Sports Across Borders

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International student athlete Chuck Ogbodo has added diversity and a lot of talent to the men’s basketball team.

Hannah Weatherman | Contributing Writer

In 2009 Chuck Ogbodo traveled from his home in Nigeria to the United States, leaving behind his family and friends in the name of basketball. Now a junior here at University of North Carolina-Wilmington, and a valued addition to the school’s basketball team, he is thriving and enjoying the college experience.

Before Ogbodo emerged as a basketball player, he pursued soccer and had several offers from a variety of teams in Spain, Italy, and London. Due to various ankle and leg injuries he turned down all offers. His 6’10 statute attracted basketball recruiters from around the world, which led to unlimited opportunities.

“Because I was so tall I was offered to play basketball in Germany and the United States,” said Ogbodo. “United States sounded better for me so I decided to go here for AAU.” 

Ogbodo was a sought out player, eyed by several college basketball recruiters during his high school and AAU career. He had opportunities spanning across the country to play. In 2013 he signed with UNCW, wanting to pursue a life in North Carolina.

“I love North Carolina, it sounded different and unfamiliar to me, unlike NYC and other places I had heard of,” said Ogbodo. “I also really like country accents, country music (especially The Zac Brown Band), sweet tea and the friendliness of the south.”

Not only does Ogbodo bring diversity to the table, but he also provides sincere friendship. His teammates never cease to speak highly of him.

“We hang out a lot, I was actually just with him yesterday,” said Trey Grundy, a fellow teammate. “Our team is a big family, we all click together and there are no groups. We think it’s great learning more about him and his culture.”

Ogbodo is not the only international athlete making waves at UNCW. Moa Jarl, a Sweden native, is shaking up the midfield on the women’s soccer team. She is extremely dedicated to the sport as well as diligent in regards to her academic career. Jarl’s passion for soccer and love for her studies is evident by the way she lights up discussing the subject.

“My favorite moment in soccer must be our victory against Wake Forrest, an ACC school that we beat in the very last second of overtime,” said Jarl. “America’s school system is very unique in Europe where universities and sports are combined, and the idea of getting a degree as well as being able to play soccer and travel was pretty much all I have wanted to do.”

Leaving family and friends behind, Jarl fearlessly took on a radically new lifestyle here at UNCW. She admires the gorgeous campus and is making the most of her new coastal lifestyle. She is truly taking reign of her new surroundings.

“I couldn’t resist Wilmington and how everything seemed so nice in this beach town,” said Jarl. I love UNCW’s campus. Every time we go on away-trips with the team and we get to see a lot of different campuses, I always get reminded by how nice ours actually is.”

Although preoccupied with school, soccer, and friends, Jarl still misses life back in Sweden. She has a tight knit family, a cherished group of friends and a deep love for the Sweden culture.

“I miss my family and my friends, but Sweden in general,” said Jarl. “I miss the fresh food and my mom’s cooking.” I also miss wearing clothes I would at home, and dressing up for school because that never happens here.”

Ogbodo and Jarl are pushing limits and continuously proving that school and sports can be balanced. They bring fourth diversity, diligence and determination to campus. It’s only the start for our inspiring international athletes, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.