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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Adapting across cultures: Evie Underhill’s journey to BGSU
September 28, 2025 | Women's Soccer
Soccer has always been part of BGSU women's soccer sophomore defender Evie Underhill's life. Growing up in London, she watched her brother take the field and heard stories from her dad, who played semi-professionally.
Underhill picked up the game at the age of three and never looked back, eventually playing for Tottenham Hotspur's U21 team and Ireland's U19 squad. That passion would eventually carry her across the Atlantic.
"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. To get my degree and play soccer."
Underhill began her college career in Olean, New York, playing for St. Bonaventure University her freshman year. This fall, she transferred to Bowling Green State University for the challenge and quality of the program.
"I wanted to be surrounded by players that are going to make me better and make me strive to be the best player I can be."
Head coach Chris Fox said what stood out about Underhill was more than just her skill on the field.
"I think just from her personality and her character that we really hit it off from a relationship standpoint," said Fox. "She's a great character, has the right mindset, and I think a lot of times that's what you get from international players is that professional mentality."
Different Pitches, Different Cultures
On the field, Underhill quickly noticed differences between football in England and soccer in the U.S.
"It's definitely more athletic in America. England's more technical: ball at your feet, dribbling, touch, pass," Underhill said. "Whereas here, it's definitely more about athleticism and how fast you can run."
Fox added his own perspective, saying he sees the European game as "more tactical" than purely technical.
"The European game, a lot of time, is similar to how we play with a possession-based base, like trying to build through the thirds," Fox said. "Whereas the overall consensus in America, a lot of times, is that it can be a lot more direct. And there's a lot more physicality and pace."
The contrast isn't just about playing style, but also in culture.
"Everyone is much more supportive and encouraging," Underhill said. She noted that sometimes it is important for people to just "give it to you straight," but American and Bowling Green soccer culture is a lot more positive and has been the biggest difference."In England, it's much more hardcore. You really don't want to mess up."
Fans, too, feel different on the other side of the Atlantic. In England, football culture is massive, with crowds often intense and unforgiving as chants echo throughout the stadium. In Ohio, support feels much more positive.
"It's a different type of support," Underhill said. "Here, everyone's really encouraging. Back home, fans can be a bit more hardcore."
She did note, however, that no matter whether English or American soccer, the level of seriousness is consistent. Regardless of culture or following, the standards and what is demanded of the players are the same.
Adjusting to American Life
Off the field, Underhill's adjustment has been just as eye-opening. One of the first things she noticed was how much she missed the ease of London's walkable neighborhoods.
"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 how large everything felt, from buildings to parking lots. "Everything is just at a larger scale here."
Food has been another adjustment. While she admits that she does enjoy a good American burger after a game and enjoys the larger portion sizes in America, she says the quality of food doesn't compare to home.
The sheer number of fast-food restaurants stood out to her when she first arrived, but even in regular restaurants, she said the food lacks the quality she's used to.
"Even things like chicken, the quality just isn't the same. In England, you can taste the difference."
She said that much of the food is similar between England and the United States, though there are staples that she misses, like a traditional roast dinner or an English fry-up, which aren't easy to find in northwest Ohio.
Still, there are many things in America she has grown to love, like hockey and country music, which were quite surprising for her.
"I would've hated country music before," Underhill said. "It took me about six months to listen to a country song, but now I really enjoy country music."
Luke Combs has found his way into her playlist, and she has developed an appreciation for watching hockey on TV. She's excited to catch a BGSU hockey game this winter.
Finding Home Away From Home
Though she's embraced many parts of American culture, being away from family is still difficult. Underhill stays connected through FaceTime and WhatsApp to keep in touch with her family and friends back home. She enjoys texting her friends, and she still follows Arsenal, her favorite football club, though the time difference sometimes makes it hard to watch games live.
"Everyone loves Evie," Fox said with a laugh. "She is a character, to say the least. Proper English accent with lots of words that the girls love. She's great and has lots of energy, good sense of humor, takes things on the chin, and the girls just love her."
Underhill also said her roommates have especially helped her to settle in.
"They just bring me with them wherever they go, and it's been really nice. I've felt very welcomed ever since I arrived," Underhill said.
Whether it's grabbing food after practice, showing her around campus, or introducing her to new music and American traditions, that sense of inclusion has made Bowling Green feel less like a stop along the way and more like home.
The support from her teammates and roommates has helped her grow in ways she didn'texpect. Underhill said living abroad has helped make her more self-reliant and confident.
"It's definitely made me more independent," Underhill said. "I don't have family to fall back on. I have to do everything on my own here."
She sees this as a positive, as she feels she has grown and matured more and has learned how to deal with things more on her own.
Junior midfielder and German teammate Michelle Hochstadt said she especially values having another European player on the roster.
"Last year, I was the only international from Europe, so it's been really nice to have another buddy here. She is from another culture, too, but it's somehow similar," Hochstadt said. Someone you can talk to, who understands you a little bit better because she grew up in a similar environment."
Looking Ahead
For Underhill, this chapter in the United States is just one of the many parts of her soccer journey. When her college career ends, she plans to return home to pursue a professional soccer career.
"After college, I'm definitely going back home," Underhill said. "The plan is to go back to England or Ireland and play professionally."
Until then, she's embracing Bowling Green soccer and enjoying the best of both worlds. She may miss the roast dinners, but she loves the American portion sizes.
She still cheers for Arsenal, but now listens to country music. She grew up in the bustle of London, but she has learned to call Bowling Green a second home.
