In late November 2023, then-junior at Lewisville High School Michael Fasusi was helping his fellow Student Council members load a box truck full of gifts and supplies for LISD’s annual Adopt an Angel program. Mere days after Michael and the Farmers’ defeat in the Area round of the UIL State Football Playoffs, Michael had already turned his attention to helping the community that welcomed the Fasusi family with open arms just a few years prior.
Now a senior, Michael recently committed to further his educational and football career at the University of Oklahoma as one of the top recruits in the nation. For Michael, his decision was rooted in family and love for the Lewisville community.
In his words: “it’s nothing but love for Lewisville.”
Michael’s commitment announcement came on August 21, 2024, to commemorate his family’s fifth anniversary of immigrating to Lewisville. His parents, Ebenezer and Olayemi, made the decision to leave Ondo State, Nigeria, in search of educational opportunities for their children.
“I didn’t really understand [when we moved from Nigeria],” said Michael. “When we got here I saw that it was for the opportunities. My dad had a clear vision in his head, for sure, and it’s cool to see that now at this age.”
Those opportunities led Michael to DeLay Middle School, where he first learned about American football.
“It’s funny, the way I found out about [American] football,” he laughed. “Back in Nigeria, we knew ‘football’ as ‘soccer,’ right? So when we moved here, I searched for ‘football scores,’ and all that came up was these guys in helmets hitting each other and I thought ‘that looks like fun!’ So I did my own research and decided that I wanted to be part of that, and I started playing when I got to [LHS Killough].”
In just four short years, Michael worked and studied to become one of the nation’s top offensive tackles, amassing nearly 40 scholarship offers to play at some of the premiere football universities in the country. On the day of his commitment, between hugs and congratulations from every teacher and coach that has helped him along the way, he credits this support system for his successes.
“Coming to Lewisville, it’s been nothing but love from the coaches, the school, the teachers. This community has taken care of me and my family since we moved here.”
Head Farmer Football Coach Michael Odle, a lifelong part of the LHS and LISD community, highlighted the way that Lewisville has welcomed the Fasusi family.
“It means a lot that Lewisville has become his new home,” said Odle. “This community has helped raise him as it did myself 25 plus years ago. He serves our high school and community with class and integrity, and his future has no limits.”
Now a leader on and off of the field, Michael credits Odle and co-offensive coordinator Nate Blackwell, among others, with developing as both a player and a person. As a member of LHS StuCo and team captain, Michael has found a passion for giving back through the Angel Tree program, reading to elementary students and working directly with younger football players to help them learn and grow. Whatever his future brings, he’s sure it will include continuing to give back to those around him in LISD, and to his future community in Norman, Oklahoma.
“Helping in the community, talking to kids, it’s something that I’ve fallen in love with. I feel like I’m just a big kid, so connecting with people is really kind of my thing and I look forward to continuing to do that here and at Oklahoma.”
Surrounded by family, teammates, classmates, teachers and supporters in the LHS auditorium, Michael donned OU’s crimson cap to confirm his decision. He and his mother embraced as the applause faded out, knowing that their family’s decision to pursue an education in Lewisville had also made them part of the LISD family.
It’s a dream come true for Michael.
“Don’t stop dreaming. I’ve had my dreams, and I’m still living them and chasing them. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are, you can be great.”
Click HERE to see photos from Michael Fasusi's commitment ceremony.
Lewisville High School is a Lewisville Independent School District high school in Lewisville, Texas, serving all Farmers with engaging educational experiences, strong traditions, storied extracurriculars and future-ready opportunities. Follow LHS on Facebook and Twitter to see more throughout the school year. Join the Lewisville ISD family by enrolling today, or visit LISD.net to learn more.
