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Adele Martin: A supported place at the University of Pennsylvania

Adele combined a strong steeplechase with a very strong academic record. OSS treated her as a genuine Ivy League candidate and used its contacts to secure a supported place in Penn's admissions process.

The story

Adele came to you in 2025. What stood out?

“Adele was a very talented steeplechaser with a very strong academic profile. From the moment she contacted us, our view was that she was a genuine Ivy League candidate. That's a very different process from a standard scholarship application, and it needs the right relationships.”

How did Penn come about?

“Using our contacts within the Ivy League, we were able to secure her a supported place in Penn's admissions process. It's a programme I know well, because one of my former coaches from my time in the US is there, which made it even more special.”

How has her first year gone?

“She's been absolutely remarkable. In her first year she qualified for the World U20 Championships. She's a fantastic athlete, we've loved representing her, and we're really proud of what she's achieved so far.”

Nathan Gillis, founder of Olympic Sports Scholarships

Key results

• Supported place in the University of Pennsylvania's admissions process
• Qualified for the World U20 Championships in her first year

What this means for your recruiting

• Ivy League universities don't offer athletic scholarships, so the route runs through admissions support and relationships.
• Strong grades plus strong performances can open doors that athletics alone can't.

Useful next reads

• US scholarships for European athletes
• Steeplechase scholarship times
• The Standards Engine: times for every event

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