Athletes from Xaverian College are set to further their sporting success overseas after being awarded prestigious scholarships by American universities.
Billie-Jean Davies, Ellise Rennie and Betty Hall, are young athletes that have been enthusiastic about achieving their sporting goals long before joining the College.
Billie-Jean, who has been playing football since she could walk, recently committed to West Virginia State University (NCAA Division 2) for Fall 2022.
Commenting on her success, Billie-Jean Said: “Football has always been a part of my life ever since I can remember. My Dad and brothers all played football, so I am following in their footsteps. This is a once in a life-time opportunity and I couldn’t be more excited. I’d love to be a sports teacher in the future, so this is an important part of gaining the necessary skills and experiences needed to inspire other young people. I will fly over to the United States in August to start the preseason with the rest of the team, I can’t wait!”
Billie-Jean currently plays for two local teams, Stoke City Reserves and Bolton Futsal and coaches an Under 7s club.
She continued: “Staff at the College have been extremely supportive and always encouraged me to achieve academic and sporting excellence. Mrs Hall and Mr Duggal have been great role models since day one. They even helped me create a plan that keeps me organised at busy periods. I have made lots of memories at College, but I think my favourites are qualifying for the AoC Sport National Championships and winning the Kahoot quiz in Business every single week!”
Ellise and Betty, who have also been playing since a young age, aspire to be professional footballers in the future and are excited to make their mark in America.
Ellise said: “I have been playing football for my entire life and I absolutely love it! I joined my first team when I was 6 and after a few years I was scouted by Manchester United. It’s still one of my greatest achievements. I now play for Manchester City Girls, which has given me the opportunity to travel all over the world playing football. This summer I will be moving to St. Augustine, Florida, to study at Flagler College!
“My time at Xaverian has been fantastic. It is a really nice environment to study in and all staff are supportive of students ambitions.”
Betty, who currently plays for Manchester City girls, FC United of Manchester Women and Bolton Futsal Club, received offers from Division 1 and 2 teams all over America.
Betty said: “It was really hard to choose but I am pleased to be joining Ellise at Flagler College. Xaverian has always been incredibly fun and supportive. In my first year I got to meet girls in Year 13 who had applied to study in America and following their journey has really motived and inspired me. I am still exploring the different football careers I could pursue but in the meantime I’m hoping to win lots of matches before I return to the UK.”
Xaverian College continuously emphasises the importance of extra-curricular activities, encouraging students to go above and beyond their core study programme to further develop their skills.
Antonio de Paolo, Vice Principal – Curriculum, said: ‘’It is inspiring to see our students developing as sportswomen alongside gaining their qualifications. Our dynamic and exciting environment aims to give young people the confidence and skills needed to achieve and even exceed their goals. We are passionate about supporting our student’s personal development and are committed to enhancing their College experience. We are immensely proud of Billie-Jean, Ellise and Betty’s achievements.’’
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit xaverian.ac.uk – Explore Your Future!
