The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Sign Seven to 2017 Class
2/6/2017 12:00:00β―AM | Men's Soccer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB men’s soccer team and head coach Mike Getman announced the addition of seven players to the team. The Blazers welcome players from three different countries in yet another successful recruiting class.
“This recruiting class has filled all of our needs,” said Getman. “We have added some great athletes who also have the skills and smarts to help our team right away. I think this is one of the best recruiting classes we have ever had.”
Joseph Buete, Gael Mabiala, Aidan O’Hara, Alexandre Ricourt, Chandley Shirley, Brooks Stockley, and Donovan Watson are the seven commitments and will join the Blazers for the 2017 campaign.
Joseph Buete | Center Midfielder | 5’9” 150 lbs. | Wake Forest N.C.
Buete hails from Wake Forest, N.C., where he was an All-Metro and All-State performer as a Freshman in High School. He helped guide his high school to two state championships. He also plays for the CASL Railhawks U18 Academy Team under head coach John Bradford. Buete started 15 games for the Railhawks this past season and scored once. He was a three-star recruit according to Top Drawer Soccer and is a part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy
“Joseph has a great soccer brain and the skills to go with it,” stated Getman. “His vision and touch make him a great playmaker on the field. His style of play reminds me of Michael Bradley from our National Team.”
Gael Mabiala | Defender | 6’1” 165 lbs. | Saint Etienne, France
Mabiala is joining UAB after two seasons at Francis Marion. He garnered All-Conference Second Team honors this past season after starting in 14 of 17 games with one goal, one assist, and three points. The French native played in the Saint Etienne Youth Academy
“Gael has a great combination of skill and power,” commented Getman. “I think he will make an immediate impact on our team. While he is a natural defender, he is versatile enough to help us in several positions.”
Aidan O’Hara | Forward | 6’1” 160 lbs. | Toronto, Canada
The Blazers continue to tap the Canadian pipeline that they have developed with the addition of two players from the prestigious Vaughan Soccer Club under coach Patrice Ghieisar in this year’s class. The first of the two this year is Aidan O’Hara, an athletic striker who previously played for the Toronto FC Academy, was a member of the Ontario Provincial Program, and was on trial with the U17 Irish National Team. He also ran track in high school and was the district champion in the 100 Meter Dash and High Jump.
“Aidan is a quick and technically gifted striker. He is big and good in the air. I expect him to score goals and make a major impact right away.”
Alexandre Ricourt | Center Back | 6’1” 160 lbs. | Paris, France
Ricourt joins the program with a plethora of international experience. He grew up playing in the world-renowned Paris Saint Germain system, joining the club before his seventh birthday. Ricourt was a member of the Swedish U19 National Team.
“Alex has all the qualities of a great defender,” said Getman. “He is strong, quick, tough, and has the skills to play at the highest level, but it is his soccer brain that sets him apart. I expect him to play a major role right away.”
Chandler Shirley | Forward | 5’10” 150 lbs. | Jackson, Miss.
Shirley has won three-straight 6A State Championships in Mississippi including a 2-0 victory this past weekend for their most recent state title. He has been the leading scorer for Northwest over his career. Shirley is also a member of the Mississippi Rush soccer club under coach Kevin Johns.
“Chandler is a great athlete who brings incredible speed along with great skill,” Getman stated. “He scores great goals and can change the game by himself.”
Brooks Stockley | Midfielder | 5’8” 140 lbs. | Charlotte, N.C.
Stockley has played under coach Rob Dalton for the Charlotte Soccer Academy the past two years after playing high school soccer his freshman and sophomore years at Charlotte Catholic. Member of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
“Brooks is a very smart and skillful player,” said Getman. “He will add some real cleverness to our midfield.”
Donovan Watson | Defender | 6’5” 185 lbs. | Toronto, Canada
Watson is the other Vaughan Soccer Club addition to this year’s class. Along with Aidan O’Hara, the club won the Top Division in the prestigious Disney Soccer Showcase. Watson is also a gifted athlete who has won multiple events in track and field in the Toronto area.
“Donny is big and extremely fast but he has the skills to go along with his athleticism,” Getman added. “He has all the tools to play at the next level. I expect him to be an impact player right away.”
