Statesman Scholar Dusan Stankovic

Like many of my teammates on the men’s soccer team, I am an international student-athlete who came to Richard Bland College of William & Mary in pursuit of a great education, the opportunity to play college soccer, and transfer to a school where I can continue doing both at the next level.

I was born and raised in Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia. Growing up in a city that was recovering from the ravages of war wasn’t the simplest, but it formed me into the person I am today.

Soccer has always been a big part of my life. I can remember dreams of playing soccer as a young child.

As a youth, I would visit an old concrete soccer field, located between the high towers of Belgrade, hoping for a neighborhood pick-up game. A former professional soccer player who lived in the towers used to watch me play and saw my desire to succeed. He helped me join FC Radnicki Belgrade, the most famous and historically prominent club in the country, where I was allowed to train for free!

I spent 10 years with FC Radnicki, wearing the captain band for eight years. I wasn’t known as the most super-talented player, but was considered a strong-minded player who gave 100 percent every day. Due to unfortunate circumstances with my family and within the country, I never advanced to the professional level.

At age 20, I made a decision that would change my life forever. I became an international student-athlete moving to the U.S. to attend college and play soccer. Fortunately, I connected with a Richard Bland College coach, and I soon knew I was in the right place at RBC.

During my two years at RBC, I have worked hard at being excellent in the classroom and on the field. Becoming a Statesman Scholar was a top goal for me. I will graduate as an honor student with a 3.9 GPA.

I am especially proud of my academic achievements because they came during a time when the soccer program was doing very well, which tested my time management skills. My first season, RBC defeated the defending NJCAA Division national champion, won the Region X championship and played in the national tournament. As captain of the team this past year, the squad set a school record with 17 wins.

At RBC I have made friends for life, and the College has helped me find my future direction. I am grateful for the life experiences that have connected me with amazing people. My academic and athletics career will continue next fall at Clayton State University in Atlanta, where I received a full scholarship.