When 2023 Hillcrest High School graduate Louie Endres accepted a scholarship to study and compete in the United States, he knew life would be different, but he was ready for the challenge.
Now based at the University of Missouri, where he’s studying Physics and competing in Track and Field, Louie reflects on his first year abroad with humility, humour, and hard-earned insight.
“It’s a real balancing act,” Louie says of his life as a student athlete. His days typically begin with a morning training session, followed by recovery work like an ice bath or massage before heading off to classes. Afternoons bring more training with his coach and team, and evenings are dedicated to study. “Sometimes it feels like an unwinnable battle,” he admits. “But I have to remind myself that the student comes first in student-athlete.”
Receiving an athletics scholarship has been both a privilege and a pressure. “The NCAA is run very much like a business,” Louie explains. “You’re kind of expected to show that you’re worth your scholarship straight away.” Despite the pressure, he’s grateful for the support network that surrounds him: coaches, teammates, and staff all want to see him succeed. One of his most memorable moments so far came not from his own success, but from cheering on a teammate. “Watching Drew Rogers win the indoor 3000m title was incredible. It reminded me that attitude and actions make the best athlete, not reputation.”
Adjusting to life in America brought a few surprises—especially when it came to the accent and the fast food—but Louie found the transition surprisingly smooth. “I didn’t really run into any major issues,” he shares. Staying in close contact with family back home helped, as did the strong sense of community within his team. “My first few nights in America were spent on a couch in a flat we called ‘The Embassy’—it was full of international athletes. That support really mattered.”
For current Hillcrest students thinking about overseas opportunities, Louie encourages boldness. “Put yourself out there,” he says. “I emailed over 100 schools before Mizzou found me. Don’t be afraid to boast about your accomplishments, it feels weird, but the Americans love it!”
Perhaps the biggest lesson Louie has learned isn’t about study or sport, but life. “I’ve learned I can’t do it all myself. Building and maintaining healthy relationships is key—not just for success, but for my happiness and mental health.”
From Hillcrest to Missouri, Louie is a proud example of what happens when you ‘find your place’—wherever that may be in the world.
