Name:Funsho

Hometown:Nigeria

Grade:12

University:St. Bonaventure University

Clubs:Soccer, Track, Basketball

Funsho is a grade 12 student at Bronte College who has committed to St. Bonaventure University for the Men’s Varsity Soccer Program!  St. Bonaventure is a Division 1 school in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) A-10 Conference in the United States of America.  Funsho received both an academic and athletic scholarship to St. Bonaventure University and was their top recruit for the 2021-2022 season! Congratulations Funsho, on your outstanding accomplishments!

Question:

How has Bronte College prepared you to become a successful student athlete?

Answer:

A big thank you goes out to Coach Frost who has helped me improve my study habits and assisted me throughout the whole recruiting process. Big shout outs to Coach Cyr and Coach Dias for helping me in my grade 11 and 12 years and making learning fun. Bronte created an environment for me to develop academically, athletically and as an individual. Having the one-on-one connections with teachers helped me learn more and the teachers really understood my goals and aspirations. The soccer program at Bronte College is excellent as the morning trainings, after school practices, weight room, indoor and outdoor practices have helped prepare me to succeed at St. Bonaventure.

Question:

 What are your next steps now that you signed the contract?

Answer:

Now that I signed the contract with St. Bonaventure, my next steps are to improve my strengths and weaknesses on and off the field. I must focus on my fitness and game sense while focusing on my grades in school. I have a goal of graduating Bronte College with honours and as an Ontario scholar and I am well on my way to achieving those goals. I am very excited to go to training camp in August in New York, the most prepared I can be and ready for all the new challenges to come!

Question:

What thoughts and feelings were going through your head when you were signing that contract?

Answer:

I was really joyful and proud of everything in the past leading up to today. The first thought that went through my head was that I have this great opportunity to go to the next level and now I need to work harder to make the most of it. I really want to make all my supporters and family proud. I was so happy looking back at all the hard work that was put in to reach this goal. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

Question:

Why did you choose to go to St. Bonaventure University?

Answer:

I chose to go to St. Bonaventure university because they have a great soccer team in the NCAA Div. 1, A-10 conference. They have a really good business program with many co-op opportunities and connections. Plus, I was very fond of the coaches and had a good connection with them. I am excited to play for Coach Kwame and Coach Ryan made the recruiting process so much fun. St. Bonaventure is located in the state of New York and is a great environment to continue my goals and dreams for the future.

Question:

Please explain your path and journey that got you to this very moment?

Answer:

I started off back home, in Nigeria, on the Prime Stars Academy and I was the youngest player on the team. I then had the opportunity to play in England for the Manchester United Youth team. Then I came to Hamilton, stayed there for 2 years before coming to Bronte College. I played for Vaughan before playing with the Woodbridge Strikers while also playing for my high school team. These different experiences made me the player I am today.

Question:

Who would you like to thank for this huge accomplishment? 

Answer:

First, I need to thank my parents for all the support and for allowing me to express myself towards my passion of soccer. I would like to give a special thank you to Coach Frost for all the support, education, and keeping me accountable academically and athletically. A big shout out to Woodbridge Coach Marco and Coach Fab really opened my eyes on how the game is played. A big thank you to all my teammates at Woodbridge Strikers and Bronte College for creating a competitive environment to push me to improve. Lastly, a special shout out to my day 1, Dariel, who always stayed positive and kept me focus on my goal and most importantly for being a great friend.

Question:

What advice do you have for other student athletes who are wanting to play in the NCAA?

Answer:

My advice is to remember nothing happens overnight. You have to put in the work before you see progress. Please remember to always have fun throughout the whole process. As an athlete you need to be appreciative for everyone around you and everything you have. Most importantly you must make the most of today so you can be better for tomorrow!

Question: