Freija Aflenzer
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025: Growth and Passion in Action
The journey was unforgettable, filled with incredible memories I’ll cherish forever!
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 Freija Aflenzer, a soccer player from Austria studying at Eckerd College, to give a glimpse into her student-athlete experience.
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025: This is what living it really feels like.
Being a Student-Athlete in 2025
Freija reflects on her student-athlete experience in 2025. For her, it has been an unforgettable year full of happy memories but also unexpected challenges.
“My experience as a student-athlete in 2025 was amazing! Scoring goals and celebrating wins with my teammates. We built strong friendships while pushing each other.
However, not everything was perfect. A hurricane disrupted our season, testing our resilience. Despite the challenges, the journey was unforgettable, filled with incredible memories I’ll cherish forever!”
Academics and Career Path
Freija is just in her second year of university, yet she’s already confident and clear about the direction of her career.
“I am doing a double-major in International Relations and Global Affairs and International Business. I have decided to study this because I want to work within an international community but couldn’t decide if I want to work more in the public or private sector.”
Staying Connected to Home
Studying abroad is one of the biggest adventures, but it also comes with a set of emotional and practical challenges. For international students, the excitement of new opportunities is often accompanied by the reality of being thousands of miles away from family and friends.
The digital age has made staying connected easier than ever before. Yet this constant connectivity can also create its own challenges:
“Staying connected with my friends and family back home while embracing U.S. culture is tricky. I keep clear boundaries, I speak regularly with my family and friends from home, so I stay up to date and keep my life at home, but I try to not bother them too much with my issues. This way, I maintain my identity without losing touch with either side.”
More Than Teammates: A Family
In college, the team experience goes far beyond the sport itself. It often becomes like a second family, a close community that offers support both on and off the field. When you spend hours together training, traveling, and competing, you develop relationships that are built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and genuine care for each other’s wellbeing. These bonds are forged through early morning practices when everyone is tired but still shows up, through celebrating victories together, and through supporting each other through defeats and personal challenges.
“My team has become like a family to me. They support me in so many ways, from driving me to doctor’s appointments and going shopping, to being there when I’m not feeling well. We celebrated my birthday together, creating special memories that strengthened our bond. Their care and support truly make me feel at home!”
A Special Place on Campus
College life can be busy and hectic, but student-athletes often find special spots to unwind and recharge. Freija shares her favorite place on campus.
“My favorite spot on campus is a small deck. It’s the perfect place to do homework while enjoying the sun. I love sitting there watching dolphins and manatees swimming nearby.”
Lessons Learned During College
College sports provide student-athletes with many lessons beyond the game itself. Through the ups and downs of competition, teamwork, and personal challenges, athletes gain valuable insights. Freija reflects on one such lesson–something that deeply influenced how she approaches both her sport and life outside of it.
“The biggest lesson my sport has taught me during college is to never take anything for granted. Success, moments, and opportunities can slip away in a moment. I’ve learned to appreciate every game, every practice, and every moment spent with my teammates, as they can be gone before you know it.”
Advice for Future Student-Athletes
Freija shares her advice for future student-athletes thinking about studying in the U.S. She knows leaving home can be challenging but encourages others to take the chance.
“If you’re thinking about becoming a student-athlete in the U.S., just go for it! Your home will always be there, but you’ll gain new experiences and appreciate home even more.”
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