05/10/2026
My mother went back to work as a nurse so I could go to college.
Thirty years ago, I thought I was headed toward Division I soccer. Instead, my family urged me to attend Messiah University—a Division III school close to home.
At the time, I didn’t fully understand it. My mother believed I needed something deeper than the status and identity I was chasing through Division I athletics. When I told her we couldn’t afford Messiah, she quietly went back to work as a nurse so I could attend.
That decision—the most selfless thing anyone has ever done for me—changed the course of my life.
It led me to my wife. To a career in Division III soccer. To Franklin & Marshall College. To generations of players, families, assistant coaches, alumni, and relationships that have shaped who I am.
So much of what has defined our program over the last 23 years—community, belonging, servant leadership, resilience, accountability, and Ubuntu—can be traced back to that single decision and sacrifice.
Today, on Mother’s Day, I’m honored to release American Ubuntu—a book about leadership, loss, community, and the philosophy that has shaped my life and our program.
Thank you to every player, parent, coach, alum, colleague, and friend who has been part of this journey.
Book link:
https://tinyurl.com/AmericanUbuntu
