Major League Soccer

"You're not going to regret it." When Tesho Akindele was wavering on whether he should go back to school, his wife gave him the push he needed. Today, the FC Dallas forward is the first MLS player to graduate from Southern New Hampshire University - and now he's ready to start his master's degree.

Sometimes, earning a degree isn’t just for yourself. For Major League Soccer’s Tony Tchani, a midfielder for the Vancouver Whitecaps, it’s also about his mom. “I feel like after doing that, she’ll be really, really proud of me,” said the online business student at SNHU.

The scene sounds familiar to many SNHU students: Getting meals ready with the family. Picking up the kids at school. And bettering yourself through exercise and classwork for your online degree. It’s a just a regular day for Major League Soccer goalkeeper Chris Seitz, a business student at SNHU.

An injury can help put things in perspective for a professional athlete. For Jordan Allen, recovering from knee surgery has allowed him to switch gears, from his midfielder position with MLS’ Real Salt Lake to classes for his online bachelor’s degree in political science at SNHU.

By working toward his MBA degree in economics, Eric Miller is preparing for his post-soccer career. After work. At his favorite coffee shop. And in between walks with his dog, Cooper.

When people come together for a common cause, great things happen. It’s why New England Revolution midfielder and SNHU student Kelyn Rowe continually answers the call to help others.

Experience a day in the life of David Ousted, Vancouver Whitecaps soccer player, father and now an online student at SNHU. See how the goalkeeper is able to study finance online at SNHU while balancing family life, training and the busy Major League Soccer season.

Get a sneak peek into the life of Tyrone Mears, Seattle Sounders right-back and online student at SNHU. Find out how he’s able to stay on top of his schoolwork while practicing and preparing for Major League Soccer playoffs.

The MLS partnership began when Heath was thinking about finishing school. He had just made the major career switch from on-field defender to on-air presenter when it clicked that he wanted a degree to lean on.

Rachel grew up rooting for her hometown soccer team, Sporting Kansas City. So when her MS in Sport Management program led to an internship with the club, she experienced the sport from an entirely new angle.

Former MLS player Jeff Agoos has spent the majority of his career as VP of competitions. Interested in taking his education further, the partnership between SNHU and MLS allowed him to do just that​.

​Sporting Kansas City defender Chance Myers fulfilled his dream of playing professional soccer. Now he is working toward a post-playing goal and taking online classes at SNHU.​

A former collegiate soccer player, Nathaniel followed his passion when he earned an internship with MLS. His MS in Sport Management program prepared him for exciting responsibilities at the international level.