Leaving home at 18 to start a new chapter in another country isn’t something you ever forget. My journey to the USA was full of challenges, surprises and some of the best experiences of my life so far. This blog is all about that journey, from 16-year-old Phoebe representing Great Britain as a gymnast, to the person I am now, working with Athleticademix and helping the next generation of student-athletes who dream of doing the same.
Here’s a look back at my journey, step by step, from those first conversations to life after graduation.
Training beam in Hilton before a meet.
Where it all began…
I first started thinking about college in the US when a couple of my older teammates made the move and began their own adventures. Seeing them combine their sport with education in a completely different country was inspiring, and so I began to look at the options that might be available to me.
After receiving my GCSE results, I had the chance to visit a few schools that had shown interest in me. These visits weren’t just about gymnastics, but they gave me an insight into how the US college system works, what student-athlete life is really like, and the kind of opportunities that might be possible.
Exploring my options:
By the time I was going into Year 12, I had a much clearer idea of what I wanted from my college experience. I was still talking to a few different coaches, asking questions and figuring out where I would feel most at home. These conversations made me realise that choosing a school is about so much more than just the gymnastics programme, it’s about the people, values and the environment you’ll be in every single day.
Making it official:
In December of Year 12, after months of conversations and plenty of thinking, I verbally committed to Iowa State University on a full atheltic scholarship. It was such an exciting moment and I couldn’t wait to start my college career.
From there, things moved quickly. I sat my SAT exam in May 2017, went on my official visit to Iowa State in October and, by November, I was signing on the dotted line.
The final countdown to the US:
The last few months of Year 13 went by in a blur. Late spring and early summer were spent organising my visa, packing, and trying to imagine what life would be like thousands of miles away from home.
Four unforgettable years… 2018-2022
Fast forward to August 2018. After finishing my A-Levels and saying goodbye to my friends and family, I boarded a plane and made my way to Ames, Iowa.
The next four years were all I hoped for and more. I met people who will be in my life forever, competed across the country, traveled to places I’d only ever dreamed of visiting and, in the process, earned my degree in Sociology. It wasn’t always easy, there were challenges and tough days, but the experience shaped me in way I’ll always be grateful for.
Senior night!
Coming home:
After graduation and returning home, I knew I wanted to share what I’d learned with others. That led me to a role in higher education consulting, helping students and families explore opportunities in the US.
Now that path has brought me to Athleticademix, where I get to work as a Sports consultant and help the next generation of student-athletes chase their own dreams in the US. If you would like to learn more about college sport in the USA, please reach out, I’d be delighted to discuss!
Email: phoebe@athleticademix.com
Instagram: athleticademix.phoebe
Graduation, May 2022.