Global Gridiron: FSU’s international stars shine on and off the field
The Florida State Seminoles football team boasts a unique blend of international talent, featuring players from three continents: Alex Mastromanno, a punter from Melbourne, Australia; Sione Lolohea, a defensive end from Houma Tukulalo Vava’u, Tonga, and Manasse Itete, a lineman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
These players each bring a diverse range of skills and cultural experiences to the Seminoles’ roster and represent the rapid global growth of American football.
Balancing the demands of being full-time students, committed football players and international student-athletes is no small feat. In addition to their academic advisors and coaches, these players work closely with an immigration advisor at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE), which provides orientation, immigration advising and ongoing support to more than 2,400 international students on F1 and J1 visas and family members, as well as to more than 250 international scholars and faculty.
Lacey Moret, a continuing F-1 immigration advisor who works closely with the three players, recently attended an FSU football practice at the invitation of Isaiah Phillip, assistant director of Football Player Development. She witnessed firsthand what a typical practice day is like for players as the team continued preparations for the season.
“The players work very hard, and their determination to have the best possible season really showed throughout practice,” Moret said. “The experience blended my love for football and my passion for working with international students. I am very fortunate to be the immigration advisor to three international student-athletes on the team—a rare occurrence for even one to be on the football team. All three of these players impress me with managing school, athletics, a personal life off the field and maintaining their status in the country.”
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