Augusta, Ga. - When you look at all the home countries of Augusta University student-athletes, you will see a very international talent pool. Of the nearly 300 student-athletes, there are more than 20 countries, and six continents represented. From Canada to Iceland, South Africa to Ukraine, AU has become a destination for many.
Men's basketball coach Dip Metress has had a number of international students over his tenure and said there are very few places in the world that combine sports and universities. In most countries, after their initial education, athletes either play professionally if capable or compete recreationally.
Bringing international students to campus is not an easy process, but many Jaguar coaches have navigated it before and know what it takes to make it happen. The key, they say, is ensuring that all documentation is in order.
"It is definitely a process, and you must navigate it from all angles. You can't afford to have anything fall through to cracks, it just doesn't work. If you do, you've got to catch them early on and then fix them," said Sharon Quarles, head volleyball coach.
One of the hurdles that needs to be cleared is the English language. For some countries, where English is their native language, it's not an issue. But for non-native speakers, they must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language, otherwise known as TOEFL, before they can even be considered for admittance.
Tennis coach Michael McGrath, whose roster is entirely made up of international students has seen student-athletes come to Augusta for a variety of reasons. He pointed to the Augusta climate, the team's success, available majors, and scholarships as major draws.
Many international student-athletes have never been to Augusta before they started their collegiate career. It can be a culture shock.
"When they get here, they're overwhelmed," said McGrath. "For the first 10 days to two weeks, they're just not sure what to do and they can be a fish out of water. So, until everybody gets back to campus and they have their first get together, they're very uneasy"
But he's found many to be adaptable and figure things out quickly.
Quarles has a freshman volleyball player coming from Ukraine this year. She was originally planning to travel with her father, but now will be making the trip alone. When she gets to Augusta, she'll live with a current volleyball player before the dorms open. That should help her acclimate to the area more quickly.
Top international athletes often target high-ranking programs in Division I and Division II, which is one reason several have chosen Augusta. Sometimes, connections play a role as well. Metress has relied on former players Keshun and KJ Sherrill and former assistant coach Robbie McKinlay to help him identify and recruit top international talent.
"It's not perfect, it never is," said Metress. "But I've seen through the years you can get some really good players and mostly, they're all good students."
