Story by: Gianni Hurd
Photos by: Antonio Clark
Liban Shongolo’s: Diamond in the dirt
The first time Colorado Mesa University safety Liban “Leo” Shongolo stepped on the football field, he made a significant impact. Starting as a middle school passion for football, the sport is a way of life for him both on and off the field. Shongolo not only plays for Colorado Mesa; he gives back to the community through the Box State Boys football camp program.
Proper, Preparation, Prevents, Poor, Performance
Antonio Clark, February 23rd 2024
Shongolo’s football story began when his family immigrated to the United States as Somali refugees when he was 2 years old. Originally from Commerce City, Colorado, Shongolo serves as a remarkable example for young people living in the Grand Valley. Even once as a refugee, Shangolo has excelled as a student-athlete, while also making a commitment to being a reliable mentor for the youth. Providing his time for football camps, like the Box State Boys camp, Leo shares his knowledge of football with the youth, from the Grand Valley to Denver. Hudson Metcalf, a former football teammate of Liban at Colorado Mesa University said, “Sway is a resource in a lot of ways,” Hudson said about his former teammate. “Kids flock to him and not only from what he did on the football field, but from the character he has and the person he is to go further into helping kids through the Box State Boys Camp.”
Resilience and Persistence
Antonio Clark, October 27th 2021
Elevating the community
Shongolo agreed to attend Colorado Mesa University in 2020, he left Commerce, Colorado for the connected and small communities of the Grand Valley. “Football is one of the most important things in my life. When I started the Box State Boys camp, I found out how important the game was to others, especially the unfortunate.” Shongolo said. As a criminal Justice student at Colorado Mesa University, he has fostered his athletic talent from a young ego. The principle he loomed from the football field, yet, teamwork, discipline and leadership, has been the cornerstone of success in college and as a mentor for the youth.
Giving back to the community with BSB camp
Antonio Clark, July 18th 2023
Shonogolo’s Blueprint and Influence
Football has helped Shongolo gain the skills he needs to be a leader and be able to put on The Box State camps. Shangolo, through football, has been able to acquire the confidence of networking with people in different communities. “Sway is a community person, he just has that aura around him that attracts people to him,” said Coach Mathews, Defensive coordinator for Colorado Mesa University.”
Box State Boys Camp 2023
Antonio Clark, July 18th 2023
Liban surrounds those values of the Box State Boys Camp, where he serves as the founder and CEO. While at Box State, Liban extended his research, traveling across Colorado to train and mentor young athletes for free while giving out free shirts. “I want to give these kids more than just skills on the field.” Liban explained. “I want to share my story, my journey from adversity to success, and show the youth that anything is possible with hard work and determination.”
blockpartygj.net 