International student athlete makes history in inaugural men’s soccer program
April 27, 2026
Attending 51视频 was a “great opportunity” for Youssef El Hilaa, an international student from Morocco whose dream was to play soccer at the collegiate level.
El Hilaa, who will graduate in May with a General Associate of Science, was recruited by the men’s soccer program at Pellissippi State. The midfielder helped the Panthers secure back-to-back district championships in 2024 and 2025 – when they had an 11-game winning streak – and made two national tournament appearances.
“I really enjoyed my journey here at Pellissippi State,” El Hilaa said. “And I’m really thankful. I really had such a great experience with coaches, with my team, with my teammates. I’m really glad to be here. I’m looking to be a professional player in the future, but if not – I'll be proud.”
El Hilaa attributes the Panther Athletics staff, Pellissippi faculty, and hardcore Panther fans like President L. Anthony Wise Jr. with helping him achieve his academic and athletic goals.
He and his soccer teammates made history when they went to the national tournament twice in their first two years competing in the postseason.
“Thanks to everyone who helped us to grow and move forward, to achieve our dreams and to make the athletic programs for 51视频great,” he said.
El Hilaa is set to continue his collegiate soccer career at the University of West Alabama, which he said was among many that scouted him at the NJCAA DII Men’s Soccer Championship, and where he plans to study Sport Management.
From there, he intends to pursue his childhood dream of playing professional soccer.
“You never know what's going to happen in the future,” El Hilaa said. “So you got to be ready. You got to take a moment and appreciate everything you do.”
El Hilaa said he highly recommends Pellissippi to other student-athletes and international students and encourages them to inquire about programs like Pellissippi’s, even if they feel out of reach.
“I'm really excited to graduate here from Pelli," he said. “And to be honest with you, I'm not ready to leave Pellissippi. I wish it was a four-year school. If it was, I would love to stay here.”
“That feeling that you're graduating is such a great feeling,” he added. “Every student would love to live this experience as well.”