From Haiti to the NCAA: Zao Cheron’s Journey Through IDA

For Zao Axel Cheron, football always meant dreaming beyond the limits of his surroundings.

Growing up in Haiti, opportunities to play regularly were scarce. Despite his passion for the game, competitive matches were few and far between.

“I was only playing about three games a year in Haiti,” he recalls. “My parents and I thought it would be a good idea to go abroad and pursue my dream.”

At just 15 years old, Zao made a life-changing decision. He left home and traveled to Valencia, Spain, to join IDA — stepping into an environment built around daily development, international competition, and long-term football growth.

Three years later, that decision has opened a door he once never imagined: an opportunity to play college soccer in the United States at Mount Olive University in North Carolina, competing at the NCAA Division II level.

Discovering the Real Level

When Zao first arrived in Spain, the goal was simple: improve.

College soccer in the United States wasn’t something he had even considered.

“No, it was never something we thought about. We didn’t really know much about it.”

What he did discover, however, was the level of football that exists beyond his home country.

Training and competing in Spain quickly exposed him to a much deeper and more competitive global talent pool.

“The level in Spain made me realise there is much more talent in the world than I initially thought,” he says. “If I want to reach my goals, I have to work very hard.”

That realization became one of the defining moments of his development.

When One Year Became Three

Zao originally planned to spend one year at IDA Valencia.

But the progress he felt — both on and off the field — convinced him and his family to continue the journey.

“The plan was to stay one year, but after that first year I realised how much I developed as a player and as a person,” he says. “So we decided it was best to stay longer.”

Over the next three years, the academy environment helped shape his growth.

Daily training, higher expectations, and constant competition pushed him to improve technically — but the biggest transformation happened mentally.

“To be honest, I improved a lot technically, but mentally is where I developed the most.”

Learning to stay confident in difficult moments became part of that growth.

“Not being afraid to lose the ball, for example, or letting negative thoughts affect my game.”

A New Opportunity Emerges

As Zao continued progressing at IDA, a pathway he had never imagined began to appear.

College soccer in the United States.

After reviewing his highlight footage, the coaching staff at Mount Olive University saw potential and offered him the opportunity to join their program.

According to Zao, the opportunity includes a combination of athletic and academic support, allowing him to continue developing both as a player and as a student.

For someone who once didn’t even know this pathway existed, the moment represents a remarkable step forward.

Why Mount Olive

Choosing a university meant finding an environment where he could continue growing.

“I like the level, the weather, and the fact that it’s a Christian school,” he says.

At Mount Olive University, Zao will now experience a new football culture — one very different from the style he developed in Spain.

“I’m excited to see the difference between Spanish football and football in the U.S.”

A Journey Built on Commitment

Leaving Haiti at 15 required courage. Adapting to life and football in another country required discipline and resilience.

Looking back on his time in Spain, Zao recognizes how much the experience shaped him.

The challenges of adapting, competing, and growing far from home strengthened his mindset and confidence.

And those lessons will now travel with him to the next chapter of his career.

A Message to the Next Generation

For young players who dream of following a similar path, Zao offers a message about commitment.

“Your lack of commitment is an insult to people who believe in you,” he says. “When you feel lazy or unmotivated, think about the people who believe in you — your parents, siblings, friends — and try your best to make them proud.”

From Haiti to the NCAA

Three years ago, Zao Cheron left Haiti searching for a stronger football environment.

Through IDA Valencia, he discovered a higher level of the game, developed mentally and technically, and uncovered opportunities he never knew existed.

Now, his journey continues in the United States.

From Haiti, to Spain, to NCAA soccer, Zao’s story is proof that stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors far beyond what you once imagined.

And for him, the journey is just getting started.