It's going to be great to have the chance to study and play soccer at the same time. It's been my dream since I was 16.2. How have you been preparing for your time in The States? The Citadel gave me a summer strength and conditioning plan. I've been following that and making sure I come into pre-season as fit as I can possibly be. We only have a short time to prepare for our first game during pre-season, so it's important all of the team have completed the plan during the summer. I really enjoyed going to the gym and lifting weights. It's something I have never done before and found it challenging, but have already seen the benefits to the training. I don't particularly like running, but in our programme they made it interesting and fun. So all in all I have really liked the summer programme. 3. What has been the highlight of your time on the FirstPoint USA program? My highlight has to be when the offers started coming through from the American Universities. It hit me that I really was going to follow my dream and head to the states to study whilst playing soccer. 4. Were you happy with the offers you received, and what made you choose your college in the end? I had contact with quite a few universities. In the end it came down to two universities. One in North Carolina and South Carolina. As soon as I was contacted by the head coach at The Citadel, I did my research and was very interested. The facilities looked amazing and they offered a great Masters programme. I chose to take Health Exercise and Sports Science, which follows on nicely from my Sports Science degree I gained at Kingston University. The soccer team also plays in Division 1. I saw this as a challenge and really thought that the school would improve my education and sporting ability. The staff were lovely and very welcoming which made me feel like I was already part of The Citadel soccer family. After a few more chats with Coach Winch, I accepted the offer and I'm so happy I did! I've been here for a week now, and I love it so much. 5. Would you recommend FirstPoint USA? I would recommend FirstPoint USA to those who want to study and play sport in the states. All of the staff were so helpful and always willing to answer questions. I would have found it extremely hard to have secured a scholarship with an American University on my own, as I was in my third year at University, and struggled to find time to sort everything myself.
When I joined FirstPoint USA, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. They made the work load 10 times easier and were instrumental in securing me a scholarship.The client games and showcase provided coaches such as my new head coach at The Citadel, with excellent footage of me playing soccer. The online profile was also excellent as it told the coaches everything they needed to know about myself such as past soccer experience. Even after I had signed my scholarship contract, FirstPoint still continued to help me right up until the day I left for South Carolina. I can't thank them enough for all of their help. 6. What advice do you have for anyone considering a sports scholarship to the USA? For those looking to gain a sport scholarship to the USA, I would highly recommend they weigh up their options first. Consider each offer and decide which University or school will suit you best. Look at things such as division, scholarship being offered, facilities, courses and the area. It's important that you know exactly where you are going to go as it is a huge life changing opportunity, and you want to enjoy it as much as you can. If you make a choice, contact the people who will be on your team. It will be much easier to fit in and it will just be a case of putting a face to the name! You will already feel like you are friends...they are all very welcoming. Last but not least...I would say go for it!
I am so happy with my decision to finally come over here to play and study. I am the happiest girl alive!
We'd like to thank Florence, and wish her the very best of luck in the USA!
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