The Deu Awuok Show

Hi Everyone,Welcome back to The Deu Awuok Show, where I interview professional andcollegiate soccer players about their life journeys through thebeautiful game.In this episode, I share some context behind my long hiatus andreflect on my MBA application journey and the lessons I learned alongthe way. I stepped away from several hobbies—including this podcast—tofocus on applying to top business schools around the world. I’mgrateful that those efforts paid off, as I was recently accepted intoHarvard Business School, along with several other Ivy Leagueinstitutions.As I looked back on the challenge of balancing a demanding PrivateEquity role with the intensity of the application process, a fewimportant life lessons were reinforced—lessons I wanted to share withour listeners.These include: 1) running your own race, 2) maintaining a growthmindset, and 3) focusing on the inputs while becoming deserving ofwhat you want.I’m excited to be back on the pod and to continue having meaningfulconversations around the beautiful game!

Hi ladies and gents,Welcome to episode 26 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Jadyn Mathews, a former player for Cornell University & the Jamaican National Team.Among other things, we talk about her experience playing with boys growing up, getting cut from the Olympic Development Program multiple times before making the ODP all-star team, playing for the Jamaican National Team, Scoring Against the U.S. & More!I hope you enjoy this episode!

Here are my thoughts on why Rodri deserved to win the 2024 Ballon D'or. What do you think, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Hi ladies and gents,Welcome to episode 25 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Kelsey Fuller, a current player for Southeastern Louisiana University.Among other things, we talk about her experience playing varsity soccer as an 8th grader, winning Section V player of the year, as well as winning All-American honors at the JUCO level.I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents,Welcome to episode 24 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Hla Ku Gay, a former player for Niagara  University.Among other things, we talk about his experience adjusting to America as a former refugee, winning the State Cup, Winning sectionals with School 58 (1st city school team to win sectionals since 1980), and his college soccer experience and its impact on his decision not to pursue pro soccer.I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents,Welcome to episode 23 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Troy Brady, a former player for CanisiusUniversity.Among other things, we talk about his decision not to play academy soccer, winning Western NY Player of The Year (amongst a number of other awards), being named to the MAAC All-Conference 1st Team, dealing with a major injury and its impact on his decision not to pursue pro soccer.I enjoyed this conversation &  hope you do too!

Hi ladies and gents,Welcome to episode 22 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job tointerview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Bryce Tramuta, a professional soccerplayer for FC Buffalo.Among other things, we talk about his experience winning the StateCup, playing professional soccer, and how he successfully balancesbeing a professional athlete; a full-time corporate job; and runninghis own company, Mauer AthleticsI enjoyed this conversation with a good friend and I hope you do too!

Hi ladies and gents,Welcome to episode 21 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job tointerview professional and collegiate soccer players about their lifejourneys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Nuukele Gboe, a professional soccerplayer for Georgia FC.Among other things, we talk about his experience leaving Liberia atage 13 to pursue his professional soccer dreams, the struggles ofnavigating a new country and the college recruiting process as afirst-generation student, playing professional soccer, getting calledup to Liberia’s National Team and the amazing work with BIFA; asoccer academy providing sporting and educational opportunities foryoung girls and boys in Liberia.I hope you enjoy this super-inspiring episode!

Hi ladies and gents, Welcome to episode 20 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.  In this episode, I speak with Ernest Bawa, a current player at Syracuse University. Among other things, we talked about his experience growing up in Accra, Ghana & playing for the Right to Dream Academy; the culture shock upon arriving in the U.S.; his incredible high school career, where he won The Gatorade State Player of the Year; as well as dealing with injuries and their impact on his confidence.This episode brought back some fond memories for me, and I hope you enjoy it!

Hi ladies and gents,Welcome to episode 19 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Alex Grattarola, a former player for both Wayland Baptist University and Canisius University. Among other things, we talk about his experience growing up in Le Lavandou, France; his college recruiting process, winning the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, and maximizing your opportunities to play at the professional level. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents, Welcome to episode 18 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Michael Leon, a current player for The University of Michigan. Among other things, we talk about his experience growing up in Accra, Ghana & playing for the Right To Dream Academy, his trial experience with Manchester City, adjusting to a new life in America, and rediscovering his purpose through giving back to the community. I hope you enjoy this inspiring, insightful, and engaging episode! 

Hi ladies and gents, Welcome to episode 17 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Matt Freese, a professional soccer player for NYCFC and the USMNT. Among other things, we talk about his trial experience at Liverpool FC, Manchester United, Bournemouth FC; Winning the Supporter's Shield with Philadelphia Union; getting to represent the U.S National Team; and playing against the likes of Leo Messi and Luis Suarez. I hope you enjoy this fun and insightful episode!

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 16 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Filippo Tamburini, a former player at Canisius University and The University of Rhode Island. Among other things, we talk about his experience growing up in Rimini, Italy, and playing for the A.C. Cesena Academy, getting called up to the U16 Italian National Team, winning multiple trophies with The University of Rhode Island, and the impact of COVID-19 on his professional dreams. Filippo's story is one of overcoming many of life's challenges and persevering. Please enjoy this conversation with a good friend.

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 15 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. In this episode, I speak with KK Baffour, a current player for Notre Dame men's soccer. Among other things, we talk about his experience growing up in Kumasi, Ghana, and playing for the Right To Dream Academy, his high school experience at The TAFT School, where he won The Gatorade State Player of the Year was named an All-American; and playing in the national championship this past year. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 14 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. In this episode, I speak with Leah Pais, a professional soccer player for Throttur FC. Among other things, we talk about her experience playing in League 1 Ontario and winning Young Player of the Year, winning CAA Rookie of the Year, and winning the national championship with Florida State University (her dream school), while going undefeated and winning every single trophy. I hope you enjoy this energetic and insightful episode!

