When Peter Kolenyo takes his place between the goalposts representing Viterbo University’s men’s soccer team, he does more than protect the net; he carries a story of friendship, resilience, and faith that started back in Kenya, Africa. Kolenyo, the number one goalkeeper for the Viterbo men’s soccer team, came to the United States on an athletic scholarship, ready to pursue both his passion for the game and his education. “It’s been an amazing experience,” he says. “Viterbo is a great school. The people here are very kind and wholesome, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of being here.”
Kolenyo is an international student, and like many international students, he faced the challenge of leaving behind friends, family, and the familiarity of his home. He arrived from Kenya eager yet not sure of what to expect. The community he found at Viterbo made the transition easier. “The people here made me feel like I belonged from the very start,” he says. “It’s not just a university, it’s family.” The transition to life in La Crosse was not simple. He recalls his first winter. “I didn’t expect the winter to be that cold,” he says. “Back home, it’s always sunny, so the snow was something new. The pace of life here also took some getting used to.” Still, he says the Viterbo environment made adapting much easier and smoother.
Professors offered any support they could, and he quickly became friends with his teammates, who showed him everything from campus life to local culture. “People here are genuinely supportive,” Kolenyo explains. “Professors go out of their way to help you achieve your goals; the students are also friendly. Even if you are a long way from home, this kind of environment makes you feel at peace.” He says, “What stood out most to me is how connected Viterbo feels. Viterbo is small, but I feel like that is what makes it special.” “You see familiar faces every day, and everyone is supportive. It’s a place that helps you grow in every aspect.”
As the first-choice goalkeeper, Kolenyo has one of the most demanding positions on the field. It is a role that requires trust, leadership, and concentration. For him, the bonds he has with his teammates are what make the difference.
“The friends I’ve made on the soccer team are irreplaceable,” he says proudly. “We practice hard and push each other to be better every day, and we celebrate every win together. The friendships I’ve built are something that will always stay with me.” He says his teammates are like a second family, a mix of players from all over the world who want to achieve the same goals. “We come from very different backgrounds, but when we step on the field, we’re one team. That’s why I find soccer beautiful, it unites people,” he says.
Kolenyo’s favorite moments are not just the wins they shared; they are the moments of connection he had with the boys. Long bus rides to away games, laughter shared in the locker room, and practice sessions. “Those are the memories that stick,” he says. “Such memories remind you that it’s not just about the sport but the people you share it with.”
As his four-year chapter at Viterbo comes to an end, Kolenyo says he’s grateful for every opportunity. “I’ve learned that home isn’t just where you come from, it’s also where you find belonging,” he says. “For me, Viterbo is the place where he has grown the most as a person.” His time at Viterbo shows the power of community, courage, and connection. As he takes on his last year at Viterbo, he hopes to make more memories with the team and his friends on campus.
