Though they didn't compete on the global stage this year, these athletes bring their own Olympic-level dedication and talent to campus. Hailing from diverse countries like Jamaica, Italy, Canada, Brazil, France and Australia, they excel not only in their respective sports but also in their academic pursuits. Join Kent State Magazine as it highlights the stories of six extraordinary individuals who embody the spirit of international camaraderie and excellence at Kent State.
Gabby Bailey
Country: Jamaica
Sports Team: Track and Field
Year and Major: B.S., Exercise Science, ‘22; M.A., Sport Administration, May ‘24
“I feel at home here, just on all levels, just walking on campus, interacting with the people, professors, the academic staff, it's just like an all-around experience. So, it is not just feeling at home because I am a student-athlete, I also feel at home when I am not wearing my Kent State apparel.”
Matilde Carboncini
Country: Italy
Sports Team: Track and Field
Year and Major: Junior, Marketing
“Kent State supported this dream I have of traveling the world with the opportunity of having a major, but also adding a few minors because I love to speak other languages and learn about other cultures.”
Jennifer Gu
Country: Canada
Sports Team: Golf
Year and Major: Senior, Marketing
“The reputation of Kent State in Canada is unmatched. There have been so many successful alumni who came out of the program and then there also have been alumni who are from Kent State who work here and work with the student-athletes. So, having a connection like that is special. It is definitely appealing for someone from Canada, like me.”
Bianca Juzzo
Country: Brazil
Sports Team: Women’s Basketball
Year and Major: Senior, Physical Education and Sports Performance
“One thing that he [Coach Todd Starkey] always says to me is to be ready, so you do not have to get ready,” Juzzo said. “So, it is a mantra that I have inside of me, and I hope that I keep having this year.”
Alexandre Malanda
Country: France
Sports Team: Jumper, Men’s Track and Field
Year and major: Junior, Physical Education and Sports Performance
“I am going to be the first graduating in my family ... it is a big thing for me. I am going to be the only one [in my family] so that is going to be a great moment for me.”
Josh Smith
Country: Australia
Sports Team: Punter for Kent State Golden Flashes Football
Year and major: Senior, Recreation Park and Tourism Management
“My coaches were really supportive of me the whole way,” Smith said. “They knew that coming from Australia it was hard and they understood, and it was good to have them as mentor figures to train me through things that I may not be getting from being away from my family.”