By Louis-Riel Rebelles
From Mali to Montreal and now to Michigan, Abdou Samaké’s journey through the world of soccer continues to offer promising horizons.
The Grade 12 student in Louis-Riel high school’s sports-études program is now ready to take the next step in his career, set to join the University of Michigan Wolverines for their 2016 campaign.
“For me, it’s the greatest thing in the world,” smiles Samaké, who plans to study business. “To be able to get my education and play at a high level at the same time, there’s nothing more I could ask for. I’m so excited. It’s a dream.”
Born in Mali, Samaké moved to Montreal at age 5 with his family before finally settling in Ottawa. In Grade 7, Samaké enrolled at Louis-Riel and right away experienced superb school spirit.
“No matter which sport people do, or even if they’re part of a sport at school, there’s a real sense of belonging,” indicates the striker-turned-centre back. “There’s a real feeling of pride at the school.”
The sports-study program provided the scholastic flexibility necessary to maximize his athletic potential, while still maintaining his academic success, Samaké notes.
LR showcase opened door to Impact
On the heels of a showcase event organized by Louis-Riel and the Montreal Impact, Samaké returned to Montreal midway through his Grade 10 year, this time to join the Major League Soccer Club’s professional academy.
The former champion Rebelle continued his studies at Louis-Riel by correspondence over the next three years with the Impact. After signing with the Wolverines, Samaké returned to Louis-Riel to complete his final two high school courses and to take advantage of the best indoor training environment possible at the Louis-Riel Dome.
“I think the Dome is what separates Louis-Riel from any other school sports programs locally, and really throughout Canada,” highlights Samaké, who’s currently playing for the Chicago Fire in the Premier Development League this summer. “It provides something unique that’s really tough to beat.”
On top of the first-class facilities, Samaké appreciated the support of high-quality sport and conditioning coaches, as well as teachers and staff who helped him prepare everything necessary to study in the U.S.
“I want to thank everyone at Louis-Riel, and at the Dome,” he underlines. “They are people without whom I wouldn’t have been able to succeed and get the opportunities that I have today.”