On the Ground in the USA: Insights from the EXA Global Team

Our recent USA tour wasn’t just a visit; it was a front-row seat to the future of student-athlete opportunities. Here’s what we discovered, who we connected with, and why it matters for the next generation of South African talent.

Exa Global Staff In USA

On the Ground in the USA: Insights from the EXA Global Team

Our recent USA tour wasn’t just a visit; it was a front-row seat to the future of student-athlete opportunities. Here’s what we discovered, who we connected with, and why it matters for the next generation of South African talent.

Campus Visits That Raised the Bar

We walked the campuses that student-athletes dream about, and each one showed us what’s truly possible:

University of Texas at Austin: Academic prestige meets athletic power. A place where big dreams don’t just live, they’re built.

University of Tampa: A vibrant sports culture right in the city’s heart. For athletes who want more than a game, they want an experience.

University of Central Florida (UCF): Big campus. Big energy. Big opportunities. A home for top-tier NCAA competition.

Hillsborough Community College: An accessible launchpad for athletes looking to build academics while competing at NJCAA level.

University of South Florida (USF): A research-driven hub with Division I teams and endless potential.

Connecting with Colleges at the Fair

Our time at the NACAC National College Fair took us beyond the campuses and into direct conversations with the people making decisions:

  • Met directly with admissions teams and international officers

  • Built new pathways for South African athlete recruitment

  • Gained insider insights into what universities seek in international student-athletes

  • Gathered up-to-date information on admissions and scholarships

Facilities That Redefine the Game

We toured pro-level training centres, stepped onto championship fields, and explored cutting-edge recovery spaces. Seeing these facilities up close made one thing clear: U.S. colleges aren’t just investing in athletes—they’re building environments where they grow in every way.

Why It Matters for SA Athletes

This tour wasn’t about ticking boxes—it was about staying ahead of the game. Every visit, every handshake, every conversation armed us with sharper tools to guide South African athletes toward success. We’re not guessing; we’ve seen it, we’ve walked it, and we’re bringing it back home.

At EXA Global, we’re not just opening doors—we’re building bridges that last. And after this trip, we’re more committed than ever to helping South African student-athletes take their place on the global stage—with confidence, clarity, and support.