Student Spotlight: Nina Mathelus Balances International Soccer and Academics with Holston Academy
Discover how student-athlete Nina Mathelus balances international soccer, academics, and early college preparation through Holston Academy’s flexible online learning program.
For many student-athletes, balancing academics with a demanding training and travel schedule can feel nearly impossible. Between practices, competitions, and international travel, traditional school schedules often don’t leave much room for flexibility.
That’s why students like Nina Mathelus choose Holston Academy, an accredited online school designed to support students with unique academic and athletic goals.
Since enrolling in June 2025, Nina has been pursuing an ambitious path: traveling the world as a member of the Philippines Women’s National Soccer Team, graduating high school early, and preparing to join UC Berkeley as a Division I student-athlete.
Holston Academy’s flexible online learning model for student-athletes has helped Nina stay on track academically while competing at the highest level of international soccer.
A Student-Athlete with Global Experience
Before enrolling at Holston Academy, Nina attended a private school in Massachusetts while developing her soccer career. She has been playing soccer since kindergarten, quickly discovering that the sport would become a major part of her life.
“I started to really take soccer seriously around second grade,” Nina says. “I knew then I wanted to be a professional soccer player when I grew up.”
Her dedication to the sport paid off early.
At just 14 years old, Nina joined the Philippines U17 Women’s National Team, and at 15 she made her debut with the Senior Philippines Women’s National Team, an incredible accomplishment for such a young player.
Competing internationally while staying on track academically requires tremendous discipline, something Nina has learned to manage with the right support system.
Committing to UC Berkeley: Academics and Athletics at the Highest Level
Nina’s hard work on the field and in the classroom recently led to another major milestone: committing to play Division I soccer at the University of California, Berkeley.
Academically, Berkeley was an easy choice.
“UC Berkeley is the number one public university in the United States, and graduating from there is really important to me,” Nina says.
She also fell in love with the campus itself and its location near San Francisco.
Athletically, Nina felt confident she had found the right program. Berkeley’s soccer program has a strong track record of developing professional players, including stars like Alex Morgan.
As Nina prepares for her collegiate career, she’s excited about the opportunity to compete at the NCAA level and pursue a national championship with the Bears.
Why Nina Chose Holston Academy
As Nina’s soccer career accelerated and international travel increased, she knew she needed an online high school with a flexible schedule that could support both her academic goals and athletic commitments.
She also had another ambitious goal: graduating high school a year early so she could begin her college soccer career sooner.
“I was looking for an online school that could support my travel schedule but still challenge me academically so I would be ready for college,” Nina says.
That search led her to Holston Academy, where she found a supportive learning environment designed for students with unique schedules and goals.
Holston Academy’s flexible online learning model for student-athletes allows students to:
- Train during the day
- Travel for competitions
- Complete coursework on a flexible schedule
- Communicate directly with teachers when they need support
This structure made it possible for Nina to continue training, traveling internationally, and preparing for college, all while completing her high school education.
Balancing School, Training, and Travel
Balancing schoolwork with international soccer travel is no easy task.
Between training sessions, games, travel days, and academic responsibilities, Nina’s schedule can be intense.
“It’s definitely difficult,” she admits. “But I surround myself with people who lift me up and support what I do, which helps me push through it all.”
With the right environment, discipline, and support, Nina has proven that it is possible to pursue elite athletics while maintaining strong academic performance.
A Teacher Who Made an Impact
Every student has teachers who make a lasting impression, and for Nina, that teacher is Ms. Nolan, her English teacher at Holston Academy.
“She has been very supportive of both my academic and athletic success,” Nina says. “She’s also very kind, and I feel comfortable reaching out whenever I have questions.”
Supportive teachers and accessible online communication tools are key parts of Holston Academy’s mission to help students succeed in flexible online high school environments.
Advice for Student-Athletes Considering Online School
For other student-athletes considering an online school like Holston Academy, Nina has simple advice.
“Holston Academy is a really great school with amazing teachers,” she says. “If you have the discipline to work with a flexible schedule, you can do very well and succeed here.”
Online learning can be a powerful option for student-athletes who need a flexible high school schedule, but it also requires responsibility and time management.
For students who are ready for that challenge, schools like Holston Academy provide opportunities to pursue both academic and athletic excellence.
Quick Questions with Nina
Favorite pre-game ritual:
Having candy right before the game for an extra energy boost and listening to music while doing her hair.
Favorite soccer player:
Cristiano Ronaldo. Nina grew up watching him play and even wears number 7 because of him.
Dream place to play a match:
England or Brazil, two of the world’s biggest soccer nations.
With the 2027 Women’s World Cup scheduled in Brazil, Nina may have the opportunity to compete there if the Philippines national team qualifies. “That would be incredibly exciting,” she says.
Nina’s journey is a powerful example of how the right academic environment can support students with ambitious goals.
Through its flexible online learning model, Holston Academy helps students pursue athletics, travel, and personal passions while still receiving a high-quality education.
For students who need a flexible, accredited online high school, Holston Academy offers the structure, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.