Play Overseas Student-Athletes Crowned 2025 National Champions

Play Overseas athletes crowned National Champions at BUCS Big Wednesday 2025!

Pursuing a postgraduate year in the UK is a transformative step for student-athletes eager to continue their college sporting careers while furthering their education.

Each year, we provide free guidance to hundreds of student-athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds and college divisions, from NAIA to NCAA D1, helping them transition seamlessly into studying and competing overseas.

With diverse ambitions driving their journeys, many of our athletes go on to achieve incredible success—both in their academic pursuits and sport. For some, that success includes securing the ultimate prize: a UK University National Championship.

Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our student-athletes who have been crowned National Champions at BUCS Big Wednesday 2025 — the UK’s version of finals day, where university teams from across the country compete for national titles in one action-packed event!

US college teammates crowned National Lacrosse Champions. Former Saint Anselm College teammates Chase Lilly and Mack Hicklen reunited at the same UK university last fall and have thrived once again on the field, enjoying an incredibly successful season that saw them claim three championships in total. Chase (MSc Smart Agriculture) and Mack (MSc Finance and Investment Banking) had already secured the National Sixes Championship and Premier North Division title earlier in the season and have now added another national title, capping off an outstanding postgraduate year overseas.
	Basketball players Trumaine and Antonio claim National Trophy. Hood College graduate, Trumaine Strickland and former Play Overseas athlete Antonio Hughes (University of St. Francis) ended their season on a high as they helped their UK university team claim the BUCS National Trophy. Trumaine, who arrived in the UK last fall to pursue a master’s degree in management, has competed alongside second-year master’s student Antonio throughout the year, and after a successful campaign overseas, both will be returning home as national champions.
Former Morehouse College captain Bradley signs off a National Football Champion. Standout defensive end, Bradley Johnson ended his postgraduate season on a high, adding a national championship to the conference title he helped secure earlier in the year. The Sport and Exercise Psychology master’s student brought leadership and experience to his UK university team, making an impact on and off the field during a memorable year overseas.
	Four Years. Four Rings. Jax completes Football dynasty. In what has been an incredible four-year run in the UK, Jax Crawford signed off in style in his final match by winning his FOURTH consecutive national championship. Now pursuing a master’s degree after completing his undergraduate studies, the versatile athlete has been a cornerstone of a football dynasty—claiming a championship ring in every season since arriving.
Former NCAA D1 Tennis player, Emma is a UK University National Champion. Second-year International Business master’s student Emma Bardet capped off her time overseas in the best possible way — by becoming a National Champion. A graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Emma has enjoyed two standout seasons competing at the highest level of UK university tennis. Along the way, she claimed a Doubles Championship title before capturing the ultimate prize, rounding off her postgraduate journey as a national champion.
	Krystalynn wins National Volleyball Trophy in second year overseas. Faulkner University graduate and second-year master’s student Krystalynn Leomiti played a key role in helping her UK university team lift the National Volleyball Trophy. Following an excellent season with just one defeat, the MBA student has one final playoff match ahead—an opportunity to lead her team into the top division and finish her postgraduate journey on an even bigger high.
Seton Hill Graduate, Mike shines with UK Basketball Championship Basketball player Mike Joiner made an immediate impact after arriving in the UK in September 2023, completing a master’s degree in Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health while leading his team to a division title and earning Team of the Year honours in his debut season. Now halfway through his second postgraduate programme, Mike has taken things one step further—winning the National Championship and adding another major accolade to his remarkable journey.

A special mention to our UK University National Finalists

While it doesn’t always end in victory, reaching a National Final and competing at BUCS Big Wednesday represents the pinnacle of university sport in the UK—a testament to each athlete’s dedication, talent, and hard work—and we couldn’t be prouder of those who earned the right to compete on the biggest stage of the season.

Volleyball teammates Aleksa, Claire, and Tyla reach National Final Play Overseas teammates Aleksa Curta (Eckerd College), Claire Cossarini (University of British Columbia), and Tyla Cutrie (University of North Carolina Wilmington) enjoyed an excellent season together, making it all the way to the National Volleyball Finals. Despite falling short, the girls had already made their mark—capturing the Divisional title in dominant fashion, dropping only 7 sets throughout their league-winning campaign.
	Outstanding season for University of North Dakota graduate, Melissa Play Overseas athlete Melissa Leet has had a fantastic debut season in the UK, leading the NBL in blocks per game and establishing herself as one of the league’s most dominant forces on the court. While the National Championship wasn’t to be, Melissa played a key role in her university team’s undefeated 10-0 regular season campaign, securing the Division title and collecting multiple individual honours along the way.
Skoric and Taliaferro sign off after two standout seasons in the UK Greg Skoric (Skidmore College) and Landon Taliaferro (Fairfield University) have spent the past two seasons as teammates, achieving an impressive list of accomplishments together on the court. From winning division titles with their university team to making their mark individually in the National Basketball League, both players have consistently impressed during their time in England and now leave with master’s degrees and plenty to be proud of, both academically and athletically.

Could you be next? We’re recruiting NOW!

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We’re actively recruiting talented student-athletes across a wide range of sports, with postgraduate scholarships available to help lower tuition costs.

To get started, simply submit an application for our FREE service via the link below to see what exciting opportunities we can find for you.