Feb. 10, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB men's soccer head coach Mike Getman announced the signing of two standout players for the 2008 season. Forward Babayele Sodade (Windsor, Canada) and midfielder Chris Williams (Pearl, Miss.) are both standout players who are set to join the Blazers next season.

"We only graduated one player from 2007 so we were able to be extremely selective in our recruiting," Getman said. "Chris and Babayele give us two players who can step in and help us right away. I am very pleased with this small but talented group."

Sodade comes to UAB after a successful club and high school career. Sodade played at Holy Names High School under head coach Dave Kollof. He helped lead Holy Names to back-to-back Provincial Championships in 2006 and 2007. He was tabbed first-team all-city and first-team all-region in 2006 and 2007, and was also named the 2006 Junior Athlete of the Year. Additionally, he was a three-time most valuable player at Holy Names in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Sodade played his club ball with Windsor FC National club team under head coach Frank Chiandussi. While there, Sodade helped lead his squad to the Ontario Cup finals in 2007.

"Babayele is a great athlete and a great student," Getman said. "He is exactly the kind of person we want at UAB. I expect him to compete right away."

Getman also expects Williams to become a solid contributor. The 6-2, 195 pound midfielder comes to UAB after a standout career with Pearl (Miss.) High School and the Mississippi Fire. Williams played under head coach Andy Kivlan at Pearl HS where he helped his team four state championship titles in his four seasons (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008). He was also voted the team MVP and earned all-state accolades during his junior season. Furthermore, he set the Mississippi High School record with 39 assists during his sophomore season.

Midfielder Chris Williams.

While playing with the Fire under head coach Kenny White, Williams helped lead the team to four state cup championships (2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005). He also led his team in scoring in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

"Chris is a terrific soccer player who will help us right away," Getman said. "We got to know him through our camps so he has experience working with our coaches. He is going to have a great career at UAB."

Mississippi Fire head coach Kenny White agreed with Getman's feeling.

"We at the Chicago Fire Juniors of Mississippi are extremely excited that Chris Williams has signed with UAB," White said. "We look forward to watching Chris further develop as a soccer player at such a prestigious soccer program as the UAB Blazers."