We’re delighted to announce that FirstPoint USA client, Cormac Pike, has secured his place and is committed to Fairfield University. The Yeovil native and Millfield School student will be joining the Stags Men’s soccer team this Fall. We recently caught up with Cormac to find out some more about his sporting background, how he and his family found the process of pursuing an American sports scholarship, and what he is most looking forward to upon beginning his life as a student-athlete.
Cormac tells us he played youth soccer for Bristol Rovers prior to attending Millfield School. He states the move has allowed him to pursue his education, whilst also continuing with his soccer. Throughout his time at Millfield, Cormac tells us that it has been an honour to represent and captain the Millfield School, England Independent Schools, and England Schoolboys teams. Cormac was the first Millfield player to captain both the Independent Schools' Football Association and the English Schools' Football Association squads in the same season; and is one of only a handful of players in the country to hold captaincies in both leagues. He adds that his biggest achievement throughout, was captaining the England Schoolboys team as they played international fixtures.
With an impressive sporting career behind him so far, we asked Cormac to tell is about his favourite sporting experience to date. He told us it would have to be, representing the England Schoolboys team as the captain, in front of all of his family.
Similar to his move to Millfield, Cormac tells us he sees studying in the US as providing him with similar opportunities. He states, “It is the best way for me to continue my studies alongside playing a high standard of soccer. It is also a change of scenery that I’m looking forward to.”
Since telling his family about the opportunity to play in America, Cormac tells us that they have encouraged him throughout the whole process, as they know it’s an incredible opportunity. Adding, “They can’t wait to come out to Fairfield to watch me play and explore the area.”
Often, securing an American sports scholarship can be a lengthy, and sometimes confusing, process. However, Cormac tells us, “It has been an exciting and smooth process for me. Everything’s happened very quickly, which I think is a positive. I can now focus on my exams before heading to the States.”
Having now committed to Fairfield University, we asked Cormac how he knew this was the right fit for himself. He stated, “The soccer process is extremely successful, and is up there with the best in America. The location looks amazing; having New York and the beach that close to campus was a big pull factor. The academics are also extremely strong, which was the ‘cherry-on-top’ in terms of me making a decision.”
Upon joining the Fairfield Stags roster, we asked Cormac what he’s most looking forward to. He told us, “Meeting new people from all areas of the world, and playing in front of big crowds in big games during the season.”
Finally, we asked Cormac where he sees himself being in 10 years’ time. He told us he hopes to still be playing soccer, whether that be in America or back home in England, alongside pursuing a career in business.
We’d like to thank Cormac for catching up with us. We’ll keep you updated on Cormac's progress throughout the scholarship process across our various social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply to FirstPoint USA today for your once in a lifetime opportunity to head to the States on a sports scholarship:
