I recently caught up with Aimee Hodgson, as she embarks on her Junior Year at Hofstra University, in Long Island, New York. Aimee left Blackburn Rovers in 2022, where she was playing for the First Team in the Women’s Championship, to begin life as a College Soccer player!
Read below to see what questions I asked, and Aimee’s answers and insights-
1. Now that you’re going into your third season with Hofstra, were your feelings different going into pre-season in comparison to Freshman Year?
I had more excitement than nerves. I felt a lot more reassured within myself about how I had prepared for the season, and where I would be in terms of fitness and strength levels. Freshman Year there was more feeling of uncertainty and not knowing how I would compare to others on the team. This year I had a better plan for the summer, in terms of fitness/strength training, and knew what I had to focus on in order to come in as my best self this season for Hofstra. I was also mentally a little more relaxed as I had done two pre-seasons and knew what to expect.
2. What’s your favourite thing about being part of a College Soccer programme?
The support and network that it offers, both on and offer the field. I also really like the school and soccer balance, as that is something that isn’t managable back home, due to logistical reasons- playing club level and attending university.
3. On that, how do you find the balance of being a Student-Athlete?
I like it. Sometimes it is tough, especially when we travel for away games and I have assignments or exams during the trip. We had a 5 day trip before, as it was easier to travel between the Thursday and Sunday games rather than come back and travel again, and that was a challenge keeping up with the lectures and homework. Aside from that I think it has taught me a lot about time management and efficiency, and I like the hectic nature of it sometimes!
Going to class during the winter months!
4. Are there any members of the team you’re closest with, and where are they from?
My teammate Olivia, she lives 20 minutes outside of Hofstra in a town called Seaford. I am also close with the girls in the same year group as me, which has a mix of internationals and Americans- from Sweden, Iceland, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. There are a good number of English girls on the team- 5 including me, and we all share similar backgrounds. My roommate, Amy, is English- which is sometimes confusing for other people! We have been close since Freshman Year and lived together since.
5. What degree are you doing, and how have you found the education side of things?
I am studying Biochemistry, which is a challenging degree in itself, outside of being a Student Athlete too- but I have always enjoyed science and enjoy pushing myself academically. I spend a lot of my evenings, after training, in the library which can be a lot but I enjoy the content that I’m learning. My professors have been understanding with me juggling academics and soccer. I am getting involved with chemistry research this semester, with one of my professors, which I am excited (and nervous) for, as it’s a slightly different application of knowledge than regular lectures and lab work.
Enjoying working outside on campus!
6. If you could give your Freshman Year self some advice, what would it be? (Pre arrival in the U.S, pre season training etc)
In terms of Soccer, I would tell myself to relax and take things as they come. This is because of the major differences compared to England. Academically, I would tell myself to branch out more with professors earlier on, and network, as they can offer a lot of help down the line!
It was great to be able to catch up with Aimee, and we can’t wait to continue to follow her success at Hofstra!
Hopefully, this has given you a little insight to the life, and experiences, of a Student-Athlete living the dream.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
