Arizona State’s trip to London next week isn’t just about the Sun Devils meeting the Kansas Jayhawks at Wembley Stadium. For incoming freshman Shelby Connell, the move across the Atlantic is also the start of a very different college experience.
Connell is set to begin her freshman year at ASU’s newly opened London campus this fall, where she will study business for three years before returning to Arizona to finish her master’s degree. She said the chance to live abroad and experience a new culture was enough to convince her to take the leap.
“My parents will be there, we'll be rallying the crowds, getting the ASU spirit going,” incoming freshman Shelby Connell said.
“I'd never been to London before, but I took a leap of faith,” Connell said.
Coming from a family of Sun Devils, Connell said she originally wanted to do something different. But once the London campus became an option, the choice changed.
“Being the youngest, I kind of wanted to rebel and not go to ASU, but once ASU London announced they were opening, I was like, 'Yeah, that's for me, I get to be a Sun Devil and live in a new city with a new culture and experience all new things,'” Connell said.
She isn’t locked into a specific career path yet, but she believes the experience could help shape what comes next.
“I'm not 100 percent sure what I want to do with my major, but I'm hoping this will help open up doors,” Connell said.
For Connell, the appeal goes beyond academics. She said she’s looking forward to meeting people from around the world and seeing life through a different lens, even if London’s weather takes some adjusting.
“Meeting people from all over the world and experiencing all different kinds of cultures and doing something not many people would think to do or know even exists, something new and challenge myself,” Connell said.
“Living in Arizona with constant sunshine and need scarves and umbrellas and turtlenecks, learning how to dress with layers,” Connell said.
Still, she sees the whole thing as part of the adventure.
“It’s the city of dreams and anything could happen,” Connell said.
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Kansas Coach Sees A Real Arizona State Threat In London
Arizona States trip to London is turning into more than just a novelty game, with Kansas already treating the Sun Devils like a genuine early-season test. The two programs are set to meet in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 19, and both sides are working through the demands of international travel while getting ready for a matchup that will be shown on FS1.
Kansas coach Lance Leipold addressed Arizona States recent play, its coaching staff and the logistics of the trip during a press conference, and the backdrop only adds to the intrigue. The Sun Devils have enough momentum to draw real respect from the Jayhawks, and Leipold made it clear Kansas will have to be sharp on both sides of the ball if it wants to handle what Arizona State brings to London. [Read more 🡒]
Cam Skattebo Brought Back His Wildest Trademark And Fans Are Torn
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The reaction fit the profile of a player whose style has always invited both admiration and concern. Giants head coach John Harbaugh has already talked publicly about Skattebos backflips and agreed to limit them during training camp, and Skattebo later suggested he will probably steer clear of the celebration for the rest of the season. For now, though, the move served as a reminder that even after a serious injury, he is still willing to bring a little chaos to the end zone. [Read more 🡒]