University of Chicago

University of Chicago Athletics
5530 South Ellis Ave Chicago, IL 60637

Division 3 Illinois Midwest

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Phillip Kroft

QUICK FACTS

Seasons: 1

Overall Record at UChicago: 11-3-6 (.700)

UAA Record: 4-1-2 (.714)

NCAA Tournament Appearences: 1

CSC Academic All-Americans: 2

USC All-Americans: 1

USC All-Region Selections: 4

All-UAA Team Members: 6

UAA Defensive Player of the Year: 1

UAA Offensive Player of the Year: 1

Phillip Kroft was hired as UChicago's Head Men's Soccer Coach in July 2023 and guided the team to a 11-3-6 overall record with a mark of 4-1-2 in UAA conference play. The Maroons advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals in his first season before falling with a 2-1-1 record in postseason play.

During his first season, Kroft had two student-athletes be named CSC Academic All-American, one named USC All-American, had four be named USC All-Region, and had six selections to the All-UAA team including the defensive player of the year and co-offensive player of the year.

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 & Wales - Charlotte and also has held roles at Division III Catholic University and Division I Davidson College.

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.

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Jack Curtin

Jack is a distinguished graduate of Liverpool John Moores University, where he earned his BSc (HONS) in Science and Football in 2011. His academic journey provided him with a solid foundation in both the scientific and strategic aspects of the sport.

With a wealth of experience garnered from prestigious Premier League Academies such as Everton FC and Liverpool FC in England, Jack brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field. His time spent observing and learning from top-tier professionals has shaped his approach to coaching and player development.

Since transitioning to the United States, Jack took on pivotal roles within the youth soccer community, serving as a Director of Coaching and Technical Director.

He joined the University of Illinois at Chicago staff following a record-breaking season for the team, where they achieved unprecedented success by progressing to the conference tournament final for the first time in school history. During his tenure, Jack helped guide the Flames to a conference record of 5-2-1, culminating in a semifinal appearance in the tournament for only the second time. Additionally, two players were honored with selections to the All-Conference and All-Tournament teams.

Jack's most recent tenure came as an Assistant Coach at Idaho State University. Jack contributed to the Bengals achieving several milestones, including the most clean sheets and fewest goals conceded since 2013, alongside the highest number of wins and consecutive games with goals scored since 2017. Furthermore, during the 2023 season Jack played a key role in guiding the team to their first conference tournament qualification since 2014, culminating in their first All-Conference player since 2020.

With over 18 years of coaching experience under his belt, Jack is a highly decorated coach. He currently holds esteemed qualifications such as the USSF ‘B’ and UEFA 'B' Licenses, United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma, and is currently enrolled on the USSF 'A' License. Furthermore he holds a range of other specialized certifications in sports psychology, talent identification, and performance analysis.

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Will Boyes

Will Boyes joined the UChicago men's soccer coaching staff as an assistant ahead of the 2024 season. His new role comes after playing for the Maroons from 2021 to 2023.

Boyes was the starting keeper for UChicago during their national championship run in 2022 and put together a career full of accolades during his three seasons wearing Maroon and White. He finished with over 4,400 minutes played while allowing just 31 goals in a total of 49 career games. He accumulated 122 saves and a 0.63 goals against average on his way to setting the team records for wins (22), minutes played (2,090), and shutouts (13) in a single season, all of which came in 2022. He also ranks third in the program's history with 22 shutouts and sixth in minutes played.

Boyes oversees the goalkeepers.

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Kevin Schmid

Kevin Schmid joined the UChicago men's soccer staff as an assistant coach in 2022.

In 2023, the Maroons assembled an 11-3-6 overall record with a mark of 4-1-2 in UAA conference play. The Maroons earned yet another bid into the NCAA tournament and advanced to the quarterfinals.

The 2023 squad’s accolades included one All-American, four All-Region selections, and six All-UAA honorees, as well as the UAA Defensive Player of the Year and Co-Offensive Player of the Year.

In 2022, the Maroons captured their first NCAA Division III national championship in program history. The Maroons posted a 22-0-1 mark to set a new school record for wins in a season and also won the University Athletic Association title with a 6-0-1 record. UChicago trailed for only 64 minutes all season out of a total 2,090 minutes played.

The 2022 squad's accolades included one All-American, five All-Region selections and seven All-UAA honorees, as well as the NCAA Tournament Offensive Most Valuable Player and Defensive Most Valuable Player.

The 2022 coaching staff was named the United Soccer Coaches' National Coaching Staff of the Year, USC Region VIII Coaching Staff of the Year and UAA Coaching Staff of the Year.

Kevin is originally from Cary, North Carolina. He holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago and is currently a student at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is also a veteran of the United States Army

University of Chicago

Coaches

Phillip Kroft

Jack Curtin

Will Boyes

Kevin Schmid

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