By: Jill Wunrow
GreenBayPhoenix.com

Green Bay, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) - When new Green Bay men's soccer head coach Kris Kelderman looked at his team roster on paper for the first time, he honestly chuckled when reading the following. Name: Lawrence Talery, Class: Sophomore, Height: 5-3, Weight: 145.

"I had heard about him a little before I got here but when I looked at his size on paper, it's not something a coach gets real excited about to be honest," said Kelderman. "My first thought was that a guy this small better be quick and strong. Turns out that Larry is both of those."

No one taught Talery the quickness and strength Kelderman refers to or even the game of soccer itself.

"That's just how all the kids and I grew up in Africa, just kicked the ball around with friends," said Talery about the only toy he had as a kid, a soccer ball.

In 2003, shortly before the age of 11, Talery came to the United States from Ghana with seven of his extended relatives for greater opportunities. During summer break at Green Bay, Talery lives in Coon Rapids, Minn. with his father, who came to the United States in 2001. When Talery left Ghana to come to the states, it was during the Second Liberian Civil War, a time in which Talery was living in the Buduburam Refugee Camp.

"It wasn't too bad compared to other refugee camps you hear about with no electricity. There was school," Talery said.

With a similar class structure to that of the U.S., there were other differences between life in Ghana and life in America. The biggest difference was that he was away from his mother. Talery's mother, Massah Kamara, who raised him as a single mother, currently resides in Republic of Liberia, a country in West Africa.

Talery last saw his mother in 2003 before coming to the U.S. with his relatives. Currently living in a one-bedroom apartment with Talery's younger sister and no computer, Kamara speaks to her son at least once a week on the phone and mails pictures whenever possible.

"That was the hardest part about coming to the U.S. My mom is not here for motherly support," Talery said. "I miss her a lot."

In addition to adjusting to a long distance relationship with his mom, Talery had to adjust to the obvious Midwest climate as well as sports other than soccer. But no matter which sport Talery participated in, in grade school or high school, he always had a disadvantage because of his size.

"I wasn't used to the cold and most people didn't play soccer like we did in Ghana so I had to get used to playing other sports like basketball and football until I got to high school," said Talery. "I was teased about my size, but I got used to it. I don't take it personal because that's who I am. I can't change how tall I am but rather use it to my advantage with speed and quickness."

Talery's strength, agility and determination landed him a spot at Green Bay. Playing Division I soccer is a dream come true for a kid all the way from a refugee camp in Ghana.

"I don't have any fear. I just go out there and try to play my best every time and give 100%," Talery said. "I know I'm not going to win every air ball but at least I know I'm going to try my best and jump with the taller guys."

"He's persistent and a lot stronger than he looks," said Kelderman. "Just looking at him you think you're going to man-handle this guy but he's so good and quick that he rebounds after getting pushed around."

Talery refers to his teammates and coaches as his 'family'. In return, Kelderman considers Talery a fighter, a little engine that just keeps going.

"If he fails against an opponent the first time, he will go at them the second time," said Kelderman. "Kyle (Zenoni) and I agree that if he were playing in a game against a famous international right defender, it wouldn't matter or change his game."

Though "Little Larry", as his teammates call him, may be the smallest player on the team, he does have the biggest heart and fight in him, which comes from his roots.

"I look back at where I came from and how I have the great opportunity to play Division I soccer," said Talery. "Looking back I know I can be a successful soccer player so every time I go on the field I remind myself of my goal."

Talery has started every game this season for the Phoenix, fired 18 shots, which is the second most on the team, and tallied his first career assist against Milwaukee Sept. 28.

"He's living the American dream that our country likes to brag about, giving people the opportunity for success. He's taken advantage of the opportunities that have been given to him and it looks like he will in the future," Kelderman said. "You can tell by his background that he's a guy that has had to fight for everything he has gotten. It's just part of his character and it shows in the way he plays soccer."

It is no wonder or coincidence that Ghana means 'Warrior King'.