Jenna Fee Feyerabend
The Student-Athlete Experience: Growth and Passion in Action
The Student-Athlete Experience 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 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 Jenna Fee Feyerabend, a track and field athlete from Germany studying at San Diego State University, to give a glimpse into her student-athlete experience.
The Student-Athlete Experience: This is what living it really feels like.
What Being a Student Athlete Means
To give a better idea of what the experience is really like, Jenna describes it in her own words:
“Being a student-athlete is one of the best experiences I’ve had so far. It’s a privilege and an honor to pursue both my academic and athletic goals within a system that truly wants to see me succeed. “
The stadiums, the campuses, the cities — they’re all part of the experience. But the memories that truly stick are the people and the relationships:
“The relationships I’ve built with my coaches, teammates, friends, classmates, and professors have been incredibly valuable and supportive. My team has helped me grow both as a person and as an athlete by affirming and supporting me when I needed encouragement or prayer. Training together and putting in the work side by side has made it easier to remind each other of our potential. At the same time, my teammates have helped me grow by being honest and calling me out when needed – and I truly appreciate that. I know I can reach out to any of them for advice or help, and having that kind of trust and support is an amazing feeling.” – Jenna
And then there’s the bigger picture: a system unlike anything else in the world, one that refuses to make you choose between your dreams. Jenna explains:
“Studying at a college in the U.S. has also taken a huge pressure off me – it allowed me to continue competing in my sport while earning my degree, giving me the opportunity to live out both passions at the same time.”
How the U.S. Experience Shapes International Athletes
For most international athletes, moving to the U.S. is a big change. It can feel overwhelming at first. Being far from home, adjusting to a new culture, and finding your place. But it’s also a chance to grow in ways you never expected:
“My first year in the U.S. was a very difficult transition, as I missed home and had to adjust to an entirely new system and culture. Not feeling at home and trying to find a sense of belonging was one of the toughest phases of my experience here. However, during my second year, I began to feel more confident and independent in my daily life.” – Jenna
Daily training and competition naturally foster growth as an athlete, and at the same time, personal development happens alongside it. Jenna talks more about how the experience has shaped her on a personal level:
“My time in the U.S. has shaped me into a more self-reflective, empathetic, resilient, hopeful, creative, and passionate version of myself. Being immersed in such a diverse environment – a true melting pot of cultures – has helped me discover who I want to be and how I want to define myself. It taught me what my priorities are and what truly matters most to me.”
The Resources and Support
Being a student-athlete is rarely a straight path. There are highs and personal bests, but also setbacks that test your patience and resilience. Injuries, especially, can change an entire season and force tough decisions. In those moments, the support system around you makes all the difference. This is something Jenna has experienced firsthand:
“My last semester as a student-athlete was very a very emotional as I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism while struggling with a back injury throughout the entire season. During the indoor season, I was able to get 10th at the D1 NCAA championships, but my back pain was preventing me from reaching my full potential. Consequently, we decided that it would be the smartest choice to redshirt the outdoor season and focus on fully healing my back. With the help of my coach, parents, friends, professors, and the SDSU support staff, I was able to enjoy my time and make the most out of my last semester as an undergraduate. This experience proved that I’m surrounded by the right people who support me through both challenges and successes.”
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Being a student-athlete puts a strong emphasis on the word student. Balancing academic responsibilities while training and competing at a high level requires focus, discipline, and time management. Jenna shares more about her experience in the classroom and how she combined her studies with top-level competition:
“I am studying Sports Management. It’s something I find interesting, and the major is known to be good at the University of Arkansas. As a student-athlete I received support from the tutors, they really helped me pass all my classes. They understood what came with being a student athlete. It is important to understand this: when you’re studying, study, when you’re at the track, train. Focus your energy on improving at your sport and use the remaining time to turn in assignments.”
We also asked Jenna about her proudest academic moment as an undergraduate student at SDSU. She shares:
“My proudest moment so far has been my graduation in Spring 2025. I felt incredibly happy, accomplished, and grateful to be recognized for my achievements. Being able to celebrate this milestone with my family and friends made the moment even more meaningful.”
Final Advice to Other Athletes
Choosing the right college program is one of the most important decisions for a student-athlete. It’s not just about finding the right academic fit, but also about matching the athletic level, coaching staff, team culture, and overall environment. With so many opportunities available across the country, it can be easy to focus on reputation or impressive facilities. Jenna shares her thoughts on the recruiting process and how to make a grounded, thoughtful decision:
“If you’re considering becoming a student-athlete in the U.S., I’d recommend taking the recruiting process seriously and really getting a feel for which program fits you best. Focus on what feels right rather than what looks right. Don’t let yourself be blinded by big facilities, large budgets, or big-name programs. At the end of the day, what truly matters is choosing a program that supports you as a person and helps you reach your individual goals – both in sports and in life.”
And once you make it to college, how do you know you mad the right decision?
“The moment I saw great improvements in my sport made me realize I had made the right choice of coming here. After graduation, I plan to continue with track and field. My advice to anyone thinking about becoming a student-athlete in the U.S. is simple: just do it.” – Jenna
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