How Megan turned her dream into reality through an American soccer scholarship
For many young Dutch soccer players, it’s the ultimate dream: studying and playing soccer in the United States. For Megan Castricum from Castricum, that dream became reality. Thanks to a soccer scholarship, she eventually made it all the way to an NCAA Division 1 university.
Megan grew up in the Dutch coastal town that shares her last name, playing for her local club for years. From an early age, she dreamed of an adventure abroad — and in particular, of playing college soccer.
“I always wanted to see how far I could go,” Megan says. “When a friend of mine went to the U.S. through Made Scholarships in 2020, I thought: I want that too.”
She reached out to Made Scholarships, who, after reviewing her goals and budget, helped her build a sports profile, gather game footage, and connect with American coaches. “It was exciting,” she laughs. “But I immediately felt well supported. They gave me honest advice and guided me step by step.” With multiple offers from different universities and levels, Megan eventually chose Cochise College, a community college in Arizona that offered her a full soccer scholarship.
In 2021, the adventure began, Megan packed her bags and flew across the world to start her college soccer journey at Cochise College.
First stop: Cochise College (NJCAA Division I)
Located deep in southern Arizona, Cochise College turned out to be the perfect place to start. The campus was remote, surrounded by desert, but the community was warm and close-knit.
“It was a culture shock,” Megan laughs. “The climate, the language, the training intensity, everything was different. But that’s exactly what helped me grow.”
She quickly earned playing time and adapted to the American style of soccer, faster, more physical, more direct.
“In the Netherlands, there’s more focus on technique and tactics. In the U.S., it’s about power and pace. It made me mentally stronger.”
Her second season was a success: she was named Player of the Week after scoring a decisive penalty and the winning goal in the regional final.“That was the moment I realized: I belong here.”
The JUCO route turned out to be an ideal stepping stone.“At a community college, you get time to adjust, grow, and prove yourself, that was exactly what I needed.” After two strong seasons, Megan attracted interest from several four-year universities and decided to continue her studies at Multnomah University (NAIA).
Next step: Multnomah University (NAIA)
After two seasons, Megan was ready for a new challenge. Through Made Scholarships’ network, she connected with Multnomah University (now part of Jessup University) in Portland, Oregon, a completely different environment.
“From the dry desert to a green, creative city full of students, it was a big change.”
The level was higher, the pace faster, and the competition tougher.
“The players were physically strong and tactically smart. I had to step up again, but that kept me sharp.”
Off the field, Megan also experienced enormous personal growth.
“Portland is very multicultural. I met students from all over the world, improved my English, and discovered what I really wanted to study. That time at Multnomah was the bridge between growing up and becoming an adult.”
Megan graduated with honors in Exercise Science after two years. Because of the extra eligibility year granted after COVID, she had one more year to play, and she wanted to do that at the highest possible level.
The crown on her journey: Delaware State University (NCAA Division I)
Her final destination became Delaware State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) on the U.S. East Coast that competes in NCAA Division 1.
“Everything is bigger here, the stadium, the facilities, the staff. We have our own recovery room, fitness trainers, and video analysis. It feels professional, like you’re improving every single day.”
But it’s not just the facilities that make an impression.
“The atmosphere is special. An HBCU has a strong sense of community and pride. People really want to know who you are — that gives so much energy.”
Alongside her soccer career, Megan is working toward her graduate degree in Sports Administration.
“The academic level is high, but I’ve become so much more independent after all these years in America. You learn to prioritize, take responsibility, and keep going even when things get tough.”
Her away games took her to places she had only ever seen on TV, Hawaii, California, New York, and Las Vegas.
“That’s one of the most amazing parts of this adventure, it truly opens up your world, both literally and figuratively.”
Life lessons from college soccer in America
The past few years in the U.S. have changed Megan profoundly. She’s become calmer, more grateful, and resilient. She’s learned to deal with setbacks, take responsibility, and appreciate the small things.
The hardest part remains being far from home.
“You miss birthdays, dinners, and little moments. But you build a second family here with your teammates and coaches.”
When she received her bachelor’s diploma, it felt like a reward for four years of hard work, in the classroom, on the field, and mentally.
A message for future student-athletes
Megan is open about her future, maybe she’ll stay in America, maybe she’ll return to Europe. But one thing is certain:
“This experience has shaped me as a person. Without the right guidance, I could never have done it this well.”
Her advice to others is simple but powerful:
“Be brave. Go. You can always come back, but you’ll only get this chance once. You’ll learn more about yourself than you ever imagined.”
Would you like to follow in Megan’s footsteps and study and play soccer in America?
Discover your options with Made Scholarships
