What inspired you to start playing sports? Who influenced you the most?

I started playing soccer at PMFC when I was six years old. It quickly became clear that I wasn’t exactly destined to become the next football superstar. However, I was a fearless kid who would dive headfirst for every ball, so, to everyone’s delight, I ended up becoming a goalkeeper.

Since making that decision, I’ve broken my hand, fingers, or arm 13 times on the field. It was probably a sign from above that I should quit, but fortunately I didn’t take the hint—and in the end, I found myself in America.

Who do you owe your current success to the most?

My mother has always supported me in everything. She did absolutely everything she could—and even more—to help me succeed in life. Neither of us ever imagined that this journey would end the way it did: from a panel apartment in the Kertváros district of Pécs to the top of a skyscraper at the age of 18.

The other person I owe a great deal to is my goalkeeper coach, Árpád Kovacsevics. From the very beginning, he believed that even if I wasn’t the most naturally talented player, I was willing to work harder than anyone else. He taught me that honest hard work is something no one can ever take away from you, and nothing can replace it.

What are your future goals in sports and beyond? (In the U.S. and afterward?)

I graduated as team captain from Southern Nazarene University in 2022. I’m currently the goalkeeper coach for the women’s soccer team at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, while also pursuing a Master’s degree in Sports Management. Thanks to my coaching contract, the university covers the full cost of my graduate studies.

How supportive were your parents and family of your decision to study and play sports abroad?

My family and close friends supported me throughout the entire process. To be honest, they probably believed in my American dream even more than I did.

Many people played a part in helping me get to where I am today—or, in some cases, making the journey more difficult.

For example, my high school homeroom teacher forbade me from attending our graduation ball and even from appearing in the class graduation photo, because while preparing for the SAT and TOEFL exams and working two jobs, I had missed too many art classes during my senior year. But sometimes, achieving something meaningful requires making sacrifices.

What do you love most about America?

Without a doubt, the opportunity to travel.

Since moving to the U.S., I’ve been fortunate enough to visit places like Hawaii, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Mexico, Texas, Atlanta, Florida, Colorado, Nashville, and San Francisco, just to name a few.

I never even dreamed I’d get the chance to see places like these. I feel incredibly grateful and fortunate for every experience.

In your opinion, what are the biggest advantages and challenges of American college life?

People often say that everything is handed to you in America, but I like to say: the fence may be made of sausages, but you still have to smoke them yourself.

There are countless opportunities to build a new life filled with experiences and friendships, especially in a college environment. But you have to be open-minded and willing to step outside your comfort zone.

At first, living alongside people from so many different cultures can be challenging, but over time you learn to appreciate it and adapt.

What do you do outside of school and sports?

Since 2020, I’ve been running my own private goalkeeper coaching business in Oklahoma City. Thankfully, it has grown into a very successful company.

Financially, it took me less than three years to become completely independent. At 21 years old, I was able to buy my own house and a brand-new car—something that, unfortunately, would have been almost unimaginable for me back home in Hungary.

What are your everyday life like?

On weekdays, my mornings are usually quite flexible. I often go grocery shopping, play golf, or train with my boxing coach. In the afternoons, I cook and head downtown to coach private training sessions. Whenever the Oklahoma City Thunder are playing at home, I try to attend as many NBA games as possible.

How do training sessions in the U.S. compare to those in Hungary?

They’re almost impossible to compare.

In American college soccer, there is a huge emphasis on physical conditioning and tactical preparation, while technical development receives less attention. We did an enormous amount of running, which was especially difficult to get used to at first because of the 45°C (113°F) summer heat and 80% humidity.

We also trained in the gym six times a week, both as a team and individually. The hard work paid off—we won our conference twice, which is considered one of the strongest conferences in NCAA Division II.

How is your diet in the U.S. different from what it was back home?

It’s completely different—180 degrees.

When I first arrived, I was amazed that the university offered all-you-can-eat buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. Unfortunately, nobody had the heart to stop me from going back for a third plate every day—after all, I wanted to try everything! As a result, I gained 10 kilograms (22 pounds) very quickly.

I’ve toned it down since then, but the temptation is still there.

What has been your greatest achievement or proudest memory in soccer?

After my second year of college, I was invited to join the Sporting Kansas City reserve team, where I signed to play in the summer professional league. That season, we finished second in our conference, which remains one of my proudest accomplishments.

What would you say to young athletes who are thinking about pursuing this path?

If I could do it—coming from a single-parent family, growing up with limited financial means, being an average student and an ordinary soccer player from a small apartment in Pécs—then anyone can.

If you approach it knowing you’ve done everything you possibly could, even if it doesn’t work out, you’re already ahead of 90% of people.

And if you don’t know where to start or what to expect, just ask. I’m sure any of us would be happy to answer your questions or simply talk about what life is really like over here.

How did you manage with English in the beginning?

Fortunately, I arrived with a solid level of English, but I still had a lot to learn.

After nearly five years in the U.S., I’ve reached the point where it’s actually harder for me to speak Hungarian than English because English has become such a natural part of my daily life. These days, I only get to speak Hungarian when I call home two or three times a week.

Did you have the opportunity to work on campus? What was that experience like?

Yes, I did.

I worked as an office manager at the university for $7.25 per hour, up to 20 hours a week. As my own coaching business started growing, I gradually devoted more time to it.

By the time I graduated, I was almost exclusively coaching privately, earning over 20,000 HUF per hour for about 10–12 hours a week—which still feels unbelievable when I think about it from a Hungarian perspective.

How easy was it to settle in?

Thankfully, settling in was very easy.

I ended up in an incredible environment, and my roommates were unbelievably supportive. Thanks to them, I spent my first university breaks on the beaches of Florida and on a farm in Arkansas with their families.

Have you been able to build a strong network, and how important is networking to you?

Absolutely—and from personal experience, I can say that networking is one of the most important things you can do.

Because of the relationships I’ve built, I was able to choose from six different job offers after graduation. I’ve received around $3,000 worth of NBA tickets as gifts, free airline tickets, and I could show up unannounced in nearly 20 different states knowing I’d have a place to stay.

Especially as an international student, your reputation is everything. If you’re reliable, kind, respectful, and genuinely care about others, people notice. Life becomes much easier when you’re surrounded by people who share those same values.

How have your years in the U.S. changed you as a person?

Since moving here, I’ve become a much more positive person.

People here are generally calmer and friendlier. For example, if there’s a long line at the grocery store, nobody complains. Instead, complete strangers will start a conversation, compliment your clothes, ask, “How ya doin’?”, and then everyone simply carries on with their day.

That positive mindset has definitely rubbed off on me.

Have you considered staying in the U.S. after finishing your studies?

Absolutely.

I definitely want to stay in the U.S. long-term. Eventually, I’d love to find a new opportunity in either Hawaii or California.

I’ve already had a few opportunities, but first I’d like to finish my master’s degree.

What do you think about the American education system? What do they do better—or differently—than in Hungary?

It’s practical, straightforward, and enjoyable.

The professors genuinely care about their students and help you understand why something works—not just what answer to write on a test.

I honestly don’t have a single bad thing to say about my experience. Everything I needed to succeed after graduation was provided for me, and I’m grateful every single day that I have the opportunity to live the life I do.

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Study N Sport team for everything they have done to help me throughout this journey.