Nov. 28, 2007
Five years ago La Salle University senior soccer student-athlete George Attah-Asante came to the United States from Jamasi, Ghana along with two older brothers and one twin sister. His parents had already arrived and were waiting.
"Ghana is one of the few stable countries in Africa right now. Unfortunately there is a lack of opportunity, just like every other third world country. My parents wanted a better life for us," said Attah-Asante.
His passion for soccer began at a young age in Ghana, where the sport is a national pastime.
"Soccer is just something that I love to do, a passion of mine. I started playing before I can remember...It's in my veins and I can't get it out," said Attah-Asante.
As a four-year member of the La Salle men's soccer team, Attah-Asante served as a manager in his final season.
"I wanted to be a part of this team, and this year I served in a manager capacity. We had some tough breaks and weren't always lucky. Overall it has been a great experience," he said.
Wise beyond his years, the accounting major with a minor in leadership and global understanding (LGU) has found a way to bridge athletics with the rest of his interests.
"With defeat, you have to keep your composure. You can never face an opponent and not be prepared and expect win," said Attah-Asante.
Success is what the senior will strive for, as he recently accepted a position at KPMG, a Philadelphia `Big Four' accounting firm. He will take the knowledge he has gained at La Salle and apply it to the next chapter of his life.
"The maturity I gained playing soccer translates straight into the business world. You go into a client prepared, even if you lose you have to look at what you did and prepare for the next guy," he continued.
Academically Attah-Asante has worked equally hard, earning Dean's List honors all four years, as well as the La Salle Faculty Academic Achievement award.
Attah-Asante did not always have the demeanor of a seasoned veteran. When he first arrived at 20th and Olney, the freshman wasted no time getting involved in everything La Sallian. Other than the men's soccer team, the senior has a hand in several organizations across La Salle's campus including being a resident assistant (RA), and member of the Academic Discovery Program, Neo African Drum and Dance, and the late National Student Partnership (NSP).
The Ghana native is doing his part to give back to the Philadelphia community, as a member of La Salle's Academic Discovery Program he sits on a leadership council that works to develop leadership on small scale. The council is running a project for other universities to adapt.
"It's something I'm really excited about and has helped me to gain confidence and go out and join other organizations," he said.
Some may wonder when Attah-Asante catches his breath as he is also one of the founding members of the Neo African Drum and Dance. This organization brings alternative music to campus, which expresses African culture using non verbal communication.
"George is an extremely hard worker and has given much back to La Salle in the four years he has been here," said Men's Soccer Head Coach Pat Farrell.
Attah-Asante also was a member of the National Student Partnership (NSP) a community service partnership, but the La Salle branch closed. The Partnership was a resource center that fostered connections with social services, housing, clothing, and was all volunteer based (all were La Salle students).
Following the conclusion of the men's soccer season in early November, the soon-to-be accountant had time to let things sink in. The squad finished 6-11-1 (4-5-0 A-10) and missed postseason action narrowly, with a 2-1 loss to George Washington in the last game of the season.
"The experience of missing A-10's by just one game helped us to see that we need to sustain a high level of energy all season long. It was disappointing, but we had a great run," said Attah-Asante.
Instead of sprinting on the turf, Attah-Asante will look to make his next successful run at KPMG, not straying far from his La Salle roots. Taking into account all that he has achieved during his four years as an Explorer, the senior should have no problem succeeding in the game of life.
"You can't go to a game and not give it your all, I'm going to give it everything I've got," he said.
