Prepare to be propelled into the dynamic world of college athletics as we sit down with Marty Kinsey and Mark Kaiser from St. Mary's College of California. Discover the enduring bond between Australian athletes and St. Mary's sports programs, a journey that started on the basketball court and has since sprinted across the track and beyond. From the festive celebration of Australia Day to the strong sense of belonging these athletes find on campus, we explore the cultural exchange that's become a hallmark of St. Mary's community.

Unlock the secrets to standing out in the competitive arena of student-athlete recruiting with our insightful guests. We'll share top-notch tips and tricks for making that unforgettable impression on college coaches, coupled with the vital importance of authenticity and informed questions during recruitment conversations. And we go further, dissecting the potential red flags that may signal an overemphasis on performance over well-being, underscoring the significance of a supportive and holistic team culture.

But all work and no play isn't the ethos at St. Mary's, as Marty and Mark recount the entertaining and unifying activities that bind the teams together. Imagine shared pancake breakfasts, cultural potlucks, and even karaoke nights!

We wrap up with a guide to navigating the intricate NCAA communication rules for recruitment and a peek at the exciting prospects . So, gear up for a wealth of knowledge, spirited stories, and a glimpse into the future of St. Mary's College's athletic and international alliances.

Embark on a journey into the heart of the college sports world as Chris and Alexia Bates from Study and Play USA join us to dissect the academic eligibility maze for international student-athletes. This episode is not merely a conversation; it's a treasure map that guides you through the perplexing terrain of NCAA requirements, where a single misstep can cost you the game. We're peeling back the layers of maintaining GPAs, understanding different educational systems, and why early planning isn't just advisable – it's critical.

Together with the Bates, we celebrate a success story that serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative impact of expertly navigating the curriculum landscape. This episode is less about the hurdles and more about the support systems in place, the people dedicated to translating and advocating for students' academic achievements. As the Bates emphasize, the interplay between academics and athletics is intricate, and knowing the eligibility rules specific to your sport is as vital as the air you breathe.

In the finale of our enlightening discussion, we tip our hats to the unsung heroes of admissions. These experts work relentlessly, often behind the scenes, to re-evaluate grades, wrestle with the nuances of GPA conversions, and advocate for the correct representation of academic records, ultimately enhancing scholarship opportunities. Whether you're a student-athlete, a parent, or just someone fascinated by the complexities of international university admissions, this episode is your playbook to navigating the competitive landscape and scoring your academic and athletic goals.

Study and Play USA has a new staff member, recently returned from his 4 year college experience at Iona University, playing rugby! In this episode, Conor chats with Alexia about his journey using Study and Play as a high school student to now working with us!