WORCESTER, Mass. - Amechi Aduba is a sophomore forward on the Clark University men's soccer team. Aduba is from Cortland Manor, New York, where he attended The Masters School. At Clark, Aduba is studying for a bachelor's degree in computer science and minoring in data science.
 
While searching for colleges, Aduba applied to many Division III schools, hoping to play soccer at the collegiate level, "Soccer for me is like my therapy. I have always wanted to play at the highest level I could." In the Spring of his senior year, he contacted Matt O'Toole, the head coach of the Clark men's soccer team, who reviewed his film and asked him to join the team, where he was the perfect fit.
 
Aduba began playing soccer at six years old as a fun activity after school. At first, it was recreational, but once he got to middle school, it became more competitive as he joined club teams, "It started to become more competitive, and I really liked the competition. I just wanted to become the best I could at it." As he participates in college sports, he explains how grateful he is to be in this position, "It just means a lot that I get to keep playing the game I enjoy every day." Aduba describes the great community the Clark men's soccer team has built, "We are like brothers. I never really had that in a lot of teams I have played in. I have never been so close-knit in a community."
 
Aduba is a second-generation immigrant, as his parents are from Nigeria. He reflects on his parents' journey and wants to make them proud, "My dad's story is really inspiring to me. He grew up during the Nigerian Civil War during the 60s. He grew up through some tough times, so I have to work really hard to be in the position where I am and to try and make them proud."
 
Clark Athletics is celebrating Black History Month by featuring Clark athletes who identify. Aduba discusses what Black History Month means to him as a Black American, "It means community. It is good to get recognized in a month; it is good representation. It is good that it is well celebrated around the world as well."
 
On campus, Aduba is involved in C4, Clark Competitive Computing Club, which engages students in various activities, such as Hackathons and networking events. Last semester, Aduba participated in the Clarkathon and plans to participate in the Hackathon this semester. Outside of athletics and academics, Aduba spends his free time playing video games like FIFA, Fortnite, and Rocket League. He also enjoys spending time with friends and family.
 
Aduba describes himself as family-oriented: "Family is really important to me. I am always going to respect my parents for everything, and I am always going to remember the hard work that they have given to put me in the position that I am now. I have to always remember to be grateful because not everyone gets the same opportunities that I do, like going to college; that's a big thing for a lot of people."
 
After completing his undergraduate degree in computer science at Clark, Aduba is considering furthering his education in a master's program at Clark. With this knowledge, Aduba is looking forward to the future as he is interested in entering the software development industry to become a software developer.
 
Discover more about the team and clubs below:
 
Clark Athletics Men's Soccer
 
C4 – Clark Competitive Computing Club