Souleymane Doumbia, '21
Souleymane Doumbia came to Navarro College in 2019 to pursue his lifelong dream of
playing collegiate basketball as well as continuing education here in America. He
was once deported out of the country for VISA issues that he entrusted to certain
people. Once United States officials cracked down on the basketball program, they
ended up deporting him and many other student athletes. Souleymane was a victim of
Human Trafficking without even knowing. After he was deported from United States, he was stationed at a high
school far from Ivory Coast, Africa his home country to Thailand. He became close
with the Thailand officials and school leaders, and they treated him well and wanted
the very best for him. Souleymane heard of Navarro College through one of his best
friends who had played for us the year before, James Jean-Marie.
Souleymane decided to pursue his education and athletics in America again but with heavy uncertainty about trusting in us as a coaching staff with his prior experience. After months and months of trying to get his student VISA and background cleared with the embassy, he was given permission to board the flight to DFW Airlines. Souleymane was in tears and filled with heavy excitement, the moment he landed on campus seventeen hours later he was able to take his TSI test for the first time, almost passing out from exhaustion. He had a very successful two-year athletic career and is graduating on time in May.
After graduation Souleymane will be attending TCU - Texas Christian University on a full athletic scholarship to continue his basketball journey as well as his studies. Souley wants to one day play in the NBA and graduation with his bachelor's in business with the hopes of one day helping student athletes who are human trafficking victims as well.
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