Hilary Bunn, mother of NSR student-athletes, Fergus and Cameron Bunn checked in with us to give us the run-down on the brother’s experiences so far.
Fergus will head into his fourth year of study in August at Johnson and Wales University in Denver, Colorado, while Cameron will embark on his journey at the same time this year at Plymouth State University, New Hampshire.
Fergus
Hilary’s eldest son, Fergus, has recently finished his third year at JWU after transferring with two fellow Australian athletes from AIB.
He is currently using his time off from college exploring Brazil with his two friends.
Fergus has thrived both academically and athletically since his departure in 2013, enjoying a 4.0 GPA and accepting the ‘best teammate’ accolade at the end-of-season soccer awards.
Hilary describes Fergus as “the pioneer”, beginning his U.S. college experience with little expectations.
“Fergus has matured and enjoyed himself so much, as well as getting the confidence with his academics and his ability to play soccer. He was the pioneer. He’s very brave in that way. We didn’t know anything about it or know anyone who’d done it,” Hilary said.
Although Fergus’ bold move to relocate to the U.S. to pursue soccer and study has been extremely rewarding, Hilary admits her eldest son was rather nervous preceding his departure.
Fergus encountered his first hurdle one year into his U.S. adventure, when his college; AIB college of business, was taken over by Iowa State University, which did not run a soccer program. Fergus was provided with assistance from NSR to relocate but managed to secure himself a position at JWU on his own, something his mother Hilary is rather proud of.
“I think it was very good for him, it was a very good experience,” Hilary said of Fergus’ independence.
Hilary’s first son has successfully balanced his studies with soccer and she credits Fergus’ current coach for the support and encouragement to devote time to academics.
“He’s had a great year and is looking forward to another fantastic season in the fall. He’s obviously got his head around his studies also,” Hilary said
“He’s worked hard to get where he is,” the brother’s mother said.
Younger brother Cameron has ventured to the U.S. a couple of times to visit his sibling, with the family making occasional trips to see him also.
Fergus is due back in Australia for a short break in mid-June and will have just a few days to spend with his brother, before Cameron departs to begin his journey in New Hampshire.
Cameron
Being the second Bunn brother to jet off to the United States has its perks, says mum Hilary.
Hilary describes the process of sending Cameron to America as much easier than the first time, having gained an insight into what the experience is like via brother Fergus.
“Now we have a better understanding and we are calmer. Because it has been such a positive experience, we have no qualms or fears with Cameron going,” Hilary explains.
Although Cameron’s decision to also journey to the US may have been influenced and supported by his sibling’s experience, the younger Bunn brother insists he wants to pave his own road.
“Cam was very adamant that he wanted to follow his own path and pursue his own goals. I respect that,” Hilary noted.
Hilary explains that if Fergus didn’t enjoy his time overseas and had returned home, Cameron may not have been as enthusiastic to go, and that Fergus’ experience so far may have influenced the younger brother’s decision in some way.
The second Bunn brother to take on the US college pathway need not fear the possibility of living in his brother’s shadow however, having already secured a ‘Presidential Scholarship’. Cameron is the first PSU soccer player to achieve this highly regarded academic scholarship.
Both Fergus and Cameron were able to secure scholarships before leaving Australia due to their high GPA’s (Graded Point Average) and sporting abilities.
Cameron will live on-campus at Plymouth State and has been in contact with his potential roommate, a fellow international athlete. Cameron’s coach has helped orchestrate the correspondence between the two students, making the athlete’s preparations a breeze.
Hilary is particularly encouraging of this move: “They’re both freshman and new to the team. If they get on, that’ll be fantastic,” she said.
Cameron is currently enjoying his last few months before he heads to the U.S. in August for pre-season training, spending most of June roaming around Japan and Europe.
Both Bunn brothers will return home later this year to spend Christmas with their family.
We can’t wait to hear more from both Cameron and Fergus as they continue to radiate success in the United States!