Xavier University graduate Catherine Gurd is continuing her sporting and academic journey in the UK after securing a postgraduate scholarship with the support of Play Overseas.
Following a successful collegiate career competing in the BIG EAST Conference, Catherine has made the move to England to pursue an MSc in Clinical Exercise Psychology while continuing to play competitive lacrosse at university level.
Her move has also attracted recognition from the BIG EAST Conference, which recently featured Catherine’s journey and highlighted the growing opportunities available to former NCAA athletes looking to continue their careers overseas.
We take a closer look at Catherine’s achievements, her ambitions beyond college lacrosse and the opportunities that await her in the UK.
Meet Catherine Gurd
- Graduate of Xavier University, NCAA Division I
- Three years competing for the Xavier Musketeers
- Captain of the Lacrosse Team, Played 45 Games
- Four-time Big East All-Academic Team Selection
- Secured a UK Postgraduate Lacrosse Scholarship
BIG EAST Conference Recognises Catherine’s Next Chapter
Catherine’s move to the UK has received recognition from one of America’s leading collegiate athletic conferences, with the BIG EAST publishing a feature celebrating her decision to continue playing lacrosse overseas.
The article highlights Catherine’s achievements at Xavier University, her postgraduate ambitions and the opportunities available to NCAA graduates through the UK university sports system.
Importantly, the BIG EAST also recognised the role of Play Overseas in supporting Catherine’s recruitment, introducing its audience to an alternative pathway for student-athletes approaching the end of their NCAA careers.
FEATURED BY THE BIG EAST CONFERENCE
Catherine Gurd’s Overseas Journey
The BIG EAST Conference celebrates Catherine’s next chapter in England, recognising her achievements at Xavier University and the support provided by Play Overseas.
From NCAA Lacrosse to a UK Master’s Degree
Graduation does not necessarily have to mark the end of a student-athlete’s competitive career.
After representing Xavier University in NCAA Division I lacrosse, Catherine recognised an opportunity to extend her playing career while pursuing her academic interests through postgraduate study in the UK.
Unlike the NCAA system, UK university sport offers eligible former college athletes the opportunity to compete while completing a master’s degree, regardless of how many seasons they have previously played in the United States.
For Catherine, this presented the opportunity to pursue an MSc in Clinical Exercise Psychology while continuing to compete and experience life in a new country.
For former NCAA and NAIA athletes, the UK offers an opportunity to continue competing beyond NCAA eligibility while earning a postgraduate qualification.
Beyond her immediate postgraduate studies, Catherine also has ambitions to pursue a career in healthcare as a physician assistant, making the academic element of her move an important part of her future plans.
Play Overseas supported Catherine throughout the recruitment process, helping her explore university opportunities that aligned with her academic interests, sporting experience and ambitions for life after graduation.
Postgraduate Lacrosse Scholarships and BUCS Competition
UK universities compete in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), providing student-athletes with opportunities to represent their institutions in competitive lacrosse alongside their academic studies.
For former NCAA players, the UK offers an alternative route to continue competing after graduation, with universities offering varying levels of coaching, performance support and competitive opportunities.
Depending on the university and the strength of the athlete’s application, postgraduate lacrosse players may also be considered for sporting scholarships and other financial awards.
Postgraduate Lacrosse Scholarships in the UK
Scholarship packages vary between universities and may include tuition fee reductions, financial bursaries, access to performance facilities, coaching and specialist athlete support.
Former NCAA and NAIA players can use their collegiate experience when exploring these opportunities, with Play Overseas helping athletes identify suitable universities and understand the scholarship options available to them – for free!
A Growing Pathway for Former College Lacrosse Players
Catherine joins a growing number of former NCAA and NAIA student-athletes choosing to continue their lacrosse careers in the UK through Play Overseas.
With opportunities available to both recent graduates and athletes who completed their college careers several years ago, postgraduate study offers an exciting alternative for players who are not ready to step away from competitive lacrosse.
For some, the attraction is another season of university sport. For others, it is the chance to gain international experience, pursue further education or contribute to the growth of lacrosse beyond the United States.
University of South FloridaNCAA D1
University of Mount OliveNCAA D2
Western Connecticut State UniversityNCAA D3
These journeys highlight how UK postgraduate opportunities are helping former college lacrosse players extend their sporting careers while preparing for the next chapter of their lives.
Finding the Right Lacrosse Opportunity with Play Overseas
At Play Overseas, we provide a completely free service to graduating and former college athletes looking to continue their sporting careers while pursuing a master’s degree in the UK.
Catherine’s journey from Xavier University to UK postgraduate lacrosse demonstrates how the right opportunity can bring together competitive sport, academic ambitions and an entirely new international experience.
Our team helps student-athletes explore suitable universities, connect with coaches and navigate the recruitment process from their initial enquiry through to their move overseas.
Identify Suitable UK University Sport Programmes
Connect with University Coaches and Recruitment Staff
Explore Postgraduate Scholarship Opportunities
Navigate University Applications and Admissions
Receive Guidance on Visas and Relocation to the UK
From identifying suitable programmes to preparing for life overseas, our aim is to make the transition from US college sport to UK university sport as straightforward as possible.
Explore Postgraduate Lacrosse Scholarships for 2027
Play Overseas is now recruiting graduating and former college student-athletes for January and September 2027 entry.
If you’re approaching the end of your NCAA career or have already graduated, our team can help you explore opportunities to continue competing while earning a master’s degree in the UK.
Our service is completely FREE.
Comments are closed.