Who We Are | GPAthletes – International Sports Scholarships & College Admissions Experts
Our Story
GPAthletes was founded by a team of passionate former international student-athletes dedicated to empowering the next generation to achieve their dreams. During our experiences studying and competing in the U.S., we discovered a common misconception among young athletes: the belief that only the top athletes and students could access sports scholarships in American universities. Our journey proved otherwise, showing that these opportunities are attainable for many more students than previously believed. We realized that the path to growth and achievement is open to all who are willing to explore it.
​
However, we noticed a gap in the college admissions process for athletes—one of disconnection and lack of personalization from the agencies meant to assist students. This inspired us to create GPAthletes, with a vision of offering a more personalized and empathetic approach to athletic and academic scholarships. We are committed to ensuring that students are actively involved and informed every step of the way. By focusing on building relationships and understanding each athlete's unique needs, GPAthletes sets itself apart in the sports scholarship market in the USA.
​
Our mission is to empower as many international students and athletes as possible to explore their futures through sports and academics, opening doors to success and personal growth. We believe that by providing personalized support and opportunities, we can help students navigate their paths and unlock their full potential while pursuing scholarships to study in the U.S.
Our team
Former international student-athletes
Our team at GPAthletes is made up of passionate former international student-athletes from around the world. With firsthand experience studying and competing in the U.S. college system, we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with earning sports scholarships in the United States. We are dedicated to helping you navigate your college admissions journey with the same commitment, resilience, and passion that guided our own paths as student-athletes pursuing both academic and athletic success.
Lara Peco Fazanes
Founder & CEO
Lara Peco Fazanes embarked on a transformative journey from Spain to Iowa as an international student-athlete through a tennis scholarship. As a young tennis player in Spain, she faced setbacks and felt the sting of failure when her athletic career didn’t go as planned. However, she seized the opportunity to study in the U.S. on an athletic scholarship, reigniting her passion for tennis and reshaping her future.
​
Lara completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology and later earned a Master’s in Community and Social Change from the University of Miami. During her time in the U.S., she experienced the profound impact of community support and the power of pursuing one’s passion through education and sport.
A keen listener with a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, Lara is dedicated to creating opportunities for growth and transformation for young people worldwide. Her experience inspired her to create GPAthletes, an organization committed to helping international student-athletes achieve their dreams through sports scholarships and education in the United States.
+34 608 195 214
Omar Ezzeldin
Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Omar Ezzeldin has built an impressive career that blends his passion for sports with strong academic foundations. A dedicated athlete since the age of three, he excelled in tennis and refined his skills at the prestigious Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in France.
​
Omar holds a degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering, and later pursued graduate studies in Business Management and Finance in the U.S. This diverse academic background, combined with his professional experience in university admissions and NCAA coaching, gives him a unique understanding of the link between sports scholarships, education, and college success.
​
Now based in New York, Omar is a respected professor in sports studies and brings valuable expertise in both engineering and athletic program management. As a key member of GPAthletes, he is dedicated to helping international students secure sports scholarships in the U.S. and achieve their goals both academically and athletically.
+1 913 626 7028
Our Trusted Partners
Together, we build a global network of universities, coaches, and mentors who transform aspirations into achievements—connecting student-athletes with the best sports and academic scholarship opportunities in the U.S.
