Southeast Kansas probably doesnt register as a destination for international students seeking to move to the United States. Perhaps the coasts of California or New York are more attractive.
But for ACC sophomore soccer star Roshod Nembhard, Iola seems to be a perfect fit.
Nembhard is a native of Kingston, Jamaica, and was the Red Devils leading scorer last season with four goals. ACC has started this season with two wins, including one against sixth-ranked St. Louis Community College. Nembhard netted the winning goal in both games.
Nembhards prowess on the field began as a youth in Jamaica.
When in high school, Nembhard emailed Red Devils head soccer coach Doug Desmarteau video highlights of his play. Although the tape did not fully display Nembhards ability, Desmarteau quickly reached out to Nembhard to recruit him to Allen Community College.
Although in communication with other schools, Nembhard said Desmarteau won him over. The idea of being the foundation of a rebuilding program enticed the speedy Jamaican to bring his talents to ACC, even though it would be a culture shock to move from Jamaica to Iola.
At first, my mom was scared when I called her and told her I see a lot of bushes and she said where are you? But I told her it was all good, Nembhard said. Coach greeted me the first day and made me feel comfortable from the first day. I dont have any problems, I just know what Im here for.
Nembhards home is Kingston, the capital and largest city in Jamaica with a population of over 650,000. Iola brings a lot less distractions, he said, enabling him to focus on his game and education.
It is a bit different, he said diplomatically. But the main thing is to go to school and do well in soccer. My family told me to switch schools, but I tell them Im good here because Im more focused on school because there’s not much to do here. Im mostly staying in my room doing homework.
Desmarteau describes Nembhard as a special player. The Jamaican not only shines on the attacking end of the pitch, but his high work rate is visible when off the ball. When Nembhard loses possession, he does everything in his will to win the ball back.
What separates Roshod from most players is his mental side of the game, Desmarteau said. He doesnt get flustered when things are going bad, and doesnt show emotion a lot of times. Hes going to give you 100% every single game. It doesnt matter if we are up five goals or down five goals. People arent going to take him out of his game, and if hes not playing well he will make it up somewhere else.
After his first year at ACC, Nembhard worked hard in the off-season to improve his technique. Desmarteau said that Nembhard made massive gains in the weight room. Originally benching under 100 pounds, Nembhard skyrocketed to 145 pounds, and continued to improve on other lifts to make him a stronger player on the ball.
The only downside to Nembhards off-season, was that come summer, he was busy working for his family back in Jamaica.
Desmarteau emphasized Nembhard is too mentally strong of a player to let that time off affect him. Upon arriving back to ACC, Nembhard quickly returned to fitness.
Along with excelling in soccer, Nembhard also excels in the classroom. Soccer may be Nembhards love, but education is his priority.
I focus on school more than soccer, Nembhard said. With soccer I work on my fitness and the basic things. But with school I have to study, wake up and go to class, and study more. I put everything in school.
