In this episode of the One Dog Podcast, we sit down with Samantha Pearson, a sophomore field hockey player at Wingate University hailing all the way from Johannesburg, South Africa. Samantha shares her journey of coming to the U.S. through an agency, choosing Wingate, and her experiences as an international student-athlete in a growing sport. She opens up about the excitement and challenges of moving across the globe, adjusting to a new culture, and helping to build a field hockey program from the ground up.
Samantha discusses the unique aspects of field hockey in South Africa compared to the U.S., including the differences in playing surfaces and styles. She reflects on the sense of community at Wingate, the strong team culture, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for current and future players.
We also explore Samantha's academic pursuits in strategic communications and psychology, her thoughts on staying in the U.S. after graduation, and some fun insights into South African culture and slang. Whether you're interested in field hockey, international student life, or simply love inspiring stories of adaptation and ambition, this episode offers a great look into Samantha's world.
Connect with Us:
Instagram: @onedogcollective
Email: ryan@webbermarketing.com
Connect with Samantha Pearson:
Instagram: @samiiijade
Tune in to follow Samantha’s journey and watch as she helps Wingate’s field hockey team make its mark!
The OneDog Podcast is the official podcast of Wingate University Athletics. Hosted by bulldog alumni Ryan Webber ('09), hear the stories surrounding Wingate athletics from coaches and players, past and present.
If you wish to support Wingate University athletics, consider donating to the Bulldog Club here: https://wingatebulldogs.com/feature/bulldogclub
You can support the OneDog Podcast by liking, subscribing and tuning in to each new episode.
If you would like to sponsor the OneDog Podcast, please email ryan@webbermarketing.com
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