Franklin & Marshall Men's Soccer

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

American Ubuntu

A Team That Refused to Break

For 23 years, F&M Soccer has been built around a simple idea:

Trading the pursuit of me for the pursuit of we.

Coach Wags’ new book tells the story behind that philosophy — from the legacy of Chris Campbell, to the growth of the Safe Hub movement in South Africa, to the challenges that tested our program years later.

A story about soccer, community, accountability, and resilience.

Launching this Mother’s Day — May 10.

Up next in our class of 2025 incoming freshman is Diego Moreno! Diego is a Goalkeeper who comes from Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he played for Triangle United MLS Next. Welcome Diego!

It’s time again to announce our incoming freshman with the Class of 2025! First up is Caden Darby from Monmouth Beach, New Jersey! He is a center mid who played for Christian Brothers Academy and TSF MLS Next. Welcome Caden!

This weekend, we had an incredible opportunity to grow both on and off the field during our annual Professional Development Program Weekend!

Highlights included:
⚽️ A competitive Alumni Game, reconnecting generations of Diplomats
🎤 An inspiring keynote from Dan Mills ‘06, Senior VP & CAO of Country Meadows Retirement Communities
💡 Breakout sessions led by alumni, including Eric Noto, Managing Director of Sales at HRC Financial Group, helping our players navigate career paths, leadership, and life beyond soccer

A huge thank you to our alumni for their continued support and mentorship. This program is about more than just the game—it’s about building a lifelong network and preparing our players for success beyond F&M.

With the year coming to an end, we’d like to look back and congratulate for ending out the season as a first team all American and first team academic all American for the 2024 season!

Come throw a pie in Coach Wagner’s face from 11:30-12:30 Thursday in support of F&M Athletics.

The Dips come home with a 4-2 dub against Gettysburg to clinch a top 2 playoff spot in the centennial! Goals scored by (assisted by ), .nury, .green29, and !