Gian-Luca Paolo Schunke – Recruiter

Gian-Luca Paolo Schunke brings a wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge to the world of student-athlete recruitment, particularly for those aspiring to pursue higher education in the USA through sports scholarships. His journey from local football clubs in South Africa to becoming a professional athlete in Europe is a testament to the opportunities available through the student-athlete pathway in the U.S.

Athletic & Academic Journey:

• Early Development: Gian-Luca began his football journey with Edenvale Football Club from 2001 to 2012, before advancing to the Mpumalanga Black Aces FC Academy (2012-2016) while attending Jeppe High School for Boys.
• Breakthrough in the USA: In 2016, Gian-Luca was awarded a full soccer scholarship to Gateway Legacy Christian Academy in Missouri, where he completed his senior year of high school. His talent earned him another full soccer scholarship at Judson University (2017-2019), where he studied Exercise Sports Science and minored in Sports Management.
• Academic Excellence & Athletic Success: Gian-Luca transferred to Bethel University (2019-2021) in Tennessee, again on a full soccer scholarship, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Exercise Sports Science with a minor in Sports Management.

Professional Career:

• During his college years, Gian-Luca played for Palm Beach Stars FC in Florida during the summer holidays (2019-2020).
• From 2021 to 2023, he joined Tennessee Tempo FC, a UPSL team, further honing his skills at the semi-professional level.
• He returned to South Africa to play for African All Stars FC in the ABC Motsepe League (2023-2024), before moving to Poland to play professionally for LKS Watra Białka Tatrzańska in 2024.

Gian-Luca’s unique experience of securing multiple scholarships and playing both collegiate and professional soccer gives him invaluable insight into the pathway for international athletes seeking opportunities in the U.S. He understands the challenges and rewards of balancing academics and athletics and is passionate about helping young athletes achieve their dreams. With his extensive network in both the U.S. collegiate system and professional soccer, Gian-Luca is perfectly positioned to guide aspiring student-athletes to success!