Academic Profile

I am pursuing my high school education at Hilda-Gymnasium Pforzheim, one of Germany's traditional academic-track secondary schools. My academic plan is built around the same discipline I bring to soccer: structured, sustained, and aimed at the next level. The goal is to enter college in Fall 2028 with the academic foundation to succeed in the classroom and on the field — and to keep building the foundation for a long-term career in performance and coaching.


Exterior view of Hilda-Gymnasium Pforzheim, Luis Gronemann's high school in Germany

CURRENT SCHOOL — HILDA-GYMNASIUM PFORZHEIM

I attend Hilda-Gymnasium Pforzheim, a public Gymnasium in southwestern Germany. The Gymnasium is the highest academic track in the German secondary-school system, designed specifically to prepare students for university admission. It runs from grade 5 through grade 12 and concludes with the Abitur — the comprehensive final examination required for direct university entry in Germany.

I am currently in grade 11 (Junior year equivalent in the U.S. system), with my Abitur scheduled for June 2027.

For independent verification, the school's main office can be reached at +49 7231 393278.

CURRENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

My current Oberstufe (upper-secondary) average is 11.2 points on the German 0–15-point scale. This translates to a conservative U.S. GPA range of approximately 3.4–3.6 (4.0 scale).

The exact U.S. GPA will be determined through official credential evaluation (WES or ECE) closer to college application. The German grading scale converts in different ways depending on the receiving U.S. institution's policy — final conversion will be done by the admissions office of the school or by the credential evaluator.

ADVANCED-LEVEL SUBJECTS (LEISTUNGSFACH): SPORT, ENGLISH & MATHEMATICS

A distinctive feature of my high school curriculum is that I study three subjects at advanced (Leistungsfach) level — Sport, English, and Mathematics. In the German Gymnasium system, a Leistungsfach is taught at university-preparation depth, with formal written assessments that count toward the Abitur grade. My Leistungsfach Sport is the most directly relevant to my intended U.S. major:

In practice, my Leistungsfach Sport combines:

  • Six hours per week of multi-discipline practical training — including soccer, athletics, gymnastics, swimming, and games.
  • Graded theoretical coursework in sports science, with written assessments every two weeks across modules including training theory, biomechanics, and anatomy / physiology.


For U.S. college admissions, this is the direct foundation for my intended major in Exercise Science / Kinesiology / Human Performance / Athletic Training. I am already studying — and being graded on — the same disciplines I plan to pursue at the undergraduate level.


ACADEMIC TARGETS AT THE U.S. COLLEGE LEVEL

My intended college majors, in order of priority:

Primary

  • Exercise Science
  • Kinesiology
  • Human Performance
  • Athletic Performance / Sports Performance
  • Athletic Training


Secondary 

  • Sports Management 
  • Sport Science 
  • Health Science


My long-term career goal is to pursue professional soccer for as long as possible, and to transition afterwards into performance, fitness, or coaching work — supporting young athletes on their own development path. My academic pathway is designed to give me the scientific foundation for both phases.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

German: native speaker

English: My most recent school report (end of grade 10) certifies CEFR level B1, moving into B2. English is now one of my three advanced-level (Leistungsfach) subjects in the Oberstufe — taught and graded at university-preparation level — so my level continues to rise. 

Beyond school I follow English-language coaching content, Premier League and MLS broadcasts, and U.S. college soccer coverage. I am scheduled to take the Duolingo English Test in early 2027, ahead of my U.S. PG year, to document my current level.

STANDARDIZED TESTS

English Proficiency (Duolingo English Test): scheduled for early 2027, ahead of my U.S. PG year. Score will be shared as soon as it is available. TOEFL iBT is available as an alternative if a specific program requires it.

SAT / ACT: currently not planned. I am open to taking either if a specific program requires it for admission or merit-aid eligibility.

ELIGIBILITY & CREDENTIALS

NCAA Eligibility Center: registration planned in line with my college application timeline (target Summer 2027, prior to the PG year).

NAIA Eligibility Center (PlayNAIA): registration planned together with NCAA registration.

WES / ECE Credential Evaluation: to be initiated during the Abitur process (Spring/Summer 2027), so the official credential evaluation is in hand before college applications.

Academic Transcripts: original German Oberstufe transcripts and English-translated copies are available on request for interested college coaches and admissions offices.

TIMELINE

  • Current Grade (2025–26): 11th grade Gymnasium (Junior year equivalent) 
  • 12th Grade (2026–27): Final Gymnasium year, preparing for Abitur 
  • Abitur (June 2027): German final examination — university entrance qualification 
  • Postgraduate Year USA (2027–28): East Coast HS, NEPSAC- or MLS Next-affiliated target 
  • College Entry (Fall 2028): Class of 2028


CONTACT FOR ACADEMIC INQUIRIES


College coaches and admissions offices are welcome to request:


  • Original German transcripts and English translations
  • Hilda-Gymnasium contact for verification (+49 7231 393278)
  • Most recent grade report
  • Personal academic and athletic references