7월 13, 2025

Nick Gutmann

The Student-Athlete Experience: Growth and Passion in Action

Working together with an agency has been the biggest game changer for me. Without that, I wouldn't have been able to make the right choices throughout this entire process.

The Student-Athlete Experience is more than just a name—it’s a campaign built on the voices of international student-athletes who live, train, and compete in the U.S. every single day. No one understands what it’s like to be an international student-athlete better than someone living it right now.

Train. Study. Compete. Grow.

Through real stories from around the world, we’re showing what it means to give everything to the sport you love, your education, and your future while building a new life thousands of miles from home.

Because it’s not just about matches or titles. It’s about the drive, sacrifice, growth, and the community you find along the way. Being a student-athlete is demanding but powerful, unforgettable, and an experience you carry with you forever.

We asked Nick Gutmann, a soccer player from Germany that completed his master’s degree at the University of Kentucky, to give a glimpse into her student-athlete experience.

The Student-Athlete Experience: This is what living it really feels like.

Experiencing Soccer like a Professional Player

Playing college soccer in the US is unlike anything many athletes expect. From the facilities to the support, everything is built to help players perform at their best. Nick Gutmann shares how surprising the level of professionalism was during his time in college sports.

“It completely blew my mind how professional it is over there. It is actually insane. To see that some of these colleges have better facilities than German Bundesliga clubs was insane.

Everything was so much bigger than I have ever experienced. Bigger and better facilities regarding academics and athletics.”

The Academic System in the US

With a busy soccer schedule, it can seem hard to keep up with school. But the US college system is designed to make it work. In addition, the academic approach is different from Europe, focusing on practical, hands-on learning. Many student-athletes find this system easier to manage and more engaging than traditional methods.

“I studied Sports Leadership. I knew that I wanted to study something with sport. My agent from Keystone always showed me all the available options based on my specific wishes.

The academic system is different, but I honestly like it better than the German system. You have more exams, but there are smaller. You also have homework and get credits for attendance. You have to do more daily work, but that way you always know what’s going on and they make it easier for you to keep up.

The support system in the US colleges is amazing. There are a lot of tutors, coaches and advisors that are really helpful. They are always more than happy to support and assist. If you have a problem or a question, there is always somebody you can ask.”

Embracing US Culture While Staying Connected to Home

Living abroad means discovering new ways of life while keeping in touch with loved ones back home. Nick shared one of the cultural shocks he experiences, and how he stayed connected to family and friends.

“I was truly surprised by how nice the people in the US are. So friendly, open and kind. The people were the best. Now that I have graduated, I am still in contact with a lot of people that I met along the way.

To stay connected with your people at home? A lot with FaceTime. I talked to them daily. Exchanged pictures and texts, that helps to keep in touch.”

Final Advice: What Makes the Difference in the Recruitment Process

Making the move to study and play sports abroad can feel overwhelming at times with so many steps, paperwork, and rules. For Nick, working with an agency took away the stress and helped him make the right decisions.

“Working together with an agency has been the biggest gamechanger for me. Without that, I wouldn’t have been able to make the right choices throughout this entire process.”