Eddie Dakwa '20 can't go home, so a teammate gave him a new one.

Eddie's teammates on the soccer team scattered back to their hometowns during the extended spring recess. Eddie stayed on campus. Born in Zimbabwe, but raised in England, he didn't want to burden his parents with the price of a plane ticket. When classes moved online and then stayed online, getting home became more urgent. But all of a sudden, there was a bigger obstacle than money. 

Eddie didn't play organized soccer until he was 11. Within two years, he was a professional prospect. At blazing speed, Eddie was progressing through the youth ranks of English football club Sheffield Wednesday. He also spent time with Sheffield FC, the oldest football club in the world. But for all his talent, Eddie just missed out on a professional contract. 

He decided, instead, to play college soccer and get an education in the States. He drove three hours to an SAT test site and was pleasantly surprised with his scores (academics are not the priority for youth soccer academies). Eddie moved to Texas and played two years for HIll College, known for its elite junior college soccer program. 

Eddie had two years of eligibility remaining and was recruited by division I programs all over the country. Ultimately, he chose Siena for its academic reputation and the family vibe. At the time, he had no idea how important that family vibe would be. 

Two Thanksgivings ago, teammate Greg Monroe '22 invited a few of the international players to his home in Clifton Park, NY. Eddie immediately bonded with the Monroes. He spent time at the house again over spring break, then Easter, and then traveled with the family on summer vacations. 

Back in England, Eddie's mom works as a mental health nurse. Over the course of a week, she treated six patients who tested positive for COVID-19. Not surprisingly, she got sick and the family went into quarantine. Eddie's mom is now recovering, but at the time, Eddie determined it wasn't smart to go home. Plus, he has a job lined up as a soccer coach at Springhill College in Mobile, AL beginning in July. Because of international travel restrictions, if he made it home - would he be able to make it back to start his new job? 

Greg told his dad the situation. Then he talked to his mom. They both said the same thing. They didn't want Eddie alone on campus. There's an extra bedroom in the house... it's Eddie's room, for as long as he needs it.  

“I feel like their adopted son. We cook, we watch movies together, we hang out and go in the hot tub. I'm so grateful, and I'm having so much fun!"

Eddie Dakwa '20

"Eddie and my girlfriend compete to make the best new dish in the house. Eddie uses a lot of spices and makes these incredible and spicy curry dishes. My girlfriend cooks outstanding Italian food. Their competitions are pretty intense. But I’m the one actually winning!" 

Greg Monroe '22