In Kharkiv, a Ukrainian city about 40 kilometers from the border of Russia, where a battle raged that would claim more than 600 lives, Howard’s standout freshman soccer player, Daniil Kaban, saw loss and suffering, before finding a new genesis at “The Mecca.”
Having been targeted with airstrikes for much of 2022 going into 2023, Kaban’s hometown was a central warzone. For the 21 year old developing athlete, these circumstances made the worst days a new normal.
“Hardship can make you stronger,” Kaban told The Hilltop. “Focusing on progress and remembering where you come from helps keep you grounded.”
Driven by the desire to balance both academics and athletics, Kaban, whose major is business administration, searched for schools that offered the unique opportunity to pursue higher education, while following his first love, soccer. After visiting multiple universities, Howard stood out the most.
“My experiences have shaped who I am, and soccer has been a constant source of strength for me,” he said.
Kaban feels a strong sense of duty to represent Ukraine through his exploits on the field.
“Being able to represent Ukraine here is an honor. It’s a way to show that we’re strong, that we don’t give up,” he said.
This pride in his heritage fuels his drive on the field, turning each game into a chance to reflect the resilience of his country.
The forward has already scored two goals and assisted on two others in his first season. His commitment to the game and talent has not gone unnoticed, as he earned NEC Rookie of the Week honors on Sept. 3, following his first collegiate goal against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Through having his training, lifestyle and family disrupted by a major war in his country, Kaban said he has learned the importance of gratitude and determination.
Daniil Kaban at Greene Stadium on Oct. 31 (Paige Kiarie/The Hilltop)
Still, after enrolling in school more than 5,000 miles away from his hometown and enjoying success early in his career, Kaban is unable to completely elude the emotional toll of the grim conditions that he left behind.
In one of his most emotionally charged memories, Kaban recounted a difficult conversation with his family that highlights the stark reality of their situation.
“My grandma was the first one to pick up the phone, and like a couple of hours later, I was talking to my mom,” he said. “The hardest part was hearing my mom crying and talking about how she went to buy bread and heard artillery shells and saw fighter jets flying overhead. This was probably the hardest moment.”
The weight of this conversation continues to inspire Kaban to stay strong.
“Knowing what my family is going through makes me even more determined to work hard,” he said. “I know they’re proud of me, and that pushes me to give my best every day.”
Beyond his success on the field, Kaban has embraced his role as an ambassador of resilience. He sees his journey as a chance to share a message of hope with his peers, both at Howard and beyond.
“I feel honored to represent Ukraine from afar,” he said. “Being here, I have the chance to share a message of strength and hope, to remind people of what my family and so many others are going through.”
His commitment to raising awareness about Ukraine’s ongoing struggles has become integral to his mission at Howard.
“Howard’s reputation, the support from the coaching staff and the location in a major city were all significant factors,” he said. “I wanted to be in an environment where both soccer and academics were respected and pushed.”
Although he experienced life abroad in Spain and Switzerland, adjusting to the U.S. presented new challenges. While the language barrier wasn’t a significant issue, the time difference made it hard for him to stay connected with his loved ones back home.
“Being far from home is difficult, but the warm welcome from my teammates, roommates and coaches made it feel a lot easier,” he said.
The support from his Howard community provided Kaban with a new sense of family, helping him build a strong foundation as he settled into his new life.
Kaban shared a piece of advice for others facing hardship. He emphasized the importance of fortitude and perseverance, encouraging young athletes and students alike to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.
“Stay focused on what you want to achieve,” he said.
Kaban believes maintaining a sense of gratitude and focus can help people navigate life’s difficulties.
“There’s always someone in a worse situation,” he said. “Remembering that helps me stay grounded and motivated.”
To Kaban, soccer is not just a sport. It’s a lifeline, a source of pride and a platform for sharing his message with the world. Through his determination and hard work, he reminds watchers of what is possible when life’s obstacles are met head-on
Copy edited by Jalyn Lovelady
