From León to Fairfield: Finding Home

International student-athlete chooses SHU for both undergraduate and MBA studies

Key Highlights

• International student from Spain who came to the U.S. to pursue both academics and Division I soccer, finding a strong sense of belonging at SHU
• Graduated summa cum laude in 2025 with majors in marketing and management, plus minors in business analytics and digital marketing
• Deeply involved on campus as a three-year soccer captain, Welch Experience participant, mentor, and peer tutor
• Now pursuing an MBA in business analytics while interning with Disney+, leveraging SHU’s location and professional opportunities

When David Garcia Gallego ’25, MBA ’26, first arrived in the United States from León, Spain, in 2022, he was chasing more than just a degree—he was pursuing a life-changing experience.

Now, as a graduate student at Sacred Heart University, Garcia Gallego reflects on his decision to study at a place that feels like home—SHU—for both his undergraduate and graduate education.

Garcia Gallego graduated summa cum laude from SHU in 2025 with a double major in marketing and management, along with minors in business analytics and digital marketing. Today, he is continuing his academic career in Sacred Heart’s master of business administration program, concentrating in business analytics, and expecting to graduate this year.

His journey to Sacred Heart began with a clear goal: coming to the United States and playing collegiate soccer. “I really wanted to come to America and experience something new while continuing my soccer career,” Garcia Gallego said. “That’s when I began to look at potential schools and the assistant coach at SHU reached out to me. After speaking with him and meeting the team, I felt comfortable right away.”

That sense of belonging quickly grew. During his undergraduate years, Garcia Gallego became deeply involved on campus. A standout player and three-year captain on the men’s Division I soccer team, he balanced athletics with leadership and service.

“It has been a privilege to have David Garcia Gallego at Sacred Heart University over the past four years,” said Oscar Curras Caballero, men’s soccer assistant coach. “From the very beginning of the recruiting process, we knew he embodied the values that define our program and institution. David made a tremendous impact on the field as a player and leader, but what stands out even more is the person he is off the field. Watching his growth and all that he has accomplished—and will continue to accomplish—has been incredibly rewarding for all of us.”

Additionally, Garcia Gallego was heavily involved in The Welch Experience, serving in various roles as a corporate structure marketing team member, Welch mentor, and peer tutor.

“Getting involved and building relationships made all the difference,” he said. “It helped me grow personally and professionally.”

Those relationships played a major role in his decision to return to SHU for graduate school. With a full athletic scholarship and the opportunity to play one more season of college soccer, the choice felt natural.

“Sacred Heart felt like home—why would I leave?” Garcia Gallego said.

Now, as a graduate student, Garcia Gallego continues to stay busy. In addition to playing soccer, he has begun to pursue professional opportunities. SHU’s proximity to New York City motivated him to apply for internships in the city.

Garcia Gallego is currently working as a growth marketing graduate intern with Disney+, analyzing data from landing pages and helping create new ones, while also gaining hands-on experience with new software and digital tools. “I am learning so much, and from the very first day, I felt recognized for the work I was doing, which has made a big impact on me.”

For Garcia Gallego, Sacred Heart’s close-knit community has been a defining part of his experience. “From day one, I felt like I truly belonged here,” he said. “I don’t regret a thing.”

From Spain to Fairfield, Garcia Gallego’s journey is a testament to the power of community, opportunity and connection at Sacred Heart—proving that sometimes, the best place to keep growing is the one that already feels like home.