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Phillip Kroft Tabbed to Lead UChicago Men's Soccer Program

Phillip Kroft Tabbed to Lead UChicago Men's Soccer Program
Posted: Jul 26, 2023

From University of Chicago Athletics

University of Chicago's defending-National Champion men's soccer program has tabbed Phillip Kroft as its newest head coach.

Kroft brings a variety of experience across collegiate levels to Hyde Park and will inherit a bulk of the 2022 roster, of which was crowned the National Champions for the first time in school history. He most recently served as the head coach at Division III Johnson and Wales-Charlotte and also has held roles at Division III Catholic University and Division I Davidson College.
 
"I'd like to thank Angie Torain and the other members of the search committee for the opportunity to be part of this historic program. I am humbled by the chance to work with such high caliber people, and excited to play my part in continuing UChicago's holistic success," remarked Kroft.

"We have been fortunate to have a successful group of coaches to lead our men's soccer program and are excited to add Phillip to that list.  He has been successful at leading and developing young men and we look forward to him doing the same as a Maroon," said Torain. 
 
While at JWU, Kroft led the program to a USCAA National Championship and 11-5-5 overall record. Under Kroft, the Wildcats boasted a total of four All-America and six Academic All-America award-winners in his two years at the helm.
 
At Davidson, he served as the lead assistant for three seasons, two of which, 2019 and 2021, came under former UChicago head coach Mike Babst. During that time, the Wildcats reached the A-10 Conference Tournament three times and had a program-record finish of 2nd in 2018.
 
Kroft also brings NCAA experience as a student-athlete as two-year member of Division I Mount St. Mary's University. Outside of his collegiate resume, he has held roles with MLS-clubs D.C. United and Austin FC, primarily with the youth ranks.
 
A native of Virginia Beach, Va., Kroft holds a bachelor's degree in Biology and Secondary Education from George Mason University and a master's degree in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leader from the University of Missouri.