It’s been a long journey to N.C. State for senior defenseman Korede Aiyegbusi. The London, England native crossed an ocean to experience college soccer in the ACC and now that chapter is drawing to a close.
After one and a half years with the Pack, Aiyegbusi is set to graduate in May. Like many of the seniors on State’s roster, Aiyegbusi views this as his very last chance to find success at the NCAA level.
“This is my last chance to show my team members — and everyone back home — what I’ve got,” Aiyegbusi said. “We’ve started out much better than last year, and it seems that we’re on that road to the NCAA tournament. But we’ve got to keep ourselves humble and devote ourselves every day.”
Aiyegbusi initially came to America to play soccer at Essex Community College in Maryland and transferred before the 2008 season. In a short span, he has created a lasting impression on teammates and his head coach, George Tarantini.
“I came over here and gave it a gamble, and so far everything has gone really well,” Aiyegbusi said. “School’s going well. It’s different from back home, with the grammar and everything, but everything has gone fairly smoothly so I can’t complain.”
The culture shock included calling the sport he loves by an entirely different name and a new system. However, with plenty of experience in that area, the transition was quick.
Tarantini said he identified Aiyegbusi early as a player that could lead by example.
“He’s not very flashy, but he puts his heart and soul into this team,” Tarantini said. “He’s like an engine that creates excitement in the back. I saw him a couple of years ago and I knew that was someone we’d like to have at N.C. State.”
At first, Aiyegbusi said it was difficult to settle in Raleigh, citing several moves within a short span and cultural differences to master. But soon, he was an active member of Tarantini’s internationally-infused soccer team.
“I’m starting to take more initiative and actually show confidence,” Aiyegbusi said. “I’ve meshed very well with the team, and it can only get better if I keep my mind focused.”
Aiyegbusi and midfielder Kris Byrd, who both play on the left side, are very similar in style of play, according to Byrd. Aiyegbusi calls Byrd his “twin” and the duo have been forcing opposing offenses to think twice before attempting to take the ball up the field throughout the 2009 season.
“He makes it so much easier to play on our side. He has so much speed, and the [opposing] defense doesn’t know who to guard, me or him,” Byrd said.
Aiyegbusi said he has found a level of competiveness he didn’t expect in this country, where soccer is hardly the national pastime it is in Europe and is just starting to catch on.
“Over there [in England], a lot of the kids are great, but the really good players have already gone pro,” Aiyegbusi said. “Over here, especially at the collegiate level, it’s much more intense. I didn’t realize myself until I got here. It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be.”
Aiyegbusi represented his home country on the national stage at the World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia, this past summer after a successful first season with the Pack. He said he hopes to turn pro. However, Taratini has another career path in mind for him for him some day.
“I’m going to miss him very much,” Tarantini said. “I think he’s make a great coach one day.”
