International student from Slovakia, Sam Lenjik travels to Solano College to play basketball

Once upon a time in the picturesque town of Žilina, Slovakia, a young boy named Samuel Lenjik discovered his love for basketball at the age of 9. The local club team, MBK Victoria Žilina, became the training ground for his dreams, and Samuel dedicated the next eight years of his life to perfecting his skills on the court.

During his time with MBK Victoria Žilina, Samuel's talent and dedication shone brightly. He contributed significantly to the team's success, leading them to four national championships and making appearances in seven final fours. His prowess on the court extended beyond national borders, as he helped secure two international tournament victories.

In 2016, Samuel received the call to represent his country on the national team, a dream come true for the young athlete. The honor marked the beginning of an exciting journey, but Samuel's hunger for growth and new challenges led him to make a pivotal decision in 2019. At the age of 18, he crossed the border into the neighboring Czech Republic to join GB Academy Europe in Prague.

The move proved to be a transformative experience for Samuel. In the same year, he proudly donned his national jersey once again, this time competing in the U18 FIBA European Championship. The exposure and competition at the international level fueled his ambition, and destiny took an unexpected turn in 2020.

It was in 2020 that Samuel's basketball journey led him across the Atlantic to the United States. Fate smiled upon him as he connected with Dustin Aubert, the Point Guard College Director and associate head coach at Solano Community College. Recognizing Samuel's potential, he extended an invitation for the young Slovakian talent to join the Solano Men's basketball team.

Eager to continue his education and basketball career in the U.S., Samuel made the life-changing decision to commit to Solano Community College. His impact was immediate, not only as a skilled player but also as a leader. Samuel assumed the roles of a starter, captain, and a source of positive influence within the team.

As the seasons unfolded, Samuel's excellence on and off the court did not go unnoticed. His dream of transferring to a four-year university in the United States was on the horizon, a testament to his perseverance and commitment to both academics and basketball.

But Samuel's journey had one more chapter to unfold. In addition to his commitments at Solano, he also became a crucial part of the U23 3x3 Slovakia National team in 2020. As he approached the summer of 2024, Samuel prepared to embark on his final season with the national team, eager to contribute to his country's success in the fast-paced and dynamic world of 3x3 basketball. 

Head coach John Nagle  “Samo has been a true pleasure to coach and an exemplary representative of our program. He epitomizes all the positive,and valued, qualities and characteristics that special student-athletes possess. His passion, commitment and work ethic both on and off the court is amazing. He is an incredibly talented player and an even more impressive teammate and human being.”

Samuel Lenjik's story was one of determination, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From the small courts of Žilina to the Collegiate stage, his journey showcased the transformative power of passion, talent, and the pursuit of dreams.