about us
We combine our collective knowledge & refined formula with your talent to secure the future you deserve
Empowering student athletes to become the best versions of themselves.
Where it all started
Nathan Gillis is the Owner and Team Leader at Olympic Sports Scholarships.
Nathan competed as a track athlete for 5 years in the US predominantly in the Middle Distances and Cross Country. He represented Lamar University in Texas for 2 years, then transferred to Philadelphia and LaSalle University in the NCAA Division 1. He enjoyed a highly successful collegiate career, winning 4 individual Conference Championship Titles whilst qualifying to represent Great Britain internationally back home during his tenure abroad.
After graduating in Psychology/Sports Psychology, he returned to the UK to continue his athletics career in Cardiff, whilst completing a master’s in international business management.
Nathan has now supported hundreds of athletes to the US from most countries within the commonwealth and has worked with a variety of athletes from British, New Zealand and Australian Junior internationals to club runners looking for an opportunity to develop in the US.
“My perspective has always been when working with my athletes and their families is to enable them to have the best opportunities possible, whilst ensuring they don’t make any mistakes I did all those years ago! America changed my life; The athletic and academic progression was not something I ever really considered was possible for me as a young lad and I know these opportunities are available for any student-athlete. The process of obtaining a Scholarship must be done correctly, that’s our job fundamentally, to safeguard the process and give the best advice available anywhere.”
meet the team
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Gabriel competed at Lamar University, a D1 program in Texas and helped the team win their Conference Cross Country Championship in his first semester. Lamar is also where he met owner Nathan Gillis and struck a lifelong friendship whilst rooming together.
After success within the US, Gabriel returned to Sweden to compete on multiple national teams, whilst completing an undergraduate and master’s degree at Gothenburg School of Business.
Gabriel has helped athletes from across all of Scandinavia and now brings his expertise to Olympic Sports Scholarships.
Gabriel Steffensen
Head of Scandinavian Sports
Iliass Aouani
Head of South Europe recruitment
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liass Aouani spent 5 years in the US, both at Lamar and Syracuse University. Iliass met owner Nathan Gillis and head of Scandinavian sports Gabriel Steffensen whilst at Lamar, they have been close friends ever since.
Iliass has had an exceptional athletics career thus far. Off the back of winning multiple conference championships in the US, he has gone on to break numerous Italian records, in the marathon and over Cross Country. Iliass competes professionally for Adidas and has his sights on the upcoming Olympics and World Championships rotation. His standout achievement placing 7th at the New York Marathon puts him in an exciting position for future events.
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Roberta supports all Olympic Sports students with the VISA and Admissions process to the US. Roberta, originally from Italy, has studied in 3 countries whilst attending 4 different Universities and has completed an undergraduate and two master’s degree’s. Roberta is well versed with the paperwork process for universities, and in her previous employment was responsible for large group travel plans, including VISA Applications and general bureaucratic processes internationally.
Roberta is also fluent in English, Italian, Spanish and French.
Roberta Venturini
Head of HR & admin
Alessandro Lotta
Sports Consultant
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Alessandro holds a Master’s degree in Sports Science from Italy, where he completed an experimental thesis in collaboration with the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL), alongside various professional development courses in the field.
During his academic journey, he also gained experience as a Division I student-athlete in the United States, competing in the SEC Conference.
Throughout his athletic career, Alessandro has represented the national team, won an Italian University Championship title, and earned three gold medals at the Italian National Championships. He continues to compete at a high level, with personal bests in middle-distance events of 1:48 in the 800m, 3:40 in the 1500m, and 7:59 in the 3000m.
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Daniel enjoyed a successful junior athletics career, finishing second at the English National 1500m Championships and third at the UK School Games. He went on to earn a degree in Sports Science and a Master’s in Marketing before gaining experience in the sports industry with Gymshark and through a graduate scheme at Rossall School in partnership with the Manchester City Elite Football Programme. These roles gave him a strong understanding of elite sport and athlete development.
Since joining Olympic Sports Scholarships, Daniel has helped numerous athletes secure opportunities to study and compete in the U.S., supporting them as they take the next step in their sporting and academic journeys.
Daniel Maud
Sports Consultant
our mission
To empower talented student-athletes by providing them with the resources, guidance, and opportunities through personalised support, comprehensive scholarship programs, and collaborations with U.S. institutions. We aim to bridge the gap between athletic potential and academic achievement, helping students excel both on and off the field. We are committed to fostering global talent, promoting diversity in collegiate sports, and ensuring that every deserving student has the chance to pursue higher education and athletic success in the U.S.
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