This week's Alumni Spotlight shines on 1992 National Championship winner William Ward. The Jackson, Mississippi native and his family were kind enough to invite Coach Gleddy over for a chat.
During the interview, we discussed the lasting impact Peter Fuller had on the Jackson soccer community in the early 1990s, William's best goal in a Belhaven jersey, and how Michael Carrick is beginning to turn around his beloved Manchester United.
Why did you choose Belhaven University?
Coach Peter Fuller played a huge part in my decision. He had been my U19 AFC club coach in Jackson, and several players from that team the previous season had gone on to Belhaven. Although I explored other options, Belhaven always felt like the place I was going to commit to.
During your time at Belhaven (1991–1995), who was the best player you played with?
The best was Sheldon Bennett. He was not only a great player but also a great person. He was "on" every single game—he just didn't have bad performances. Playing alongside someone with that level of consistency was incredibly exciting.
What do you miss most from your time at Belhaven?
Without a doubt, it's the guys. The road trips were unforgettable—loading up the vans for away games was always an adventure. The stories we shared around the dorms made that time so special.
Is there one impactful moment during your time at Belhaven that stands out more than others?
It has to be winning the 1992 NAIA National Championship. That team was incredibly talented, with players from all over, but what made it even more special was that six or seven starters were from Jackson, Mississippi. For a while after we won, it didn't quite feel real—like, did we really just do that? Looking back now at the early 90s, and especially that season, what we achieved feels pretty epic.
What would you say was your best goal for Belhaven?
Back then, the NAIA National Champion would play the NCAA Division I National Champion. In the spring of 1993, we played the University of Virginia. They were coached at the time by Bruce Arena and Claudio Reyna was their captain. The goal I scored was a half volley from the top of the box after the ball bounced out from a free kick. Scoring in a game like that, against the NCAA D1 National Champions, was pretty special.
How do you stay involved with soccer today?
I've really enjoyed watching my son Will play club and high school soccer. As he moves on to college this fall, I'll have more opportunities to come back and watch Belhaven play at the Bowl and stay connected to the program. I also keep a close eye on Manchester United and follow their progress under Michael Carrick.
Is there someone from your time at Belhaven you'd like to give a special mention to?
Peter Fuller, without question. He impacted not just Belhaven, but the entire Jackson metro soccer community. For many of us, he was the first real coach we ever had. It started at Alliance Futbol Club when we were younger and carried into our college years. His sessions were always structured, organized, and competitive. The success of the Belhaven men's program in the early 90s led many players to stay in the area after graduating and begin coaching careers in Mississippi. Peter truly made a lasting difference
