International Student-Athlete Podcast

Izzy is only a few months into her journey as an international student-athlete, but her mindset is already setting her apart. After arriving from Australia in January 2026, she joined the University of Kansas rowing team with a clear understanding: there’s a lot to learn, and growth takes time. Instead of rushing the process, Izzy embraces a day-by-day approach: staying grounded, realistic, and fu...

What does it really take for international student-athletes to thrive? Dr. Sofia Hiort-Wright - a former Swedish national-team tennis player and international tennis student-athlete at VCU, and now VCU’s Deputy Director of Athletics - shares insights on cultural adaptation, mental health, and the changing landscape of college athletics in the NIL era. In this conversation, listeners will gain insi...

In this inspiring interview, Rupia Inck shares her journey from a small town in Brazil to playing professional volleyball across the world, highlighting the importance of mindset, self-talk, and resilience. Discover how her experiences shaped her passion for sports psychology and her plans to help athletes unlock their full potential. Key topics Transition from college to professional sports Impac...

Timothy Ford Bryson - Founder & CEO of Walk With TFB and Student-Athlete Career Preparedness and Alumni Mentorship Coach at Stanford University, joins us to unpack what it really means to support international student-athletes beyond recruitment. Through his work consulting athletes, universities, and brands on international athlete development, internationalization strategy, and NIL education...

What does it really take to successfully begin your journey in the U.S. as an international student? In this episode, Barbora sits down with Kim Marsh, a former International Student Services Coordinator at Jacksonville University, to go beyond acceptance letters and break down the real strategy behind admissions, decision-making, and adjusting to campus life. This conversation is a clear, practic...

What does it take to reach the Olympic stage — not once, but five times — and win gold at the 2024 Paris Games?  In this episode, I sit down with a volleyball coach who has competed in five Olympic Games with Brazilian National Team and most recently won a gold medal in Paris. We dive into the mindset required to perform at the highest level, what separates good athletes from great ones, and the k...

In this episode, Atina Kamasi shares her journey from Serbia to the U.S. as an international student-athlete, opening up about the challenges of injuries, identity beyond sport, and adapting to life far from home. She talks about the importance of faith, making smart pivots instead of stubborn choices, and planning early for life after athletics. Together, we discuss building community, using avai...

Maira is back on our channel! In this episode, we welcome back Maira Ogata , a mental performance coach and soccer/goalkeeper coach. We dive into the challenges of returning to the United States after the Christmas break and why expecting the return to  feel easier than prior times is often unrealistic. Getting back into your routine—and back on track toward your goals—requires intention and, most...

At just 15 years old, Marek Korencik left Slovakia, taking a leap that would change both his hockey career and his life. What followed was a journey through new countries, new languages, and new challenges — from adapting to life in Sweden to balancing academics and hockey in the NCAA, and eventually stepping into the professional game. In this episode, Marek reflects on embracing the unknown, tak...

In this episode, we welcome back Suzana Andrade for a powerful conversation on the coaching experience of international student-athletes and what it truly takes to build healthy, sustainable coach–athlete relationships. Drawing from her perspective as a Division II head coach, Suzana shares practical insights on supporting athletes through cultural transitions, fostering trust, and creating an env...

In this podcast episode, we dig into the inspiring journey of Konstantina Mantziori, a talented basketball player from Greece who made the bold decision to pursue her dreams in the United States. From navigating the challenges of high school basketball to thriving in college athletics, Konstantina's story is a testament to determination and resilience. Konstantina's journey is a remarkab...

In this solo episode, Barbora breaks down the four themes that keep showing up in conversations with international student-athletes: doing your research, using your resources, knowing your priorities, and planning strategically. Whether you're already in the U.S. or dreaming of earning a scholarship abroad, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to navigate the journey. Support the...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Marta, an international student-athlete from Bulgaria, who is currently a senior at Rollins College and a player on the volleyball team. Marta shares her experiences of moving to the US, the challenges she faced adapting to a new culture, and her unique approach to the college recruiting process. From her early days in Bulgaria to her current...

Can you imagine walking across your college campus and being approached by a coach who changes the course of your life? That’s how Flaubert Akepeu’s football journey began at the University of South Florida. Originally from Brazil, Flaubert first came to the U.S. to play basketball in high school before later transitioning to football in college. In this episode, Barbora sits down with him to expl...

In this episode, we’re joined by Maira Ogata , a Mental Performance professional and soccer coach , who shares insightful and practical tips on how student-athletes can take care of themselves both mentally and emotionally. Drawing from her own experience, Maira discusses the common challenges student-athletes face , how to overcome them , and ways to set yourself up for success —all while enjoyin...

In this episode, we are joined by Lyndsay Michel, Head Volleyball Coach at Indian Hills Community College, to talk all things recruiting. She shares valuable tips for both international and domestic athletes, insights on navigating transfers, and how a diverse team helps players grow on and off the court. If you’re looking to play at the next level, this conversation is packed with advice you won’...

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Heston , Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services at Jacksonville University , a NCAA Division I program in Florida. With years of experience supporting student-athletes, Andy has been instrumental in helping them not only succeed academically but also make the most of their overall college journey. Andy shares valuable insights specifically f...

Anja, a junior libero from Serbia, has inspired many by taking a leap of faith and building her path from a small hometown to playing Division I volleyball at the University of Texas. She shares her recruiting journey, the challenges of transferring through the NCAA transfer portal, and the cultural adjustments that came with studying and competing in the US. Anja also opens up about her mental he...

In this episode, we introduce Emma Heikkilä, a former soccer student-athlete from Finland! Emma shares her story of how playing for her national team led her to be spotted by an American coach and ultimately brought her to the U.S. She also talks about how committing to her team and persevering through both the highs and lows paid off when, in her final year, she and her teammates made school hist...

Suzana, a former indoor and sand volleyball student-athlete, has inspired many by leading through example and sharing her journey from high school to junior college and eventually to a Division I university. Now serving as a Division II sand volleyball head coach, Suzana walked us through her favorite memories, the struggles she faced, and the academic challenges turned into lessons. She also shar...

Welcome to a new chapter of the International Student-Athlete Podcast!  By starting a new series of episodes, I have the pleasure of introducing Nikoleta Kandić, a previous guest of this podcast and a good friend, as a new co-host of this podcast! As a start, we flip the script and Niki interviews me! We talk about my journey, what made me start this podcast, and how all the dots connect in hindsi...

In this episode, I chat with Denis Petro, a former international soccer student-athlete from Slovakia. He talks about what it was like coming to the U.S. for college, how he balanced school and sport, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what he does as a young professional.  Denis shares helpful advice for international student-athletes, including tips on preparing before you arrive, conne...

In this episode, Barbora sits down with Lana Tererina to talk about her journey from Sweden to earning a college scholarship in the U.S. Lana shares insights on adapting to life as an international student-athlete, navigating cultural shifts, and stepping into leadership roles. You can also learn about Lana’s transition to post-grad life, her experience with the NCAA internship, and her upcoming M...

What a great conversation with Nikoleta Kandić, a former volleyball student-athlete from Belgrade, Serbia! Niki shares her inspiring story of coming to the U.S. as a high schooler, overcoming language barriers, and navigating college life. We also dive into the reality of adjusting to life after college sports, building friendships, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Throughout the episo...

In this episode, I reflect on my journey as a grad student and generally these past 2 years. I open up about overcoming perfectionism, and the challenges and growth. I also dive into the importance of building genuine relationships, managing time wisely, and leaning on faith through uncertain times. As I face the unknown after graduation, I share lessons on setting boundaries, staying positive, an...