Home » Blog » Pro Soccer Player Sets Goals Off the Field and in the Classroom

Pro Soccer Player Sets Goals Off the Field and in the Classroom

Through joint partnership, Washington Spirit Goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe Takes MBA Courses at Shenandoah

In February 2021, Shenandoah University began partnering with the professional women’s soccer team the Washington Spirit to provide free classes to players in exchange for internships, hospitality, and promotion.

Through the partnership, Spirit players can enroll, tuition-free, in Shenandoah’s graduate and undergraduate courses. One of these individuals is goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe, who is enrolled in the MBA program.

This past spring semester, Bledsoe took two graduate-level courses: Management Information Systems 514, and HR Management, Ethics and Employment Law (MGT535). Currently, she’s enrolled in a 500-level economics class, and her plan is to graduate in 2023.

I really enjoyed my spring classes,” she said. “Both were very interactive. It’s mind blowing what you can do online nowadays. It’s pretty cool to see how Zoom works and the breakout rooms. And it’s fun to be in a classroom environment and have some friends outside of my teammates and to get to know people in the Shenandoah community.”

Aubrey Bledsoe

Aubrey BledsoeBledsoe, 29, and her teammates are at the beginning of a marathon season that ends Nov. 20. She trains in the morning, goes home to relax, and then spends her evenings dedicated to school work. She has to be proactive with her assignments because every weekend involves games and traveling and leaves little time for studying.

Although juggling school and soccer has been tougher than she thought, she said she has learned a lot from Shenandoah and its “very diverse” students and faculty.

It’s an incredible opportunity,” Bledsoe said. “It’s something I’m very thankful for and excited to take advantage of. When we inevitably retire, there’s not too much available to us that we can get into because soccer has taken up most of our lives. It’s great to obtain another skillset and to see what I’m passionate about.”

Aubrey Bledsoe

Bledsoe, who aspires to be a general manager or owner of a professional soccer team one day, said that the business knowledge she has gained in her classes has helped her become a better liaison between the Washington Spirit’s front office and her teammates. 

“I hope that what I’ve learned will ultimately benefit the players,” she said.

Categories: , ,

Recent News

Headshots of Dr. Yunita Anwar (left) and Dr. John Winn (right), both of the Shenandoah University School of Business

WalletHub Taps Two SU Professors for Insight and Advice

Drs. Winn and Anwar Talk Insurance and Improving Credit

Shenandoah Pharmacy Graduates Secure Competitive PGY2 Residency Matches

Four pharmacy graduates advance into competitive PGY2 residencies in pediatric, psychiatric pharmacy, oncology, and investigational drugs and research

Professor explains content on a screen in a Shenandoah University educational leadership doctoral class.

New Higher Ed Concentration Offered in Shenandoah University’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs

Course topics delve into the primary responsibilities of higher education leaders

Headshot of J. Robert "Bobby" Spencer

Shenandoah University To Hold Special Performance To Benefit SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund

Original ‘Jersey Boy’ J. Robert Spencer headlines ensemble cast of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre alumni

Shenandoah OT Programs Recognize Students & Educators of Distinction

2024-25 Awardees Hail From Four Occupational Therapy Programs

Students walk on campus with Sarah's Glen in the background.

Shenandoah University Participating In 2025 Virginia Private College Week

Prospective students who visit from July 21-26 will be entered to win an Amazon gift card and are eligible for an application fee waiver

Monthly Archives