Tamara Bachmann
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025: Growth and Passion in Action
I have also found out a lot more about what I want to do in the future and have met so many people and cultures, that definitely broadened my view on a lot of things.
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 Tamara Bachmann, a tennis player from Switzerland studying at St Bonaventure University, to give a glimpse into her student-athlete experience.
The Student-Athlete Experience 2025: This is what living it really feels like.
Studying Abroad in the US and Embracing a New Chapter
Moving to the United States for college is a big step for many international student-athletes. Studying abroad in the US means learning to live independently, adapting to a new culture, and managing a completely different daily routine. But for most, these challenges quickly become life-changing experiences that help them grow in confidence, maturity, and self-awareness.
For Tamara, stepping onto the plane at just 17 to begin her college tennis journey in the U.S. was a leap into the unknown—but one that has shaped her life in countless ways:
“I think that it has changed me in a lot of ways. I came to the States when I was only 17 and going there by myself was a huge challenge. I would say it has made me way more independent, and I know I can live totally by myself. I have improved so many social skills and also time management skills, as being a student-athlete requires you to master both your grades and aswell your sport. I have also found out a lot more about what I want to do in the future and have met so many people and cultures along the way that definitely broadened my view on a lot of things.”
Where Time Management Skills Make All the Difference
The American university system can be quite different from what many international students are used to. From course flexibility to classroom expectations, there’s a learning curve in the beginning at college in the US. Thankfully, most schools have support systems in place to help students adjust, such as orientation weeks and required first-year seminars.
“It might take a little bit in the first place to understand everything, but it‘s pretty easy at the end of the day. As a freshman you also have to take a class that basically explains how everything works at University in America, so after that I felt like I had adapted quite quickly.”
Being a student-athlete means balancing academics, training, and competition all at once. It’s demanding, but developing strong time management skills is part of the experience—and those skills will benefit you long after college.
“I think it is important to manage your time well, and plan things ahead of time. Your schedule usually isn’t the same every day but if you plan your days out ahead of time you will not get stressed out and have enough time to complete everything.”
Finding Your Place on Campus
Campus life in the U.S. is a major part of the overall college experience. You’ll find campuses of all sizes, small private colleges or large public universities, so you can choose the environment that fits your ideal student life. Campuses are designed to offer a sense of community. Here, student-athletes can enjoy the balance of academics, athletics, and social life all in one place.
“I love that our campus isn’t too big, which makes it feel like it‘s always very vivid and you can really see the student life everywhere. There are very nice places all around, no matter if it‘s the food options or places to sit and have fun with friends. Especially in the summer months, it‘s always great to sit by the bonfires that they have and enjoy a night with friends”
From Solo to Squad: College Tennis as a Team Sport
In the U.S., college tennis transforms a solo sport into a team experience. While this setup differs from what many international single tennis players are used to, most end up loving it. One big reason: the team spirit in college sports is hard to beat!
“I think it is important to never forget that you are part of a team there, and that‘s what makes it so much fun. All the activities and travels with the team are such great experiences and those are what you will end up remembering about your 4 years, not so much the results even though they of course also matter. And always remember when you‘re playing, you are playing for the team as well and they have your back, that helped me a lot getting through tough matches.”
Off the court, teammates often form close bonds that go beyond matches and practices.
“I loved going on spring break this march to Florida with them. We stayed in our own houses and cooked together every day, which was an amazing experience. We also played some great matches down there and did some other fun activities. Definitely a week to remember!”
College Friendships That Turn Campus Into Home
Living and training with teammates helps student-athletes form strong college friendships quickly. Sharing the highs and lows of college sports creates a special bond from the start. At the same time, getting to know people outside the team adds variety to your social life.
“I moved into an apartment with 3 other freshmen on my team, so we started to get to know each other quite quickly and it was an amazing group of girls. I think it is also important though to find some good friends outside of your team, as you will be seeing your team already a lot always, so having some friends from for example other teams is always nice.”
Finding Comfort Far From Home
Cultural differences, homesickness and language barriers are part of the experience, especially in the beginning. Being open to new things and leaning on the support of others can make all the difference. Teammates, especially fellow international students who are facing the same challenges, can be a huge source of comfort and connection.
“I think it is definitely a big challenge in the beginning, as especially culture differences can be quite big sometimes, but I think if you are open to it and just give yourself time to adjust to everything that‘s the best way to do it. Usually you also have teammates who are going through the same thing so you don’t have to feel lonely.”
Staying connected with family and friends back home takes a bit of planning, but technology makes it easier than ever. With the world so connected, it’s not just about keeping in touch—it’s also a way to give people back home a glimpse into your life in the U.S.
“Since there is time difference, you have to organise it a little bit, but I try to have video calls with my family and friends whenever we can, as it is easier to catch up than via text. If I don’t have time to call I usually send pictures of what I am doing or voice notes.”
A Message to Future Student-Athletes
For anyone considering becoming a student-athlete in the U.S., Tamara’s message is clear:
“Just look forward to it without being scared. Even if it takes a little while to fully get into it, you’ll end up loving the whole experience. You’ll meet so many people, travel to new places, and create memories that last a lifetime. Enjoy the time, because it flies by, and before you know it, you’re almost done and wondering where all the time went!”
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