Ali Al-Gashamy: A Journey in Soccer
Ali Al-Gashamy, a native of Kristiansand, Norway, began his soccer journey playing professionally for IK Start Club Team in Norway's top division. He later moved to FC Flora Tallinn in Estonia and FK Jerv in Norway's second and third divisions. His playing career continued in the United States with Detroit City FC in the USL.
Al-Gashamy attended Gardner-Webb University (GWU), where he was a standout player. He was a four-time All-Big South selection, twice earning first-team honors. He posted 64 career points on 23 goals and 18 assists, with his best year in 2016, leading the team with nine goals and three game-winners. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and International Business in 2016 and later earned an International Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from GWU.
After his playing career, Al-Gashamy transitioned into coaching. He served as a graduate assistant coach and then as the first assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at GWU. During his tenure, he helped guide the team to a 9-8-2 record in 2019, earning the third seed in the Big South Conference Tournament.
In 2022, Al-Gashamy took over as the head men's soccer coach at Limestone University. His impact was immediate, leading the team to a 6-6-5 record in his first year and a semifinal appearance in the South Atlantic Conference tournament. In his second season, he led the Saints to a historic 16-3-2 record, a No. 1 overall seed, and a Super Region 2 Finals appearance. The team also won its first-ever South Atlantic Conference Tournament Championship, and Al-Gashamy and his staff were named Southeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year.
Since taking over in 2022, Al-Gashamy and his staff have amassed a 37-11-10 record, with a .724 winning percentage. Over the last two seasons, the team boasts a 31-5-5 record, ranking top 5 in all of Division II. Under his leadership, Limestone achieved the program's first-ever Elite Eight appearance in 2023 and consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearances. Al-Gashamy has coached seven players to eight All-American selections in the last two seasons, more than doubling the total in Limestone history. He has guided the team to three conference titles: two tournament and one regular season championship. His teams have led the conference in scoring every year and have been top 15 in scoring offense and top 10 in scoring defense in Division II for both 2023 and 2024, achieving a goal difference of 110-25 over the last two seasons.
Ali Al-Gashamy's leadership and coaching prowess have propelled Limestone's men's soccer program to new heights, setting records and achieving milestones that have significantly raised the team's profile in collegiate soccer. His dedication to the sport and his players is evident in the numerous accolades and successes the team has garnered under his guidance.
