Play Overseas Success at BUCS Big Wednesday 2023

13 Play Overseas students crowned National Champions at BUCS Big Wednesday!

Following the conclusion of BUCS Big Wednesday 2023, we are proud to celebrate another Play Overseas class of National Champions.

BUCS Big Wednesday is an annual multi-sport event that signals the end of the season for many sports. Held at the University of Nottingham, 57 championship finals in 16 different sports were played during an action-packed 24 hours of UK university sport.

With finalists in six different sports including American Football, Soccer, Lacrosse, Basketball, Volleyball, and Hockey, we are incredibly proud of what our students have achieved this year.

In total, 18 Play Overseas athletes made the trip to Nottingham, England, with the goal of finishing their year overseas with a national title.

We take a look at all of our 2023 National Champions below!

American Football Championship Play Overseas teammates Jake Suggett and Jax Crawford earned their second National Championship in the UK following a win in Tuesday night’s game. Former Central College lineman Jake and second-year undergrad Jax have both enjoyed another excellent season overseas together, helping their side to a second consecutive undefeated season and back-to-back national championships.
	Women’s Soccer Trophy Soccer player Bailey helped her side lift the BUCS Women’s Soccer Trophy in a dramatic final that needed extra time to be decided. As well as winning the BUCS National Trophy, the Maryville College graduate also fired her team to the Midlands Tier 1 division title, securing a league and cup double in her first season overseas.
Men’s Basketball Championship Play Overseas athletes Elijah Bailey (Loughborough) and Ephraim Tshimanga (UWE) went head-to-head in this year’s Men’s Basketball Championship game. Following a close game, it was Elijah and his team who celebrated a hugely successful season, having won both the Premier North Division title and the National Championship.
	Women’s Volleyball Trophy Teammates Juliana, Megan, and Amy helped their team come back from 2 sets down to lift the 2023 BUCS Women’s Volleyball Trophy. Having also dominated the Midlands Tier 1 division (10-0), the girls not only ended their season undefeated but delivered the first-ever National Trophy in university program history.
Men’s Lacrosse Championship Play Overseas athletes Tyler Hughey and Colby Keefe helped their team lift the BUCS Men’s Lacrosse Championship. Following a fantastic individual performance, Tyler was also named Finals MVP to round off an impressive season overseas for the Babson graduate.
	Women’s Basketball Championship Three Play Overseas athletes starred in this year’s women’s basketball Championship game as Essex’s Alexa Naessens and Aisha Brock met Loughborough’s, Ashley Johnson. However, it was the former University of Southern Indiana guard, Ashley who after having clinched the Premier North division earlier this month, added the national title to her list of overseas achievements.
Men’s Volleyball Championship Teammates Taylor Ittner and Michael Milad have enjoyed a hugely successful season overseas. As well as being victorious in Wednesday’s National Volleyball Championship final, the duo also helped their side claim both the Premier North Division and the National Volleyball League (NVL) Superleague title.
	Women’s Hockey Vase Former D1 hockey player Carly Brosious helped her side claim the BUCS Women’s National Vase with a 2-1 victory. Following a fantastic collegiate career at Rider University which saw her earn multiple First Team All-Conference honors, Carly added an overseas title to her impressive resume and ends the season as a UK university champion.

We’re still recruiting for the upcoming Fall 2023 entry date!

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