Mid-Season Update With Women’s Volleyball Player, Felicia Marshall

Volleyball player Felicia Marshall is enjoying a fantastic season during her year overseas. The former D1 outside hitter arrived in the U.K. back in September to continue her playing career and work towards her master’s degree in Social Research Methods. We recently caught up with Felicia to ask about her experience in England as a former D1 athlete and how she has been balancing her athletic and academic commitments during a busy season.

As a former NCAA D1 athlete, how would you compare your sporting experience to that in the UK?

The dynamic of the experience is very similar. There a slight bit more independence when taking care of yourself, but it is all worth it. Being able to feel the game day energy with my teammates is so rewarding.

What would you say are the biggest differences between your NCAA and U.K. University experiences?

I would say the biggest difference in the U.K. Universities would the different colleges within the university. There are plenty of opportunities to be independent and make friends within your college. There are plenty of balls and events that help encourage you to be involved in some kind of way. For example I have the privilege to be apart of a fashion show with one of the colleges.

Above: Felicia has enjoyed lots of success on the court, helping her team to both the Semi-Finals of the National Cup and the Quarter Finals of the National Championship (correct as of 21st February 2022).

Studying at such a prestigious university in Durham, how have you found balancing your athletic and academic commitments so far?

I have found balancing pretty easy since I have been doing it for so long. It is helpful to communicate with the people both in my volleyball and my academic programs. I have also made some really good connections with my teammates and some of my classmates that hold me accountable and help me stay motivated. Keeping a calendar of upcoming events, games, and academic work is also beneficial to staying on top of everything.

What words of advice would you give to any future student-athlete who is considering following in your footsteps and playing volleyball overseas?

My advice to any future student athletes would be to take that risk. All the doubts, worries and fears are normal but you won’t regret stepping out of your comfort zone and taking the risk. Do things that you normally wouldn’t do, it has personally helped me grow and do things that I never even thought about doing. You’d be surprised with what you can do! Plus you meet so many people from all over doing a similar thing which makes the experience ten times better.