Aleisha Cruwys: “I was very lucky in that I gained a family away from home through my teamates, coaches and friends” 
Our colleague Aleisha Cruwys studied for 4 years at Lenoir-Rhyne University. There, she was able to combine her passion for soccer with a career in sports management and multimedia communications thanks to a scholarship. Now, Aleisha has joined our team to help many athletes live their own experience.
Read on to find out how she did!
When did you start playing soccer? What level did you get to play at before going to the US?
I wasn’t allowed to start playing football until I was about 12 because my mum told me I was too dangerous! I would be trying to slide into tackles all over the field so my mum said when you’re older, you can play. Before leaving for the US, I was playing for Reading FC Women reserves team, and was representing Wales FA at youth level.
How did you find out about the opportunity of studying in the US?
I found out about the opportunity of studying and playing in the US because of my sisters friends that were heading out there. She is about three years older than I am and so when her friends were looking into schools, I instantly knew I wanted to go when I was older.
You worked with our colleagues from CSUSA. How was the process with them?
CSUSA were a great company to work with when finding my university. From the first step of attending the showcase to finally sending me off the US, the process was very professional and organized. I was also a bit of a difficult client as I decided to pause the search process and take a gap year to continue playing football in England for one more season, but David Stanbra kept working to find the perfect fit for me.
Why did you choose Lenoir-Rhyne?
The moment I spoke with the head coach Gary Higgins (now Eastern Carolina University head coach), I knew I wanted to play for his program. His methodolgy and results had proven success, and I wanted to help be a part of continuing that. The team also had other international players, so I knew I would have a sense of familiarity around me.
What was a regular day like for you?
I was very lucky in that I didn’t often have morning practice or 8:00am classes, so I would head to campus for breakfast in the dining hall, grab a coffee from Joe’s (our campus version of Starbucks) and then go off to class. Between classes, lots of students would spend their free time socialising or doing schoolwork in Joes, so I’d often be here for a couple of hours a day. If we had a game recently, I was more than likely watching the game back when I should have been doing schoolwork! Once classes were finished, I’d have an earlier lunch and head down to the training room. If we had a game the day before or I was feeling particularly sore, I would do some recovery or go into the gym to roll out before training. My teamates and I always had a good amount of down time between classes, lunch, and training so we would all just hang out in the gym lobby with other sports. After practice, the team all headed for dinner together in the dining hall. I’d finish off any homework or quizzes, and end the night watching a tv series in bed.
What do you think was the best part of your experience as a student-athlete? And the worst?
There are so many great parts to being a student athlete but one of the main things is just being able to continue playing your sport at a high level whilst gaining a univeristy degree. There aren’t many opportunties where you are in an academic environment that allows you to be competing with such professionalism, and progressing your education simultaneously.
The worst part, at least for internationals, is being pretty far away from home and family. It’s a big step moving away from what you’re used to. Also, adding in time difference and everything else can be quite hard. I was very lucky in that I gained a family away from home through my teamates, coaches and friends. It sounds cliche but it’s true!
After graduating, you got your OPT at the Barça Academy in Charlotte. What was it like to go from playing to coaching?
Initially very difficult, especially as I had the offer from my coach to stay another year after gaining eligibility due to COVID. However once I got over it, I really enjoyed switching roles to one on the sideline. I gained a whole new perspective of the game, and I wish I could go back and repeat my college career all over again with everything I now know.
If you had the chance, would you do it all again?
100000000000%! I would jump at the chance to do the whole process again. It was the best five years of my life so far, and I know throughout my time there I’ve made lifelong friendships. For those athletes unsure on going, I will always say at least give it a try. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but it is better to realize that you have made a mistake than to lose the opportunity.
Now that you are working here at AGM, what would you like to achieve?
With the time I had in the United States, I would love to help others have a similar experience. Being able to give others the opportunity to learn a new culture, meet friends from all over the world, and explore a whole new country will be a great feeling and one I am very excited to begin doing!
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