Growing up, my dream was always to attend Loughborough University, a top choice for any aspiring athlete in the UK. With an unmatched sporting reputation, for years it felt like the ultimate goal. But everything changed when I learnt about the opportunities awaiting me in the US!
WHEN EVERYTHING CHANGED
For a long time, even when I was playing for Chelsea, I knew I wanted to play football at university, but attending university and finding a club nearby at an elite level would have proved difficult. This involves commuting to games and training, most likely a significant distance from the university. Not to mention, planning academics around that, with professors who don’t understand the commitment that comes with playing for an elite team. Undeniably, the regular commuting could be expensive, and balance of academics and athletics, stressful!
17 year old me at Chelsea! Currently deciding on the US or UK pathway
Facilities at UK universities can be very impressive, Loughborough especially. However, when you look at top universities in America, they have facilities comparable (and often at times exceeding) to professional facilities here in the UK. There are many collegiate stadiums in America which have a greater capacity than Wembley – the largest stadium in the country!
After hearing about the prospect of becoming a student-athlete in the US, and the scholarship opportunities associated with that, I decided to check what scholarships were available for athletes at Loughborough. After some research, I discovered that Loughborough offered athlete scholarships. “Great!” I thought, until I continued reading. The only athletic scholarship available, was £2,ooo… and you had to be an Olympic level athlete! So, after seeing this I thought “I’m good, but I’m not that good!” From there, it was a no brainer.
Gameday save vs Texas State
WHY THE US MADE SENSE
You’re not expected to choose between your sport and education in the States. You are encouraged to chase both at the highest level! This alone was mind-blowing to me. In the UK, your pathway to professional sport becomes much narrower as you get older. Once you’re at university, competitive options are very limited compared to those in the US. There are roughly 100 women’s football teams (tier 3 and up) in the UK, but over 340 collegiate teams in the US! And that is only Division 1, there are hundreds more in Division 2, 3, NAIA and NJCAA (more than 3,000 in total).
In the US, I saw a clear pathway to continue competing at a high level and also earn a degree. I could represent my school, train like a pro, and travel for games, all while earning a degree in a subject I cared about. Not to mention this was all on the same campus! The balance between athletics and academics are taken very seriously there. I knew I wanted to be in an environment where both aspects were supported, equally.
As mentioned previously, the facilities almost always exceeded those of UK universities, and even sometimes professional clubs. You are treated like a pro in the US college system. Pre and post game meals provided for, access to nutritionists, top-tier weight rooms and equipment, gear provided (boots and gloves too!), state-of-the-art training facilities, specialised sports centres and more!
Away game at the University of Texas, one of the largest colleges in Texas!
TAKING THE LEAP
Making the decision to leave the UK wasn’t easy, to step away from the place I call home and from familiarity. But deep down I knew I was saying yes to something even bigger. “Yes” to adventure, to growth, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to develop as both an athlete and a person.
In addition, what made this decision easier was knowing that on the other side of the world, a great opportunity awaited me. I would be able to play, study, lift, live, eat and enjoy the entire collegiate journey on campus. Something that is not possible here in the UK. I am able to walk 5 minutes from my on-campus living to the locker room by the field. And another 5 minutes walk to the cafeteria, which provides 3 meals a day and is covered by the total cost of attendance. Seriously, if anyone can find somewhere in the UK where the same is possible, please let me know!
UIW soccer stadium, and the building behind is where I live!
NO REGRETS
While Loughborough still holds a special place in my heart, the US offered a different kind of opportunity. One that aligned more with what I want to achieve. And here I am, one degree later, a second one on its way with experiences, memories and friends to last a lifetime. I wish I could do it all again!
I am extremely grateful to Athleticademix for helping me on this incredible journey, and cannot wait to give back and help more future athletes pursuing the dream of collegiate athletics in the US. If you would like to discuss this opportunity yourself, or learn more about my personal journey and what it could look like for you, please do not hesitate to reach out!
December 2024, graduating with my bachelors degree from HCU
E-mail: chloe@athleticademix.com
Instagram: chloe__bagshaw
Thank you for reading! 😁