With years of experience supporting student-athletes, Andy has been instrumental in helping them not only succeed academically but also make the most of their overall college journey. Andy shares valuable insights specifically for international student-athletes—from asking the right questions when making big decisions, to sei...
Anja, a junior libero from Serbia, has inspired many by taking a leap of faith and building her path from a small hometown to playing Division I volleyball at the University of Texas. She shares her recruiting journey, the challenges of transferring through the NCAA transfer portal, and the cultural adjustments that came with studying and competing in the US. Anja also opens up about her mental health strategies, favorite memories on and off the court, and the lessons she has learned from bal...
In this episode, we introduce Emma Heikkilä, a former soccer student-athlete from Finland! Emma shares her story of how playing for her national team led her to be spotted by an American coach and ultimately brought her to the U.S. She also talks about how committing to her team and persevering through both the highs and lows paid off when, in her final year, she and her teammates made school history. Lastly, Emma reflects on graduate school, graduate assistantship, and the importance of buil...
Suzana, a former indoor and sand volleyball student-athlete, has inspired many by leading through example and sharing her journey from high school to junior college and eventually to a Division I university. Now serving as a Division II sand volleyball head coach, Suzana walked us through her favorite memories, the struggles she faced, and the academic challenges turned into lessons. She also shares valuable insights on navigating the H-1B visa process, along with what players should prioriti...
Welcome to a new chapter of the International Student-Athlete Podcast! By starting a new series of episodes, I have the pleasure of introducing Nikoleta Kandić, a previous guest of this podcast and a good friend, as a new co-host of this podcast! As a start, we flip the script and Niki interviews me! We talk about my journey, what made me start this podcast, and how all the dots connect in hindsight. We hope you enjoy! Barb's Instagram: @la_chicacheca Barb's LinkedIn: https://www.link...
In this episode, I chat with Denis Petro, a former international soccer student-athlete from Slovakia. He talks about what it was like coming to the U.S. for college, how he balanced school and sport, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what he does as a young professional. Denis shares helpful advice for international student-athletes, including tips on preparing before you arrive, connecting your interests to your studies, and making the most of opportunities like STEM OPT. ...
In this episode, Barbora sits down with Lana Tererina to talk about her journey from Sweden to earning a college scholarship in the U.S. Lana shares insights on adapting to life as an international student-athlete, navigating cultural shifts, and stepping into leadership roles. You can also learn about Lana’s transition to post-grad life, her experience with the NCAA internship, and her upcoming Master’s program at UNC. She offers practical tips for international students on building resumes,...
What a great conversation with Nikoleta Kandić, a former volleyball student-athlete from Belgrade, Serbia! Niki shares her inspiring story of coming to the U.S. as a high schooler, overcoming language barriers, and navigating college life. We also dive into the reality of adjusting to life after college sports, building friendships, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Throughout the episode — and especially at the end — Niki offers some great advice you won't want to miss. We hope yo...
In this episode, I reflect on my journey as a grad student and generally these past 2 years. I open up about overcoming perfectionism, and the challenges and growth. I also dive into the importance of building genuine relationships, managing time wisely, and leaning on faith through uncertain times. As I face the unknown after graduation, I share lessons on setting boundaries, staying positive, and embracing change. This is a story about resilience, personal growth, and trusting the journey —...
As a wise person once said to me, transitions are messy. As you gear up for the post-college chapter of your life, I want to share some insights that may help you in contemplating your path before you're in a hot seat. It's not really about having everything meticulously planned out, but rather about cultivating a strategic mindset and a game plan that can smoothly guide you into the complexities of the "real world." Let me know what is/was the biggest challenge for you in transitioning from ...
I had the pleasure of talking to a remarkable individual, a long-time friend, Adam Holomoucky. Adam is not just an exceptional athlete but a lifelong student with a passion for studying human nature, marketing, and business. Originally from Czech Republic, he's currently an international triathlete pursuing an MBA at Queens University in North Carolina. Join us as we explore Adam's path from finishing his Bachelor's in the Czechia to representing his school in Charlotte and securi...
As much as I don't want to admit it, it's been a crazy ride! Heading onto my 6th year in the US, achieving academic, athletic, and professional success, and becoming a little better human being, are things I don't take much time to pause and reflect on. With a podcast sharing the stories of international students, I wanted to share a bit of my ups and downs, which can help you guys understand a bit better where I'm coming from and why sharing stories can be very helpful. Hope you enjoy it! &n...
Hi everyone! A new episode as promised! This time I had the fantastic opportunity to talk with Sigourney Kame, a former international volleyball student-athlete from Suriname. Sigourney had not only succeeded as an athlete, but also as a student, and a community member. She also had the privilege to represent Suriname as the Women's Volleyball National Team member since she was 13 years old. She had now earned 2 college degrees here in the US and had gained enormous professional experience. T...
International Student-Athlete Podcast is back! I shared a quick update about some life updates and what is coming up with the pod! Chime in! Support the show
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