University of Albany

Before UAlbany

• Missouri State University (2025)
  • Appeared in three matches in the midfield, totaling 15 minutes during the 2025 season.
  • Named to the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll in 2025-26.
  • Earned Missouri State Athletic Director's Honor Roll recognition in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
• St. Bonaventure University (2024)
  • Began her collegiate career at St. Bonaventure before transferring to Missouri State.
• Shattuck-St. Mary's (Minn.)
  • Competed for the Shattuck-St. Mary's club program under coach Sue Vodicka.
  • Helped the program capture the 2022 Las Vegas Cup title and 2023 Jefferson Cup championship.
  • Guided Shattuck-St. Mary's to an undefeated 8-0 record during her senior season.
  • Helped the program win its first-ever Great Lakes Conference championship in 2024.
  • Also captured championships at the 2024 Nike Blue Chip Showcase and Raleigh Girls Showcase.
• Guyana National Team
  • Represented Guyana on the U20 and Senior National Teams.
  • Competed with the Guyana U20 National Team at the 2025 Concacaf Women's U-20 Championship.
  • Scored a goal during Guyana's run to the Concacaf Championship Round.
  • Helped Guyana become the only Caribbean nation to qualify for the 2025 Concacaf Women's U-20 Championship after defeating Haiti for the first time.

Personal

• Liyah Menilek was born on Jan. 22, 2006, in Berkeley, Calif.
• Daughter of Manny Mekbeb and Shana London.
• Has one older sister, Saba Menilek, and one younger brother, Aman Menilek.
• Intends to major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at UAlbany.
• Enjoys art, hiking, and trying new foods.
• Has volunteered at a local dog shelter and helped children with disabilities play soccer.
• Served as a leader in the Black Student Union and participated in the Women's Leadership Summit.
• Chose UAlbany because of its strong academic foundation and welcoming athletic community.