One of Nelson’s brightest young footballers is chasing her dreams in America later this year.
Katie Beuker has signed a sports scholarship with Kentucky based Campbellsville University, where she will play football (or soccer as it is known there, much to her chagrin) for the Campbellsville Tigers. For the 17 year old former head girl at Nelson College for Girls, it is the realisation of a goal crafted two years’ earlier.
“I decided at the start of year 12 that it was something I was really interested in. From then, I have been working with Platform Sports Management on creating a profile for them to send around America. My agent Sammy has been amazing to work with, and she sent my profile around the U.S.A.”
Location and level of competition were important factors in deciding which universities were approached. It also played a crucial role in settling on Campbellsville.
“The university is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, which is for smaller universities but has a high level of competition. The team I’m going to won their conference last season and made the top 16 in the division in the country, so it’s really exciting.”
Beuker was four years old when she first kicked a football and has been obsessed since. Still, it was overwhelming to be courted by various universities throughout America during the process.
“It was crazy talking with coaches from places like Miami and Kansas City, but I decided that Campbellsville was the right fit for me.”
With the education system operating differently in America, Katie doesn’t head to Kentucky until August. It means she gets to play a third season for the Nelson Suburbs women’s team, which compete in the South Island southern league. For the astute defensive back, it is a chance to hone her skills before making the move.
“I love playing for Suburbs and am so grateful for the opportunities they have given me. I’ll definitely miss them next year.”
