Charles Njoku '22 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ugochukwu Charles Njoku II, but I prefer to be called Charles. I was born in the Bronx, New York, and have lived in different parts of the country and world. I started my kindergarten and elementary school in Yonkers and then moved to Winston-Salem in North Carolina where I continued with my elementary education and later continued with middle school at Glasgow Middle School in Fairfax County public school in Virginia. After completing 8th grade, I became more interested in exploring my roots and my place in the world.  My parents, both of Nigerian descent, offered me an opportunity to attend Atlantic Hall International boarding school in Lagos, Nigeria, where I could experience diverse cultures and a new standard of excellence. In spite of being terrified, I accepted this opportunity and convinced myself to look at this as a new adventure.

The first year was a difficult transition culturally and academically. I had to navigate my way through a new school environment and adjust to life in the dorms, all without the watchful eye of my parents.  Early on, I was failing and afraid, often breaking down in tears. I wanted out; I wanted to return home.  But the teachers, counselors, and most interestingly my fellow students rallied around me, providing both academic and emotional support but also friendship. With a new mindset, I looked for ways to make even more connections. I continued with my soccer commitment in Nigeria, I played on the high school team and was the Team Captain. My team, Atlantic Hall, played at various state and national tournaments in Nigeria. I was awarded striker of the year honors twice, and my most memorable moment was when I scored the game-winning goal in the Lagos Championship Tournament. Prior to leaving the US in 2018, I played with Premier AC and Annandale United FC (now Villareal Viva Academy) in Fairfax County, VA. Unfortunately, due to the increasing insecurities and the abduction and killing of boarding students from their dormitories, my parents decided to bring me back to the US to complete my senior year at Thornton Donovan School. I love my new high school, but unfortunately, it does not offer competitive soccer. I have been playing with a new club team, Eastern FC, and have been doing well.

Although I was a standout player in Nigeria, I have limited playing videos as this is not a focus in Nigeria. I participated in the Exact Sports Northeast Boys Academic 50 ID Camp in New Haven, CT in July 2021 (See my Coaches performance report), and have a few clips on there. As stated previously, I have been playing with a new club team, Eastern FC, and beginning in November, I will participate in tournaments and will provide more video clips as they become available.