Growing up in Bexley, England, life for University of Wisconsin-Superior student-athlete Isaac Becket revolved around one thing: soccer.

“It’s such a big part of the culture,” he said. Whether he was playing, watching, or helping at his local club, the sport shaped nearly every memory of his youth. By school age, he trained multiple times a week and competed every weekend.

Alongside soccer came a lively family life. With a brother, a half-brother, two half-sisters and a house full of nieces and nephews, there was rarely a quiet moment. Becket remembers childhood as “the perfect way to grow up.”

A Dream Across the Atlantic

Becket’s love for soccer eventually sparked a dream he wasn’t sure was possible: playing in the United States. As a young teenager, he began imagining what competing at the college level in America might be like. But it wasn’t until a presentation at his school that the idea became real.

“I sat there listening and realized this was actually a possibility,” he said.

He went home that day and told his parents he wanted to pursue it. After the initial surprise passed, they supported the plan. Encouraged by family and friends who had taken similar paths, Becket decided to go for it.

The Path to Superior

Soon coaches began reaching out after seeing his match footage and things began to move quickly. Several universities showed interest, but one stood out – UW-Superior.

“Coach [Joe] Mooney was such a good person to speak to,” Becket said. “He made me feel comfortable straight away, which is what you look for when you’re going to a different country.”

Despite never having been to the U.S., the conversations felt right and Superior soon became the clear choice.

Leaving Home – and Finding Another One

The excitement of a new adventure made leaving home easier at first.

“The first time I left, I was more taken over by the thrill of doing something new,” he said.

Missing his younger nieces and nephews became more challenging as time went on.

“You can’t really FaceTime little kids,” he said.

Still, he stayed closely connected to his family, who supported him every step of the way. The experience, he says, has been “a blessing and a curse” – always having a family to go to, but always having a family to leave.

First Impressions of America

His first trip from the Minneapolis airport to Duluth remains vivid.

“I realized that everything I’d seen in movies was actually real,” he said.

American flags lined the highway, including a giant one overlooking the Bong Bridge over the St. Louis River connecting Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin – an image that stuck with him.

Campus brought its own surprises. The scale of the buildings and seeing the massive “Superior” sign along Belknap Street made the moment feel surreal.

“This is it,” he remembers thinking. “This is going to be my home.”

Before moving into the residence halls, Becket stayed with Yellowjacket men’s soccer teammate Noah Benson and his family, which helped ease the transition.

“They introduced me to everyone and made it so much easier,” he said. From day one, he felt the warmth of the Superior community.

Finding His Academic Path

Becket’s academic journey evolved over time. He began in exercise science, switched to business, and ultimately found the right fit in communications. Supportive instructors and advisors made each transition seamless.

“If that process wasn’t easy, I could’ve been stuck doing something I didn’t enjoy for three years,” he said.

He appreciates the differences between the U.S. and U.K. education systems and the way professors accommodate student-athletes and international students. Flexibility around travel, scheduling and time management made his academic experience rewarding.

Representing More Than Himself

Being an international student carries a responsibility Becket embraces.

“As soon as I speak, people know I’m not from the U.S.,” he said. “So I feel like I’m representing more than just myself.”

His background brings valuable perspectives to classroom discussions, especially in communications courses, and he enjoys learning from classmates in return.

Looking Ahead: A Future in Coaching

Set to graduate this spring, Becket is already focused on what comes next. Coaching is the path he hopes to pursue – whether through a graduate assistant role or by stepping directly into youth or adult coaching. With experience working with a range of age groups, he sees opportunity everywhere.

“Soccer is growing so much here,” he said. “I can bring perspective from back home that adds something new.”

Final Thoughts: Go for It

If he could share one message, it would be to embrace every opportunity.

“When I came here, I realized I could be whoever I wanted to be,” he said.

By putting himself out there, Becket built friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging far from home.

“In a community like Superior, where everyone knows everyone, relationships mean everything,” he said. “If you’re willing, you can create something amazing.”