Jimmy Banks facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Jimmy Banks | ||
| Date of birth | September 2, 1964 | ||
| Place of birth | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | ||
| Date of death | April 26, 2019 (aged 54) | ||
| Place of death | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | ||
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1983–1987 | Milwaukee Panthers | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1987–1993 | Milwaukee Wave (indoor) | 136 | (31) |
| International career | |||
| 1986–1991 | United States | 36 | (0) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 1999–2019 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Jimmy Banks (born September 2, 1964 – died April 26, 2019) was an American soccer player. He was known as a strong defender. After playing very well at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Banks played six seasons of indoor soccer for the Milwaukee Wave. He also played 35 games for the U.S. national team between 1986 and 1991. This included playing in two games at the 1990 FIFA World Cup. After he stopped playing professionally, Banks became a soccer coach. He coached both youth teams and the men's team at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Jimmy Banks passed away from stomach cancer on April 26, 2019.
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Early Life and College Years
Jimmy Banks was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He started playing soccer when he was six years old. He joined a program run by The Salvation Army near his home. After finishing Custer High School in Milwaukee, he went to college. He first attended the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. Then, he moved to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
At the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, he played NCAA Division I soccer. He was first a forward, then a midfielder. He earned special recognition called All-American honors for his great playing. While at Milwaukee, he played for Bob Gansler, who would later become his coach for the national team.
Playing for the Milwaukee Wave
After graduating from college, Jimmy Banks was chosen by two different soccer teams. He was picked by the Kansas City Comets from the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was also picked by the Milwaukee Wave from the American Indoor Soccer Association. Banks decided to stay in Milwaukee. He signed with the Wave and played for them from 1987 to 1993. In 1992, he was chosen as a league All Star, showing he was one of the best players.
Playing for the National Team
Jimmy Banks played his first game for the U.S. national team on February 5, 1986. It was a game against Canada that ended in a 0-0 tie. He went on to play a total of 35 games for the senior national team.
Some of his most important moments with the national team include:
- Starting two games in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. These games were against Italy and Austria.
- Being a part of the soccer teams for the 1987 Pan American Games and the World University Games.
Banks and his teammate Desmond Armstrong made history. They were the first two African-American players chosen for a U.S. World Cup team. This happened when they were named to the 22-player roster for the 1990 World Cup.
Life as a Coach and Community Leader
In 1999, Jimmy Banks became the head coach for the men's soccer team at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He held this coaching job until he passed away in 2019. He also helped lead the Milwaukee Kickers as their director of coaching. Even after he stopped playing professionally, he continued to play soccer with the Milwaukee Bavarians.
Jimmy Banks was a very important person in Milwaukee's inner city. He helped start a soccer camp for young people in the city. He also worked full-time and volunteered at the Milwaukee Boy's and Girl's Club. He spent many years helping young people who faced challenges. Because of his dedication, he received the Community Spirit Award.
In 1999, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee honored Jimmy Banks. They added him to the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. This recognized his amazing achievements as a player.
His Passing
On April 25, 2019, Jimmy Banks' son, Demetrius "Dee" Banks, shared sad news. He announced that his father was in "the final days of his battle with cancer." The very next day, April 26, 2019, Jimmy Banks passed away at 54 years old.
Stadium Renamed in His Honor
In early 2022, a soccer and football stadium in Milwaukee was renamed. This stadium is located across from Custer High School. It used to be called Custer Stadium. Now, it is known as Jimmy Banks Stadium. This renaming happened because of a campaign led by Tim Clements and Corey Thompson. Many other people in the Milwaukee soccer community also helped make this happen. It is a lasting way to remember Jimmy Banks and his impact.
