(Story courtesy of Centre College)
DANVILLE, Ky. - Centre College senior defender Brad Fansher (Chicago Ill.) has been awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach English in Germany. Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is a program of competitive, merit-based grants for international educational exchange.
The Fulbright Program awards just 1,000 grants to students annually, and operates in over 140 countries. One of the most prestigious awards programs worldwide, the Fulbright scholarship will send Fansher to Germany, where he will teach English. He is just the 44th Centre recipient of this award since 1991.
Fansher, who began speaking Germany in high school, studied abroad in Strasbourg, France during the spring of his sophomore year. He lived in the home of an Alsatian host who spoke both French and Germany, allowing him to practice both languages on a daily basis. Coupled with trips to Munich, Berlin, and the neighboring town of Kehl, Fansher refined his German speaking skills and will now take this passion to the next level.
Fansher, who was a three-year starter for the Men's Soccer team and a 3-time SCAC All-Academic member, was quick to comment on the importance his soccer playing experience had on receiving this prominent award:
"There is a good chance I never would have applied for a Fulbright had it not been for the athletic, academic, and personal experiences I had at Centre. My time here has been invaluable for helping me apply and prepare for the Fulbright; learning to balance my soccer, school, and social life was a challenge, but it was well worth the effort. It taught me to be more disciplined, and helped me develop better time management skills. Playing (and winning) two soccer games in a weekend, managing school work on the road, arriving home late on a Sunday night, being prepared for class the next morning, and having a blast the whole time… those are the type of things you experience with Centre soccer, and they're the type of skills and experiences you use throughout life, Fulbright in Germany included."
Fansher, who appeared in 66 matches in his career, helping lead the Centre Men's Soccer Team to a Top 10 National Ranking in 2007, was quickly praised by the Colonels head coach Jeb Burch for his accomplishments:
"We are very proud of Brad. I remember like it was yesterday when we recruited Brad, this guy from Chicago, who maintained excellent mental composure during the game. Brad is very grounded which has allowed him to set some very lofty goals and achieve them. Brad leaves behind a neat legacy at Centre and I am sure he will continue to do very well after graduation."
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