Blakman to Lead Men’s Soccer
Photo by Rampage student photographer Jake Mendoza.
Members of the Bluefield University men’s soccer program were shocked to learn when they began the spring 2023 semester that head coach Alex Smith had resigned his position. And while this was unsettling news, it became a great opportunity for the team and assistant coach Gabriel Blakman who was asked to step in and lead the Rams this fall.
The fall 2022 season for men’s soccer brought great success and potential. The Ram finished 7-9 overall with an impressive 6-2 home record on the season. Smith had been named head coach during the summer of 2022. With little time to prepare and adjust, he used his high-level coaching ability and mindset to turn the men’s soccer program around. Blakman said that all happened because the team found its “sense of purpose.”
“In previous years, it felt like we did not have a meaning behind our games, but this year (fall 2022) it completely changed and our stats show that,” Blakman said. “We have formed a team that sees beyond that, and I expect to carry it on for future years.”
Members of the men’s soccer team were obviously concerned about continuing the success started in the fall of 2022 after Smith announced his departure from BU in the spring of 2023.
“I felt like he let us down since we as a team worked so hard in the fall to make his system work and did everything he asked us to do,” said Rams soccer player Adam Gymnander. “It also felt like the last season was a waste since we just got a new coach, so we are in the same place as last spring.”
But, shortly after Smith announced his departure, assistant coach and former Rams player Blakman was named interim head coach — a position he is familiar with after serving as an interim coach when head coach Justin Morton resigned in the spring 2022.
“I love football (soccer), whether I am practicing it or coaching,” Blakman said. “I just love being around it. As a previous Rams (soccer) player, it means everything to now be on the coaching side and help grow student-athletes in all aspects of life and the sport. I have been an assistant coach for this team for quite a time now and an interim head coach for the spring last year, and I am so happy I am able to do it again. God willing, they will take the ‘interim’ out of the title soon.”
The Ecuadorian native started his collegiate soccer journey at the junior college level with Patrick Henry Community College where he found success as a center back. He then transferred to a four-year university, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma before finishing his junior and senior years with Bluefield University. His incredible leadership during his days as a player translated to the coaching realm. After graduating in 2020, Blakman landed a full-time job with the BU Advancement Office while being a volunteer assistant coach for men’s soccer.
Players say they are excited about Blakman leading the team. They’re grateful he stepped up and is continuing to give them an opportunity to develop and stay fit for the 2023 campaign. They say the soccer program is in great hands with Blakman.
“It is an exciting new opportunity for the program,” said men’s soccer player J.G. Keene. “I am thankful that someone was able to step up and lead us this spring.”
The Rams will play several spring games, including contests against Emory and Henry College, Point Park University and Salem University, in preparation for the official fall 2023 season. The team hopes to continue the success started in the fall of 2002 through the spring and into fall 2023.
“We are looking forward to (the spring games) every time we step foot on our training sessions,” Blakman said. “We are looking to explore and seek more talent to learn from and grow. I truly believe that would help our energy even more going forward.”