Challenges for International Athletes Amidst Changing Immigration Policies

Courtney Bangert had some doubts about whether Liza Astakhova would arrive in Chapel Hill.

Bangert was aware that he could utilize Astakhova immediately this season to strengthen his frontcourt. With the departure of Alyssa Usby and 6-foot-5 Maria Gakden, two of North Carolina’s all-time leading rebounders, Astakhova could help fill the void in the paint as Bangert enters his seventh season as coach.

“She brings a unique European style to her game,” Bangert mentioned about Astakhova, who turned 19 in December and plays professionally in Russia. “Her touch is excellent, and she can play in different positions. Plus, she’s tall—often able to protect the rim effectively.”

However, the Trump administration’s approach to foreign students raised some concerns for Bangert, particularly given Astakhova’s Russian background. He wasn’t fully confident she would join the Tar Heels until he finally met her on campus as classes commenced.

“It’s really challenging for international individuals to gain entry into the Carolinas. Once it was official, we began the visa process, which was a different experience—especially given the geopolitical climate,” Bangert told SB Nation. “Classes were already in session, so they could’ve denied her entry, stating, ‘If you’re on a student visa, you must be here at the start of school.’ But they allowed her in, and the rest is history.”

Astakhova’s journey from Moscow to North Carolina was anything but straightforward. She first traveled to Serbia, staying in a hotel in Belgrade for almost a week to secure her visa. Following that, she flew to Istanbul, then to Chicago, eventually landing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport just after midnight—two days after her classes had begun. With only a single bag, it was her first experience in the U.S. She got some rest before attending an 8 a.m. math class the following morning.

Uncertain about Astakhova’s arrival, Bangert didn’t inform the players of a new teammate until two days before they arrived on campus. Nevertheless, her teammates quickly stepped up, buying her sheets and towels to welcome her warmly to Chapel Hill.

“Every step can be really challenging and requires immense patience… It’s quite a task to bring Russians to our country,” Bangert remarked. “Some students are different in build. She definitely stands out.”

Astakhova is not alone in facing struggles as an international athlete during Trump’s second term; the North Carolina women’s basketball team is in a similar boat. The landscape for NCAA programs is filled with obstacles.

In August, over 6,000 international student visas were revoked by the State Department for various violations. Two months prior, new visa interviews for international students were put on hold. Additionally, a proposed rule was suggested that, if enacted, could restrict the duration certain visa holders—international students included—could remain in the U.S. Consequently, there’s been a notable decline in international student enrollment, with an estimated 150,000 fewer students expected this fall.

Trump’s stance on this issue has been contradictory. His administration has tightened international student visa regulations, yet he has also expressed a desire for more foreign students in the U.S.

“Students from other countries enjoy coming here,” Trump stated back in August. “If they didn’t? Our education system would face significant declines.”

This matter is being closely observed within collegiate athletics. Yet, as ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips notes, there’s little conferences or even the NCAA can do.

“We’re aware of the situation and trying to assist where we can, but the bigger picture is decided in Washington,” Phillips shared with SB Nation. “We aim to support our coaches and student-athletes, many of whom are international, ensuring they complete the necessary processes for campus arrival.”

These visa challenges emerge as more international players express interest in joining Division I college athletics.

Last spring, both men’s and women’s tournaments showcased 264 international players, making up about 15% of the total. Since 2010, the participation of international players in college basketball has surged by 175%.

Longtime Louisville women’s basketball coach, Jeff Walz, believes this trend will persist.

“Honestly, I don’t see international recruiting changing much,” Walz explained. “Now, it seems more international players are open to coming here as they have the chance for revenue sharing. Previously, many elite players would stay home for professional contracts, but this has opened doors for more players.”

Traditionally, top international players faced a tough decision—should they attend college in the U.S. for better visibility from NBA or WNBA scouts, or stay abroad and play professionally for immediate earnings?

Now, schools have options, following recent changes that allow them to share revenue directly with athletes.

“They can earn a degree while also receiving a paycheck, which is vital,” Clemson head coach Sean Poppy noted. “The rules have shifted, and it’s become feasible to play professionally and then transition to college. We’ve observed this trend on the men’s side and, although delayed, the women’s side is starting to catch up. The impact of federal regulations and visas will still unfold.”

In July, an international recruit generated considerable buzz in women’s hoops: Nastia Claassens, one of Belgium’s finest players, was signed by Kansas State. Having played for her national team in the 2024 Olympics and recently drafted into the WNBA, Claassens chose not to finalize a contract, but Washington retains her rights for a year post her college eligibility.

More international players like Claassens, who hesitated to sign with WNBA teams, might follow her lead—assuming they are from nations not affected by Trump’s policies.

The Poppies, now in their second season at Clemson, currently host only one international player: junior guard Luzne Augustine Knight, a transfer from Georgia Tech who previously attended high school in Florida.

“We didn’t face any visa issues there,” Poppy remarked. “Lithuania is straightforward regarding these matters, especially since she had already been in the U.S. at Georgia Tech.”

International players are becoming more commonplace in women’s college hoops. For instance, every ACC team has at least one international player this season, with many boasting multiple. Notable preseason mentions include Toby Fournier from Canada (Duke), Laura Ziegler from Denmark (Louisville), and Australia’s Lara Somfai (Stanford).

Virginia Tech has only one international player, Špera Brečeri, a freshman wing from Slovenia.

Coach Megan Duffy indicated that Brečeri didn’t encounter severe visa complications, though her arrival came later in the usual recruiting timeline. The team announced her addition to the roster on August 21.

“Some international athletes were torn between college or turning pro, and some came to terms with it later,” Duffy noted. “Yes, the political climate was chaotic, which delayed many visa appointments. Thankfully, Spela faced minimal hurdles, allowing us to finalize everything in August.”

In College Park, the Maryland Terrapins host five international players representing Israel, Belarus, England, Slovenia, and Romania. Longtime head coach Brenda Frese noted she is aware of the difficulties faced by other programs but noted Maryland largely avoided those challenges.

“We didn’t encounter any visa issues, but we were naturally concerned given what we were hearing,” Frese stated. “Fortunately, we managed to sidestep those problems.”

Similarly, Davidson has nine international players from Australia, Spain, Martinique, Hungary, Belgium, and Greece.

Wildcats coach Gail Foulkes confirmed that her players were timely with their visa approvals, joining the team as scheduled.

So far, the Trump administration’s immigration policies haven’t hindered international women’s college basketball players from competing with their teams. Yet, the unpredictability of these policies poses questions—will visa processes tighten next season? Will regulations for international students change in the near future?

Bangert is not taking chances. This season, he has three international players on his squad from Russia, Finland, and Brazil; each has agreed to refrain from traveling home during the December break.

“I’m happy to help out with tickets, but I really can’t guarantee they’ll make it back,” Bangert noted. “I’d love for things to settle down a bit, but they are fully aware of the commitment they’ve made. They’re here to play for our school.”