Luma Mufleh - Fugees Family

Every year UVU has a freshman reading book that they ask all the incoming freshman to read. This year it was Outcasts United by Warren St. John. I got a copy of the book and was inspired by what I read. The book is about a coach named Luma who created a soccer team in Clarkston, Georgia with the Refugee boys there. 

UVU invited Luma to come and speak and she graciously accepted the request. I know the individuals who were bringing her onto campus and was lucky enough to get invited to the brunch before she spoke. There were only 20 people there and we were given the opportunity to ask her questions. It was a fabulous experience and she said quite a few profound statements that I thought applied to teaching just as well as they apply to coaching. I've included some below.

"We aren't the only factor [in the lives of the boys]. We work with kids. They are unpredictable. We have successes & we have failures. We learn from our mistakes."


"We hold the kids responsibile"

"The kids want to win & they know they have to work together in order to win."


"If you stop enjoying the game it's not worth it. It should be fun." 

"You have to keep something that is just for you. You can't do great things if you don't have time for yourself. 

Luma has made a difference because she is staying grounded and focused. She went into a community which she understood and strengthened them by working with their strengths. She invested in their lives and is not letting the fame destroy her focus.


If you want to learn more visit: http://www.fugeesfamily.org/index.htm


P.S. I found out that Luma does not particularly agree with the information that is presented in Outcasts United. She is writing a book of her own, and I am sure I will highly recommend that when it comes out. Keep an eye out. This story is so inspiring. You won't be disappointed.