By Connor Goodreau, Currier Times Staff///

International players come from all over the world to play for Curry men’s and women’s teams. A sampling is above from left to right: Soleil Archambeault from women’s hockey; Deckel Cohen Sharon from basketball; Naytik Vora from soccer. Hockey photo by Matt Kaminsky

India, Israel, Finland, Canada, Russia, Czech Republic, and Latvia are just some of the countries Curry College promotes within our athletics. More than 20 athletes with ties from around the world participate in our sports here, and they come to work.

Vinny Eruzione, Director of Athletics at Curry College, has plenty of good to say about our hardworking athletes.

“They have adjusted very well,” said Eruzione. “Most have attended school in the U.S. so that has made it a lot easier. Also being part of a team environment makes it a lot easier as well.”

Deckel Cohen Sharon, a junior and Computer Science major, is on the basketball team. Originally from Be’er Ora, Israel, he started his high school play in Las Vegas at Trinity International before coming here. Curry was his best choice, but balancing a new college and the team as an international student was a lot.

“It took some time, it was a little harder for us to get used to getting everything together and getting organized,” he said. “But the adjustment phase has been good so far.”

Naytik Vora, a junior and Accounting major, born in Mumbai, India, attended St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, R.I for high school. Naytik plays on our soccer team, who welcomed him right away.

“Especially Coach Mendel and the soccer team. They’re a friendly bunch and always curious about India,” said Vora.

Naytik has also given his culture back to the team. “After a win, we even celebrate by jamming to an Indian song (Sunny Sunny Yo Yo Honey Singh) that everyone loves,” said Vora. “A few teammates and I even went out for some Indian food, which was a blast. It was cool to see their genuine reactions to Indian food for the first time.”

There are plenty of names that represent countries worth mentioning in many Curry sports. Soleil Archambeault, originally from Ontario, Canada, a 5th-year MBA student was mentioned in particular by our athletic director Vinny Eruzione. Soliel plays for the Women’s hockey team.

Mustafo Vanjov, originally from Khorog, Tajikistan, plays for the Men’s basketball team. Wilhelm Patriksson, from Stockholm, Sweden, plays for our Men’s hockey team, just to name a few of the bright young students Curry has to offer.

Vinny Eruzione spoke highly about them all. “They all have done very well athletically.”

The integration of international students into our culture brings a new edge to our teams. To see the full list, head to the Curry Athletics website and review the rosters of all of our sports teams.