Aaron played college soccer – now doing a UN internship
How a soccer scholarship took a German defender from D1 college soccer to the United Nations in New York
Aaron Kronenberg from Lindlar, about 30 km from Cologne in Germany, is the soccer player who took the chance to take his sport and career to new heights.
As a defender, he played D1 college soccer and studied his Bachelor’s in International Relations & Affairs at The George Washington University in Washington D.C. He continued on the environmental path for his Master’s with an MSc in Environmental Management & Policy at the University of Denver.
The years of study paid off, and Aaron landed an internship at the United Nations Sustainable Development Group System-Wide Evaluation Office in New York. We got the chance to let Aaron tell us more about his time in the US as a student-athlete with a demanding yet rewarding schedule of soccer and studies.
You studied in the US for several years on a soccer scholarship. What exactly is that like?
I think the best way to answer this question is by describing a typical day in my life.
During the season, my daily routine looked roughly like this:
- 6:00–7:00 a.m.: Get up and walk the three minutes to the locker room
- Have breakfast with the team at the facility before training
- 7:30–8:15 a.m.: Prehab in the physio room and gym
- 8:30–10:00 a.m.: Training
- Lunch at the university dining hall
- 12:00–6:00 p.m.: University (lectures or assignments)
- Dinner
- Free time
As you can see, every day was well-structured, busy, and challenging, but I never felt overwhelmed. Whenever I needed support, there was a great support network of coaches, academic advisors, and professors who were all very understanding and helpful. So, it was very possible to combine high-level sports with a demanding degree.
What did you particularly enjoy about the student-athlete lifestyle?
Every morning, I had the opportunity to train at a high level with my teammates, who were like a second family to me and still are to this day. I was able to work hard and continue developing in a very demanding performance environment that brought out the best in me.
From midday onward, I had the opportunity to pursue my academic interests at a high level on great campuses. In the evenings, there were plenty of opportunities for leisure activities, thanks to the great locations of the two universities I attended.
Overall, it was a really cool lifestyle, but at the same time, it was also very demanding. Personally, this challenging daily routine had a very positive impact on me, both as a player and as a person. It helped me grow significantly.
Which achievement will you always remember?
From a soccer perspective, I had the opportunity to play in great stadiums with amazing atmospheres. I will also never forget making it to the Division I Final Four. However, for me, it was mainly the small interactions and moments that you experienced every day with the team in the locker room and at training that made the time so special. That is where friendships for life were formed.
How did Keystone Sports help you on your journey to the US?
As with many things in life, getting started is often the hardest part. I felt comfortable with Keystone Sports from the very beginning. They offer every athlete a unique platform to showcase themselves, both online and through a very well-organized soccer showcase event.
What I liked most, however, was that I was dealing exclusively with great people who answered every question quickly and always had my best interests at heart.
Would you recommend the US college pathway for young athletes?
If you are willing to step outside your comfort zone, see and experience new things, learn a new language, and at the same time are really passionate about soccer or your respective sport, then I would recommend making the move to anyone.
What have you been doing athletically and professionally since returning from the US, and how has your time in the US helped you on this journey?
I’m currently doing an internship at the UN in New York, with the Sustainable Development Group’s System-Wide Evaluation Office. This opportunity was made possible by the academic degrees I earned in the US – and even more importantly, by the growth mindset I developed during my time in America. All thanks to the great team culture.
As a student-athlete, you had to learn how to deal with pressure, stay well organized, always have a team-oriented mindset, and not take criticism personally. Instead, you must learn from it. I was able to carry these experiences into my professional life, which has helped me succeed and secure my position.
Ready to write your own story like Aaron’s? Keystone Sports is Europe’s largest college recruiting company and helps international athletes get recruited and secure sport scholarships in the US and Canada.
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