Do you want to study in the US? How I did it, and how you can too
Hi, I'm Hannah.
I left South Africa for US college swimming, went from Division II to Division I, won a conference title and finished two degrees in four years. Nobody gave me the honest version of how recruiting works, so now I give it to athletes in every sport.
Every sport, one process
Most of the recruiting process is the same whatever you play. After four years in the US, I'm connected to athletes across all of these sports, so you can hear from someone in yours, whether that's swimming, tennis, rowing or something else.
- Swimming
- Diving
- Track and field
- Cross country
- Football (soccer)
- Tennis
- Golf
- Rowing
- Gymnastics
How far is home?
Pick your country to see the trip you'd be making to US college sport.
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
Who's behind this
Hi, I'm Hannah.
I'm an international swimmer from South Africa who made the move to the US for college sport. I swam Division II, then Division I, and came out with a bachelor's and a master's degree.
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
Email me with any question about the process.
Email me -
R299 at launch, out 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 R800 at launch, open now
One-on-one help
A targeted school list, single calls and packages, from a free 15-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.
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.