Calumet College of St Joseph’s Nick Higgins (FNSW) checks in with NSR Australia to discuss his first semester, settling into college life in the US.
“Things are going well here in little old Whiting; however, its much colder here than back home!”
Nick explains that everyone at Calumet has been more than welcoming which has made his college transition much easier than first thought. Settling into college has happened so quickly that Nick doesn’t even feel like a foreigner in the small town!
After a hard hitting pre-season training, the Crimson Wave has begun their soccer season. Nick shares that he and the team would “…train every morning when we don’t have a game, usually 4-5 times a week…” going on to state that this was double the amount that he was to, when comparing it to his training regime back home in Australia.
Partaking in college soccer it is a great opportunity “…for those players who are serious about improving their game…” The opportunity for athletic development within the US collegiate system is far greater than that within Australia.
Improving one’s game is almost unavoidable under the guidance of the coaching staff at Calumet. This is particularly evident through the number of strong players have emerged from Calumet, namely Mitch Osmond (FNSW) and Mitch Read (FSA).
We asked Nick about the highlight of his experience has been thus far:
“My best memory of my trip so far would have to be the first conference game. That was the experience I came over here for and it was great to finally experience an in conference college game first hand….”
Since his arrival in Whiting, Nick’s mother and brother have both made the trip to the US in October, during which he had the opportunity to show them both around Chicago, New York and Washington DC.
Overall, Nick has enjoyed his first semester at college and leaves us with his one last piece of advice that he hopes to share with athletes looking to take the college path
“…My advice to those planning on a trip to the US is to work hard. Don’t take the opportunities you’ve been presented lightly, grab them with both hands and don’t let go.”
NSR congratulates Nick on his successful first semester of college and looks forward to checking in with him later this year.
