Global Game, Local Impact: How International Recruiting Shapes BGSU Women's Soccer

BGSU women's soccer has built its reputation not just on talent from local states, but also through an increasingly international roster. From Canada to Germany to England, head coach Chris Fox has leaned into the global reach of the sport to find players who not only fit the needs of the team but also elevate the competitive standard of the program.

When asked about its necessity, Fox affirmed that international recruiting is essential to the team's continued success.

"I think it just raises the standards and the ability of everybody else," Fox said.

The Global Pipeline: Scouting Overseas

Recruiting overseas requires a different approach than in the United States, where coaches can simply scout players in person at tournaments and showcases. For international talent, Fox explained that his staff often relies on highlight films, personal connections, and agencies.

"Through agencies for the most part," Fox said. "Obviously, you try and go to people direct as well. That can be more of a challenge. You don't know who's truly interested in playing in the States."

Still, Fox admits recruiting internationally comes with risk. "Film can certainly be deceiving," Fox said. "In person, you're able to watch people's reactions and their responses and things that they're doing off the ball that sometimes get missed on film."

That makes fit even more important. "For us, the way we recruit is very specific," Fox said. "This is our philosophy. What piece are we missing? And that's what we're looking for."

Importing Passion

Fox noted that an advantage of international recruiting is the mentality and passion the players bring. While some may have elite backgrounds, a common element among them is a deep engagement with the sport.

"With internationals, there's usually a passion for the game of soccer. They usually watch the game, so they already have an understanding," Fox said. He added that this passion contributes to the high standards he values. "There is just a level of understanding of the game, a level of passion for the game, a professional mindset."

Canadian sophomore midfielder Alexis Tsaprailis explained that the pursuit of the highest level of play is a driving force.

"I always knew I wanted to play at the highest level, and being over here is the highest level that I can play for my age, while also getting an education," Tsaprailis said.

Building a Balanced Team

Even with the positives, Fox stresses that international recruiting isn't about replacing domestic talent. Instead, it's about balance.

"I would never want a full team of internationals, but I'd love to have maybe a third of our team," Fox said.

International players often bring strengths that complement the American style of play. Fox noted that his system aligns well with certain international styles, which is a major draw for recruits. "I think most of the time it's going to be the culture and the playing style of the team," Fox said. "I think that is the driving force behind most people's decisions. Does the philosophy fit with the way they play?"

That mix of styles, he said, creates a more complete squad. Fox emphasized the goal is to successfully develop players, which is part of the program's overall appeal.

"We're gonna develop the players through multiple varieties of different ways, then that's ultimately hopefully gonna lead them for the pathway to pro," said Fox.

Canadian junior forward Isabella Mazzaferro described how her strengths complement the team's needs.

"I like to keep the ball and use my speed," Mazzaferro said. "I'm more about crosses, and I think that's an important part of our attacking line."

Alexis Tsaprailis: The D1 Dream

For Tsaprailis, the dream of playing Division I soccer pulled her south from Canada. "I always knew I wanted to play at the highest level I could while still getting an education," Tsaprailis said. "In Canada, sports aren't as big a deal, so I always dreamed of coming here and playing D1."

Choosing Bowling Green was about balance.

"It has a good fit of everything. Academically strong, soccer's strong, super competitive," Tsaprailis said. "The community here is amazing. So it's a good fit all around."

Tsaprailis was originally recruited by the program's former coach, but her first conversation with Fox quickly assured her she was in the right place.

"The way that his philosophy is and the way his playing style is completely matches mine," Tsaprailis said. "He's definitely a more technical coach. We want to keep the ball, and as a midfielder, I'd rather not have the ball going over my head all the time. So it was just a perfect match."

On the field, she has felt the adjustment to the American game.

"Everyone says the speed of play will be different, and the physicality, and that's true," Tsaprailis said. "I've had to work extra hard on those aspects. But you just keep learning the game and control what you can."

What she's enjoyed most is the support system. "The biggest thing here is community," Tsaprailis said. "At every single game and event, you feel that support. I think it doesn't compare to a lot of other places."

Isabella Mazzaferro: Rising to the Challenge

Mazzaferro transferred to BGSU after starting her career at Niagara University in New York and growing up in Canada, looking for a bigger challenge.

