International Broncos combat homesickness to play on pitch
By Christopher Pimentel Jr., September 8, 2026
The Cal Poly Pomona men’s soccer team introduced three international freshmen from Germany, Switzerland and Israel to the team at the start of the season, making it the roster with the most international players at CPP. Midfielder Julias Joas from Munich, Germany, midfielder Roy Zaltz from Haifa, Israel, and defender Frank Stämpfli from Pailly, Switzerland, noted the struggles of learning an ever-evolving language that normalizes slang, understanding a new school system, adapting to different playstyles on the pitch and navigating young adulthood miles away from family.
No matter what country each player transfers from, the thing they have in common is the sacrifice they must make to leave their only support system behind, according to head coach Matt O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan said he relates to the players, as he once had to leave his family in England to play collegiate soccer, understanding that being homesick is a part of the process. O’Sullivan already knew the language, but for those who are still balancing the language barrier along with the hardship of being away from family, offering extra support is crucial, according to O’Sullivan.
Each of these players left behind some of their biggest supporters to pursue their dreams of receiving a college-level education while improving their skills on the pitch.
For Stämpfli, his father worked alongside him throughout the paperwork and visa process, pushing him to get it done so he could go to America. Joas said he had his mom and uncle to thank, as they encouraged him to go to America after their time as foreign exchange students, and Zaltz credited both of his parents, who helped him face his challenges and supported his every decision.
“I have a little sister back in Germany,” Joas said. “She’s like 11 months old, and that’s probably the hardest thing for me because I want to see my little sister grow up.”
Despite missing his family, Joas noted he rarely gets homesick. Although he said missing out on key moments of his little sister’s life makes the distance feel farther, it is secondary to his focus on the pitch and in school.
According to both Zaltz and Stämpfli, music has been the bridge that keeps them grounded at CPP. Zaltz listens to Hebrew music to help him feel at home, while Stämpfli listens to “Californication” by Red Hot Chili Peppers while walking to help him remember he is in California and should enjoy his time here.
With the history of international athletes on the team, including CPP hall of famer Sergi Monsó and multiple-time CCAA award winner Mads Frederiksen, O’Sullivan said he developed a system where they can feel a sense of warmth with their new Bronco family. The houses where the athletes stay are designed to accommodate international players with U.S. players who are familiar with the area, according to O’Sullivan.
“The players that they live with, they got drawn to them,” O’Sullivan said. “So, when they go home for Thanksgiving, they’ll go back home with them guys because Thanksgiving’s not celebrated in Europe or South America. They get to know those guys and get to know those families, and that’s a big thing for us.”
O’Sullivan also said although these players are away from their homes, playing soccer is a universal language. As each player mentioned, they came here to not only improve their skills on the pitch but to reach the highest goal of winning the NCAA championship.
“My dad was very happy for my decision to leave,” Stämpfli said. “He thinks that there are big opportunities and was behind me through the entire process. He never pushed me too hard because he always wants the best for me, and he told me, ‘If you really like this, then go and just do what you love.’”
With support from family, the players were able to leave their homes and experience the new wonders of American culture, according to the players. Stämpfli and Zaltz, both mentioned how the campus feels open yet engulfed with nature at the same time. Joas mentioned how friendly the culture is here, whether he is in line at the grocery store, talking to the cashier or walking around campus and talking to someone randomly.
Although the players sometimes feel homesick, they continuously remind themselves of the opportunity at hand. Stämpfli noted although he misses Switzerland, he should be grateful since many people do not get the chance to live in America. Zaltz said something similar, mentioning how the distance is a necessary obstacle he needs to overcome to highlight his personal and athletic growth.
“No matter where they come from, once they got on the field together, everything else just fades away,” O’Sullivan said.
Feature image courtesy of CPP Athletics
