STATESBORO - Transitioning to an entirely new country is hard enough as it is, but transitioning to athletics as well is a hardship that takes a great deal of patience, determination and courage. I had the opportunity to speak to the two English internationals on the Georgia Southern women's soccer team about their experiences with this adjustment. Rising junior Caitlin Conroy, who comes from Liverpool WFC, and rising sophomore Libby Wooffindin, who comes from Leicester City WFC, came to the U.S. in search of new opportunities, both athletically and academically.

For Caitlin, her early impressions of the college game centered around the sheer athleticism present across collegiate soccer. "My initial impression was that all the players here in the U.S. are more athletic, especially at the Division I level," she said. With a background grounded in the English development system, where the focus leans more on technical and tactical growth, Caitlin admitted the transition wasn't easy. "I struggled to keep up with how good players were on and off the ball, and would find myself struggling with the physicality initially." Still, she welcomed the challenge. "Overall, I knew that I was going to find it hard to adapt, but I was ready to because I knew I could get things here that I couldn't get in England."

She noted the cultural differences outside of soccer as equally demanding. "The biggest challenge would be the overall lifestyle. Things like the warmer weather and living away from home for the first time were incredibly challenging at first." However, through steady development, game experience and personalized sessions with the coaching staff, Caitlin was able to adjust. "I've managed to adapt quickly through individual sessions and film reviews. The coaches and staff helped me out a lot."

 Now heading into her third season, Caitlin is focused on growth and achievement, both for herself and the program. Her personal goals line up with team success as she aims to help lead the Eagles in their push for silverware in the fall.

Libby Wooffindin shared a similar path in her initial adjustment. Coming from Leicester City's academy, she expected a different style of play, more direct and fast-paced. "I thought it was a lot more physically and athletically demanding, compared to back home which was more technically and tactically challenging," she said. "Ultimately getting to experience both has helped me develop to become a better player."

 Off the field, her biggest challenge was nutrition, something many international athletes experience when moving to the U.S. "I'm not really picky, but when you already have those meals and snacks that you know work best for you as an athlete, it's difficult in terms of adapting and finding new foods that work for you." Libby made it clear she's embraced the effort it takes to compete at a high level. "I've worked really hard in the gym this year to get stronger, fitter, and overall just more athletic, which I feel has helped me perform at the highest level." Between strength training, team practices, and adapting to her role in the squad, she feels well-equipped to contribute this fall. Despite the cultural shift, Libby has embraced the Southern charm that defines Statesboro. "I knew Statesboro was very southern, but it still catches me by surprise sometimes when you hear a deep country accent!" she laughed. "Everyone is so welcoming, which I'm incredibly grateful for." As the season nears, both Caitlin and Libby are focused on the road ahead. 

Both Caitlin and Libby's stories are ones of personal growth, adaptation, and resilience, an example of what it takes to succeed not just as student-athletes, but as international trailblazers within the Georgia Southern program.
Georgia Southern women's soccer kicks off their season on Saturday, August 2nd, in an exhibition at Auburn. The Eagles will host their regular season opener at Bo Pitts Field on Thursday, August 14th, against Samford at 6 p.m.

Cooper Cook is a senior communications major from Loganville, Georgia, who played on the Georgia Southern men's soccer team.