Graduate Success Stories: Selma, Sondre and Håkon
Three International Student-Athletes' Academic and Athletic Achievements
We just passed graduation – one of the most emotional milestones in any student’s journey. At Keystone Sports, we’re proud to celebrate our student-athletes as they close this chapter and step into whatever comes next.
We talked to some of this year’s graduates, and their stories speak for themselves: hard work, resilience, and proof of what dedication can achieve.
Learn more about this spring’s graduates and get inspired by their stories and achievements!
Selma Elverum
University at Albany | NCAA Division I | Soccer
Selma Elverum from Elverum, Norway, built a life as a student-athlete at the University at Albany in New York. While earning a degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, she competed in NCAA Division I women’s soccer.
Balancing elite sport with rigorous academics is the non-stop student-athlete challenge. Selma graduated with an impressive 4.0 GPA and earned America East All-Rookie honors in her freshman year. She was also named to the America East All-Conference Second Team as a sophomore. Her junior and senior years brought Dean’s List recognition and Preseason All-Conference honors.
Now, with her degree in hand, Selma is heading home to Norway to pursue a master’s in Psychology. She’s drawn to forensic psychology and the psychology of law – fields where she can dig into the complexity of human behavior and how psychology intersects with justice.
When Selma looks back on her years as a student-athlete in the U.S., it’s the people she mentions first. The friendships forged through early morning trainings and long road trips. The shared moments that became memories she’ll carry for life.
“Being part of a team,” she says, “gave me relationships and experiences I’ll never forget.”
Her advice to others? Go for it. Don’t let fear hold you back from something that could change your life. Studying and playing sports in the U.S. is a rare opportunity. It’s full of growth, friendship, and experiences you could never have imagined. And if it turns out not to be the right fit, you come home knowing you were brave enough to try.
Interested in hearing more about Selma’s life as a soccer student-athlete?
Read her full student-athlete experience!
Håkon Torvbråten
Kentucky Wesleyan College | NCAA DII | Soccer
Just like Selma, Håkon Torvbråten had a successful career in the United States. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration, he played soccer for the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers.
Håkon received the Business Administration Award for the most outstanding business student across all disciplines. He was also thriving in his football career and winning awards such as the Men’s Marisue Coy Award for Best Combined Athletic and Academic Career at Kentucky Wesleyan College, among others.
“The best thing about being a student-athlete is being able to play highly competitive soccer every day for four years with people from all over the world, while also graduating with a respected degree.” – Håkon Torvbråten
Håkon emphasizes the opportunity to meet international students that studying at Kentucky Wesleyan College has given him: “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and talk to people. You will get friends and connections for life that are from all over the world.”
Now that he has completed his degree, his plan is to return to Europe for an internship at DNB Large Corporations and International. He will also prepare to begin an MSc in Finance at Bayes Business School in London later this year.
In the middle: Håkon Torvbråten
Sondre Haugen
Wilmington College | NCAA Division III | Swimming
Sondre Haugen from Norway went to Wilmington College in Ohio to swim and study Business Marketing.
In the pool, Sondre was hard to beat. He was named Wilmington College Swimmer of the Year three times, OAC Swimmer of the Year, and Athlete of the Year in his final season. He also won the OAC Clyde Lamb Award. In the classroom, he made the Dean’s List every single year and earned Academic All-OAC honors three times. He also received the Scholar Athlete Award from Kiwanis International twice.
Now he’s heading home to Kristiansand in Norway, where he plans to work as a swim coach and keep swimming and competing at a professional level. After a couple of years, he wants to join the Norwegian special forces. One day, maybe even become a head coach.
For Sondre, the best part of being a student-athlete at college was the people. “The connections you build with everyone you meet throughout your stay” – that’s what he’ll remember most.
His advice to anyone thinking about doing the same journey as him? “Find a place where you can see yourself grow, somewhere that pushes you outside your comfort zone.”
Your Story Could Be Next
Selma, Sondre, Håkon – each of them took a chance, and it paid off! Their journeys are proof that combining sport and education in the U.S. is one of the most rewarding things a young athlete can do.
If you’re curious about whether it’s the right path for you, start with our free evaluation. Our team will tell you more about your options and take the first step.
Share this article:
About the author
Paulina Romo
Paulina Romo, Communications Manager at Keystone Sports, holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has a background in equestrian sports, specializing in dressage. Shaped by international experience gained from work and studies in Sweden, South Korea, Germany, and Spain, Paulina brings a diverse blend of marketing skills and perspectives to her role.
More related articles
Lene Mary Bolkesjø Hovda, new champion of the Norwegian national tennis championship
Lene Mary Bolkesjø Hovda, currently a student-athlete on a tennis scholarship, is the new champion of the Norwegian Tennis Championship!
My Experience in Women’s College Soccer in the United States
Discover how women’s college soccer scholarships in the United States offer unique resources, opportunities, and support. Student-athlete Lorena Montañés shares her firsthand experience and compares women’s soccer in the US and Spain.
College Golf Spring Break: Exploring Kiawah Island and Hawaiian fairways
Women’s golf is one of the most popular sports at universities in the US. But what is it like to be a college golf student-athlete? You get to travel and compete in incredible locations – like Kiawah Island and Hawaii!
