Little Rock Trojans Compete With Entirely International Roster

The University of Arkansas Little Rock Trojan women's golf team is aiming for an OVC title this weekend with players from around the world.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:49am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of blue, green, and gold, conceptually representing the diverse international players and competitive spirit of the Little Rock Trojans women's golf team as they prepare for their OVC championship tournament.The diverse international roster of the Little Rock Trojans women's golf team comes together in a cubist-inspired illustration capturing the energy and competition of their upcoming OVC championship tournament.Little Rock Today

The University of Arkansas Little Rock Trojan women's golf team is competing for an OVC title this weekend with an entirely international roster. The team is made up of players from France, Germany, Sweden, Argentina, Slovenia, and Poland, led by head coach Jenna Birch, who is originally from England. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country and culture, the team has bonded and is ready to compete for the championship.

Why it matters

The Trojans' international roster reflects a growing trend in college sports, as universities look to recruit talented athletes from around the world. This diversity brings unique perspectives and experiences to the team, but also presents challenges in terms of language barriers and cultural differences that the coaches and players must navigate.

The details

The Trojans' roster includes players from France, Germany, Sweden, Argentina, Slovenia, and Poland. Head coach Jenna Birch, who is originally from England, has had great success in recruiting international students to the program over the past 7 years. The transition to life in the United States can be tough, but the team supports each other through the challenges, whether it's dealing with homesickness or adjusting to American customs like everyone needing a car. The team communicates in accented English and uses other means like hand gestures to overcome language barriers.

  • The Trojans are competing for the OVC title this weekend (April 17-19, 2026).
  • Coach Jenna Birch has been with the program for 7 years, during which time she has had great success recruiting international players.

The players

Jenna Birch

The head coach of the University of Arkansas Little Rock Trojans women's golf team, who is originally from England.

Katja Mueller

The assistant coach of the Trojans, who is a German native and was on the team herself just last year.

Nina Pitsch

A freshman on the Trojans team, who is from Poland and finds the transition to the United States challenging but is supported by her international teammates.

Elvira Flodstrom

A Swedish sophomore on the Trojans team, who says it's nice to have teammates who understand the experience of being homesick as an international student.

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What they’re saying

“When I took this job, I had no idea where Arkansas was; I'd never really heard of Little Rock.”

— Jenna Birch, Head Coach

“It's really challenging, it's so much different from what I experienced in Poland.”

— Nina Pitsch, Freshman

“We're all in the same situation, all international. It's nice having someone to talk to when I'm homesick, because everyone has that once in a while.”

— Elvira Flodstrom, Sophomore

“I try to make them feel loved and that they have a family outside of their family from home.”

— Katja Mueller, Assistant Coach

“We try to always translate in a different way, maybe with our hands, anything.”

— Nina Pitsch, Freshman

What’s next

The Trojans will compete in the OVC Tournament this weekend, looking to bring home the championship trophy.

The takeaway

The Trojans' international roster highlights the growing trend of college sports programs recruiting talented athletes from around the world, which brings unique perspectives and challenges but also the opportunity for cultural exchange and team bonding.