Noor Shongolo
Born on a refugee camp in Kenya, Noor and his family suffered brutal acts during Kenya's ongoing conflict with Somalia. In 2003, when Noor was eight, his family fled the camp; they were forced to leave behind family members including Noor's sister who had been abducted. Now, Noor lives with 14 family members in a tiny apartment in Commerce City, CO. His ill father still works as a dishwasher in a local hotel earning eight dollars an hour, but the future of the family's livelihood depends on Noor. He has a dream that football will help him and his family out of their situation. A junior, Noor is a rising star on the football team; he plays every single position except kicker. A college scholarship may be in reach for Noor, and his family could benefit in turn.
Credit: SI Video
SI.com's selection from the user-generated Underdogs submissions is Adams City High School in Commerce City, Colorado. A suburb of just under 46,000, Commerce City, Colorado is home to the largest oil refinery in Colorado and the home stadium for the MLS's Colorado Rapids. But away from the booming industry and glamour of professional sports is the community of Adams City, where several immigrant families live under the poverty line and struggle to make ends meet. With a significant Latin American population, soccer is the dream for most, and as a result the football team has not won a game in four years. The losses continue to pile up, but the community still mobilizes around the team despite its struggles.
Credit: SI Video
