Jalkapallojoukkue seisoo rivissä kentän laidalla auringonlaskun taustalla.

EuroAthlete

One of Europe's Leading Organizations for U.S. College Recruiting since 1990

We help student-athletes from Finland and across Europe find the right opportunities to combine athletics and academics at universities and colleges in the USA.

Since 1990, EuroAthlete has connected talented international student-athletes with American colleges through a personalized recruiting process that creates the right fit for both athletes and coaches.

Our Story

For more than three decades, EuroAthlete has helped student-athletes pursue their academic and athletic goals in the United States.

In 2019, EuroAthlete joined forces with UP Global, one of Europe’s leading organizations specializing in international education and student-athlete recruitment. This partnership strengthened our expertise, expanded our international network, and enhanced our ability to guide European student-athletes through every step of the college recruiting process.

Today, with more than 500 student-athletes successfully placed at U.S. colleges and universities, we have developed a proven recruiting model that benefits both coaches and athletes. Our extensive network of college coaches, trusted advisors, alumni, and European sports organizations enables us to identify the best possible match for every student-athlete.

We believe successful recruiting is about more than finding talented athletes – it’s about finding the right academic, athletic, and personal fit.

550+
Student-athletes
recruited
35+
Years of
experience
260+
Universities and
Colleges

Our Starting Lineup

What truly sets EuroAthlete apart is the first-hand experience of our team. Our staff members have studied and competed as student-athletes at U.S. colleges and universities, experiencing the same journey our athletes are preparing to take.

From navigating the recruiting process and adapting to life in the USA to balancing academics with competitive college sports, our team understands what it takes because we have lived it ourselves.

For our athletes, this means more than simply having someone guide them through the recruiting process. It means having experienced people by their side who know what questions to ask, what to look for in a college program, and what challenges to prepare for.

Our first-hand experience allows us to provide practical guidance, honest advice, and personalized support throughout every step of the journey — from the first conversation to graduation. Our goal is to help each athlete make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and ultimately find a college where they can succeed both academically and athletically.

UNIVERSITY PROGRAM MANAGER
Suvi Piipponen

Suvi Piipponen

Suvi graduated from Averett University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management in 2013 and a Master’s degree (MBA) in 2016. During her time at Averett, she competed in NCAA Division III women’s soccer and was part of the team that won the USA South Conference Championship in 2012.

After graduating, Suvi continued her career in U.S. college athletics, working at both Averett University and Sewanee: The University of the South. Her experience as a student-athlete and university professional gives her first-hand insight into the U.S. college system and the student-athlete experience.

Suvi joined EuroAthlete / UP Global in 2023, bringing her experience of studying, competing, and working within the U.S. college system to help the next generation of student-athletes pursue their opportunities in the USA.
UNIVERSITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Juho Illi

Juho Illi

Juho graduated from Belmont University in 2012 after competing for four years in NCAA Division I men’s soccer.

After graduating, Juho continued his career in U.S. college athletics at Clayton State University, where he worked as a soccer coach and Assistant Director of Compliance. These roles gave him extensive first-hand experience with both the athletic and administrative sides of the U.S. college sports system.

Juho started at EuroAthlete in 2011 and brings his experience as a Division I student-athlete, college coach, and university athletics professional to helping athletes navigate the recruiting process and find the right opportunities to combine academics and sports in the USA.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Jussi Halme

Jussi Halme

Jussi graduated from the University of Denver in 2005 after playing four years of NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey. During his collegiate career, he was part of the University of Denver teams that won back-to-back NCAA National Championships in 2004 and 2005.

His experience as a Division I student-athlete and two-time NCAA National Champion gives him first-hand knowledge of competing and studying at the highest level of U.S. college athletics.

He joined UP Global in 2017 and EuroAthlete in 2019, bringing his experience of the U.S. college system and high-level college athletics to helping athletes pursue opportunities to combine academics and sports in the USA.
SALES & PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATE
Jennika Appelberg

Jennika Appelberg

After graduating from a boarding school in New Jersey, Jennika continued both her academic and soccer career at Northeast Texas Community College, where she earned an Associate Degree while competing in college soccer.

She then transferred to Texas Wesleyan University, where she continued playing soccer and completed her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Jennika later earned her MBA in Finland, further strengthening her academic and professional background.

Having experienced the U.S. education and college recruiting system first-hand at multiple levels, Jennika now uses her experience to help student-athletes find the right opportunities to combine academics and athletics at colleges and universities in the USA.
CFO & UP GLOBAL CO-FOUNDER
Timo Mäkelä

Timo Mäkelä

Timo graduated from Niagara University in 2001 after playing four years of NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey. During his senior year, he served as team captain, gaining valuable experience in leadership and competing at the highest level of U.S. college athletics.

His own experience as an international student-athlete has given him first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges of combining academics and high-level sports in the USA.

As a co-founder of UP Global, he has played a key role in helping student-athletes pursue opportunities to study and compete at colleges and universities in the USA.

For College Coaches

If you’re looking to recruit motivated and well-prepared international student-athletes, we’d be happy to help. Tell us about your recruiting needs, and we’ll connect you with athletes who are the right fit for your program.

Interested in coming to see the athletes perform live? Just let us know and we’d be happy to help arrange that.

Nuori nainen pelaa jalkapalloa kentällä, juosten pallon ohi.

EuroAthlete / Universal Players Global Oy
[email protected]
+358 442 476 124

Address
Myllyhaantie 6 C
33960 Pirkkala
FINLAND

Coaches’ Recruiting Request

Complete the form below and tell us what type of student-athletes you’re looking for. We’ll match your recruiting needs with qualified athletes and send you profiles that fit your program.

Budget, position, required results etc.
GPA, SAT, Duolingo/TOEFL, other