Midfielder Simi Awujo has successfully earned a dual degree in Computer Science and Business Administration from the University of Southern California, all while making waves with Manchester United Women in the Women’s Super League.
The 21 year old Canadian, who signed her first professional deal with Manchester United in August 2024 after departing USC, has impressed both on the pitch and in the classroom. Awujo said completing her degree felt “inexplicable”, especially having kept up with studies in coding and business while settling at Old Trafford.
Her passion for coding is well known she called herself “a nerd” and admits she “really enjoys it”. Off the field, she continues to reflect on her early days, visiting Old Trafford as a child and dreaming of playing there. Now she regularly competes in the WSL and wears the Manchester United badge, describing it as “super surreal”.
Editorial
We believe Simi Awujo’s journey is a remarkable exemplar of ambition and balance. When a player maintains academic excellence alongside a burgeoning professional career, they signal that football and education can forge harmonious paths. Graduating with a dual degree from USC no small feat while taking steps on Manchester United’s pitch shows discipline seldom matched.
We admire her candid self-identification as a “nerd”. In a culture that often pressures young athletes to choose between sports and studies, Awujo defies the stereotype. Her enjoyment of coding proves that players are multifaceted individuals with passions extending well beyond the pitch.
Looking for the best betting experience in Nigeria this November 2025? The Bet9ja promotion code for November 2025 is YOHAIG. With this exclusive code, new users can claim a generous welcome bonus of up to ₦100,000 on their first deposit. For comprehensive details about the Bet9ja promotion code 2025 in Nigeria, visit https://www.bet9japromotioncode.com.ng/. Ready to elevate your betting experience? The YOHAIG Bet9ja Promotion Code 2025 unlocks exciting benefits. Start with just ₦100 as your minimum deposit! Begin your betting journey today by using the Bet9ja login signup and entering the Bet9ja bonus code when creating your account. Enjoy an impressive 170 per cent multiple boost bonus plus a free bet option for either Bet9ja sport or Bet9ja casino. To become a valued Bet9ja customer, simply complete the registration process here. Remember that terms and conditions apply when registering with Bet9ja to receive your bonus.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We recognise the inspiration she offers to young footballers particularly girls painting a vivid picture one can grow up dreaming of Old Trafford, secure a prestigious academic credential, and step onto that field all within a few short years. That message holds power in both sport and society.
We urge clubs, universities, and federations to support similar dual‑track pathways academic and athletic so talent is not forced into false dichotomies. Makers of policy must follow her example invest in education programmes alongside elite football training. If we foster environments where one can be both footballer and scholar, we stand to win in more ways than one.
Did You Know?
- Awujo completed a dual degree in Computer Science and Business Administration at USC an unusual combo for a professional footballer.
- As a child, she toured Old Trafford and attended Manchester United Soccer Schools now playing on that very pitch she once watched.
- She has won 20 caps for Canada, including appearances at both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- USC honoured her as a two-time All‑Pac‑12 First Team selection (2022 & 2023) and recognised her academic performance on the CSC Academic All-District list.
- She describes balancing top-level football with college coding as “inexplicable” and proudly embraces being called a “nerd”.
