Coaches

Justin Gilfert

Justin Gilfert is entering his second season as the sixth head men's soccer coach in program history, for the 2023 season.


"We are so excited to have Justin join our staff and to come in and lead this program," said Smith. "His experience and passion for the sport are exactly what we need to take the Men's Soccer program to the next level"


Gilfert, who joins the Grizzlies after former Head Coach Brett Bentley stepped away in May, brings a wealth of experience and looks to turn the Grizzlies around from their 2-15 record from last season.


"I would like to thank Katelyn, the search committee and the team for giving me this opportunity and believing in me to lead this program," said Gilfert. "I'm excited to be a part of the Adams State family and the men's soccer program."


Gilfert spent the early part of 2022 as the Head Men's and Women's Soccer Coach and International Liaison for Southwest Virginia Community College after serving as the men's assistant coach at Emory and Henry College where he helped them make their transition from NCAA Division III to NCAA Division II.


In the fall of 2020, Gilfert was an assistant coach at then-Martin Methodist College (now University of Tennessee Southern) in Pulaski, Tennessee. While with the FireHawks, he also served as the head JV coach. In addition to working with Martin Methodist, he also worked with Oak City United Futbol Club, a Women's Professional Soccer League out of Raleigh, North Carolina.


From the spring of 2019 to the fall of 2020, Gilfert was an assistant coach for Pfeiffer University, working with the women's team. During his time in Misenheimer, the Falcons posted a 13-5 overall record, winning the 2019 USA South Athletic Conference regular season championship. He saw nine players named to the All-USA South East Division Team including seven first-teamers including the 2019 Goalkeeper of the Year. Gilfert also had two spells as Interim Head Coach during his time.


Gilfert spent the summer of 2019, with Discoveries SC a USL League 2 U-23 program. He was the head coach of the reserves squad and an assistant with the first team. In the first half of 2019, Gilfert was the head coach of the U-15 and U-16 boys' teams for NC Fusion.


During the 2018 season, Gilfert served on the women's soccer staff at Greensboro College, helping lead the Pride to a 17-1 overall record and a perfect 7-0 mark in league play for a USA South regular-season title. Eight players for Greensboro were named to the all-conference east division teams with three making it to the first team. Gilfert was also had a spell as interim head coach in the spring of 2019.


Gilfert got his start in college coaching on staff at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York during the 2017 season. During his time, the Bonnies were able to secure a post season playoff spot for the first time since 2010.


Gilfert completed his undergraduate degree in 2016, earning a Bachelor of Science in forensic science/criminal justice from Hilbert College. Gilfert was a part of the men's soccer program from 2013-2016 during his time with the Hawks. He spent his freshman season at Finger Lakes Community College in 2012 before transferring to Hilbert. Upon graduation, Gilfert was training and playing with TimeOut Sports Agency based out of Florida and was shown interest from various semiprofessional and professional clubs throughout Europe.


A native of Olean, New York, Gilfert holds his United States Soccer Federation "D" license, English FA Playmaker and his UEFA 'C' from the Football Association of Wales .