"In Canada, we have competitive universities, but to get the true D1 experience and play at a very high level is what drove me to come down here and play," Mazzaferro said.

She began at Niagara, but transferred after two seasons with the Golden Eagles. "At Niagara, it was a smaller school with not so many resources," Mazzaferro said. "The team was good, but I needed something that pushed me more. Coming here was exactly what I needed—I was pushed as a person and a player, having to prove myself all over again."

Fox reached out through the transfer portal, and their first conversation made an impression.

"Right off the bat, his morals, what he wanted for the team and how they played just stood out," Mazzaferro said. "That's exactly the kind of player I am. I like to keep possession, not so much kick and run."

Mazzaferro said American vs Canadian soccer is similar, but there are some key differences.

"Here, they focus a lot more on weightlifting and being built," Mazzaferro said. "In Canada, we never really focused on that. So coming here, it was more aggressive, faster speed of play, and you're playing against girls three or four years older. It definitely pushes you."

Off the field, she's embraced the local culture. Her favorite part of Bowling Green is "the small town feel," Mazzaferro said. "The little parades downtown and the fun community events our team goes to are so cool to see with everyone coming together."

Michelle Hochstadt: Academics and Ambition

From Germany, junior midfielder Michelle Hochstadt has seen firsthand how different the U.S. model is compared to Europe.

"In Europe, it's really hard to combine academics and soccer," Hochstadt said. "I wasn't ready to give up soccer, but I also wanted to go to university."

When Hochstadt entered the transfer portal, her past connection with Fox, who had coached her at Morehead State, influenced her decision.

"I achieved a lot under him, and I thought maybe our journey together hasn't come to an end yet," Hochstadt said.

What has stood out most since arriving at BGSU is the infrastructure.

"The facilities and everything are crazy," Hochstadt said. "The things we have access to are insane. The treatment, the health support—it's professional. It's like how it would be in Germany at the high leagues."

Adjusting hasn't been without challenges.

"The language is different and so is the culture. I never thought the culture would be that different, but it is," Hochstadt said. "You kind of have to switch yourself from being more introverted to extroverted, because your family's on the other side of the world."

On the field, Hochstadt sees her European background as a strength, particularly her technical ability, while the U.S. system fills a specific need.

"When I came here, I got an injury and my fitness struggled because of it," Hochstadt said. "I can give my technical stuff to the team, and they can give me fitness."

Evie Underhill: Bridging Two Soccer Worlds

Sophomore midfielder Evie Underhill came to Bowling Green after playing at St. Bonaventure University in New York, after growing up in London, England and playing for Tottenham Hotspur's U21s and Ireland's U19 squad.

"I always wanted to come to the States," Underhill said. "I wanted to study while playing soccer, and you can't really do that at a high level in England. That's why I came here."

Her first impressions of the American game matched what she had heard.

"It's definitely more athletic in America," Underhill said. "England's more technical: ball at your feet, dribbling, touch, pass. Here, it's about athleticism and how fast you can run. But Bowling Green is more technical, so it's a good balance."

Off the field, Underhill's embraced American life while still missing home. "I miss being able to walk to a local shop," Underhill said. "Here you have to drive everywhere because it's so big." She also noticed differences in food, too, discovering the enjoyment of a classic American burger, though she misses staples from back home like a roast dinner or fry-up.

What's helped her adjust has been her teammates.

"Everyone's so welcoming, nice, and helpful," Underhill said. "They've made Bowling Green feel like a home away from home."

The Falcons' Global Future

The style of Bowling Green Women's Soccer is defined by its ability to fuse the different worlds of soccer. The experiences of Tsaprailis, Mazzaferro, Hochstadt, and Underhill all point to a program that successfully merges the high-level athleticism of American Division I sports with the tactical depth and professional mentality often fostered in international play.

This blend of international and domestic talent has positioned Bowling Green not only as a contender in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), but also as a model for how other programs can maximize recruiting reach, widening the talent pool and helping the Falcons with their recent success so far this season.

Looking ahead, Fox believes the approach will continue to shape the program's trajectory as Bowling Green continues to be a welcoming, balanced, and ambitious program.

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