Fontainebleau graduate Brooks Hickman will attend Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn., on an athletic scholarship this fall to play soccer for the Eagles.

Hickman, a four-year starter on the Bulldogs’ varsity team, was a District 7-1 all-district first-team selection as a senior. He said he met Lambuth head coach Paul Conway at a soccer camp two summers ago.

“He was my coach last year for the camp,” Hickman said. “He wanted me to keep in touch, so when it came time for me to look into colleges I contacted him. He was eager for me to make a visit. I eventually went up there.”

Seated Fontainebleau graduate Brooks Hickman signs his letter of intent to attend Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn., on a soccer scholarship. Seated from left: Liam Rennie the Mandeville Soccer Club Boys Director of Coaching, Hickman and his mother Janet. Standing from left: Fontainebleau assistant soccer coach Leonard Tridico, FHS head soccer coach Budd Ditchendorf and Garland Hickman (father). (Staff Photo by Mike Pervel)

He said during one of his visits, he watched the team play.

“I liked their style of play, and I think I can fit in there. They are a real physical team that plays hard. It’s a good soccer program,” said the FHS grad.

“I hung out with some of the players in the dorm, and they were all nice guys. I also had a chance to train with them.”

Hickman said the coaches were also a really big part of his decision to go to Lambuth.

“Coach Conway is a real stand up guy, who is an awesome coach. I liked his attitude along with the interest he showed in me,” he said.

He said Lambuth is a small NAIA school but is a very competitive team. Lambuth won the TranSouth Conference championship last year and finished 12-7 overall.

Conway, who was voted the TranSouth Coach of the Year this past season, said he was happy to sign Hickman. He is the third player from the Mandeville area to play for Lambuth.

Former Eagles Tim Carty and J.W. Hunt were both All-Americans.

Conway said Lambuth is happy to have Hickman.

“We are delighted to be signing a player of this caliber. He has pace and an eye for the goal. His work-rate and winning mentality fits into what we are looking for. He is a solid lad on and off the field. We are excited about his career at Lambuth,” Conway said.

Fontainebleau head soccer coach Budd Ditchendorf said based on his research, Hickman is the No. 1 goal scorer in FHS boys’ history, totaling 76 goals in his four-year career as a Bulldog.

“Realistically, Brooks probably could have played at that level two years ago. His sense of timing was incredible giving him an ability to score. He was able to lose defenders with his speed,” Ditchendorf said.

Hickman described himself as maybe not the most skilled player on the field, but as an extremely determined player, who works hard.

“I am one of the most competitive players you will ever go against. I use my speed to my advantage to get by defenders to put the ball in the net,” he said.

Hickman said playing in the state championship game against Acadiana as a sophomore was his most memorable experience.

“We didn’t win (3-1 loss) but that is what you strive for to be in a championship final. He also talked about scoring three goals in a district match against rival St. Paul’s in his junior year as being a special moment.”

Hickman, son of Garland and Janet Hickman of Mandeville, said he is considering majoring in business.

He graduated with a 3.3 grade point average.