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Former Foxy Ladies FC Captain Shamika Marcus set to graduate today – Earned an Associates of Science Business Administration from Essex County College
Shamika Marcus
Kaieteur News –
By Franklin Wilson
After completing a successful two-year course at Essex County College, North New Jersey, USA, ‘Lady Jag’ Shamika Marcus will be graduating today with an Associates of Science Business Administration.
Being 22 years-old at the time, the former Foxy Ladies Football Club Captain, who attended Uitvlugt Secondary School, took up an offer for a soccer try out at Bryant & Stratton College in upstate New York in February 2019.
The offer was made to Marcus by former ‘Golden Jaguar’ Keavon Beaton in 2018. At the time, even though she accepted the opportunity, Marcus did not have the wherewithal to leave these shores as she needed all the assistance she could have garnered to make her dream a reality.
So she decided to reach out to Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde who pulled out all the stops to ensure that Marcus was able to fulfill her dream, which today, is reality.
At the try out at Bryant & Stratton College she was successful but then the Coach at Essex County College {Monique Edouard}heard about her [Marcus] and decided to reach out to her to make her an offer for a scholarship as well.
“So I choose Essex because it was more financially prudent decision to make and that was the beginning of it, my success.”
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the football aspect of Marcus’ time at Essex was curtailed but she revealed that she would have enjoyed the 2019 season very much even though it stared somewhat slow.
“At the beginning it was a bit difficult for me to adapt to a new environment and different culture but when I did, it was pretty amazing.”
Even her classes were challenging with the advent of the pandemic but she persevered and eventually got use to the zoom classes which replaced in classroom studies.
“It was a bit difficult because it was all new, it took some time for me to adapt. However, when I did, it was somewhat smooth sailing.”
Marcus, who was part of two national team camps but never made the national team, also commented on what this achievement means for her maturing in the sport.
“My qualifications definitely give me an opportunity for progression. It also equips me with a range of knowledge so I can navigate through the career path I choose and life. As it relates to sports, I actually would be transferring to Bryant & Stratton College on a soccer scholarship so I hope to excel both on and off the field. Also, I have a Concacaf D Coaching License so after I’m done playing I want to get more into Coaching,” she stated about her move in September to complete her degree programme.
President Forde commented on Marcus’ achievement: “Shamika has defied all the odds and in the process she has proven to herself that anything is possible.This young woman is an inspiration in so many ways and I am so proud of her.I want to wish her every success as she continues her academic pursuits.”
The humble but ambitious Marcus has words of encouragement for young female players: “Be assertive in this life. If you find something that you love doing, stay the course and stay true to yourself. Also, you need to place much emphasis on education because the world is evolving each and every day.”
Words of gratitude came from Shamika Marcus for all those who have made the effort to help her in her pursuits thus far.
“I’d like to thank Kevin Beaton, Mr. Wayne Forde, Ms. Claudius Simon, Forrester Lumber Yard and all my friends and family. Additionally, everyone who would have played a part, giving me all the necessary resources that I would have need or a little advice by they are too numerous to mention.”
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