Recruited from overseas Here's what nobody told me
Honest help with US college recruiting for international athletes, from someone who made the move, swam Division II, transferred to Division I and came out the other side with two degrees, a bachelor's and a master's.
One-on-one help and packages from someone who's been through it
Calls and packages open on 1 November, alongside the guide. Got a question before then? Email me any time.
Book a free 20-minute intro call, or choose a package built around where you are right now.
The recruiting process
Ten stops almost every international athlete passes through, from deciding whether to go to life after your last season.
Who this is for
Anyone outside the US weighing up college sport there, in any sport, and the families helping them decide.
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You're still at school and wondering if it's realistic
You've heard about sports scholarships in America and want to know whether it's worth pursuing, and what it really involves for someone from outside the US.
Start with steps 1 to 4 -
You're talking to coaches or weighing up offers
You want to know what to ask, what your offer covers and doesn't, and what life on that team will be like before you commit.
Focus on steps 5 to 7 -
You're already in the US
You're finding the first year harder than expected, wondering whether you're in the right place, or planning what comes after your last season.
Jump to steps 9 and 10
Ways I can help
From a quick question to someone in your corner for the whole process. Start wherever suits you.
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Free
Questions and times checks
Email me with any question about the process. Swimmers can also get a free times check until 31 October.
Email me -
$19 at launch, out 1 Novemberout now
The guide
Everything I wish I'd known, from deciding whether to go to life after your last season.
See what's inside -
From $69 at launch, opens 1 Novemberopen now
One-on-one help
A targeted school list, single calls and packages, from a free 20-minute intro call to support right up until you sign. The guide is included with The Head Start and Start to Finish.
See the packages
Questions
When should I start the recruiting process?
Earlier than you think. I'd start researching 18 to 24 months before you want to arrive. In most NCAA sports, Division I and II coaches can only start recruiting conversations from mid-June after your sophomore year, but eligibility paperwork, transcripts and a good school list all take time, so it helps to be ready before then.
Can you help if I'm not a swimmer?
Yes. Most of the recruiting process is the same whatever your sport. I'll be your main point of contact, and I can put you in touch with an athlete in your sport for a call or two, so you get the details that are specific to it.
Is the guide only for swimmers?
No. The guide is written for international athletes in any sport. The free times check, open until the guide launches, is the one part that's just for swimmers, because swimming is the sport I know well enough to judge times honestly.
Can you guarantee me a scholarship?
No. Scholarships, roster spots and admission are decided by colleges and their coaches. What I give you, in the guide and in calls, is honest guidance based on how the process went for me, so you can make better decisions.
Are you an agent?
No. I'm an independent adviser. I don't negotiate scholarships, NIL or professional contracts, I don't sign athletes, and I'm never paid by, or acting for, any college. You and your family make every decision.
Do you give immigration or visa advice?
No. I'm not an immigration adviser or lawyer. Anything about visas in the guide is based on my own experience as an international student-athlete. For advice on your situation, speak to your college's international student office or a qualified immigration adviser.
Is Offshore Athlete connected to the NCAA or any college?
No. Offshore Athlete is independent and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the NCAA or any college or university.