Xenia Jeromin
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 Xenia Jeromin, a tennis from Germany studying at East Carolina 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 an International Student-Athlete in 2025
Xenia reflects on how her year as an international student-athlete has unfolded, sharing some of the highlights that made it special.
“For me, life as an international student-athlete is an unforgettable experience. You learn something new every single day, whether it’s about your sport, at university, the culture, or even about yourself. Every day is an adventure and sharing it with a team makes it incredibly fun. You create unforgettable memories and continuously grow into the best version of yourself, unlocking your full potential along the way.”
Studying What I Love
Choosing a major is one of the first big decisions for any college student. Xenia knew exactly what she wanted to study and the path she chose for her academic journey.
“I’m studying Sport Management because I’ve done sports my entire life, and it has always been something I’m deeply interested in and truly passionate about. For me, it was important to study something that I enjoy and that excites me.
Sport Management combines sports with business, allowing you to discover a completely different side of the sports world. On one hand, you experience sports as an athlete, and on the other hand, you get to explore the business side behind it.”
Supportive Professors
One of the main challenges student-athletes face in their home countries is the lack of academic flexibility. Balancing higher education with training and competition can be difficult when classes and deadlines are rigid. This often forces athletes to compromise their sport. Xenia values the support and understanding her professors offer, helping her manage both commitments successfully.
“What really stood out to me is how much the professors appreciate it when you’re an athlete – especially an international student-athlete. They show a lot of interest and are always very understanding if you have to miss a class because of a match or a trip. They’re always willing to help and enjoy talking with you about anything. Whenever you need assistance with something, they’re there for you and gladly take the time to support you.”
Learning from the Upperclassmen
Arriving to the U.S. as an international student athlete brings many challenges: adapting to a new culture, team environment, and developing a strong mindset. During her first year, Jenna found guidance among the senior players on her team. Their support and experience taught her valuable lessons.
“My freshman year, there were four seniors on my team. I had just arrived, and they were already in their final year. There was a big contrast since half of the team was in their last year of college, but they showed me everything and I was able to learn so much from them. That included how training works, what team rituals we have, and what’s important for the team overall.
They showed me how to behave and react in different situations on the court, since college tennis can be very tough. They also helped take away a lot of my uncertainty and gave me plenty of encouragement for the years ahead, which really motivated me. They shared the mistakes they had made in the past during their own college careers so that I could avoid making the same ones. Of course, mistakes are always part of the process, but in this way, I was able to learn from the team what truly matters in college sports.
Since I was quite insecure at the beginning – like every freshman – I was able to look up to them and see how they carried themselves at the end of their college careers. It was very helpful and has had a huge impact on my journey so far.”
Making Friends as a Student-Athlete
Living in the dorms allowed Xenia to quickly build friendships and connect with fellow athletes. She reflects on how these relationships enriched her college experience and how being part of the athlete community made her experience more enjoyable.
“I was able to make many connections by living in the dorms during my first year. I lived with a teammate who is American, and next to us there were swimmers. This way, we were all athletes and had something in common, even though we were in different sports. We would go to the dining hall together and talk about training and our match days. This allowed me to get to know the swim and dive team better.
Athletes are all connected and live similar lives, just a little different depending on the sport. But that actually makes it easier to meet new people because you immediately have something in common. It’s a great way to meet many new people quickly.”
My Favorite Spot
Every student finds a favorite place on campus. For some, it’s the gym or the dining hall; but for Xenia, it became a cozy spot where learning and friendships came together in one space.
“My personal favorite place on campus is the library. Many people associate it only with studying, but for me, it was also a meeting spot for my friends and me. We spend many hours there studying, but we study together. We talk, share stories about our days and experiences, and learn alongside each other – and that makes everything so much easier.”
Staying Connected Across Cultures
Staying in touch with friends and family helps Xenia feel grounded while studying abroad. Living with American roommates has also allowed her to learn from different perspectives and experience a rich exchange of cultures.
“For me, staying in regular contact with my friends and family is extremely important, as it always feels like a bit of a safe space where I can share my experiences. I have regular FaceTime sessions with my friends. During those calls, we catch up and I get to share my experiences with my family and friends, who are also very interested in the student-athlete life. This also helps me remember all those moments and experiences even more vividly.
In addition, I live with American roommates, so I can tell them about German culture, and they share their own culture with me. This way, I can also tell my friends and family what Americans like or what makes them unique, since I learn it directly from my roommates. Regular exchange like this reveals many different facets and perspectives, and there’s always something new to share.”
How This Experience Has Helped Me Grow
Xenia reflects on how studying in the U.S. has shaped her personal and social growth. It’s more than just attending college; it’s about adapting to a new culture and building independence.
“I would say that I’ve become much more confident and have developed a better understanding of people. I’ve learned how to interact with others, both on and off the court. I’ve also discovered a lot about myself – what’s good for me as a person and what isn’t.
In addition, you learn to become incredibly independent. You travel the world on your own and figure things out by yourself, often completely alone. But experiences like that push you out of your comfort zone and make you more courageous. You develop a mature and strong character.”
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