Since leaving Australia and entering the US collegiate system in 2014, NSR soccer student-athlete Antonio Rosina has accomplished a whole lot, both academically and athletically.
Rosina is studying a Bachelor of Business Administration at Montreat College in North Carolina and is having the time of his life, heading into his college senior year in 2016.
Antonio was back home in NSW for his break preceding senior year in May, and was eager to return to his adopted home.
“I’m loving it. I kind of miss it, and I’ve only been home for two weeks!” Antonio said.
Antonio has maintained a 3.58 GPA and has remained on the Dean’s list for two semesters, meaning that he has been recognised for his academic achievement by the Dean of his college.
It hasn’t always been easy however, Antonio admitted. His first two years of college saw him complete the subjects that didn’t particularly spark too much interest in him. Having passed those less interesting subjects, Antonio is now moving onto his sport subjects and excelling with his studies.
Balancing a strict training program with full-time tertiary study is no easy feat, as most NSR athletes find out when they begin their experience at college.
Antonio has successfully managed to divide his time appropriately between both fields and even managed to help out his other teammates and students that haven’t been so successful in this area.
“There was a few people in our team who were struggling, so the senior class called a meeting together. So every week we meet up and we go through planning with the other boys so they have their whole week planned out from Monday,” Antonio said.
Antonio has bonded so well with his teammates, eight of which represent different nationalities, that they play soccer, study and socialise together as often as they can.
“We make our own fun. There’s a lot of futsal nights involved where everyone comes down. The boys over there; we have a Facebook page and we are always talking to each other,” Antonio said.
Antonio has been lucky enough to share dorm rooms with two NSR athletes so far, both of which have become close friends of his.
Although he has developed a whole new group of friends over the other side of the world, the soccer athlete certainly hasn’t forgotten about his friends and family at home.
“We have a set time depending on games, every Saturday we try to skype for at least an hour. At least that way other family members can come round and talk to me while I’m over there. Being in Australia for 19 years, you have close friends that pretty much become like family. They know we skype on Saturdays, so they come over every Saturday and talk. They’re loving it, they get fed as well!” Antonio joked.
The humble leader enjoys his life on-campus, noting that everyone is friendly and that an open-door policy in dorms is a great way to make friends and keep social with other students.
Antonio is keeping his options open, with no concrete plans on whether he will stay in the US or return to Australia post-graduation.
He plans to try and pursue his soccer career but also favours following his degree into the work force if he is offered a job.
“You never know what’s going to happen, so just keep your options open and take whichever way it comes to you. Now I’ve got two countries where I can possibly work, two countries where I can possibly live…”
Take a look at how another talented NSW football athlete, Martin Zafirov prepared to begin his 2016 college adventure.
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