This semester, OzarksWatch Magazine has its first intern. His name is Alex Matthews, and he is a senior at Missouri State University studying journalism. Hailing from Derby, England, Alex came to MSU on an athletic scholarship. He is a player on the men’s soccer team.

“The primary reason for coming to America was the ability to balance sporting commitments with obtaining a college degree,” Matthews said. “It’s something that is difficult to achieve in England.”

After secondary school, Alex did a sports apprenticeship for 2 years and then played 1 year of professional soccer for Derby County in Derbyshire. He first heard of MSU from a former teammate who had signed to play at Missouri State. After the coach visited England and watched him play, Alex was invited to come to America and simultaneously pursue his passions for soccer and sports journalism.

Currently, Alex is working on articles for the fishing issue of OzarksWatch. Although fishing is not as popular in England as it is in the Ozarks, many of his teammates have taken up the hobby and so he has sources ready to talk. He is also digging into sport fishing and local tournaments for the upcoming issue.