Boise State Broncos Roster Now Includes More Than 30 International Student-Athletes
The Broncos' tennis and cross country programs are relying on players from Germany, Sweden, and Kenya to build competitive depth and cultural connection on campus.
By Samantha Reed ·
Boise State University currently fields more than 30 international student-athletes across its varsity programs. These athletes are adjusting to life in the United States while competing in the NCAA. The presence of foreign-born players has become a standard component of college athletics recruitment in recent years.
Julius Seifert, a men's tennis player, described his experience in Boise as life-changing. Seifert is a native of Eppstein, Germany, and has attended Boise State since 2024. He transferred to the Broncos after playing at Concordia University in Irvine, California. Before his transfer, Seifert held a Universal Tennis Rating of 12.97 and reached No. 136 in the German Adult rankings.
Seifert, a redshirt senior, noted that the program's head coach, Luke Shields, demonstrates a clear desire to win. Shields' approach during recruitment also appealed to Filip Soderqvist, a tennis player from Norrtalje, Sweden. Soderqvist spoke with Shields over several months before deciding to join the program. He said the coach's vision for the team made Boise the right decision for him.
Soderqvist, a sophomore, has maintained a perfect attendance record in competition this season. He competed in all 31 matches, a feat no other Bronco tennis player achieved. His consistent performance earned him the Mountain West Freshman of the Week award three times last year. The time difference between Boise and Sweden remains a daily logistical challenge for him. He typically calls his family at night before sleep, a time when they are heading to work and school.
Soderqvist credits his teammates for easing the transition to American life. He refers to his peers as a second family. Seven of the ten players on the tennis roster are international, which creates a shared support network for those adjusting to a new culture. This group dynamic helps mitigate the isolation that can come with moving across the ocean.
Cornelius Kogo, a cross country runner from Eldoret, Kenya, also values the team environment. Kogo said that being around fellow athletes from different places helps motivate him. He noted that getting to know people from various backgrounds broadens his perspective on life. Before joining Boise State, Kogo ran for Hutchinson Community College in Kansas.
Kogo achieved national success at the community college level in 2025. He won the NJCAA Cross Country National Championship in the 8K distance. He also claimed the Region VI title in the same event. His arrival at Boise State adds experienced depth to the cross country roster.
The expansion of international recruitment in the NCAA began in the 1980s with high-profile players like Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing. By the 2020s, scouting for foreign athletes became mainstream for athletic departments. Boise State's current roster reflects this trend, with international athletes contributing to both tennis and cross country success.
