International Student-Athlete Podcast

#26 - From Australia to Kansas: Izzy’s Freshman Mindset - Staying Grounded, Growing Daily

Izzy is only a few months into her journey as an international student-athlete, but her mindset is already setting her apart. After arriving from Australia in January 2026, she joined the University of Kansas rowing team with a clear understanding: there’s a lot to learn, and growth takes time. Instead of rushing the process, Izzy embraces a day-by-day approach: staying grounded, realistic, and fully present in the experience. In this episode, we talk about adjusting to life in the US, the challenges of being far from home, and how keeping the right perspective can make all the difference as a freshman athlete. This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t about having it all figured out- it’s about showing up, learning, and trusting the journey. Izzy's Instagram: izzy_rossato Enjoy the episode! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002023/support]

#25 - From Player to Advocate: Sofia Hiort-Wright on Thriving Beyond the Game

What does it really take for international student-athletes to thrive? Dr. Sofia Hiort-Wright - a former Swedish national-team tennis player and international tennis student-athlete at VCU, and now VCU’s Deputy Director of Athletics - shares insights on cultural adaptation, mental health, and the changing landscape of college athletics in the NIL era. In this conversation, listeners will gain insights into: - Challenges international student-athletes face adapting to new cultures and academics - The evolving conversation around mental health in college athletics - Why holistic support systems matter for athlete success - The impact of NIL, social media, and modern pressures on student-athletes  We hope you enjoy! Where to find Sofia: VCU Bio: https://vcuathletics.com/staff-directory/dr-sofia-hiort-wright/163 [https://vcuathletics.com/staff-directory/dr-sofia-hiort-wright/163] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-hiort-wright-ph-d-302348198/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-hiort-wright-ph-d-302348198/] Diversity Lifetime Achievement Award Article: https://annualreport.socialwork.vcu.edu/archive/2022-report/alum-is-making-a-difference-daily/ [https://annualreport.socialwork.vcu.edu/archive/2022-report/alum-is-making-a-difference-daily/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002023/support]

#24 - From Small Town to International Volleyball Star: Rupia Inck's Journey

In this inspiring interview, Rupia Inck shares her journey from a small town in Brazil to playing professional volleyball across the world, highlighting the importance of mindset, self-talk, and resilience. Discover how her experiences shaped her passion for sports psychology and her plans to help athletes unlock their full potential. Key topics * Transition from college to professional sports * Impact of psychology and mindset on athletic performance * Self-talk and visualization techniques for athletes Enjoy the episode! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002023/support]

#23 - Tim Bryson on Purpose, Policy & Shaping College Athletics Globally

Timothy Ford Bryson - Founder & CEO of Walk With TFB [https://www.walkwithtfb.com] and Student-Athlete Career Preparedness and Alumni Mentorship Coach at Stanford University, joins us to unpack what it really means to support international student-athletes beyond recruitment. Through his work consulting athletes, universities, and brands on international athlete development, internationalization strategy, and NIL education, Tim brings both systems-level insight and lived experience to the conversation. We dive into visa challenges, institutional responsibility, purpose-driven career growth, and his vision for the future of global sports education, including the Global Sport & Education Summit. Enjoy the episode! Where can you find more about Timothy and his work? Website: https://www.walkwithtfb.com [https://www.walkwithtfb.com] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyfbryson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyfbryson/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timothyfbryson/ [https://www.instagram.com/timothyfbryson/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002023/support]

#22 - Kim Marsh on Navigating Your First Steps as an International Student

What does it really take to successfully begin your journey in the U.S. as an international student? In this episode, Barbora sits down with Kim Marsh, a former International Student Services Coordinator at Jacksonville University, to go beyond acceptance letters and break down the real strategy behind admissions, decision-making, and adjusting to campus life. This conversation is a clear, practical guide to starting strong and avoiding common mistakes. Key takeaways: * How U.S. international admissions actually work * Why proactive communication is a game changer * What truly matters when choosing a university * Navigating safety and support systems * The added layer international student-athletes face Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimu_taso/ [https://www.instagram.com/kimu_taso/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimarsh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimarsh/] Enjoy the episode! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2002023/support]