The Northern Vermont University family had their world flipped upside down on July 24, 2020 when NVU lost rising sophomore student-athlete and member of the men's basketball program Mamadou N'Diaye in an accident on Lake Koocanusa located outside Eureka, Montana. Mamadou had jumped off a boat to swim and did not resurface after the jump.
Associate Dean of Athletics and Recreation Jamey Ventura commented on the loss, "My deepest condolences go out to Mamadou's family. He made such a positive impact on our athletics and NVU communities in his first year. My sympathy also goes to his teammates, and friends, coaching staff, faculty and staff close to Mamadou."
Born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 27, 2001, Mamadou came to NVU-Johnson from Prince George, Maryland where he was a student-athlete at Potomac High School. NVU-Johnson Head Men's Basketball Coach Miles Smith recruited Mamadou in spring 2019 to add depth to the Badger front court.
Mamadou was extremely optimistic and caring from day one on the Johnson campus. One of the fondest memories shared by those who met N'Diaye for the first time was of a visit Mamadou made to the Johnson campus while he was being recruited. The 6-foot, 5-inch athlete arrived in his best business formal wear, making an immediate and lasting impression on the staff and faculty and his peers.
As a student-athlete, Mamadou embraced the challenge of hard work and grit. On the basketball court, he enjoyed every moment with his teammates. He took pride in strategically planning the best ways to achieve victory over his opponents.
Academically, Mamadou applied the same focus as he did on the courts. He was determined to strive for greatness. The dream of being the best basketball player he could be and making it to the NBA was something he always wanted to achieve but Mamadou had other aspirations as well. He planned to pursue a career as an engineer. Mamadou enjoyed retelling a story of his youthful ambitions. He would watch World Wrestling Entertainment and dreamed of being in the WWE. Ultimately, his dream was squashed when his mother forbid him from watching the show after seeing him imitating the moves.
Mamadou's best quality was the love and dedication he showed his family. He cared deeply for his brothers and sisters and wanted to follow in their footsteps to achieve a college degree. He was a mentor to his nine-year-old sister and always motivated her to work towards her goals.
Members of the NVU community may seek support through the NVU-Johnson Wellness Center. Counselors are available Monday, July 27 through Thursday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. To schedule a meeting, email Kate McCarthy at Kathleen.McCarthy@NorthernVermont.edu. Confidential meetings will take place through doxy.me, a secure and confidential online tele therapy platform.
McCarthy reminds students, faculty and staff that "whatever you are feeling is valid. We are here to listen and support you in any way you need."
To help the family pay for unexpected funerary expenses, Mamadou's community put together a GoFundMe campaign. Donations may be made at:https://www.gofundme.com/f/2331mjt3eo.
Today, the NVU community is faced with unimaginable tragedy and devastating loss. Everyone who knew Mamadou was touched by his warm heart, tenacious work ethic and overall drive.