Where It All Began

Zeta Kromah, Liberia

Zeta Kromah, 19, is a footballer from Monrovia, Liberia. A former captain of Liberia’s U-17 Women’s National Team, she now plays for the College of William & Mary in Virginia, USA.

Zeta is an alum of LEAD Monrovia Football Academy, where she helped her team win the Liberia Lower Women’s League championship before heading to the U.S. With aspirations to become a professional player and football agent, she is committed to advancing women’s football in Liberia.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your current football life?

My name is Zeta Kromah. I am 19 years old and I am from Monrovia, Liberia. Right now, I am a student-athlete at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where I play Division I soccer for The Tribe’s women’s team. I just completed my first year of college, and it has been an amazing experience thus far. The past year has been life-changing. I left Liberia to pursue my education and football career.

Before coming to the U.S., I played for LEAD Monrovia Football Academy (LEAD MFA) from 4th grade all the way through senior year of high school, and was part of the Liberia Women’s Senior National Team. I was also the captain of the U-17 national team and represented my country in international competitions, which was a huge honor. Just before I left, I helped the LEAD MFA girls’ team win the Liberia Lower Women’s League championship, an achievement I will always be proud of.

This summer, I have been training with TwinStars FC, a semi-professional team in Minnesota, to stay sharp and keep pushing myself as a player. Football continues to be a huge part of my life - it is my passion, my purpose, and my path forward.

What has your football journey been like up until now?

My football journey started at the age of nine, when I began playing football with the neighborhood boys right outside my home. Despite not knowing much about the sport, I quickly caught on and learned new tricks with the help of friends. That same year, LEAD Monrovia Football Academy opened in Liberia, and they were recruiting young boys and girls to join. My acceptance into the academy marked the beginning of the rest of my football journey.

In the first few years, not only did my football skills and knowledge exponentially grow, but I also pushed myself academically, getting myself recognized as the dux (top pupil) at LEAD MFA for receiving the highest grades. I continued to push myself both on and off the field and to my surprise, I was named the first captain of the team. As captain, I embraced the role wholeheartedly, showcasing my passion for the sport and for leading others. During this time, I became a versatile player, able to play different positions on the field, and I also became a role model for the younger girls at LEAD MFA.

In my freshman year, I continued my football journey with determination, ready to compete in major tournaments. Notably, we had the incredible opportunity to represent LEAD MFA in a prestigious football tournament in Minnesota, U.S., where we emerged as champions. My role as captain allowed me to lead our team to victory and the success granted me the nickname of “Captain America.”

The experience of winning the tournament and making history by bringing the trophy back to Liberia was unforgettable. Subsequently, my involvement in the Liberia Under-17 National Team marked another significant milestone in my journey, despite facing challenges due to my limited exposure in the Liberian women’s leagues. Nevertheless, I embraced this challenge with a positive mindset, working tirelessly to prove my worth and contribute to the team’s success.

While on the national team, I have had the privilege of playing international friendly matches across Africa and even competed in the Women Under-17 World Cup Qualifiers. In 2021, I joined the Under-20 team while serving as captain for the Under-17 team, balancing both roles effectively. At the end of 2021, LEAD MFA officially joined the Women’s Lower League in Liberia, marking my debut in the local women’s league and shortly thereafter, we quickly advanced to the Women’s Upper League.

Then, in 2023, during my junior year, I was awarded a U.S. State Department Scholarship through the Kennedy-Lugar YES program and had the opportunity to attend an American high school for a year. Of course, I joined their football team, fulfilling a dream of mine. While it was hard at first for me to adjust to such a new environment, I excelled on the field, becoming recognized as the Best Newcomer. Upon returning to Liberia, I joined the Women’s Senior National Team, representing my country in international matches, and striving to build a team that makes my country proud.

How did you end up at the College of William & Mary? How has the experience been?

My journey to William & Mary feels like a miracle - one that my coaches love to tell. During my junior and senior years, I was constantly reaching out to colleges and coaches, hoping to earn a spot at a U.S. university. It was through the LEAD MFA founder, Will Smith, that I made the connection with William & Mary and The Tribe’s women’s team. Will is an alum of William & Mary, and also played for The Tribe’s men’s team.

