After four years with the Nighthawks, volleyball players Madi Smith and Olivia Smith are set to begin an exciting new chapter this fall, traveling to England where they will continue their volleyball careers while pursuing postgraduate degrees as student-athletes.

This fall, the Smith sisters will embark on a 12-month postgraduate journey in the UK after committing to the same university, where they will compete together on the volleyball court while earning their master's degrees in history (Madison) and International Sport Management (Olivia).

Following a competitive recruitment process that saw the sisters attract interest from universities across the UK, Madison and Olivia considered several postgraduate scholarship opportunities before committing to one of the country's leading volleyball programs.

Together, they will begin an unforgettable chapter, continuing their volleyball careers, earning their master's degrees, competing for a national championship, and experiencing everything life as a postgraduate student-athlete in the UK has to offer.

Over recent years, the UK has become a popular destination for former student-athletes as different eligibility rules permit students to compete alongside their graduate education.

While the chance to play another year of college sport initially caught their attention, several other factors also influenced the decision to make the move to England. Master's degrees in the UK take only 12 months to complete, tuition is typically cheaper, and former US college athletes can often use their playing experience to earn substantial athletic scholarships.

Madison and Olivia were supported throughout the entire process by UK-based company Play Overseas, which provides a free service to graduating and former student-athletes, helping them identify postgraduate scholarship opportunities that allow them to further both their athletic careers and education overseas.

Play Overseas is currently recruiting student-athletes for 2027 entry and beyond. Any student who wishes to explore the possibility of playing a further year of college sport in the UK while pursuing a master's degree can register their interest via the following link:
https://app.playoverseas.co.uk/register