By: Scott Nickerson
Marbury soccer players Alex Brown and Franklin Damron recently signed to continue their athletic careers in college playing for the University of Mobile. The Rams compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Rams have a long history of success on the soccer field, finishing as NAIA national runner-up in 2021 and 2022, the round of 16 in 2023, and the conference runner up with another national tournament appearance in 2024.
Damron, who played Center Defensive Midfielder for the Bulldogs, received a full scholarship in athletics and academics, while Brown, who played Center Back, received a scholarship valued at more than $68,000 over the course of his collegiate career. Damron visited the Mobile campus in February for UM Day, and again in April for Ram Ready. Brown also visited the campus twice, once in March and again in April.
“I received both a full ride athletic and academic scholarship, and I appreciate the God-centered community,” said Damron.
“I chose Mobile because of the atmosphere and the Christlike teachings that they implement into the teaching. They have a nice campus and they offered me a large academic scholarship with a total of $68,000,” said Brown.
Damron and Brown credited the coaching staff at Marbury and the University of Mobile in their decision making processes.
“Coach Bruce at Marbury helped with giving me access to film on NFHS to send to the school, and Coach Harris, the UM soccer coach, has helped a ton with getting me prepared for the season and what to expect,” said Damron.
“Coach Harris with the development team sat with us during one of our visits and allowed us the opportunity to continue playing the sport of soccer. Along with Coach Sowell and Coach Bruce during my high school development who taught me hard work and gave me the confidence to even attempt to play at the next level,” said Brown.
The two will be roommates as they transition to college life at the University of Mobile. Both young men already have goals and are busy preparing for college soccer.
“I plan to try and learn as much as I can about business so I can be successful straight out of college and maybe even during,” said Damron. “Coach Harris has sent out a summer workout plan that I have been following with my future roommate and former high school teammate Alex Brown.”
“During the off-season, me and my teammate Franklin Damron will be sticking to the strict summer workout routine sent by our coach. We will be trying our best to improve our endurance as well as our agility and ball control,” said Brown. “My goals at Mobile are to grow as a player and eventually start on the main squad while also making exceptional grades and balancing everything.”Brown is possibly interested in Cybersecurity, while Damron intends to major in Business.
