Stories
MENFORD DANSO OWUSU | GHANA
TENNIS & SOCCER
Starting tennis at age 4, I faced equipment struggles due to my family’s lack of privilege. By age 9, I made the junior national team, gaining access to better equipment. Despite visa challenges, I eventually moved to California for college tennis. Unexpectedly, a friend helped me secure a spot in Atlanta, leading to success at Georgia Perimeter College. Thanks to my coach, I won the national championship and earned attention from top division 1 schools. Despite eligibility issues at Southeastern University, I received generous support to continue my studies and sports involvement. Currently, I assist the tennis team and play soccer, grateful for the opportunities.
CAROLLINE REIS | BRAZIL
VOLLEYBALL
I’m a 22-year-old college student majoring in International Business at Southeastern. I play volleyball and received awards last season, including Sun Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. I also excelled with a hitting percentage of .355, 429 kills, 106 total blocks, 27 assists, and 31 aces. My performance included 12 straight games with 10+ kills and 23 games with an attacking percentage over .300. I also had standout games, such as a comeback win over St. Thomas and a 21-kill game against Shorter. Previously, at Vernon College, I hit .421 with 244 kills, 66 blocks, 59 aces, and 120 digs and was named to the all-district team and Team Leader of the Year. I’m thankful for the opportunity to play and study simultaneously.
PRISCILLA BARROS | BRAZIL
SOCCER
I’m from Brazil and soccer has been my passion since childhood. I came to the U.S. as a student-athlete on a full athletic scholarship and am set to graduate this fall. I’ve had a great experience, being the MVP and leading scorer in soccer for two years, and earning All-Regional player nominations in 2011 and 2012. Academically, I’ve maintained a 3.86 GPA, allowing me to be a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and consistently making the Dean’s List. I’ve worked hard and dedicated myself, and now I’m proud and hopeful for the future after earning my college degree.
OLUWASEUN MATTHEW KUDAISI | NIGERIA
CROSS COUNTRY
I was born and grew up in Nigeria located in West Africa. I grew up in one of most popular ethnics group in Nigeria called Yoruba. I came to United States of America in 2010 as an international student to study pre-medicine and Biology. I have been running track and field from 5th grade until I graduated from high school. I was blessed with a scholarship to study in the United States of America. I enjoy running and it is fun to me.
CAROLLINE REIS | BRAZIL
VOLLEYBALL
I’m a 22-year-old student-athlete majoring in International Business at Southeastern University, where I earned a volleyball scholarship. Last season, I received several awards, including Sun Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, and made the First Team after leading the league in hitting percentage and kills. I also excelled in total blocks, assists, aces, and digs, with notable performances in specific games. My time at Vernon College was also successful, earning recognition as Team Leader of the Year and being named to the all-district team. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue both academics and athletics.
YVONNE KAMAGNE | CAMEROON
TENNIS
I began playing tennis at 9 years old and competed for the national team of Cameroon. After high school, I received a scholarship to play college tennis in America. Balancing academics, matches, practices, and workouts as a student-athlete is challenging but rewarding. I’ve received awards such as Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Best Newcomer of the Year, and have been nominated for the All-Academic Team and Athletic Director’s Spring Honor Roll.
AICHE NADO | SENEGAL
BASKETBALL
I began playing basketball at a young age in Senegal, simply enjoying the game without much thought. Encouraged by my family and friends, I pursued the sport and dreamed of playing college basketball abroad. Over the past 12 years, my passion for basketball has grown immensely. Securing a scholarship to a renowned university in California, I excelled and was honored as the defense player of the year last season. My ultimate goal is to become a professional athlete and play in the WNBA.
PELAGIE GAMO | Cameroon
TENNIS
I’ve played tennis for as long as I can remember, finding it magical and empowering. Growing up, my family emphasized the importance of both academics and tennis for a better future. I balanced school and tennis with unwavering determination, practicing after school every day. This commitment led to a full scholarship at a U.S. university and earning my bachelor’s degree in four years. I strongly believe in the symbiotic relationship between education and sports. Hard work, focus, and determination truly yield results. I encourage others to persist in pursuing their dreams, as anything is possible when you believe in yourself.