Introducing Selim Buldanlıoğlu, born in Istanbul in 2001, who embarked on a unique journey as one of the first student-athletes to join Play Sports Abroad (PSA). Selim’s passion for basketball began at an early age, and after nearly nine years of playing in Turkey, he knew he wanted to take his skills and education to the next level. This ambition led him to the United States, where he continued his basketball career.
Selim’s first stop was Layton Christian Academy in Utah, where he joined as a junior. That year, his team proudly clinched the region championship, a testament to their hard work and determination. And the next year Selim transferred to Hoosac School in New York for his senior year. There, he matured as an athlete and a student, ultimately graduating from Hoosac with invaluable experiences.
With a strong foundation laid, Selim planned to refine his skills during a post-graduate year in Michigan. However, his time there was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted his return to Turkey.
Recognizing the need to pivot, Selim transitioned away from his basketball career and embraced a new path within the sports world. He joined PSA as a video editor, a role that has allowed him to stay connected to the sport he loves while contributing to the development of future athletes. Since then, he has been dedicated to capturing and crafting the stories of student-athletes through video, combining his passion for sports with a creative outlet.
Why does Selim love being part of the Play Sports Abroad team? Because, at the end of the day, family matters—and PSA is more than just a team; it’s a family.