Alumni Spotlight: Michaela Foster ('21)
Class of 2021 | Sociology | University of San Diego

From Torero to international footballer, Michaela Foster's journey is a testament to trusting the process, embracing resilience, and seizing opportunity wherever it appears.

Finding Home at USD

Foster's path to the University of San Diego began with a bit of luck and a leap of faith. A former coach in New Zealand had a connection with the USD staff, who took a chance on bringing Michaela to San Diego.

"I knew instantly that USD would be the right fit for me," Foster recalls. "Firstly, it's San Diego, and as a city you can't get much better. Coming from New Zealand, it felt similar in many ways. Secondly, the soccer program felt like a place that I would fit into easily and could make an impact on, too."

Between America's Finest City, America's Most Beautiful Campus and the culture of the women's soccer program, USD quickly felt like home.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

When reflecting on her three-year college career in San Diego, Michaela says it's often the small moments that stand out most. Competing against top players and programs across the country was especially meaningful, coming from a nation with a smaller player pool.

But above all, it was the people.

"The connections you make with your teammates last forever," she says. "Those relationships made my college experience what it was."

Senior Night at Torero Stadium remains a standout memory — a moment to reflect, celebrate, and appreciate her journey.

Resilience and Value

Michaela continues to lean on lessons learned at USD — particularly resilience and the importance of being valued as a person first.

"The coaches always made me feel like more than just a player," she says. "That mutual respect allowed me to be my best."
Resilience, she believes, is one of the most valuable tools she carries into her professional career.

"I find a lot of people struggle with being resilient and believing in the process. It's something I've really been able to control and helps me continue to show up and bring a positive outlook to each moment and at the same time being able to push myself and my teammates to learn and be better when we need it." 

Despite the challenges of living far from home, Foster remains motivated by her family, her passion for the game, and the journey still ahead.

Preparing for the Next Level, Through Adversity

Michaela credits her time at USD with preparing her for professional football, despite multiple adversities. Her freshman year was cut short by two serious concussions, and the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her collegiate experience soon after. The 2021 season became a turning point.

"My whole mindset in that season was to grow my leadership and to do everything that I could on the pitch to help my team in every game," she says, "That mindset that I grew in that season is something that I have continued to think about and have in the professional game, whether its making sure that I am fit enough so that I could play 90 each game or making the important tackles."

Those standards continue to shape her approach at the professional level.

A Pro Torero

After graduating in 2021, Foster returned home to New Zealand without a rigid plan. She began teaching at her former high school while continuing to play club football — a decision that soon opened unexpected doors.

She signed with Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand's A-League Women's club, and spent two seasons with the team. During her first season, she made her debut with the New Zealand National Team and earned a spot on the World Cup squad. Following strong performances at the 2024 Olympics, Michaela took the next step in her career, signing with Durham WFC in England's WSL2, where she is now in her second season.

"Looking back, my career has really been about trusting the process and putting myself in the best position possible," she says. "That's when the biggest opportunities started to come."

While USD provided a strong foundation, Michaela notes that the professional game demands quicker decision-making and adaptability.

"Every team has a distinct style of play," she says. "The experience of professional players can change games in an instant, and you have to think faster in the moment."

Wearing the Fern

Representing New Zealand at the international level remains one of Michaela's greatest honors.

"Wearing the fern on my chest is a privilege," she says. "It has been an environment where I have been able to be around so many incredible footballers and to listen and learn from them to help my game grow."

One of her most special moments came when she made her international debut in her hometown of Hamilton — the same stadium where she grew up watching rugby and where her father, Ian Foster, coached and played before becoming head coach of the All Blacks.

"To share that moment with my family and friends was incredibly special," she says.

A World Cup Moment to Remember

Among many unforgettable experiences, one stands above the rest: New Zealand's opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Playing at home in front of 46,000 fans in Auckland, the Football Ferns came in as the underdogs and defeated Norway 1–0.

"Even though I didn't get on the field, it didn't matter," Foster says. "The entire team prepared so well, and the emotion after that game was unreal. I'll never forget it."

Life Beyond the Pitch

When she's not training or competing, Michaela enjoys staying active with her fiancé, Chelsea. Their newest shared obsession? Golf.

"We're both very competitive," Foster says. "So golf has become our new hobby."

When back in New Zealand, quality time with family takes priority — something she values deeply while living abroad.

Campus Favorites

One of Michaela's favorite rituals at USD was walking through campus at sunset after a long day.

"I still think about how lucky I was to attend a university with such a beautiful campus," she says. "Those quiet moments really stick with you."

Advice for International Student-Athletes

For young international players considering college soccer at USD, Michaela offers simple but powerful advice: trust the process.

"It is hard at times for anyone at college but being an international student you are just that much further from home which can make it challenging at times, but for me, USD had given me this incredible opportunity and I trusted it and put everything into it."