Director of Athletics Don Grigsby has announced the promotion of Tom Gillette to Head Men's Soccer Coach.
 
Gillette, who has served as the interim coach since Dale Parker accepted the Lander head coaching position back in January, got the interim tag removed after an extensive search to find Parker's successor. In Gillette's first season as an assistant coach in Harrogate, he helped lead the Railsplitters to an eight-win improvement from 2021 during the 2022 campaign.
 
"It is a privilege to welcome Coach Tom Gillette to Lincoln Memorial University as Head Coach of our men's soccer team," said Grigsby. "This past year, Coach Gillette, serving as Assistant Men's Soccer Coach, played a big role in creating a winning culture, both on and off the field. Tom understands our expectations for our soccer program and will provide great leadership and discipline for the young men."
 
The coaching staff of Gillette and Parker helped turn around a program that went 2-13-2 (1-9-1 South Atlantic Conference) in 2021 to improve to 10-8-1 (6-5 SAC) and a SAC Tournament Final appearance in 2022. Gillette coached forward Harry Cooke, who was named the SAC Player and Freshman of the Year and Second Team All-America by the D2CCA.
 
Gillette came to Harrogate following six seasons as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I Bellarmine in Louisville, Ky. While there, he also gained experience coaching several club teams.

"It is an honor and a privilege to have been named Head Coach of such a prestigious program," said Gillette. "When I started my coaching journey a decade ago, my aim was to be a college head coach, so today is a result of a lot of hard work and sacrifice. I want to thank Dr. Goins, Athletic Director Don Grigsby, the athletic department, and the men's soccer team for their invaluable support during this period. I'd also like to thank former head coach Dale Parker for bringing me to Harrogate a year ago."

Gillette played three seasons (2012-14) at Francis Marion University in South Carolina, captaining the team his senior season. He played in the NPSL for the Myrtle Beach Mutiny and PDL (now rebranded as USL2) for the Derby City Rovers. He began coaching in South Carolina while in college.

I know the potential the program has, and I am determined to fulfill it to the utmost," continued Gillette. "I am beyond excited to lead our student-athletes towards their individual goals on and off the field and to lead our program to championships."

A native of London, England, Gillette attended the University of Nottingham in England and earned a bachelor's degree in politics. He also earned a master's degree in business administration while playing at Francis Marion.