The UK is an ideal destination tailored specifically for postgraduate student-athletes, offering faster graduation, cheaper tuition fees, and the opportunity to continue playing college sport.
For basketball players, the opportunity to play another season overseas is a very popular one, with students developing their game and gaining invaluable international experience in the process.
At Play Overseas, we work closely with the top basketball universities in the UK, making us your unmatched resource for discovering postgraduate playing opportunities that align with your athletic and academic aspirations.
Point guard, forward, or center – regardless of your role on the court, our free service is available to players from every US college division, offering the opportunity to continue their basketball careers post graduation.
After four excellent years with the Carthage College women’s basketball program, Kelsey Coshun took that opportunity. She made the leap across the Atlantic last year to pursue her postgraduate studies and basketball career in the UK.
Upon graduating from Carthage with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Kelsey reached out to us here at Play Overseas to explore postgraduate basketball opportunities in the UK.
Through our free service, Kelsey was connected with a number of UK college coaches at institutions that offered her the opportunity to play basketball at a high level and study her preferred major.
Kelsey eventually decided to attend one of the UK’s top sporting universities and arrived in England in September 2022 to play another season of college basketball and pursue her master’s degree in Youth Work Leadership and Practice.
Upon graduating from Carthage with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Kelsey reached out to us here at Play Overseas to explore postgraduate opportunities in the UK.
Through our free service, Kelsey was connected with a number of UK college coaches at institutions that offered her the opportunity to play basketball at a high level and study her preferred major. Kelsey eventually decided to attend one of the UK’s top sporting universities and arrived in England in September 2022 to play another season of college basketball and pursue her master’s degree in Youth Work Leadership and Practice. |
After an excellent year in England both on and off the court, Kelsey recently signed her first professional contract and is currently playing in the French Professional League.
We spoke with the talented forward to find out all about her experience as a student-athlete in the UK.
How would you describe your experience as a postgraduate student-athlete in the UK?
“I would describe my experience as eye-opening. I say that because there were so many new opportunities that I would have never thought could come my way as a student-athlete in the UK.
The program that I was in was so welcoming and had so many different kinds of people from around the world that helped me learn more along with gain friends from all parts of the world. The staff was also so helpful and accommodating to me, being an athlete as well as a master’s student. There was always someone willing to answer a question or want to help me.
Playing basketball in a different country was so much different than I would have expected in the best way possible. I got to learn a new style of play and meet a new group of amazing women.”
After an excellent debut season in England, how do you think your postgraduate season has contributed to your overall development as an athlete and an individual?
“I think that my season in the UK helped me better myself as an athlete because I got to learn a different style of basketball than I am used to. Along with that, I also got to be coached by coaches who have experienced basketball in different ways than I have experienced coaching that has helped me grow as a player.
As an individual, I have grown to be comfortable being outside of my comfort zone. As well as learn how to take a step back a learn from others to better myself.
The experience led me to securing a 10-month contract to play in the Second Division of the French Professional League this year!”
What did you enjoy most about your time in the UK?
“My favorite thing about being in the UK was the extra time I got to be able to travel the country and how easy and cheap it was to get around by public transportation. I really enjoyed exploring my city and enjoying everything it had to offer, there was always something new to see or do!”
Do you have any words of advice for students who are currently considering the opportunity to play and study overseas?
“My advice would be to take any opportunity you get to play and study overseas! It was a very scary thought to leave my family and go to a different country alone, but all of the experiences that I had, both good and hard times, I am so thankful for.
There is no better way to get a Master’s degree faster and cheaper while getting to continue your sport. You never know what opportunities can come from just one year in the UK – take the opportunity and run with it!“
Want to take your basketball career overseas like Kelsey?If you would like to explore the possibility of studying for a master’s degree in the U.K. alongside playing another year of college basketball, we can help! Our FREE service has helped basketball players from every US college division to extend their playing careers. As well as connecting you directly with UK College Coaches, we will support you through the entire recruitment process, from submitting applications to institutions on your behalf to helping you find somewhere to live during your time overseas. Register your details via the link below to see what exciting playing opportunities we can find for you. APPLY |
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