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 our staff. Our team members have personally competed and studied at U.S. colleges and universities as student-athletes. Having experienced the recruiting process firsthand, balanced academics with competitive sports, and lived everyday life on campus, they understand exactly what our students are about to experience.

Their 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.

UNIVERSITY PROGRAM MANAGER
Suvi Piipponen

Suvi Piipponen

Graduated from Averett University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree and in 2016 with a master’s degree, played Division 3 soccer. After graduation Suvi worked at Averett University for one year and three years at The University of the South: Sewanee. Women’s soccer USA South Conference Champion in 2012. Started at EuroAthlete/UP Global in 2023.
UNIVERSITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Juho Illi

Juho Illi

Graduated from Belmont University in 2012, played Division 1 men’s soccer for 4 years. After graduation Juho worked for Clayton State University as a Soccer Coach and as an Assistant Director of Compliance. Started at EuroAthlete in 2011.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Jussi Halme

Jussi Halme

Graduated from University of Denver in 2005. Played Division 1 men’s hockey for 4 years. NCAA Champion in 2004 and 2005. Started at UP Global in 2017 and at EuroAthlete in 2019.
SALES & PARTNERSHIP ASSOCIATE
Jennika Appelberg

Jennika Appelberg

After graduating from a boarding school in New Jersey, Jennika continued her soccer and academic careers at a collegiate level at Northeast Texas Community College. She earned an Associate Degree and continued to Texas Wesleyan University to play soccer and earn her BBA. Jennika has also earned her business MBA in Finland, and now she helps new student-athletes find their paths to colleges.
CFO & UP GLOBAL CO-FOUNDER
Timo Mäkelä

Timo Mäkelä

Graduated from Niagara University in 2001. Played Division 1 men’s hockey for 4 years. Team Captain in his senior year. Co-founder of UP Global.

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