Evan Philpott named head men’s soccer coach
The Jacksonville native has been a coach at JHS since 2011 following a playing career at Eastern Illinois University.
Evan Philpott has been announced as the new head men’s soccer coach at Illinois College, taking over the Blueboy program after a long and successful run as the head boys’ soccer coach at Jacksonville High School. A native of Jacksonville, Philpott graduated from JHS in 2007 and from Eastern Illinois University in 2011 after a four-year playing career with the Panthers.
“I want to thank President Farley, Director of Athletics Mike Snyder, and the search committee for the extraordinary opportunity to become the head men’s soccer coach at Illinois College,” Philpott said. “I feel both honored and privileged to accept this position. Illinois College has always held a special place in my heart, as I grew up next to the campus and it was there that I first developed a love for the game of soccer.”
“Pursuing a career in coaching, I have returned to where it all began. I have every intention to bring passion, commitment, and ambition to this leadership position. I will strive to help student-athletes at Illinois College reach their full potential both in the classroom and on the field. With inspired play and collective spirit, I hope to help build a strong culture of togetherness and harmony within the soccer program. I cannot wait to be a part of the Blueboy soccer family and the bright future that lies ahead.”
The head coach at Jacksonville High School since 2012, Philpott transformed the Crimson program. In seven seasons at the helm, he was 105-52-1 with one Central State Eight title and two regional titles. The 2016 team would go on to finish fourth in the state in Class 2A. In total, 54 members of JHS earned all-conference honors under Philpott’s guidance and four earned IHSSCA All-State recognition. He was named the IHSSCA Region 7 Coach of the Year in both 2014 and 2016 and was inducted into the Jacksonville High School Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“Evan brings a great combination of soccer knowledge and a team-first mentality to the program,” said Snyder. “His deep connections to the Jacksonville community as well as his ties to the strong high school soccer of the Central State Eight make him a great fit for us. I am thrilled to welcome him to the Illinois College community and I look forward to the future of the men’s soccer program.”
Philpott holds a NSCAA National Diploma and a USSF “D” License. He is currently pursuing a Master of Sports Science degree in coaching from the United State Sports Academy.
The Blueboys put together a 5-12-1 season in 2018 with a 2-6-1 record in the Midwest Conference. The 2019 schedule will be released early this summer.