From New York to Egypt, UDC welcomes its new diverse student-athletes

School is back in session, and the Department of Athletics and the entire Firebird nation are proud to welcome its new student-athletes.

“Our coaching staff has worked hard to recruit a diverse group of students from New York and Ohio, as well as international students from Belgium, Egypt, Jamaica, Peru, Poland, and Spain,” said Patricia Thomas, director of athletics. “We welcome talented students from the District of Columbia and surrounding area as well.”

According to Thomas, the new student-athletes have demonstrated academic and athletic success. “We look forward to supporting them as they continue to realize their fullest potential,” she said.

Men’s Soccer

Ian Luque Sanchez is a sophomore midfielder from Dos Hermanas, Sevilla, Spain. He transferred from Campbellsville University and is studying hospitality/tourism.

Santiago Gordillo Martinez is a sophomore attackman from Lima, Peru. He is transferred from Graceland University and is studying business management.

Jesse Boamah is a midfielder from the DMV. He graduated from South County H.S. and is studying nutrition and dietetics.

Jonathan Canales is a left-back from Gainesville, Virginia. He graduated from Patriot High School and is studying business management.

Zachary Parker is a midfielder/striker from Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from Bryant High School and is studying psychology.

Axel Gamez is an attackman from Rockville, Maryland and studying business management.

Women’s Cross Country/ Track & Field

Kayla Cooper is a sprinter from Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from The High School of Global Citizens and is studying art.

Zoe Shaw is a jumper from Kingston, Jamaica. She graduated from St. Andrew High School and is studying business.

Dayna Thompson is a sprinter from St. Mary, Jamaica. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School and is studying psychology.

Samantha Morrison is a mid-distance runner from Kingston, Jamaica. She graduated from St. Andrew High School and is studying biology.

Janel Baxter is a sprinter/ jumper from St. Catherine, Jamaica. She graduated from St Andrew High School and is studying engineering.

Tukey Francis is a quarter-mile runner from St. Ann, Jamaica. She graduated from York Castle High School and is studying business management.

Emmanuela Katou Kouami is from Bronx, New York. She graduated from Fordham High School of Arts and is studying nursing.

Kayleigh Shelton is a sprinter/ hurdler from Portland, Jamaica. She graduated from Titchfield High School and is studying business.

Isatu Bah is a distance runner from Bladensburg, Maryland. She graduated from International High School Langley Park and is studying social work.

Men’s Tennis

Antonio Simo Durall is a junior transfer from the University of Texas at Permian Basin and from Barcelona, Spain. He is studying mechanical engineering.

Oskar Karos is a sophomore transfer from the University of Warsaw and from Warsaw, Poland. He is studying architecture.

Youssef Moussa is a sophomore transfer from the Liverpool John Moores University (UK)) and from Cairo, Egypt. He is studying mechanical engineering.

Women’s Tennis

Célia Bastin is a freshman from Dinant, Belgium and is studying biology.

Men’s Basketball

Montez Steel is from Washington, D.C. He graduated from Friendship Tech Preparatory Public Charter School and is studying engineering.

Micah Campbell is a junior transfer from Virginia Union and from Charles County, Maryland. He is studying business management.

Eric Morgan Jr. is from Washington, D.C. He graduated from Liberty Heights Prep and is studying business management.

Michael Aiken Jr. is a sophomore transfer from Wiley College from Washington, D.C., studying digital media.

Roman Cannuscio is from Montgomery County, Maryland. He graduated from Montgomery Blair High School and is studying business management.

Women’s Lacrosse

Natalia Perkins is a goalkeeper from Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Chaminade Julienne High School and is studying psychology.

Men’s lacrosse

Shelton Tessier is a defenseman from Long Island, New York. She graduated from Uniondale High School and is studying administrative justice.