LEAD MFA, along with its partner organization LEAD Edu, provided incredible support throughout the application process. But it all came down to the wire - the soccer team’s roster was full, and there was no scholarship funding available. Still, everyone worked together to make it happen. They found a way to secure both a spot on the team and the funding I needed. It felt like overnight my life had completely changed for the better.

Playing college soccer, especially at the Division I level, has been a dream come true. The level of competition and professionalism is intense, and I have grown so much both physically and mentally. Every time I step on the turf, I feel like I am one step closer to the bigger stage. It is a challenging but rewarding experience that I will forever be grateful for.

My family and friends in Liberia are incredibly proud and supportive. Many of them have always believed in my potential, and this opportunity feels like a shared win for all of us. They know that playing in the U.S. gives me access to world-class training and exposure, and they believe it will open new doors for me.

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

In the photos I showed my teammates, teachers, coaches, classmates, siblings, and neighborhood kids. Those photos were taken at my football academy, at home and also on the street where I play football with my friends.

Through those photos, I tried to tell my football story. Where it all began, how it makes up a big part of my daily life, and how it connects all the important aspects of my life together. Football is not just about the sport for me, but it is a way of building community and connecting with others. It feeds through everything I do.

My favorite photo is the one sitting on the ground, juggling the ball. That was the very first skill I learned when I started playing football with the neighborhood kids. The photo reminds me of where I began in my football journey and how far I have come.

There is one photo where I am with a little kid playing football in the yard. His name is Hassan Sesay and he is my mentor’s son. He is my biggest fan and he is the one who I play football with when I am home. His energy is so infectious. He gives me the zest to play football every time. It does not matter where we are at or what time it is, he will always want to play. This not only lights me up, but also motivates me to play even when I am tired.

What impact has football and LEAD MFA had on you?

Football and LEAD Monrovia Football Academy have significantly impacted my life. I have learned a whole lot about football, academics and leadership skills at LEAD which have turned me into a great leader, an excellent student, and a fantastic football player. I have traveled a lot because of football, and it is a huge privilege to be able to play this sport. Football is one thing that keeps me motivated and optimistic about the future.

What role does LEAD MFA and football play in your community and in Liberia?

LEAD Monrovia Football Academy serves as the only academy in Liberia that combines high-quality education with elite football training. LEAD has transformed the lives of many young Liberians like myself from not having a purpose to being our country’s pride. Many kids from Liberia have been able to receive a good education and learn from the best teachers and coaches all because of the academy.

The academy has created opportunities for many young Liberians who have been empowered to drive change in their own communities. As the number one sport that every Liberian loves and supports, LEAD Monrovia Football Academy is shaping the country’s next generation of leaders through the power of football.

What are the opportunities for women and girls to play in your community?

Nowadays, people are becoming more engaged in women’s football. There are national competitions for women and girls and a few pre-season tournaments as well. Girls also have the opportunity to attend football academies like the one I attended. We also have national teams at all levels and ages for girls.

What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?

Football means the world to me. It is where I find the most peace and happiness. When I am on the pitch, I feel free; that is where I truly get to express myself. Playing soccer for my university, the College of William & Mary, is a dream come true.

In the next five years, I hope to earn my bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and Global Education, get more playing time, and ultimately be drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League or sign with a professional club in Europe after graduation.

If that does not happen right away, I would love to ‘redshirt’ (delay participation for a season) and pursue a master’s in Sport Management. Either way, I want to stay connected to the game, keep growing, and continue inspiring girls back home.

I hope to continue playing professionally and also pursue a career as a football agent. I want to help other players reach their goals, just like so many people helped me.

What is the future for football in Liberia? What would you like to change?

There has been a huge switch in the last few years when it comes to playing football in Liberia. Now, talented athletes are being supported and given the right opportunities to succeed. There is a lot of young talent in Liberia, who are starting to play abroad and their futures are looking promising. I am certain there is going to be more support and investment for football across all genders in the near future. I would love to change our style of play. There are a lot of players who focus on technique rather than tactics, but I believe it is crucial to incorporate both when we play.