Sara Batchadji: Pursuing her dreams with a soccer scholarship
Four years as a student-athlete with new friendships, personal growth, and a transfer to division I soccer
Sara Batchadji from Lübeck, Germany, is making the most of her college soccer experience in the USA. Alongside playing competitive soccer, she is studying Premedical Physics and working toward her bachelor’s degree.
From 2023 to 2025, Sara played NCAA Division II soccer at Florida Tech, where she helped her team win the NCAA Division II National Championship and earned several individual honors. Now, she is taking the next step in her athletic career after transferring to the University of Iowa to compete in NCAA Division I soccer during her senior year.
We spoke with Sara about her experiences as a student-athlete in the USA, the championship-winning moment she will never forget, and how her transfer to Division I is helping her pursue her goal of playing professional soccer after graduation.
You have been studying in the USA on an athletic scholarship for several years. What exactly is that like?
Studying in the USA on an athletic scholarship is like studying while also having a part-time job. Sports essentially become your part-time job, taking up at least 20 hours every week, while you also have to make sure you don’t neglect your studies.
This can sometimes be a bit challenging, but the great thing about being a student-athlete is that you receive an incredible amount of support. Everyone around you wants to help you reach your full potential, both athletically and academically.
Another great thing about an athletic scholarship is that most, and sometimes even all, of your education is funded through sports. This often includes student housing and meals as well, which takes a huge financial burden off your shoulders.
What do you particularly enjoy about your life in the USA?
The best part about studying in the USA is the people you meet and the memories you make. I never would have imagined that I would build so many new friendships with people from such different places.
What makes this experience so special is that you can earn a degree in four years, pursue your dream of playing sports professionally, and have an incredible amount of fun along the way.
I am now starting my fourth year, and I have been able to visit and travel to so many places across the USA with my team that I otherwise would never have seen. These experiences and the friendships I have made are what make my time here so special.
Would you recommend making the move to the USA to young players and athletes?
I would definitely recommend making the move to the USA to anyone, because I believe it helps you grow both as an athlete and as a person.
There are many different levels and teams with different philosophies at every level, so there is something for everyone. Another great thing is that you have the opportunity to develop and continue moving up to higher levels.
For example, I played Division II soccer for three years and have now transferred to a Division I school for my final year. This shows that there are opportunities to keep progressing throughout your college career.
There really is something for everyone, and it is an incredibly fun experience.
Which achievement or experience will you remember forever?
One experience I will remember forever is winning the National Championship with my team. That was definitely one of the best experiences of my life.
The girls I was able to share that experience with will always have a special place in my heart. I have built several lifelong friendships during my time here, and those are friendships I will cherish forever.
Winning a championship is an incredible achievement, but sharing such a special moment with teammates who have become close friends makes it even more meaningful.
How has Keystone Sports helped you on your journey to the USA?
Keystone Sports has helped me a lot, especially at the beginning, because the process can sometimes be complicated to understand if you are unfamiliar with the system.
Keystone helped me with video footage, contacting coaches, making my decision, the testing and visa process, and everything else involved.
They have also supported me with my university transfer and helped me get in touch with coaches. Having this support throughout the process has been really valuable, especially when navigating a system that can be unfamiliar at first.
What are your plans for life after the USA, both athletically and professionally, and how are you working towards them?
After graduating, I plan to play soccer professionally for a few years, either continuing in the USA or moving to Europe.
At the same time, I also plan to look for internships and potentially a job, since I will have earned my bachelor’s degree by then.
Right now, I am focusing more on my professional soccer career and discussing my options with my coaches. Many coaches in the USA have excellent connections with coaches at professional clubs, so you receive a lot of support and guidance in that area as well.
Having the opportunity to combine my academic education with high-level soccer has opened up different possibilities for my future, both on and off the field.
Sara’s journey began at a Keystone Sports College Soccer Showcase, where she received multiple soccer scholarship offers. Want to follow in her footsteps? Register for this year’s soccer showcase for the opportunity to showcase your skills in front of college coaches looking to recruit international players!
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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.
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