BTN.com staff, August 31, 2017
After attending Virginia Tech University for his freshman year, Melvin transferred to the University of Maryland to be closer to his family. Once a member of the team, he sat down with new head coach DJ Durkin and told his story. Coach Durkin was shocked to hear that Melvin had not seen his mother in more than 14 years, and the two set a plan in motion to try and have him return to Liberia. Through the Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund, Maryland was able to provide Melvin a trip back to Liberia in the summer of 2017. Melvin decided to keep the trip a secret from his mother, because he wanted to surprise her by standing in front of her face. He packed up all his things, and headed off to the airport to reunite with his mother.
