Chiara is heading to UMass Amherst, where she'll combine her studies with a lifelong passion for sport. Read on to find out more.

Did you take IB or A Levels?
I took A Levels in Psychology, Geography, and Physical Education. I chose these subjects because they were the ones I enjoyed most and wanted to explore further. They played to my strengths too, so I knew A Levels would let me get my best grades while still studying things I cared about most.

Why did you choose the University of Massachusetts Amherst? What factors influenced your decision to accept it, and what stood out about the university?
UMass Amherst stood out because of its Sport Management programme, especially within the Isenberg School of Management. The department’s reputation and its alumni/connections within the sports industry were hard to ignore. I visited with my family over the summer in 2025, and honestly, the campus just felt right the moment I got there. It’s a beautiful, outdoorsy setting with a welcoming community, which made a big difference. Getting a scholarship and being admitted into the Honors College sealed the deal for me. The internship opportunities and how the programme blends business and economics with sport were a big draw too.

Why did you choose to pursue Sport Management, and what interests you most about the subject?
When I first started looking at universities, I thought I’d study Kinesiology. But once I looked into US programmes, Sport Management - particularly at Isenberg - caught my attention instead. I’ve been around sports my whole life, playing and watching, and at some point, I realised what interested me was working behind the scenes of a huge industry to help organisations and athletes succeed. About two years ago, I started managing social media for the Tanglin Trust School touch girls, just as a hobby, and it never occurred to me that it could turn into an actual career path. Between that and a few online courses and Zoom sessions with the Isenberg team, the business side of sport just clicked for me.

What surprised you most during the university application process? If you could give one piece of advice to students currently applying to universities, what would it be?
What surprised me most was how much starting early actually matters. The extra time meant I could write several drafts, get feedback, and end up with a stronger application than my first attempt. My advice would be to apply Early Action where you can - it does give you an edge - but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Keep other options open too. For example, I applied to both the US and the UK, and while it is more work, I would say it was worth it by keeping my options open. 

What are you most looking forward to about university life?
Becoming more independent and figuring out life in a new country, honestly. I want to study something I’m genuinely into but also take a few classes outside my degree, which studying at UMass allows me to do. For example, I have enrolled in a psychology class this fall. Moving continents is a big step for me, and I know it won’t all be smooth, but I’d rather take that on for the excitement of a new change for the next four years. Meeting new people and finding clubs to get involved in from the numerous options provided is something I’m properly looking forward to as well. For example, I plan to join the Women in Sports Management club as well as continuing club gymnastics. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ideally, working somewhere in professional sports. The NHL would be the dream. I’m drawn to sports media, or maybe the agent side of things, representing athletes. Wherever I end up, I want it to bring together what I’m studying with the thing I’ve cared about my whole life: sport.