Aaqil Khairun
NCAA Division II – Caldwell University
New Jersey
From: International Student Athlete — Malaysia/Singapore
Athletic Scholarship — NCAA Division II (Transfer) | CSC Academic All-District
The Journey
Aaqil Khairun's pathway to Caldwell University in New Jersey is one of the most compelling transfer stories in the Upper 90 College network — and a prime example of how the right advisory can unlock opportunities for international student athletes who find themselves stuck on the transfer portal. A highly talented player with a strong footballing pedigree and an exceptional academic profile, Aaqil had reached a critical crossroads. He was in the transfer portal — a position that many families and athletes find overwhelming, with hundreds of programs and no clear direction. Without the right connections and strategic positioning, talented athletes can spend months in the portal without a single meaningful offer. Upper 90 College's network and relationship-driven outreach approach changed that. We identified Caldwell University — a competitive NCAA Division II program in the Caldwell, New Jersey area — as a genuine fit for Aaqil's profile, both athletically and academically. Aaqil's academic credentials proved just as impressive as his football ability. He earned the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District award in 2024 and was named to the Spring Academic Honor Roll at Commissioner's Level in 2025 — recognition reserved for the conference's top academic performers. His story is a direct example of the transfer process management that sits at the heart of the Upper 90 and Elite Pathway service offering. For international athletes who are stuck — in the portal, between programs, or uncertain of their next step — Upper 90 provides the strategic clarity and execution that gets them moving again.
Challenges Overcome
Stuck in the transfer portal with no clear pathway forward, Aaqil needed strategic positioning and direct coach relationships — not just a profile listing. As an international student athlete, he also faced additional eligibility and administrative complexity that required expert navigation.
Achievements
College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District (2024). Spring Academic Honor Roll — Commissioner's Level (2025). Successfully transferred to Caldwell University NCAA Division II through Upper 90 College's transfer management process.
"I was stuck in the portal and didn't know where to turn. Upper 90 found the right program and made it happen faster than I thought possible."
— Aaqil Khairun
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