Off to the ACC: Ascent Soccer's Latu Kayira Commits to Duke University!

Ascent Soccer is proud to announce that Latu Kayira has committed to Duke University, one of the United States premier academic and athletic institutions. Our talented forward will join the Blue Devils' storied men's soccer program while pursuing a world-class education at a top-10 ranked university.

Latu's journey from Ascent Soccer in Malawi to Brooks School in Massachusetts, and now to Duke, highlights the transformative power of the global pathways Ascent paves for its deserving student-athletes.

"We couldn't be more proud of Latu and everything he's accomplished," said Ascent Soccer co-founder George Maguire. "His commitment to Duke represents years of hard work, both on the pitch and in the classroom. Latu has shown that with the right support, young players from Malawi can compete and excel at the highest levels globally. Latu is earning everything he deserves and let's be clear, this is also a team effort. We have so much gratitude for the tireless staff and fellow student-athletes who make all of this possible."

Since arriving at Brooks, Latu made an immediate impact on one of New England's most competitive prep soccer programs in the Independent School League (ISL), and his progression on the pitch has been remarkable. From four assists as a freshman to seven goals and four assists as a sophomore -- to an explosive 11 goals and nine assists as a junior, in 18 games. Latu is adding to the Brooks rich soccer tradition, which won the 2017 ISL Championship and national title with an undefeated season, and produced U.S. National Team star Charlie Davies.

With the move to Duke in 2027, Latu wll join a school that consistently ranks in the top-10 among U.S. universities, with the Athletic Coast Conference (ACC) being recognized as having the highest academically ranked collection of member institutions among all major athletic conferences.

Duke's men's soccer program consistently competes at the highest level, with a legacy that included the 1986 NCAA National Championship and multiple ACC Championships. Head Coach John Kerr, who captained that championship team and won the Hermann Trophy as the nation's top player, has led Duke since 2008, producing All-Americans and professional players year over year.

Soccer runs deep in the Kayira family. Latu's father, Peterkins Kayira, represented Malawi's national team during the 1980s and early 1990s, earning caps in World Cup qualifiers and African Cup of Nations matches. Peterkins was part of the Malawi squad that won the 1988 CECAFA Cup, demonstrating the same competitive spirit that Latu now brings to the pitch.

Latu's commitment to Duke continues Ascent Soccer's mission of creating opportunities where they're needed most. Through world-class academy training, rigorous academic preparation, and character development at Ascent's Lilongwe campus, the program prepares youth of talent and promise for success at elite institutions worldwide, with students now at Northeastern University, Trinity College, Brooks, Milton Academy, Middlesex School and now, Duke.

Latu will complete his senior year at Brooks before arriving at Duke for the 2027 season.

"Duke is getting an exceptional young man who embodies everything we strive to nurture here at Ascent Soccer," shared Marc Schwenk, Ascent Soccer's acting Academy Director. "We can't wait to watch him compete, and thrive, at the highest level of college soccer, while earning a world-class education."

Congratulations, Latu!

Go Blue Devils!