EMBA weekends are packed with a variety of activities, from rigorous classes and study sessions to group dinners—and, of course, SOCCER.
Obehi Ukpebor, WG’25, a second-year student originally from Nigeria and the team’s honorary captain, says playing sports has always been a way for him to quickly make friends in new environments. Wanting to foster and strengthen a sense of community while also deepening his relationships with classmates, Obehi proposed the idea of starting a Wharton EMBA soccer team. The response was immediate and enthusiastic.
The first game was played right after a “particularly challenging” Term 1 final exam, and what started as a casual match quickly turned into a regular weekend fixture. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged tradition, with multiple teams, official jerseys, and occasional matches against the EMBA cohort from the Philadelphia campus.
With busy schedules balancing full-time jobs and academic commitments, Obehi finds that the soccer games offer a much-needed mental break.
“It’s just pure fun,” he says. “Running around for an hour on the field is a great way to de-stress before Saturday’s classes and the rest of the weekend.”
The soccer games were so well-received that his classmate, Toms Zvidrins, WG’25, and Obehi also launched a Friday morning basketball game, which quickly became popular in the EMBA community. Both the soccer and basketball games are co-ed and open to classmates’ partners, children, friends, and Wharton professors.
For those who prefer a different kind of activity, Professor of Operations, Information and Decisions Gad Allon offers “running” office hours on Saturday mornings, a group that often runs by the scenic waterfront of San Francisco. Some of the runners also come join the fun soccer games after their run.
These activities enrich the tight-knit community built among Wharton EMBA students, says Obehi. “When you get to Wharton you wonder if you’re at the right place because everyone is so smart and accomplished, but you quickly realize that everyone is there to support each other. It’s about getting better together, and this creates a strong bond. We look for opportunities to spend more time together.”
Obehi’s classmates, who include two Olympians, a former MVP of the Super Bowl, a former pro basketball player, doctors, scientists, veterans, and entrepreneurs, have become not only friends but also a support system and a lifelong network. “They inspire me, and I know we’ll be part of each other’s lives for the long term,” he says.
Beyond sports, Obehi’s classmates often organize events that strengthen their connections, such as camping trips, hikes, team dinners, and festive parties celebrating occasions like Halloween and Diwali.
“Aside from all of our academic coursework and studying, there’s always something happening,” Obehi adds. “Even when we travel for work, we make an effort to visit classmates in their hometowns. We find ways to stay connected and bond, no matter where we are in the country.”
By Meghan Laska
Posted: December 2, 2024
