SCOUTING TALENT OVERSEAS
Identifying international talent requires extensive evaluation and strong global connections, head soccer coach for the men’s team, Joey O’Keefe, gives insight to what goes on when recruiting international athletes.
“We watch countless hours of full game film, season highlights, and sometimes have the opportunity to watch them live here in the US if the international student athlete has the chance to travel,”
O’Keefe said, adding that the program also relies on outside support to reach prospective players, explaining that Biola partners with international agencies to connect with students.
ADJUSTING TO LIFE FAR FROM HOME
While recruiting internationally expands Biola’s reach, O’Keefe said the transition can be challenging for student-athletes, particularly when it comes to distance from family.
“The biggest challenge for our international students is being away from home,” O’Keefe said. “Biola offers a tremendous community in the campus and within our own men’s soccer program. However, nothing compares to home.”Opportunities to return home are limited for many players. “The chance to head home for Christmas and summer are often the only opportunities that our international students get to see their families,” O’Keefe said.
FAITH AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Cultural differences, especially in faith experiences, are another adjustment international players navigate.
“Christianity looks very different outside the borders of North America,” O’Keefe said. “When our international student athletes share their testimonies about their experience growing up in the church from places like Africa, Europe, Asia or South America – they are often culturally very different experiences from our student athletes that have grown up in the Western American churches.”
Despite those differences, O’Keefe emphasized the value of diversity within the program. “The blend and coming together of cultures only enriches the experience for the entire team.”
BUILDING A SUPPORT SYSTEM
To help international athletes adjust, Biola intentionally maintains a balanced roster. “We generally carry 20% of our roster as international students, and 80% Americans,” O’Keefe said. Having multiple international players allows them to support one another. “Part of the reason we carry several international students is so that they can have an inner circle of teammates who are going through the same challenges and experiences for the first time together.”
That support system extends beyond soccer. “They get to share in the hardships of studying abroad as well as celebrate the blessing of a university degree at a prestigious institution like Biola in Los Angeles,” O’Keefe said.
IMPACT ON TEAM CULTURE
International recruiting has also influenced the team’s mentality and overall approach. “Our international student athletes can sometimes bring a heightened level of seriousness, dedication and quality to our program,” O’Keefe said. He noted that the sacrifice required to study and compete far from home often drives performance. “They’re traveling thousands of miles from home to study and continue playing soccer, so the opportunity cost of time away from home helps them to fully dive into the community of Biola.”
According to O’Keefe, that commitment pushes players to succeed both on and off the field. “The sheer distance alone and cost to be at Biola are a major motivation to excel both in the classroom and on the soccer pitch.”
