Cameroon influence at St. Mary's; a D-III story

St. Mary's athletics photo

By Nairem Moran

Pierre Zibi, a junior captain for the St. Mary's College of Maryland men's soccer team, is the son of a former professional soccer player from Cameroon.  His diverse list of interests include experiencing the summer sunset over the St. Mary's River, European travel and serving as a Student Ambassador for the SMCM Office of Admissions.

His example demonstrates the importance for all parents to communicate regularily with their children, offering up valuable, and accurate, advice.

A conversation with Division III student/athlete, Seahawk defender Pierre Zibi:

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play? 
I have been playing soccer since I was in the womb.  From as far back as I can remember, my parents encouraged me to play sports.  With age, soccer became my forte.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?
My current major, after much deliberation, is political science.  After switching from my original major of psychology, the most important thing I learned from my experiences in both fields is that collaboration is essential to success.

What is your favorite spot on campus? 
My favorite spot on campus would have to be the bench in-between Calvert Hall dormitory and the old church in Historic St. Mary's City.  This bench sits ground level with a slight drop off overlooking the river.  Come sunset on a summer night before a big storm, the view consisting of sailboats and a captivating sky of immaculate colors is breathtaking.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?
Outside of home and campus, my favorite place to visit is La Chambre, France.  Other than being able to visit family in "The Room", France, another reason I visit is to take advantage of the prime travel destinations that are located throughout Europe.

Other than your team, what organization(s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)? 
Other than my team, I am part of the DeSouza Brent Scholars Program and serve as a Student Ambassador for the Office of Admissions.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career. 
My collegiate athletic career has brought a lot of memorable moments from scoring the game-winning goal against Stevenson my first season to beating Mary Washington my second season, but the experience that resonates most in my memory would be playing in my first collegiate game.  The rush that I experienced walking on the field for the first time inspires me every single time I step on the field today.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?
I would say the most important societal issue facing college students today would be stress. With pressure from studies and pressure from parents, stress is hard to escape from; but there are ways, like soccer for myself.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it? 
If I could change one issue in the world, I would make soccer and good equipment accessible to all.  Making soccer accessible to all could be achieved through programs already in the field such as Soccer Without Boarders, Peace and Sport, and many other programs.  By donating to programs comparable to those and encouraging the promotion of other similar programs, soccer and good soccer equipment could cease to be an unobtainable luxury for the less fortunate.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life? 
The most influential person in my life besides my family would have to be my boss, Mr. David Long.  Mr. Long is an influential person in my life because he has taught me not only a lot about life in general, he has taught me a lot about hard work and being a respectable human being.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?
My favorite form of entertainment behind my Xbox 360 and FIFA 13 would have to be my iPhone.  Not only can I check breaking news via my BBC news app, I can play a number of games when boredom strikes.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?
I would say my favorite source of information is the BBC news app on my iPhone.  This would be my favorite source of entertainment because it is readily accessible and very informative.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?
Some advice elementary school children could prosper from would be to listen.  Many elementary school children think they know more than they actually do.  I would tell them the ability to listen and understand will keep them in good standings not only with their parents and teachers but also with their friends.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?
Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, my favorite team is FC Barcelona.  I would consider Barcelona one of my favorite teams because they never cease to impress.  If it is not beating some of the best teams in the world, or the hype Messi brings to the field when playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, there is always something exciting happening with them.

Name three people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with. 
Three people I'd like to eat dinner with would be Messi, Tony Stark, and Nelson Mandela.  I would want to eat with Messi so we could discuss soccer all night.  I would want to eat with Tony Stark so I could possibly try out and keep the Iron Man suit.  Most of all, I would want to eat with Nelson Mandela so I could figure out the characteristics that made him such an influential leader.