Hi ladies and gents, Welcome to episode 13 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. In this episode, I speak with Chris Rindov, a professional soccer player for Sporting Kansas City in the MLS. Among other things, we talk about his experience walking onto the Maryland University Men's Soccer team, winning The Big 10 Conference Championship, Solving Rubix's Cubes in 20 seconds, and achieving his dream of being a professional soccer player. Chris's story is super inspiring! This episode was very engaging and insightful and I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 12 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. In this episode, I speak with Nikkye DePoint, a former professional and U.S. Youth National team player. Among other things, we talk about his experience with the U.S Youth National team and getting to play alongside the likes of Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston Mckennie; his mistakes and lessons learned while playing D1 soccer; and achieving his dream of being a professional soccer player. Nikkye shared some very personal and powerful stories that will hopefully help others navigate their journeys. I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I enjoyed this conversation!

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 11 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. In this episode, I speak with Carissima Cutrona, a former player of The University at Buffalo and MedKila IL, a professional team in Norway. Among other things, we talk about her experience starting varsity as an 8th grader, being named a 2x high school All-American, and achieving her dream of playing professional soccer. Carissima’s story is one of mental resilience and fortitude, overcoming two ACL injuries. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 10 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. In this episode, I speak with Shakur Mohammed, a professional soccer player for Orlando City in the MLS. Among other things, we talk about his experience leaving home at age 10 to join the Right 2 Dream academy, being named a 1st team All-American, and going 2nd overall in the 2023 MLS draft. Shakur has a very inspiring story, and I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 9 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. In this episode, I speak with Marcy Barberic, a former player of the University at Buffalo soccer program, and KR Reykjavik—a professional team in Iceland. Among other things, we talk about her experience starting on varsity as an 8th grader, becoming the first player in UB history to be named an All-American, and playing professionally in Iceland. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 8 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. In this episode, I speak with Alhaji Turay, a former player of the George Washington University men's soccer program. Amongst other things, we talk about his experience coming to America at a young age, his Division 1 college recruiting process and experience, and how he was able to successfully balance playing a Division 1 sport, double majoring, and recruiting for a career as an investment banker. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 7 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Olu Oyegunle, a member of the Syracuse University men's soccer program. Amongst other things, we talk about his experience winning the treble (ACC regular season, ACC Tournament, & National Championship), playing in Europe, and getting called up to the u17 Canada National Team. I hope you enjoy the episode.

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 6 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with An Le, a former men’s soccer player at Yale University. We talk about his experience playing club and high school soccer with his twin brother Binh, his D1 college recruiting process, how he successfully balanced playing a Division 1 sport, the rigorous academic challenges of an IVY league institution, and recruiting for a career as an investment banker. I enjoyed & found this conservation insightful, and I hope you do too.

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 5 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game.In this episode, I speak with Waniya Hudson, a member of Notre Dame’s women's soccer program.  We talk about her experience playing for the Olympic Development Program, growing up playing with a boy’s team, her very impressive high school career at Greece Athena where she was a 4-year starter and an All-American, as well as her college recruiting process and experience playing at the Division 1 level. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 4 of The Deu Awuok Show, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. In this episode, I speak with Abdi Salim, a recent 1st round draft pick playing for Orlando City in Major League Soccer. Abdi was part of the Syracuse team that recently completed the sweep, winning the ACC regular season, the ACC tournament, and the national championship, becoming only the 2nd team to ever accomplish this feat. Amongst other things, we discuss his experience playing D1 soccer, winning the national championship, getting drafted to the MLS, and his “welcome to the league” moment: going up against Christian Benteke.  I hope you enjoy this episode.

Hi ladies and gents, welcome to episode 3 of The Deu Awuok Shown, where it is my job to interview professional and collegiate soccer players about their life journeys around the beautiful game. On this episode, I speak with Nick Szabo, a former teammate of mine during my time at Canisius.  We talk about his experience playing for Empire Academy, now rebranded as Rochester NY FC, and the sacrifices made to play academy soccer, his D1 recruiting process and lessons learned, as well as successfully balancing playing a D1 sport while majoring in Finance, minoring in Computer Science and having a part-time job. Nick is one of the smartest, hardest-working people I know and I think you guys will enjoy this episode.

In this episode, I speak with Machop Chol, a professional soccer player for Atlanta United in the Major League Soccer and a South Sudan national team member. We talk about his experience growing up in Atlanta and getting the opportunity to play for the academy, playing Division 1 soccer at Wake Forest and leading them to the national cup, signing a professional contract, and getting to play with the likes of Miguel Almiron of Newcastle United and Thiago Almada, who recently won the World Cup with Argentina. Thanks for tuning in, I hope you enjoy the episode.

Hi Ladies & Gents,Welcome to the first episode of The Deu Awuok Show!The beautiful game of soccer has given me so much; from helping me get acclimated to a new country to meeting lifelong friends from across the world while learning a few life lessons along the way. This is my story with the beautiful game of soccer. Thanks for tuning in, I hope you enjoy the episode.

Welcome to the Deu Awuok Show, a podcast where I will be interviewing professional & collegiate (NCAA D1) soccer players. We discuss these baller's life journeys around the beautiful game of soccer