Colin Lamine Ndaw, a sophomore guard for William & Mary, has a journey that originates in the vibrant city of Dakar, Senegal.

Dakar, a place teeming with life and culture, is where Ndaw's story begins, and its influence has left an indelible mark on his character, values, and aspirations.

"I am a hardworking student-athlete, and I truly love my family and value my friends. I care about others' well-being and try to smile, making a positive impact on other people's days," said Ndaw.

As he continues his journey with Tribe basketball, Ndaw carries with him the spirit of his hometown and the dreams of creating a brighter future for African communities through sports and sustainable business ventures.

A Vibrant Community

Ndaw describes Dakar as a city with unmatched energy, where everyone knows each other, and the sense of community and family is strong.

Meals are shared, time is spent together, and the culture is light-hearted and full of humor. Sports, especially soccer and basketball, are integral to daily life, and the city has produced many talented athletes.

Growing up in this environment shaped Ndaw into the person he is today. It instilled in him the values of hard work, family, and a deep connection to his roots.

"My hometown is Dakar, Senegal — a vibrant city by the ocean, full of life and culture. The energy there is unmatched. Everyone knows each other, and there's a strong sense of community and family; we share meals every day and spend a lot of time together. The culture is light-hearted and full of humor, and sports like soccer and basketball are a huge part of daily life. Many talented athletes have come from Dakar. Growing up there shaped so much of who I am today," said Ndaw.

The Importance of Family

Ndaw's family has been his support system throughout his life. He acknowledges that without them, he is nothing. His older brother, Hans Alassane Ndaw, played a significant role in his life, teaching him the game of basketball and imparting valuable life lessons about character and staying true to oneself.

Ndaw also credits his parents for their hard work and sacrifices, which have allowed him and his siblings to pursue their dreams.

"My family. They are my support system, and without them, I am nothing," said Ndaw.

Empowering Communities

Beyond his basketball career, Ndaw has ambitious plans to make a difference in Africa. He aspires to build sports academies, schools, orphanages, and basketball courts in Senegal and across West Africa.

His goal is to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, showcasing the incredible potential of African athletes on a global stage. Additionally, Ndaw envisions launching a business focused on sustainability in Africa, creating long-term solutions that empower communities and drive positive change.

"Even after I'm done playing, I want to stay connected to basketball in a meaningful way. My goal is to build sports academies, schools, orphanages, and basketball courts that serve as community hubs in Senegal and across West Africa. I want to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity and help showcase the incredible potential of African athletes to the world. Beyond basketball, I also aspire to launch a business focused on sustainability in Africa, creating long-term solutions that empower communities and drive positive change," said Ndaw.

Ndaw is already working on those goals as he serves as the co-founder with his sister Dieynaba Ndaw of a non-profit called the Ndaw Academie, which serves to interconnect sports and education for the youth in Senegal and across West Africa. Ndaw Academie's purpose is to give back to the country that raised him by providing equipment such as shoes, shirts, school supplies, etc., and ultimately building schools, orphanages and sports academies across West Africa.

A Passion for Sports

While basketball is Ndaw's primary sport, he also has a deep love for soccer. It was the first sport he ever played, and every time he steps onto the soccer field, it brings back nostalgic memories of his childhood in Senegal, Sudan, and Mozambique.

Ndaw cherishes those moments of playing with friends in the neighborhood, competing to see who was the best soccer player.

"I love soccer! I really enjoy watching and playing it. It was the first sport I ever played. Every time I get to play it, it brings back so much nostalgia of growing up in Senegal, Sudan, and Mozambique, and playing with my friends in the neighborhood," said Ndaw.

Cultural Influences

Ndaw's interests extend beyond sports. He speaks multiple languages, including French, Dutch, English and learning Wolof. His favorite movie growing up was "The Dark Knight."

When it comes to music, Ndaw's taste reflects his diverse cultural background, with Santan Dave and Nipsey Hussle being his favorite artists.

Ndaw also has a deep appreciation for his Senegalese heritage, with Thieboudienne, a traditional dish, being his favorite food.

Ndaw's journey from Dakar to William & Mary is a testament to the power of community, family, and cultural heritage. His hometown and family have shaped him into a hardworking student-athlete with a passion for making a difference in the world. As he continues to pursue his dreams, Ndaw remains grounded in the values and experiences that have defined his life. He is committed to empowering African communities, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, and showcasing the incredible potential of African athletes to the world.