International Waters: Panthers Swim & Dive Goes Global
From Lerum, Sweden, to Napier, New Zealand, Milwaukee swimming & diving is home to student-athletes who have crossed oceans to compete in NCAA athletics. With eight international competitors hailing from six different countries, the program has become a hotspot for international talent, bringing different languages, cultures, and skillsets to the Milwaukee community. And the one thing that brings these athletes together? Their passion for swimming and a desire to chase their dreams, both athletic and academic, on the American stage.

Whether the athletes were drawn to Milwaukee by scholarship opportunities, academic offerings, coaching dynamics, or a shot at living an American college lifestyle, each athlete has their own story as to why they call Milwaukee their new home.
 
Women's Team Members

• Johanna Edgren - Lerum, Sweden, Junior, Finance
• Anika Svenning – Bærum, Norway, Freshman, Political Science

Men's Team Members

• Emre Arican – Turkey, Freshman, Biomedical Engineering
• Caleb Carlisle – Napier, New Zealand, Sophomore, Business
• Josh Carroll – Palmerston North, New Zealand, Freshman, Kinesiology
• Jean Ducastel – Pont-Remy, France, Junior, Criminal Justice

 
The Big Dream
Some future Panthers had the idea of moving overseas from a young age. "I knew I wanted to do this when I was 13," Arican said. Edgren added, "My mom had always encouraged me and my older sister to go to the United States, since you don't get the same opportunity to combine university with swimming in Sweden. When I saw how much fun my sister had in the U.S. with her teammates and the opportunities she was presented with, there was no doubt about going overseas. After I had a breakout national meet and started looking more into it, I decided that it was what I wanted to do," Carroll stated.
 
Other student-athletes recognized this opportunity later in their high school years.

"I always thought the idea of traveling overseas to study seemed like a really cool experience, and I realized throughout high school that this was what I wanted to do," said Svenning. Carlisle and Ducastel noted that they, too, knew they were destined for the American college experience within their last few years of high school.
 
Finding Milwaukee
A few athletes, including Ducastel and Arican, took initiative and contacted coaches Kyle Clements, Alex Hallam, and Todd Hill directly. Others utilized international recruiting resources to get in touch with the Panther coaching staff. "I joined a recruiter who put me in contact with Coach Alex," said Carroll.

Carlisle added, "My recruiting agent contacted coaches who were interested in me and then put me into contact with those coaches".

Edgren and Svenning had similar experiences. "Through the recruiting process, Milwaukee reached out to me about a year ago in October, and I really liked the program," stated Svenning.

Edgren mentioned, "Alex reached out to me by email".
 
Why the Panthers
Like most international students, none of the six athletes were able to visit Milwaukee before committing. However, that did not stop them from seeing the benefits the program and institution could provide. For Svenning, location and the team atmosphere were essential in her decision. "Milwaukee separated itself with its location, overall swim program, and the team," she said.

Carlisle agreed, stating that the coaching style and location were driving factors. "It just felt like a good fit," stated Carroll, as he was excited about the direction of the program.

Location continued to be the common denominator among these international athletes when deciding on their college commitment. "Milwaukee had everything I was looking for in location, academics, and the team," added Edgren.

Arican and Ducastel both saw Milwaukee as a vast sea of opportunities. "The opportunities and the team were big factors in my decision-making process," said Arican.
 
Adapting to a New Life
Moving across the world certainly comes with challenges beyond the pool.

"Honestly, your life changes as soon as you get off the plane," stated Edgren. "You need to adapt to being taught in English, to a new social life, and to a different culture."
 
Language barriers are bound to affect these students entering the U.S. for the first time. Svenning added, "The biggest adjustment has definitely been speaking English at all times, as well as having my education in English".

Arican commented on the variety of different rules that are present in the States. Carlisle and Ducastel even noticed some differences involving food and how this has been a huge adjustment. Carlisle also touched on the differences in clothing styles.
 
The Team as an Anchor
Despite early challenges, each athlete has leaned on the welcoming Panther team atmosphere when making their transition to life in America.

"It's like making over 50 new friends right away," said Edgren. "I was warmly welcomed immediately, and I couldn't ask for anything better. As soon as I was unsure about something, there was always someone on the team that I could talk to."

Svenning echoed this sentiment stating, "The team at Milwaukee has been incredibly welcoming and supportive through this process. Having other international student-athletes as part of the team has made the adjustment a shared and fun experience".

The helpful nature of the Milwaukee community has made these international athletes feel at home. "I feel like I have a family away from home," said Carroll. Carlisle added "Joining the team has helped me make friends and be part of social events around the city".

Ducastel and Arican touched on the same notes, describing how friendly and considerate the Panther family has been.
 
Favorite Parts of America
Adjusting to a new country comes with its challenges, but it also brings exciting discoveries. "The grocery stores are massive," Svenning said. "There are endless food selections!"

Ducastel commented on the friendly nature of everyone, including strangers. "People are so nice, even people that do not know me."

Arican even touched on American freedom and how he can do what he loves freely every day.

Carlisle stated, "My favorite part about life in the United States is competing at sports competitions with the team".

"My friends, free refills at restaurants, and coffee shops," added Edgren. Lastly, Carroll is thankful for the change in scenery that comes with being in a new country.
 
Talent Knows No Borders
For these six Panthers, swimming brought them to Milwaukee, but it's the culture, opportunities, and relationships that have made it feel like home. As the Milwaukee swim & dive program continues to grow globally, it is clear that talent knows no borders, and the bonds formed here go far beyond the pool.