Markhus “Duke” Lacroix, a former Penn midfielder who earned All‑Ivy League honors in each of his four varsity seasons, is now a regular presence in Haiti’s World Cup squad, known as Les Grenadiers.
After a decade navigating the lower‑division American soccer circuit, Lacroix caught the eye of Haiti’s scouts in 2019. Since then he has amassed 16 caps and scored three goals for the national team, earning a spot on the roster that will face Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco.
In a twist that feels like a homecoming, Lacroix is set to return to Philadelphia’s Rhodes Field for a training camp before the tournament’s opening match. The session marks a full‑circle moment for a player who once chased victories on that very turf as a college star.
A Full‑Circle Training Camp
Beyond the pitch, Lacroix holds a sociology degree that informs his perspective on the World Cup’s social ripple effects. As president of the USL Players Association for two years, he has championed labor rights for lower‑division athletes, while also drawing on his academic background to discuss how the tournament can uplift Haitian communities.
The road to the World Cup is not without obstacles. U.S. entry restrictions on Haitian citizens have limited the ability of many fans to travel to matches, a reality that underscores the broader challenges faced by the Haitian diaspora. Lacroix’s story, however, illustrates how sport can bridge continents and generations.
Haiti’s schedule pits the team against Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco, each fixture promising a test of skill and resolve. For Lacroix, the upcoming games represent both a personal milestone and an opportunity to showcase the resilience of a nation whose passion for soccer transcends borders.