Positions of influence: Barilemelo Ipaa on representation, coaching and Black excellence

For Kodiaks futsal and soccer assistant coach Barilemelo Ipaa, Black excellence is rooted in making a difference.

“Black excellence to me is Black people who are out there in the community, in the world, whatever discipline that they’re in,” Ipaa says. “Whether it’s sports, politics, art, writing, photography – they’re doing the best that they can in that discipline.”

And it goes beyond individual success. He says excellence also means being embraced and celebrated within the community while inspiring others who are watching and listening.

“You don’t know who’s potentially looking up to those stories,” Ipaa says. “They hear about an athlete or an artist and think, that could be me.”

That belief shapes not only how he views others, but how he views his own role in sport.

A journey shaped by lived experience

As a first-generation Nigerian Canadian, Ipaa’s understanding of resilience is personal.

He arrived in Canada as a refugee at 12 years old, settling in Lethbridge with his family through the federal resettlement process. Adjusting to a new country at that age required learning quickly, adapting to a different culture, new systems and new expectations while still holding tightly to his roots.

“The experiences I went through with my family before arriving here molded me as a person,” Ipaa says. “It made me see the world in a different lens at an early age.”

Coming to Canada during his formative years meant navigating change in real time – balancing gratitude for the opportunity with the responsibility of making the most of it. 

While many think of Black excellence in terms of global superstars or headline-making athletes, Ipaa keeps his definition grounded in the everyday.

He points to his brother, Bariyaa Ipaa, as an example. An artist who paints, works in photography and organizes workshops in the community, his influence is rooted in creativity and service.

“He’s very involved in the community,” Ipaa says of his brother. “He’s a great example of Black excellence.”

In sport, Ipaa admires figures like former English soccer star Ian Wright, not just for what he achieved on the pitch, but for how he advocates for the game and uses his platform responsibly. Ipaa believes athletes speaking out carries weight, particularly when it amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard.

“They have a huge platform; them speaking out is significant,” he says. “I don’t think being an athlete should be the only value that they bring, as they can be multifaceted in different ways.”

Putting himself in positions of influence

For Ipaa, representation matters most at decision-making tables – in rooms where policies, programs and opportunities are shaped. Because diverse voices bring lived experiences and insight into conversations that directly impact communities, he tries to put himself in positions where he can make a difference.

Just as importantly, visibility creates belief. He says, when young athletes see someone in a coaching role who shares their background, it shifts what feels possible.

”They can say, I can do that as well.”

That awareness is part of what drew Ipaa into coaching. Beginning at the youth level in 2021 and working his way up to the collegiate game, he felt his presence could offer more than tactical instruction.

“I recognized that I’m potentially in a position where other Black athletes could look up to me,” he says.

And when athletes face doubt or struggle, he sees it as part of his responsibility to be there.

“If I notice Black athletes going through struggles or questioning their ability, I’m there to support them,” he says. “I encourage them that they can get through whatever they’re going through.”

More than a moment

For Ipaa, Black History Month is an important opportunity to reflect, celebrate and amplify stories that may otherwise go unheard.

But he also believes recognition should not be confined to one month on the calendar. Black excellence, in his view, is lived continuously through daily actions. For him, that means supporting Black artists, highlighting community leaders and encouraging youth athletes to believe in their potential. 

“It doesn’t just end [in February],” Ipaa says. “It’s something I live month to month, day by day.”

Looking back, the advice he would offer his younger self reflects that same responsibility.

“Embrace the culture,” he says. “Be proud of where you’re from. Don’t feel like you need to sugarcoat anything.”

For Ipaa, Black excellence is rooted in making a difference – in his community, in representation and in the responsibility to lead in a way that opens doors for those who come next.