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Throughout his time at UC Davis, Natomas native C.J. Spencer never shied away from an adventure. His ability to embrace the uncommon — he started at quarterback before learning an entirely new position his junior season when he joined the wide receivers unit — is why his career as an Aggie was a successful one, highlighted by last year's Big Sky title.

He also applied that same work ethic inside classroom, and recently graduated from the fifth-ranked public school in the nation with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology.

It is Spencer's maturity, willingness to embrace a challenge, and spirit of adventure that led to his next opportunity, another uncommon endeavor that will take him to the University of Nottingham (located 125 miles north of London) to pursue a graduate degree in international business, starting this September.

Not only will he earn a master's degree abroad — a unique opportunity that is available to all UC Davis students — he will do so while playing for Nottingham's American football team.

Yes, there are two types of football played throughout England, and he is playing the version that becoming more popular each year.

"When I told my family about this opportunity, they were not sure if I wanted to play American football, or what Europeans call football. They had no clue that organized American football leagues existed in England, or other European countries," said Spencer.

"After I graduated, I knew I wanted to pursue a master's degree, unless there was a full-time position that was difficult to say 'no' to. I also wanted to travel; those were the options I was considering. Through the University of Nottingham's international business program, I have the opportunity to accomplish all three since there is a 95% employment rate following graduation." 

Added Spencer, "How perfect is this situation?"

It was an opportunity that first presented itself when a university recruiter visited campus to discuss various graduate school programs, which eventually led to a discussion about American football — something that piqued Spencer's interest.

"Since soccer is popular in England, I did not know programs like this one existed, where I could study and play football." 
That initial hour-long presentation featuring the University of Nottingham led to additional conversations, which made his choice an easy one.

"The business school has an excellent reputation. I am ready for a challenging year that will move fast and push me out of my comfort zone, which is one of the main reasons why I wanted to pursue my degree abroad."

In addition to fulfilling a personal goal in earning a master's degree, the University of Nottingham also allowed Spencer to continue playing the sport he loves.

"Football season runs from November through March; there is a preseason that takes place in September and October. Just like soccer where teams are promoted or relegated, depending on how successful their season is, the league I will compete in operates in a similar manner. The team I am joining is the defending Premier League champions, and was promoted the previous season (2017-18).

"Hopefully we can earn back-to-back titles once I arrive to campus, even though a lot of American players will not return. Since their time with the team lasts only one year, there is a fair amount of turnover from one season to the next.

"It's going to be hard to win another championship. I know that expectation is there, and something I will work hard to help the team achieve."

When Spencer heads to England this fall, his tenure as a UC Davis student-athlete will serve him well since the skills and experiences developed throughout his undergraduate career will help him balance rigorous academic coursework with his athletic endeavors.

Since he returned to his alma mater to lead the football program, head coach Dan Hawkins encouraged his student-athletes to take classes around the world. To help student-athletes with their experience abroad, Coach Hawkins moved off-season workout to the winter quarter, which created an opportunity to enjoy this experience during the spring quarter.

Numerous members of the program enhanced their UC Davis experience by taking coach up on his offer, but C.J. is the first to pursue a master's degree.  

"Whether I want to travel somewhere or visit a friend, it is difficult to find blocks of extended free time due to my academic responsibilities and team workouts while at UC Davis. In order to stay on top of everything and succeed, there was always something to do. (Time management) was part of a phenomenal experience where I could earn a degree at a world-class institution and play football, which is something not many people are able to do. 

"While I am in Nottingham, I will have the time and independence to focus on school and my degree. The team does not have as rigorous a practice and workout schedule compared to teams in the United States, which will allow me to focus on classes and coursework," Spencer said.

In addition to the academic and athletic opportunities that await him, Spencer's grad school experience also provides an opportunity to connect with family members who live throughout the continent.

The Aggie alum's grandparents immigrated to the United States; on his mom's side, his grandmother hails from Denmark and his grandfather is from Hungary.

When he visited family as a 12-year-old, Spencer met numerous family members for the first time. When he returns to the classroom and football field this fall, trips to various locations throughout Europe will take place until he graduates.

"Even though I have family living in Italy and France, a majority reside in Hungary and Denmark," said Spencer.

"When I first arrive to Nottingham, I am going to drop off most of my items at my accommodations, then take a backpack with me while I travel through Europe. I will sleep in Nottingham for a night or two, figure out where I want to visit, then return between September 18-20 since that will give me a full week to prepare for the start of classes. "

As excited as Spencer is to earn his master's degree, continue playing football and reconnect with family, there are other elements of this upcoming year that he cannot wait to experience.

"With my European background, this opportunity is meaningful on a personal level. I have always been an adventurous person who wanted to learn about what takes place around the world, see America from a different point of view and develop a different perspective by experiencing new cultures and meeting as many people as possible from different backgrounds."

Spencer added, "I feel that experiences like this one will develop a new perspective on how I view the world, and how I view myself. 



AGGIE EVO
Established during the 2017-18 academic year, the Aggie EVO System is UC Davis Athletics' investment in the primary mission of preparing student-athletes for a successful "launch" after graduation.
 
Thanks to a collaboration of alumni, university resources, corporate partners, coaches and Student-Athlete Outcomes staff, all Aggies are guided over four years to acquire the skills, knowledge, opportunities and tools to better know and navigate the "World of Work" after graduating from UC Davis. Follow the Aggie EVO system on Twitter and Instagram at @AggieEVO.

ABOUT UC DAVIS
Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley.

The No. 5-ranked public university in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education, offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.