NZ Track and Field U.S. College Pathway Webinar | Josh Gill and Courtney Fitzgibbon

Why This Matters

There is no single path to a U.S. college track and field scholarship. Some athletes go directly into NCAA programs. Others build their profile through the junior college system first before moving into Division I. Both are legitimate routes and both can lead to funded study and sport in the United States. What matters is understanding which path fits your situation and having a plan early enough to act on it. This session puts two athletes who have taken those different routes in the same room so NZ athletes and families can hear directly from people who have been through it.

What This Session Covers

This session provides a clear walkthrough of the pathway:

Josh's journey from Nelson to Hill College and how two years in the JUCO system earned him a Division I scholarship at Louisiana Monroe
Why JUCO was the right call for Josh and how it amplified his profile with college coaches
Courtney's recruitment process starting in Year 11 and what that timeline actually looked like
What level Courtney was at heading into recruitment and what coaches were looking for
What daily life looks like on a full scholarship: training loads, academic demands, and adjusting to life in the U.S.
The honest side: homesickness, pressure, balancing sport and study
What both athletes wish they had known earlier in the process
Live Q&A: your questions answered directly by Josh and Courtney

"I can't thank the team at Platform Sports enough for their incredible support in helping me secure a swimming scholarship at Penn State University. Their personalized guidance, extensive network, and deep understanding of the process made my journey from New Zealand to the US a breeze. If you're a swimmer looking to make a splash across the Pacific, Amrit, Tash, and the team is your ultimate gateway.”

Cooper Morley, Penn State University

NCAA Division I Swimming

"Working with platform sports made my process of college recruitment so easy. I was constantly looked after by the team and they helped me through every struggle one would face when trying to go to America for sports. Working with them has been such a good experience and I will always thank them for the time and effort they put into me and my goals."

Kayla Van De Ven , Wichita State

NCAA Division 1 Golf

"Partnering with Platform Sports Management was a game changer for me and my family. Through their professionalism and hard work they have turned my dream into reality. They didn’t just represent me but also believed in me. Helping to push me to where I am now. Very thankful for all that they have done!”

Keegan Kelly, University of Denver

NCAA Division I Soccer

Your Speakers

Josh, Courtney, Jay

Josh Gill
Platform Sports Athlete | Hill College to NCAA Division I, University of Louisiana Monroe

Josh is from Nelson, New Zealand, and took one of the less conventional routes into Division I college athletics. After signing with Hill College, an NJCAA program in Texas, he competed on the track team and used two years in the junior college system to develop his profile and attract Division I interest. He transferred to the University of Louisiana Monroe on a Division I scholarship and has firsthand experience of what the JUCO pathway involves, why it works, and what athletes need to do to make the most of it.

Courtney Fitzgibbon
Platform Sports Athlete | Saint Mary's University of California, NCAA Division I

Courtney is originally from Levin, New Zealand, and began her college recruitment process in Year 11 of high school. She is now on a full scholarship at Saint Mary's University of California, a highly competitive Division I program. Courtney's story is notable not because she was an untouchable elite athlete heading into recruitment, but because she had a clear plan, started early, and executed it well. She'll share what that process looked like from the inside, including the timeline, the communication with coaches, and what daily life on a Division I scholarship actually involves.

Jay Harrison
Talent Scout, Platform Sports Management | Former Division I Tennis Player, Seattle University

Jay completed his Business degree at Seattle University, where he spent four years competing in the NCAA Division I men's tennis program. Originally from New Zealand, he brings firsthand knowledge of the U.S. college system and now works at Platform helping NZ athletes identify opportunities and navigate the recruitment process. Jay will host the session and draw on Josh and Courtney's experiences to give athletes and families the clearest possible picture of what this pathway involves.

Areas of Expertise

Recruitment Strategy • U.S. College Placement • Athlete Support

Australia / New Zealand / World-Wide

“We’re excited to add a college recruitment pathway for our users and partners, bringing together education and sport in a way that creates real, lasting opportunities. Even more so, we’re proud to do it alongside a like-minded company like Platform Sports.”

Bryce Poisel

Talentlockr, Founder

"Excited to be collaborating with Platform Sports Management to create a clear pathway for juniors chasing their dream of playing college golf in the U.S. I’ll be working alongside Platform to prepare athletes through all areas of performance, while Platform draws on their passion and industry experience to provide juniors with the best range of options and guidance on their journey."

Fit to Play

Adam Weeks, Owner

“At LifeTime, we pride ourselves on putting the players' needs first and taking a holistic approach to an athlete's development. We have chosen to work with Platform as we recognise those same values. Amrit and his team have gone above and beyond for our athletes and we look forward to continuing to work with Platform in the future.”

Marc Svenson

LifeTime Tennis Academy, Brisbane

“Amrit and Platform not only has an in-depth knowledge of the College system but works hard to make sure the athlete secures the right fit right from the start. They also genuinely cares about each athlete and continues to be there for them throughout their college career, and for me that makes a huge difference.”

Kevin Smith

PGA Pro Coach

“With Platform, I found a very personalised approach to the recruitment process. Ultimately, I feel that they genuinely care about the athletes they represent. This makes them stand out amongst the rest”

Jake Gardner

Director of the PBI Academy in Dubai

1. What is this presentation about?

This free session is designed to educate parents and athletes on how the US college system works for student athletes. We’ll cover scholarship opportunities, academic requirements, the recruitment process, and what life is like as a student-athlete in the US.

2. Who is this presentation for?

Parents of high school athletes (ages 14–18) who are interested in competing at the college level in the United States, either on scholarship or as part of a team.

3. Will this help my child get a scholarship?

Yes! We’ll walk you through how scholarships work, how to improve your child’s chances, and what college coaches are looking for in both athletes and students.

4. Do we need to be an elite athlete to be considered?

Not at all. We’ll explain the different levels of college competition (Division 1, Division 2, NAIA, JUCO) and how there are opportunities for a wide range of athletes—not just national champions.

5. What sports are covered in this presentation?

We can answer questions on any sport you compete in.

6. Will you explain the academic requirements too?

Yes, absolutely. We’ll cover GPA, SAT/ACT requirements (if needed), and how academics play a role in the recruitment and scholarship process.

7. Is this relevant for international families?

Yes! The presentation is tailored for international athletes looking to study and compete in the US. We’ll talk about the visa process, eligibility, and how international recruitment works.

8. Can we book a free consultation after the presentation?

Yes, Will will be around for a little while after the presentation. You can go ahead and book a private meeting with him. But be quick due to limited spots!

9. What happens after the presentation?

You’ll receive a follow-up pack with the full college roadmap, scholarship checklists, and an option to book a free one-on-one call with our team to discuss your child’s specific situation.

10. Is there any cost to attend?

No, the presentation is completely free to attend.

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