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

Linkedin: 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/

Support the show

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

Timothy Ford Bryson - Founder & CEO of Walk With TFB 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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyfbryson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timothyfbryson/

Support the show

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/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimarsh/

Enjoy the episode!

Support the show

What does it take to reach the Olympic stage — not once, but five times — and win gold at the 2024 Paris Games? 

In this episode, I sit down with a volleyball coach who has competed in five Olympic Games with Brazilian National Team and most recently won a gold medal in Paris. We dive into the mindset required to perform at the highest level, what separates good athletes from great ones, and the key differences between coaching college athletes and professional players.

This conversation goes beyond volleyball and sports in general. It’s about discipline, leadership, resilience, and the mentality required to grow from where you are now to where you want to be.

If you’re a current or future college student — especially an athlete — this episode will challenge the way you think about progress, preparation, and pressure.

Tune in to learn:

• The mindset behind Olympic-level success
• The biggest differences between college and pro athletes
• What coaches really look for beyond talent
• How to build habits that translate to long-term success

Instagram: oliveiranetooficial

Enjoy the episode!

Support the show

In this episode, Atina Kamasi shares her journey from Serbia to the U.S. as an international student-athlete, opening up about the challenges of injuries, identity beyond sport, and adapting to life far from home. She talks about the importance of faith, making smart pivots instead of stubborn choices, and planning early for life after athletics. Together, we discuss building community, using available resources, understanding the business side of college sports, and why every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” A must-listen for student-athletes learning to dream big while staying flexible for the unexpected.

Atina's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atinakamasi/

Support the show

Maira is back on our channel!

In this episode, we welcome back Maira Ogata, a mental performance coach and soccer/goalkeeper coach.

We dive into the challenges of returning to the United States after the Christmas break and why expecting the return to  feel easier than prior times is often unrealistic. Getting back into your routine—and back on track toward your goals—requires intention and, most importantly, a strategy. This episode gives you the tools and insights you need to start building your own.

We also focus on the unique struggles faced by international students and international student-athletes, especially the difficulty of leaving loved ones behind while pursuing big dreams. Having a clear vision of your priorities can make all the difference.

Maira's email address: [email protected]

Maira's instagram: ogata_mpc

Enjoy the episode!

Support the show

At just 15 years old, Marek Korencik left Slovakia, taking a leap that would change both his hockey career and his life. What followed was a journey through new countries, new languages, and new challenges — from adapting to life in Sweden to balancing academics and hockey in the NCAA, and eventually stepping into the professional game. In this episode, Marek reflects on embracing the unknown, taking risks, and why building skills, relationships, and a life beyond hockey has been just as important as anything he’s learned on the ice.

Marek's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marekkorencik?igsh=MTZic2JwaGFjZmloag==

Support the show

In this episode, we welcome back Suzana Andrade for a powerful conversation on the coaching experience of international student-athletes and what it truly takes to build healthy, sustainable coach–athlete relationships. Drawing from her perspective as a Division II head coach, Suzana shares practical insights on supporting athletes through cultural transitions, fostering trust, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and understood. 

She also breaks down how her program intentionally builds a strong team culture—one that balances accountability, connection, and high standards—while relentlessly pursuing excellence both on and off the court. This episode is a must-listen for coaches, athletes, and leaders looking to elevate performance without sacrificing well-being.

Support the show

In this podcast episode, we dig into the inspiring journey of Konstantina Mantziori, a talented basketball player from Greece who made the bold decision to pursue her dreams in the United States. From navigating the challenges of high school basketball to thriving in college athletics, Konstantina's story is a testament to determination and resilience.

Konstantina's journey is a remarkable story of courage, adaptability, and growth. Her experiences highlight the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, the value of supportive relationships, and the transformative power of sport. Whether you are an athlete or pursuing a dream in a new environment, Konstantina's story serves as an inspiration to embrace opportunities and face challenges head-on.

Konstantina's IG: mantziorii

Konstantina's bio: https://lindenwoodlions.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/konstantina-mantziori/28743

Enjoy the episode, and don't forget to subscribe!

Support the show