Matilda Diedrichsen
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 Matilda Diedrichsen, field hockey player from Germany studying at La Salle University, to give a glimpse into her student-athlete experience.
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025: This is what living it really feels like.
Life as a Student-Athlete
Matilda reflects on her journey as a student-athlete in the US. College sports opened doors to new experiences and opportunities, challenging her to grow in every aspect of her life.
“My student-athlete experience in the U.S. has been amazing so far—studying in a great academic program while playing field hockey has given me the best of both worlds. The school environment is exciting, offering countless new opportunities both academically and athletically.
Being part of a team here has not only helped me grow as a player but also as a person, as I’ve learned to adapt to a new culture, manage my time, and become more independent. Overall, it’s been a life-changing journey of self-growth, learning, and making unforgettable memories.”
A Welcoming Campus Community
Matilda shares her thoughts on campus environment and the unique atmosphere that makes her university feel like a second home. With a friendly community and plenty of activities to join, she feels a strong sense of belonging.
“The atmosphere on my campus feels really special and personal. Since my university is a small school, I feel completely comfortable and at home. Walking across campus, I’m always running into friends and saying hi, which creates a real sense of community. There are a lot of international students too, which makes the environment open and welcoming, and it’s been easy to connect with people from all over the world.
What I love is that there’s always something going on, whether it’s sports games to watch, campus events, or other activities that bring people together. Overall, my campus has started to feel like a true second home.”
Team Culture and Personal Growth
In college sports, team culture plays a crucial role. Its dynamics shape athletes in new ways and help them develop certain habits. Matilda shares how being part of her team has influenced her journey, both as an athlete and as a person.
“Being part of a team in the U.S. has helped me grow both as an athlete and as a person in ways I didn’t expect. Team culture here is really strong, and it’s taught me the importance of being selfless and putting the team’s goals above my own. I’ve learned to take more responsibility for my actions, stay accountable to myself and my teammates, and communicate more openly.
Training and competing alongside people from different backgrounds has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, stay disciplined, and value every role within the team. This experience has shaped me into a more focused, supportive, and mature person both on and off the field.”
Favorite Memory as a Student-Athlete
During the student-athlete journey, players create unforgettable memories, sometimes through a single special moment, other times through established traditions. For Matilda, her team’s pre-game routines stand out as some of the most memorable experiences of her journey.
“One of my favorite memories with my team has to be our pre-game moments in the locker room. We always have this little transition time where we go from just hanging out to slowly getting into game mode.
It usually starts with some music, turning into a mini dance party where everyone lets loose and has fun together. Then, as game time gets closer, the energy shifts—we get more focused, but still keep that positive, hyped-up vibe.
Those moments of laughing, dancing, and then locking in as a team are something I’ll never forget. It’s such a unique mix of fun and focus that really brings us together.”
An Acquired Cultural Habit
Living in a new country often brings unexpected lessons and small changes in everyday life. Many students pick up cultural habits that might feel like a shock at first, but after a few years in the US, these habits often become a natural part of who they are
“One culture habit I’m definitely taking home with me is the openness that Americans naturally have. People here are so willing to start a conversation, offer support, or simply ask how your day is going, even if they don’t know you well.
This openness has inspired me to be more approachable and friendly myself, whether it’s small talk with strangers or showing more support to people around me. It’s made me realize how powerful simple kindness and openness can be in making others feel welcome and connected, and that’s something I want to carry with me wherever I go.”
Advice for Future Student-Athletes in the US
After her years of experience as a student-athlete, Matilda shares her advice for those considering the same path.
“One piece of advice I’d give to new student-athletes is to stay open-minded and be ready for change and personal growth. Moving to a new country, joining a new team, and balancing academics and sports can feel overwhelming at first, but stepping outside your comfort zone is where the real growth happens.
Embrace new experiences, connect with people from different backgrounds, and be willing to learn—not just in the classroom or on the field, but in everyday life. Trust that every challenge will help you become stronger, both as an athlete and as a person.”
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