Balancing academic excellence with a high-level athletic career is a challenge that demands commitment, resilience, and determination. Rebecca, a Master’s in International Business student at Paris School of Business and professional inline hockey player, embodies this dual pursuit on a daily basis. In this interview, she reflects on her academic journey, her athletic achievements, the support she receives from the school, and the lessons she has learned from forging a path that combines higher education and competitive sport.
Academic life
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us which program you are studying at Paris School of Business?
Hi, my name is Rebecca, I’m 24 years old, and I’m from Italy. I’ve been living in Paris since 2023. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations, I had the opportunity to play as a professional inline hockey player in the French league. It was a great experience that allowed me to live abroad and reflect on my future career path. In 2024, I started my Master’s in International Business as part of the Programme Grande École at Paris School of Business. During my first year, I went on an exchange program to New York, and now I’m completing the final year of the program while working in alternance at a start-up.
What motivated you to join Paris School of Business?
What motivated me to join Paris School of Business was its international environment and practical learning approach. I wanted to study in a multicultural context where I could develop both academic knowledge and professional skills. The opportunity to go on exchange abroad and to work in alternance while studying really matched what I was looking for: a program that combines theory with hands-on experience. I was also drawn to Paris as a global business hub, offering exposure to diverse industries and cultures, which aligns perfectly with my goal of building an international career and also because I was already here since my gap year. I choose it in order to combine everything.
Which courses or projects have had the biggest impact on you?
The experience that had the biggest impact on me was the opportunity to go on exchange for a semester. I spent one semester studying in New York, which allowed me to live in a completely different context from Europe, in one of the most dynamic and vibrant cities in the world. I had the chance to experience firsthand the fast-paced rhythm and cultural differences of that environment, as well as the contrast in academic methods and atmosphere compared to Europe. A very enriching experience broadened my perspective and gave me a deeper understanding of how business and education can vary across cultures.
Athletic journey
When did you start playing hockey, and when did you reach the high-performance level?
I started playing hockey when I was seven years old. I played in mixed teams in my hometown club in Verona until I was eighteen, and at sixteen I also began competing in the women’s league. Later, when I moved to Milan for my bachelor’s degree, I joined a team there, and I’m now playing in France. I’ve basically always played at a competitive level, my first national championship was in the Under-10 category. At sixteen, I joined the Italian national team, taking part in both the junior and senior women’s divisions.
What are your upcoming goals in your athletic career?
In my athletic career, my main goal is to continue contributing to my team’s success. This season we have some big objectives, we aim to be strong competitors in the main events of the year: the French Cup (March 2026), the French Championship (May or June 2026), and the European Championship (May 2026). I want to keep improving both individually and as part of the team, and help us perform at our best in each of these competitions.
Combining higher education and high-level sports
How do you manage to balance your studies at Paris School of Business with your training and competitions?
I believe the key elements to maintaining a good balance between my studies and my athletic career are organization, sacrifice, and a lot of willpower. This year it has been a bit more challenging than before, since in addition to school I’m also working, and my schedule has become less flexible. Still, I do my best to make everything fit together. Actually, I’ve been managing both school and hockey since I was a child, so in a way it has become almost a kind of “professional habit” for me, something I’ve learned to handle naturally over the years. Despite some logistical challenges, with good planning and motivation, I manage to keep both my studies and my training on track.
Does the school support you in pursuing both your academic and athletic ambitions? If so, how?
Yes, the school has been very supportive in helping me balance both my academic and athletic ambitions. They’ve been understanding and flexible, especially when it comes to managing absences for training sessions or competitions. Whenever I’ve needed extra support or adjustments, for example, with deadlines or class schedules, the school has always been open to finding solutions.
What skills developed through sports help you in your studies, and vice versa?
Sports have taught me a lot: discipline, respect, teamwork, the ability to connect with others, active listening, and sharing. In many ways, school has helped me develop those same qualities as well. I think these values have become deeply rooted in me because I’ve had the chance to “train” them in two different environments, both on the field and in the classroom.
Advice and future outlook
What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue both an academic path and a sports career?
My advice would be not to let yourself be discouraged. If you truly want to continue pursuing your passion, you will always find a way to combine everything. It’s certainly not easy at the beginning, finding the right rhythm takes time, but with determination and good organization, it’s absolutely possible.
How do you see your future in the medium term, both professionally and athletically?
In the medium term, professionally, I see myself working in an international environment, in a company with a positive culture where I can really enjoy and feel fulfilled by what I do. I’d like to move toward event management and possibly work abroad, although I don’t exclude the possibility of returning to Italy in the future. From a sports perspective, I’d love to continue playing hockey, but that will depend on where life and work take me. Since it’s not a full-time profession, at some point I’ll have to make some choices and find the right balance between my career and my passion.