Coach Shimlis and Sebwe were able to reunite and reminisce about their great times at Park.

PARKVILLE, Mo. – Park University alumnus Dionysius Sebwe is a true, defensive leader. In the 90s, he led the Pirate defense on the soccer field. Today, he helps lead the defense of the entire country of Liberia.

A native of Monrovia, Liberia, Sebwe was an All-American defender for the Park men’s soccer team from 1993-95 and is now the Deputy Minister for Operations for the Minister of Defense in his home country – a west coast, African country with a population of more than three million people.

The people of Liberia are recovering from a bitter civil war, but President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has gradually helped calm things down.

“President Sirleaf is in her fourth year as our leader and I believe there is a lot of potential for our country to get back on track as a unified nation,” said Sebwe.

Park head coach Efrem Shimlis and Sebwe played together on some of the most talented teams in the history of Park’s soccer program. Sebwe, along with teammate, Ayo Peters, was drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in the first round of the MLS draft.

“Having two players drafted from the same team was historical and it had never been done before,” Sebwe said. “I’d like to see more Park players drafted by the Wizards or another local, professional team in the coming years.”

Shimlis eventually played professionally as well, playing for the Daytona Speed Kings, Columbus Comets and even the National Professional Soccer League’s 1997 World Champion Kansas City Attack.

Sebwe played one season with the Wizards before going overseas to play with FC Utrecht in Holland. After one year with Utrecht, Sebwe then played a season with SC Heerenveen in the Netherlands. In 1999, Sebwe returned to the United States and the MLS, playing one more season with the Wizards and three seasons with the Minnesota Thunder.

Sebwe was also part of the Liberian national team from 1996 to 2002 – a team that at one point was just one game shy of qualifying for the World Cup.

Sebwe scrimmaged with the current Park team for about 30 minutes.

Shimlis had asked his former teammate to speak to his 2009 team before practice late last week and Sebwe made the international trek. He even scrimmaged with the team, bringing back some fond memories for the former pirate.

“I learned a lot of valuable things from this University and have some great memories,” Sebwe said. “I especially enjoyed playing with Efrem. He was such a great player and great leader. I always knew he would be a great coach someday.”

Coach Shimlis had another reason for Sebwe to visit Parkville. Members of the Park University soccer team and players from Shimlis’ area Harambe Youth soccer teams donated dozens of pairs of shoes, jerseys and soccer cleats for Sebwe to give to local soccer athletes in Liberia.

Sebwe will take back with him enough gear to clothe at least two full soccer teams in Liberia.

“This was so nice of Efrem and his teams,” said Sebwe. “The kids back home will be so excited. Growing up I used to play in my bare feet so this will be great for the kids.”

Overall, Sebwe’s trip back to his alma mater was a success. He had the chance to see an old friend and play the game that he loves. Most importantly, he will bring home something the youth of his home nation will never forget.

-PARK-