Eleni Stefanaki ’26
Hometown: Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Major: Biology
Meet international student-athlete Eleni Stefanaki who came to the United States from Crete,
Greece to continue pursuing her education and basketball career at a higher level. While she
couldn’t pursue both interests back home, studying in the U.S. has allowed her to integrate them
without compromise. Eleni also feels that William Penn has an extremely strong, supportive
sense of community. Her professors have taken the time to get to know her on a personal level,
and she knows they truly care about her, which has made a big difference in her transition from
Greece to America.
Eleni has strong time management skills and discipline when it comes to balancing her busy
schedule. She makes it a priority to schedule frequent calls with her friends and family back
home to maintain a strong connection to them, while also focusing on being present and
spending time with friends while in school. “I rely heavily on planning my schedule in advance,
setting priorities, and staying organized with my assignments and practices. Finding that balance
has helped me stay focused while still enjoying my college experience.”
William Penn has not only helped Eleni grow academically and athletically, but also personally.
Being an international student requires a lot of independence, which is not always easy. She
shared that her freshman year was challenging, and she often had to rely solely on herself to
succeed. Having fewer resources, being far away from family, and adjusting to an entirely new
culture was formidable, but not impossible. With the help of Coach Shaun Bedford Jr., Dr. North,
and her close friend Joe Kitengie her independence, resilience, and an ability to adapt have
grown exceptionally.
During her time at Penn, Eleni has been a part of the women’s basketball team, the
Pre-Professional club, and the Latino Leaders of Tomorrow club. Her favorite memories are the
ones she has shared with her teammates. “The experiences we share during games, road trips,
and practices have created strong bonds and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a big win, a
tough game, or just time spent together as a team, those moments have made my college
experience truly special.”
Looking back on her journey from Crete to Oskaloosa, Eleni is a testament to what is possible
when ambition meets opportunity. This is the place where she proved that no distance is too great and no challenge is too big to overcome when you are dedicated, disciplined, and have a great support system backing you up.