As you may or may not know, in 2006 I read an article in The New York Times written by Warren St. John about a group of relocated third world country Soccer players who were not allowed to play Soccer in their town park by order of the mayor of Clarkston, GA.  Clarkston is a refugee resettlement center, becoming the first American home for scores of families in flight form war zones, from Liberia, Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan; brought here by our government to safety. 



I immediately became interested in knowing more about these players and contacted Luma Mufleh, Head Coach, Smith College graduate and a native of Jordan, yes the country. I told her that I help high school students find college opportunities through Soccer. Initially she said, "No I don't think we have anyone at this time."  I explained that this would all be done at my own expense, pro bono. 
 


Soon after Luma called me and said she might have one player who would be a college bound prospect.  That one player was Shamsoun Dakori who you are reading about, who recently graduated from Pfeiffer University in North Carolina, D-II, NCAA program.  The glue to the entire Fugees program is Coach Luma! 
 


I would like to thank Coach Kenneth Hassler who was instrumental in making it happen for Shamsoun.  Soon after I did an Athletic - Academic Profile on Shamsoun I mailed it with a cover letter to a number of College Coaches.  Ken and I have been friends since the 90's when he was Head Coach at Alfred University and faithfully attended the Long Island Exceptional Senior Soccer Games.  I remember his phone call, I was on vacation at Myrtle Beach, SC, sitting at the pool and he said " Pat, Shamsoun is coming to play at Pfeiffer University with a full scholarship."  





Since my initial success with Shamsoun I have worked with a number of Fugee players, this year, three, next year I'm told there will be six or more. 



I visited Clarkston, GA in '10, met Coach Luma and many the Fugees.  Warren St. John, the writer who wrote the initial story in The New York Times has written a book entitled Outcasts United: A refugee Team, an American Town.  I read it prior to my visit and the people and places came alive.



Congratulations Shamsoun Dakori! The first Fugee to graduate from college. You have led the way so that others will follow. 
 


You bet this is a great country! Never forget it! 



Yours in Soccer,


Pat Grecco 

Director of College Bound Player Programs 

Long Island Junior Soccer League