Imagine going to college in a country miles away from home. For Tom Humphrey, he did not have to imagine, because he made it a reality. Humphrey is a member of West Liberty University’s men’s soccer team and is a natives of Doncaster, England.

Humphreys is a geography and planning major who also plays as a forward wing on the men’s soccer team here on the hilltop. He has been playing the sport all his life. “From a young age I’ve always been fairly competitive and enjoyed playing with friends,” said Humphreys. Humphreys has been at West Liberty for two years since he transferred from North Iowa in 2019 since it was only a two-year program offered there. Since transferring to WLU, Humphrey’s has been an influential member of the squad since his arrival and scored two impressive left-footed goals this season.

Outside of playing soccer, Humphreys loves listening to music and socializing with his family and friends. “Any excuse to be outside I’m all for it,” said Humphreys. Humphreys also enjoys traveling if and when he can. He likes to visit new places in both the United Kingdom and around the world. It was this interest in travel that influenced Humphreys decision to come to the United States for college.

“After high school I was in two minds whether I wanted to travel or even go to university. However, after doing some research, I figured I could do both and still play soccer to a competitive standard by getting a scholarship here in the states,” said Humphreys. Humphreys also explained that being an international student athlete requires the use of an agency where they send out game footage for coaches to express interest in a player.

After graduating, Humphreys intends to return to the United Kingdom so that he can pursue a career in either sustainability, urban development, or community planning.