Bucknell University Athletics
Kelley Francis '25 Continues Studies, Soccer Career in UK
7/10/2026 2:48:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Kelley Francis ’25 was a multifaceted standout during her four years at Bucknell. As a member of the women’s soccer team, she was part of three Patriot League Tournament championship teams and one regular-season title squad, served as team captain as a senior, and contributed eight career goals as a wide midfielder. Off the pitch, she was an Academic All-Patriot League honoree who graduated with a perfect 4.00 grade-point average while majoring in neuroscience.
After graduation, Francis was intent on continuing to pursue both passions and decided to take her talents across the pond. She spent the 2025-26 academic year at Loughborough University in the Leicestershire, England, where she played on the soccer team while pursuing a master’s degree in sport biomechanics.
We caught up with Kelley this spring and her about her experience in the UK.
Q: Why did you choose to study overseas?
A: I chose Loughborough University in the UK because I knew I wasn’t ready to stop playing soccer (football) at a competitive level after my four years at Bucknell, but I also wanted to get my master’s degree at the same time. Loughborough is considered the best sport university in the UK and is ranked as one of the best sport biomechanics master’s programs in the world, so I thought it would be a great fit. I have really enjoyed the courses and laboratory experiences and have started my thesis investigating arthrogenic muscle inhibition in peroneal muscles in people with chronic ankle instability. The university has great facilities, and I enjoy being surrounded by other students also interested in careers in sports. I am playing on the first university team and a club team with games on Wednesdays and Sundays. The players have been very welcoming, and I think this is a great transitional year from Bucknell soccer to life after Division I athletics.
Q: How did your four years at Bucknell prepare you for this experience?
A: Bucknell Women’s Soccer prepared me for this experience because my teammates and coaching staff taught me to take risks, pursue what I am passionate about, and enjoy the sport for as long as I possibly can. I think everyone that has graduated from the BUWS program has said they wish they could go back and play at Emmitt Field one more time, so getting to play another year has been so fun, and I am enjoying every moment of it!
Q: Compare your soccer/football experience at Bucknell to playing with Loughborough.
A: My athletic experience at Loughborough is similar to my experience with BUWS because I continue to be a student-athlete pursuing my master’s degree and enjoy time away from my studies to compete at a high level at trainings and games.
Q: What has it been like playing for a new team?
A: My teammates come from all over the world at Loughborough, and I think studying and playing abroad has opened my eyes that soccer does not have to be over after I graduated from Bucknell. Some of my teammates for the club team called Loughborough Foxes have graduated and continue to play every week. I think a lot of people struggle transitioning from college athletics to the working world, so this has opened my eyes to ways to stay a part of the game.
Q: What have been some of your favorite moments?
A: One of my favorite experiences so far was my Sunday league team winning the County Cup in April, and it reminded me of the feeling winning the Patriot League at Bucknell three times. I also enjoyed traveling to Scotland to play St. Andrews University because I got to explore another part of the country that I had never been to.
Q: What’s next?
A: I am planning on moving closer to London in September once I finish my thesis. I plan to work for a sport biomechanics and gait analysis clinic, which would be continuing in a role similar to what I am learning in my master’s program. I currently am on a student visa and will transition to a Graduate Route visa, which allows me to stay in the UK until September 2028 and then we will see! I definitely will continue to play in some capacity as well :)
