University of Mobile Men's Soccer
Each month, the University of Mobile Men's Soccer program will highlight one former Ram that has gone above and beyond throughout their entire collegiate career and life afterwards.
March 2025
Elijah Gibson | 2011-2015
Q: What’s your best memory from your time as a student-athlete at UM?
A: My best memory as a student-athlete is our team’s run at Nationals in 2012. Though it ended in a heartbreaking championship game, that year shaped my view of true teamwork and unity.
Q: What do you remember most vividly about your time at UM?
A: I most vividly remember that amidst many failures and mistakes, my time at UM grew my faith tremendously. I also remember that I had A WHOLE LOT of fun ALL THE TIME!
Q: What do you miss most about being a student athlete?
A: What I miss the most about being a student-athlete is battling day in and day out alongside my teammates, all working towards the same goal. That daily grind has given me friendships that will last for a lifetime.
Q: Tell us a little bit about what you’re doing now?
A: I met my wife Hannah at UM. After working at the university for several years, we moved to the DC area and now live in Birmingham with our sons, Milo (7yr) and Josiah (4mo). I work as a solutions consultant for a Birmingham-based commercial security company called Sophia. Milo just recently put on the gloves for the first time to start his own goalkeeping journey.
February 2025
Jaime Ferguson | 2001-2003
Q: Why did I choose UM?
A: Not sure I can say I choose UM. For me it is very powerful to look back in life- just to see the influence God has on your day to day decisions. In the moment I can tell you I was not aware of his impact- but I can honestly say that God had a hand in me landing at UM. I went from being told “you can not play in US ” to then receiving a call from Coach Fuller. In reality coach took a gamble and called me.
Best Memory:
A: I have many great memories from my time at UM- some I can share and some that probably need to stay locked away in the trailer. Winning the National Championship in 2002 was certainly the most memorable moment of my time. 2001 was a special group but we fell short. I truly think the championship of ’02 was birthed from the disappointment of 2001. Spring 2001 was brutal, but looking back –it was worth every hill, mile and national team (even the 17 national teams we had to run because Remi and BP were arguing)
Q: What do you remember most vividly? & What do I miss?
A: I fondly remember the times together: On the field, in the cottages, the caf, team dinners at Coach Fuller’s house, the banter on the sleeper bus. I will never forget the milk gallon challenge on the trip home from New York. Over 20 years have pasted since I was at UM- reflecting back on those times still makes me smile. My time at UM was amazing both on and off the field, creating life long friends from all corners of the globe, most importantly meeting my wife of nearly 23 years -Christin.
January 2025
Glenn "Benji" Benjamin | 1993-1996
Q: Why did you choose the University of Mobile?
A: I was offered a full scholarship to attend James Madison University (Va.), but I chose the University of Mobile instead. Two of my teammates from the Trinidad and Tobago National Team, who played alongside me in the 1990 Youth World Cup—my cousin Nigel Davidson and my friend Kirk Trotman—were already at UM. Additionally, my friend Mickey Trotman, who is Kirk's cousin, received a full scholarship to join Mobile at the same time. This opportunity was presented by Coach Bob Gray and his assistant, Dexter Sandy, a fellow Trinidadian, who traveled to Trinidad to recruit players. Choosing the University of Mobile was a decision I have never regretted.
Q: What’s your best memory from your time as a student-athlete at UM?
A: My best memory as a student-athlete at the University of Mobile is from 1994, when we hosted the national tournament. We made it to the finals and were widely considered the favorites to win it all. The build-up to the game and the preparations were electric. The atmosphere on campus and in the city was incredible—there was an overwhelming sense of pride and excitement. It felt like we were on top of the world and about to put the University of Mobile on the map.
The support from the school and the community was outstanding. Although we lost 4-2 to West Virginia Wesleyan in the final, it was still an unforgettable experience. The energy, camaraderie, and sense of achievement surrounding the tournament made it a truly special time. It left me with lasting memories of the fantastic soccer program we were building at U of M—something I will always cherish and never forget.
Q: What do you remember most vividly about your time at UM?
A: What I remember most vividly about my time at the University of Mobile are the simple, everyday moments—walking to and from classes and heading to the cafeteria. The soccer players all lived on one side of campus in what we called the cottages, while the cafeteria was more centrally located. and the classrooms on the other end.
On any given weekday, you’d see us soccer players and other sport athletes walking together, laughing, and having fun. We’d often juggle or toss a tennis ball back and forth as we went, our camaraderie and energy lighting up the campus. Everyone knew who we were because of our loud, fun-loving personalities and the constant laughter we brought with us. Those carefree, joy-filled walks are some of my fondest memories from my time at UM. Included in this vivid memory is the day I graduated, having recently signed a contract as a professional soccer player. Seeing my mom, who had traveled to the USA for the first time to be there, was incredibly special. Sitting in the audience, she radiated pride, and in that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and gratitude for her support.
Q: What do you miss most about being a student-athlete?
A: What I miss most is the time spent in the stands supporting our teams, no matter the sport. As a small school, we were a close-knit community, and we showed up for every team and every game, especially when we competed against our cross-town rival, Spring Hill College (Ala.).
I’ll never forget those moments in the stands during basketball games, whether at home or away at Spring Hill. The soccer team, baseball team, track, tennis, softball—you name it—we all came out in numbers to support one another. You could hear us yelling and chanting in unison, "Beat those, Badgers!" The energy and camaraderie in those moments were unmatched. There’s nothing like the atmosphere when all the athletes come together to cheer each other on.
