Liberian Native Malvin Glbah

Lakewood High School senior Malvin Glbah was recently selected as a member of the United Soccer Coaches All-America Team. Malvin is just one of 68 young men selected for the honor. The award is icing on a cake full of accolades for Malvin's play this year. His honors include All Lake Erie Regional Team, All Ohio First Team, Greater Cleveland Player of the Year, All Greater Cleveland First Team, and All Southwest Conference Second Team.
Malvin joined the LHS soccer program in 2015 during the start of his freshman year at Lakewood High School. His road to Lakewood was not typical or easy. He was born in a refugee camp in Ivory Coast, his family displaced by the extreme civil war in his homeland of Liberia. His family endured refugee camps for many years before eventually coming to the US and finding a home in Lakewood.
Malvin attributes his success on the field directly to his supportive teammates and the soccer program at LHS led by Coach Andrew Toth. The culture of the team embraces diversity and caring, with players believing in helping each other to become successful. Coach Toth saw something special with Malvin very early.
“I knew right away that Malvin was a player unlike others coming into our program," Coach Toth said. "His foot skills, ball mastery and game awareness are exceptional and have grown all four year in this program. He is incredibly committed to his team and the game. He will go on to do great things. We are proud to call him a Ranger.”
When asked about his thoughts on soccer and his place on the Ranger team, Malvin said: “Play like someone is watching, that can change your life.”