When Archie Karpeh started playing soccer as a child in his native country of Liberia, he hadn’t envisioned the large role the sport would play later in his life. Karpeh grew up a Manchester United fan, following his grandmother’s fandom, and has remained loyal to the team to this day.

“Back in Liberia, soccer is a huge sport,” he said. “While other kids were watching ‘Tom and Jerry,’ I was watching football. That’s what I’ve been playing all my life.”

What first began as a hobby created many opportunities for Karpeh. It paved his way onto many playing fields, including that of the Elon men’s soccer team, where he was a forward.

Shortly after eighth grade, Karpeh was recruited by IMG Academy and played for the Under-17 United States men’s national soccer team throughout high school after receiving dual citizenship in the United States and Liberia. The Academy, located in Bradenton, Fla., is a world-class athletic training program and dual residency for athletes playing soccer, American football, baseball, basketball, golf and lacrosse.

Programs like IMG prepare rising athletes for professional settings, such as the U.S. national team. Balancing his IMG and U-17 team responsibilities wasn’t easy for Karpeh, who often had practices at different times for both programs. He was also the only member of either program who played for both teams.

“I knew I had one practice here and another there,” Karpeh said. “It was a lot of help from coaches and staff. It was just people helping me out and making sure I was where I needed to be and that I was studying.”

Elon men’s soccer coach Darren Powell leads summer soccer camps held at Elon. When he met Karpeh through the camp and saw him play in 2008, Powell knew Karpeh was the type of player and person he wanted on his team.

“Archie had a fantastic personality,” Powell said.

Powell recruited Karpeh for the 2009 season, in which Karpeh made 17 appearances. During his time at Elon, Karpeh played in 29 games in 2009 and 2010 combined. His experience at IMG and on the national team has been valuable to the Elon team, Powell said.

“Personally, we’ve seen a fantastic, passionate young man whose personality is contagious in the locker room,” he said. “Many players see Archie with a ball on the field after practice and that inspires them to go the extra mile as well. He plays a key role on the team.”

After Elon, Karpeh’s eyes are set on Europe, specifically Italy, although he admits he has enjoyed his career and teammates at Elon.

“It’s been great living here,” Karpeh said. “I don’t want to focus on ending the time but leaving a mark. I’ve been blessed to play for a great program.”

Clubs in Italy have been trying to recruit Karpeh since he was in the 11th grade, but his education was more important, Karpeh said. His coach at IMG Academy, Ferdi De Matthaeis, used to coach and play in Italy himself. Karpeh, who graduated in December, will be leaving the United States to try out with clubs in Italy, and although he’s looking forward to this new beginning, he said he can’t forget those who have helped him grow as an athlete and a person.

“I’m looking forward to it and I cannot thank the people who have helped me enough,” Karpeh said. “My grandmother has been a blessing and people like Richard Van Horne and Bruce Zollinger, my youth coaches, have been very supportive of me. They are both father figures to me. My teammates at Elon and Coach Powell have also been amazing.”