By Alexa Low
Nestled in the heart of San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) football program is a place that many from all over have come to call home. This football program that’s only 15 years old, has always been more than a team, it’s a place that shapes players, coaches and staff alike. For Ephraim Banda, Clint Killough and Taylor Grimes, their time at UIW has not only impacted their careers, but also their personal lives in ways they could never have imagined when they first stepped foot on campus.
Banda took a chance on UIW, coming on as a member of the first-ever football team and is now working for the Cleveland Browns as a safeties coach “I was there for the first team meeting as we walked across a field that wasn’t even completed yet.” His memories of the program’s humble beginnings are rich with nostalgia, from the very first game to the friendships he forged with teammates and the lessons he learned along the way.
Banda firmly believes that his time at UIW helped shape the person he is today. “I got to come in and work with people on a project from the ground up – the start of a football program. Not many get that opportunity,” he explains. His time with UIW instilled a mindset of resilience, teaching him to do a lot with a little and how to problem solve in any situation.
Looking back on his journey, Banda credits UIW with giving him the tools and opportunities to reach the highest levels of coaching. “I wouldn’t be a coach in the NFL and top college programs without UIW football. I know for a fact, I wouldn’t be in this space and this situation if it wasn’t for the people, the school and the opportunity to play college football,” he admits.
Banda experienced a full-circle moment when he spotted Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and namesake for the UIW stadium, along with her late husband.
“I was in New Orleans, and after the game, I saw Gayle Benson. I walked over and shook her hand. I introduced myself and told her, ‘My name is Ephraim Banda. You don’t know me, but I would not be here today if it weren’t for the generosity of you and your husband and the time and money you put into UIW football to help people like me get here.”
His opportunity to speak with Gayle spoke to the life-changing impact of the UIW football program and the opportunities it created for him. “I 100 percent would not be here without UIW football, the coaches, the administration and professors. Period,” he says, his gratitude clear.
He proudly claims UIW as his alma mater and wears a smile on his face whenever he hears of the team and University’s successes. He’s even more thrilled to see a product of UIW football, Clint Killough, lead the program to even greater heights.
At the core of the UIW football program is a culture of winning with intention; intentional detail, love, trust and effort. Pillars that Killough and several before him have preached to shape this program into something greater than just football.
Killough came to UIW as a student-athlete and experienced firsthand how this program helps individuals grow both on and off the field. “UIW is a special place because it teaches you a lot about life," he reflects. Having been a part of the first Division I class, Killough knows what it’s like to face adversity and come out stronger on the other side. His perspective on life and coaching is deeply rooted in his faith. “You are where you’re supposed to be. God has a plan for everybody, and we just have to trust God’s plan,” he shares. His own journey from a student-athlete to working his way up the rankings and taking over at the helm of his alma mater is a testament to the sacrifices it takes to succeed – not just as a player, but as a coach and a mentor.
Through his leadership, Killough emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline and sacrifice. “It doesn’t just happen,” he says, noting that the program’s success is a result of hard work and a strong support system. For him the UIW football program is about more than wins and losses – it's about preparing players for life after football and empowering them to use their God-given talents for the greater good.
Killough has mentored and led countless players through the UIW football program during his 10 years as a Cardinal, including former wide receiver and current Offensive Quality Control Coach, Taylor Grimes. For Grimes, UIW provided him with more than just a successful college career. He was able to leverage his experience to play professionally and then come back to UIW to secure his first job as a coach. “This place has given me a lot, and I’m really grateful for it.” he shares, emphasizing that the University laid the foundation for his coaching career.
Grimes also spoke about the work ethic instilled in him during his time as a student-athlete at UIW. “This is a top FCS program and it’s a reflection of the hard work everyone in the building does, from coaches to players to staff, everyone from the top-down works hard.” Grimes also shares Killough’s and Banda’s sentiments about the transformative power of the UIW football program.
“There are a lot of good people here that care about you.” Grimes says. “I was around many great coaches and teammates. The people here make this place go.”
So, what makes the UIW football program so special? It’s a place where life lessons are learned, and dreams are made possible – both on and off the field by people who truly care and want to see each and every individual succeed.