One other former HBCU soccer star from Winston-Salem State (WSSU) has appeared on the viral “Pop The Balloon” courting present.
Juan Corders, a Winston-Salem State College (WSSU) alumnus appeared on the courting present not too long ago.
The Durham, NC native joined WSSU throughout its Division I try within the mid-2000s. He caught round after this system moved again to the CIAA in 2010 and completed his profession with All-CIAA honors. He additionally turned a member of the Mu Epsilon chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Corders is at present a regional supervisor for a pharmacutical firm in Richmond, VA. The now 37-year outdated stays in form by working.
“Pop the Balloon” is a viral courting present that started on YouTube in December 2023, created by Arlette Amuli and Bolia “BM” Matundu. The present includes a distinctive format the place a single contestant faces a lineup of potential matches, every holding a purple balloon. If a participant is uninterested, they pop their balloon, eliminating themselves from consideration. This setup results in candid and sometimes humorous interactions, as contributors clarify their causes for popping or maintaining their balloons.
The unique YouTube collection gained recognition for its uncooked and unfiltered portrayal of courting, notably resonating with Black audiences. It showcased actual folks discussing their preferences and deal-breakers brazenly, resulting in each entertaining and thought-provoking moments. Some contributors even discovered lasting connections.
In April 2025, Netflix launched a dwell adaptation titled “Pop the Balloon LIVE,” hosted by Yvonne Orji. Whereas sustaining the core idea, the Netflix model launched superstar contributors and a extra polished manufacturing. Nonetheless, it confronted criticism for diluting the unique’s authenticity and cultural significance, with some viewers feeling it misplaced the essence that made the YouTube collection particular.
Regardless of the blended reception of the Netflix adaptation, the unique YouTube collection continues to thrive, providing viewers an unfiltered look into trendy courting dynamics.
Corders is the second former WSSU athlete to look on the present. His former faculty teammate, quarterback Jarrett Dunston, appeared on the present this spring.
We’ll preserve a watch out for some other former HBCU stars on this viral courting present.
