By Chris Hunn

Former Penn men's soccer player Tobi Olopade describes Black History Month as a time to reflect.

"It's about the progress we've seen and how much more we have to go," he says. "It's a nice reminder every year of the great leaders we've had in the past and also to think about what we can do moving forward."

Olopade doesn't have to look too far to find an impactful African-American leader.

Olopade's mother, Funmi is a world-renowned oncologist who has made major contributions in managing and preventing cancer. Her groundbreaking genetic research found differences in the links to breast cancer between black and white women. The findings essentially changed the way doctors screen black women for breast cancer.

Funmi works at the University of Chicago Medicine. President Barack Obama named Funmi to the National Cancer Advisory Board. She's a recipient of the Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist and Exceptional Mentor Award, and also earned the Franklin D. Roosevelt Freedom from Want Award.

The list of accomplishments and honors go on and on.

She's incredible," Olopade said. "Her accomplishments don't tell the full story. Knowing her as a person, a mom, the way she works and her attitude, she's phenomenal. She's an inspiration."

Olopade's father, Chris, is also a doctor. He is a pulmonologist and has earned several honors. Both his parents are from Nigeria.

"Kids look up to athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kobe Bryant and other athletes," Olopade said. "For me, my role models have been my parents."

As for Olopade, the successful ways of his parents seem to have rubbed off on their son. His future appears to be promising. After graduating from Penn and working in the finance world for a couple of years, he is now attending Harvard Business School. He says seeing the passion of his parents in their respective fields led him to a career change, to something he is more passionate about.

Olopade's passion always showed on the soccer field. He was a competitor. The 6-foot-3 forward had sprinter-like speed. He was typically the fastest player on the field.

He captained the Quakers during his senior season in 2010. A game-winning assist in a victory over George Washington highlighted his senior campaign. He also led Penn in assists his junior year.

As a sophomore, Olopade helped Penn to an Ivy League title. In order to clinch a championship, the Quakers needed to beat Harvard. They did, with a 1-0 victory in overtime, which secured an NCAA Tournament berth.

"Amazing," Olopade said. "That was one of the top-five moments of my lifetime."