Candela Pérez Castellanos
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025: Growth and Passion in Action
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025 is more than just a name — it’s a campaign built on the voices of international student-athletes who live, train, and compete in the U.S. every single day. No one understands what it’s like to be an international student-athlete in 2025 better than someone living it right now.
Train. Study. Compete. Grow.
Through real stories from around the world, we’re showing what it means to give everything to the sport you love, your education, and your future while building a new life thousands of miles from home.
Because it’s not just about matches or titles. It’s about the drive, the sacrifice, the growth, and the community you find along the way. Being a student-athlete in 2025 is demanding but powerful, unforgettable, and an experience you carry with you forever.
We asked Candela Perez Castellanos, basketball player from Spain studying at Warren Wilson College, to give a glimpse into her student-athlete experience.
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025: This is what living it really feels like.
College Basketball Experience
Entering her final year of college in the U.S., Candela shares her journey as a basketball student-athlete. She gives us a first-hand look at college sports in 2025, the challenges that helped her grow, and the unforgettable moments she’ll always remember.
“Being a student-athlete means everything to me. It is the perfect balance in my life: studying what I love and playing my favorite sport. I feel that I am my true self when I can do both.
My freshman and sophomore years of basketball were tough. The first university I attended gave me a lot of experience and lessons, which I will be forever grateful for. However, most of my time was dedicated to basketball. I liked the culture of basketball and all the work we had to put into it, but I was the only international on the team and I didn’t play as much as I do now.
I transferred to Warren Wilson College, and here I feel they take me more into consideration. I feel I can be more myself, playing the style of basketball I like. Now, at my new college, I enjoy my sport even more, and it is the perfect balance between academics, work, and basketball.
Basketball here is different. The culture in the US is more focused on sport. It is more structured, and more people attend the games. We watch game film, study the opponents, have meetings… it is more professional.
During the season, it’s hard to find free time. When we’re not practicing, we study or work; when we’re not studying or working, we rest. I try to find time to hang out and have time for myself. Balance is key, so I know that if I don’t have fun in basketball, there is no point in playing.
If I had to choose a favorite moment from this year, it would be a home game when our team was really close, and they fouled a teammate who had to leave the court due to an injury. I took the responsibility, and I shot the free throws. I made them. After that, still tight score in the game, I scored an important layup after a great defense as a team. I remember my teammates cheering us on. I love it when we all support each other.
We pushed each other to be our best version. We practice together in our free time and arrive early at home games to shoot.”
Campus Life That Feels Like Home
Campus life plays a big role in the student experience, and in the United States, it is given special attention. Candela shares what makes life on campus unique, from social activities and events to the friendships and support networks students enjoy.
“My campus is the most welcoming and open place I have ever been to. I love how everyone is open-minded and close to each other. We are not a big university, and I like that. My advisors are excellent, and the professors are always willing to help. My international friends are amazing, and I love the sports environment. On this campus, I am learning things I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else.
As international students, we have many events to join both on and off campus. I appreciate how much they care about us. I also loved participating in the Big Earth Gay Day parade around campus.
My favorite part of campus is the river. It’s calming, and I can relax while enjoying the nature around me.
Here, I am the happiest version of myself. It’s not just because of the effort I’ve put in, but also because of the great relationships I’ve built on this campus. People are so kind here.”
Academic Experience as a Student-Athlete
The U.S. college system can be very different from what most students are used to in their home countries. Candela shares her experience adapting academically and discovering her passion. She offers tips that can help other student-athletes make this transition smoother.
“Academically, it has been easy to adapt. You just need to be organized and maintain good communication with peers, professors, and coaches.
I’m studying Psychology with a minor in Art. At first, I was an Art major, and due to the requirement to have a minor, I tried Psychology. I liked it so much that I decided to do a double major. When I changed schools, not all my Art credits transferred, so I ended up keeping Art as a minor.
The support I receive from my professors and advisors is the best I could ask for. They reply as soon as they can to emails or WhatsApp messages, always have a huge smile on their faces, and check on us regularly.
During the season, it is hard to find free time. But I try to make time to hang out with friends and also have moments for myself.”
Adaptation to a New Culture
One of the biggest fears for many athletes before moving to the U.S. is how well they will adapt. The culture can be unique and very different, but this challenge helps students become their best selves. Candela has developed new habits and traits that have helped her grow as a person.
“The transition to a new country wasn’t rough at all. The toughest thing, I guess, is that I am always hungry after dinner, before going to sleep. This surprised me the most about people in the US: they have lunch and dinner very early. Also, they take the car everywhere.
A habit I picked up here is being more independent, which, thanks to living abroad, has become a bigger part of my personality. It’s not specifically cultural, but the experience of living in another country builds your strengths and makes you more focused.
While abroad, I keep texting my family and friends, sending pictures of my daily life, and calling them. Thanks to living in the US, I have realized that family is the most important thing, and also who your real friends are.”
Making Friends as a Student-Athlete
Making friends and feeling at home is a big part of the college experience. In this section, Candela shares how she built connections, found a supportive community, and created lasting friendships on campus.
“It was so easy to make friends because I met a girl from South Africa who introduced me to other international students. Then, I met some teammates, and I started getting to know more athletes.
At Warren Wilson, we are like a family: we hang out with the coach and their kids. She is always there for me, and it just feels great, a comfortable environment with good people.
I’ll definitely keep these friends forever. I already have friends from my previous university whom I don’t see often, but we still talk a lot. Some of them came to visit me at my new school. They are more than welcome to come to Spain, and they have told me the same about their countries.”
Reflecting on Her Journey
Candela reflects on her years in the U.S. and how they have shaped her into the person she is today. Was playing college basketball in the U.S. the right choice for her?
“I am so proud of who I am becoming. I am independent and strong, and I have grown so much thanks to living abroad and playing basketball. I organize trips to make the most of my college breaks, and I became the President of the Worldwide Club. My mindset has improved thanks to everything I’ve experienced in basketball and in the United States.
If you are willing to adapt to a new culture, face moments of loneliness, get up for 5:30 am practices, make friends that will last a lifetime, grow through your sport, and study in a different way… come to the U.S.
Looking at who I am now, I realize I made the right decision to come here.
My advice for other student-athletes is: Keep working hard. Focus on what you can do. What is meant to be will be.”
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