ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Eckerd College Director of Athletics Tom Ryan '87 has announced Joe Ilett '09 as the interim head men's soccer coach. Ilett takes over for John Fletcher '09, who recently stepped down.
"I am excited to have Joe take over our men's soccer team and guide our young men for the 2024 season," stated Ryan. "Joe has been part of our program in many facets, from his time as a student-athlete to working with the program as an assistant, which should make for a seamless transition to guiding the men's soccer team."
Ilett rejoined the team this spring as an assistant, helping guide the Tritons. He also spent time as an assistant coach for Eckerd from 2009-11.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to be the Interim Head Coach of the Eckerd College Men's Soccer program. Being a soccer alumni myself, this program means so much to me and it's one that I truly believe in. I want to express my gratitude to Tom Ryan and the entire Eckerd College Administration for entrusting me with the great responsibility of leading the next generation of Eckerd's men's soccer players," stated Ilett. "We will build upon the strong foundation that has been established, guiding our student-athletes in their daily pursuit of excellence and achieving new heights both in the classroom and on the pitch. My family and I are eager to serve the entire Eckerd community."
He has a background working at the professional level, spending the 2021-22 season as the UPSL Head Coach of the St.Petersburg Aztecs, the 2016-17 season with the Colchester United Football Club in England as the Development Coach and FITC Community Sport Coach, and the Technical Coach with West Ham United in 2013.
Ilett brings a wealth of experience from the youth and prep level as well, spending four years with Chicago Fire Soccer from 2013-17, as the Director of Boys Soccer at AYSO Region 300 Extra Program in Illinois from 2015-16, as a coach with the Lyons Township Soccer Club in Illinois from 2017-19, four years with the Chargers Soccer Club in Clearwater spending time as the Academy Coach and Academy Director from 2019-2023, and with the Tampa Bay United Soccer Club in 2023.
Ilett was a four-year member of the men's soccer team, appearing in 67 games with 25 goals and 16 assists. He was a two-time all-conference selection, earning honorable mention honors in 2005 and second-team honors in 2008. He ranks fifth in program history in career goals and tied for fourth in career assists.
Ilett will serve as the interim head coach for the 2024 season, and a national search for the head coaching position will begin at the conclusion of the 2024 fall slate.
