Joe Flory (OKS 2022) Named Academic All-American

Former King’s student Joe Flory (OKS 2022) has been named an Academic All-American, a prestigious national honour recognising outstanding achievement in both academics and college football (soccer) in the United States.

Joe, who was a member of the Head of School Team in his final year at King’s, discovered the news whilst revising for his end-of-term finals: “I was just doing some revision when I got a notification that I’d been tagged in a post by Gustavus,” he explained. “When I checked it, I saw I’d been named an Academic All-American. It was a huge surprise.”

This award marks Joe’s first national-level recognition, and it is particularly meaningful following a challenging year. “I wasn’t even sure if I’d be able to play at all this season, having had two different knee surgeries,” Joe said. “The award represents a lot of hard work and the incredible support I received from medical teams on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Balancing the demands of high-level college football with academic study is no easy task. During the season, teams typically train six days a week alongside an intense match schedule. “I always attend class and give plenty of time to my academics,” Joe said. “It can be challenging, but it’s very rewarding to be recognised for both.”

Careful organisation has been key to Joe’s success. By planning ahead and setting aside dedicated time for assignments, he ensures he stays on top of his studies. “My routine is to go to classes, head straight to practice, eat dinner, and then spend a couple of hours on homework each evening,” he explained.

One of Joe’s favourite aspects of the US college football environment is the strong emphasis on team culture and bonding. “Team building is a huge focus,” he said. “My teammates will be friends for life.”

While football remains an important part of Joe’s life, his long-term focus is on his career beyond the pitch. Studying Financial Economics, he plans to pursue a career in finance after graduation. “Being a professional footballer was never my main aim,” he said. “That said, I’d love to stay involved in football in some capacity, and I currently help run the club team on campus.”

Reflecting on his time at King’s, which he left in 2022, Joe credits the school with helping prepare him for life as a student-athlete. “King’s teaches students how to learn effectively and encourages regular participation in sport,” he said. “That made the transition to college athletics much smoother.”

Joe also paid tribute to several members of staff who had a lasting impact on his journey. He thanked everyone connected with sport and the football programme at King’s, particularly Danny Ortiz, who was first team coach during Joe’s final year, for creating a positive and enjoyable environment. Beyond sport, Joe highlighted his tutor, Merewyn Hartley, as an invaluable source of guidance and support.

Joe’s advice to current King’s students considering a similar path is clear: “Go for it. I met so many people who thought about going to America but always had an excuse not to. I didn’t want to be like that. I went, and I haven’t regretted it once. It’s an amazing experience, and I’d be happy to talk to anyone who’s thinking about it.”

We are so proud of Joe and all he has achieved and look forward to following his journey.