FALUN, Sweden --- When Eric Widigsson was looking to travel to America for his college education, his top priority was finding a university that would help him excel simultaneously in athletics and academics.

Widigsson pursued his soccer and academic interests separately in Sweden, concentrating in computer science and entrepreneurship while attending Falu Frigymnasium while training four times a week with Dalkurd Academy for the past three years. But Widigsson will bring those parts of his world together this fall when he joins Head Coach Todd Elkins' team.

"For many years I wanted to show that it is possible to both do well on the soccer field, as well as in the academic world," said Widigsson. "Being a Christian, I was also searching for a Christian university that could fulfill these goals of personal improvement, while being part of a committed Christian community."

Widigsson's academy was one of 16 teams playing at Sweden's top division for academy soccer and trained the centerback four times a week year round. He's played the past three years for Dalkurd FF U19 while practices with trainers who are licensed by the Swedish Football Association and UEFA. He has been deliberately training for soccer with other clubs since he was 11.

When Widigsson arrives at Biola, he will roll his high school concentrations into a business administration major and intends to use the degree in a career as a financial analyst.

Biola's men's soccer recruiting class has increased to over 10 student-athletes with the addition of Widigsson. More information about other incoming student-athletes can be found on the Committed Athletes page.