ITHACA, N.Y. – Ithaca College Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports, Susan Bassett '79, has announced the promotion of Garret Eldridge to head coach of the men's soccer program. Eldridge has served as assistant coach at Ithaca for the past two seasons.
 
"I am pleased to continue the trajectory of men's soccer success with the appointment of Garret Eldridge as our next head coach," Bassett said. "Coach Eldridge has been integral to the program's success, influencing our recruiting effectiveness, training and competition performance, along with every aspect of organizational matters. He has experience playing and coaching in highly respected programs while working with one of Division III's best coaches, Kyle Dezotell, these past two years, all of which prepare him well to take the reins of Bomber men's soccer. I have absolute confidence that he will thrive in this role and provide the continuity and leadership our student-athletes deserve."

Eldridge will replace Kyle Dezotell, who was named the head coach at defending national champion Tufts University earlier this spring.
 
"I am incredibly grateful and excited to have been chosen as the Head Men's Soccer Coach at Ithaca College," said Eldridge. "I want to thank Director of Athletics Susan Bassett, Associate Athletic Directors Will Rothermel and Erienne Roberts for the opportunity to lead the program. I am beyond humbled to be able to continue my career with an athletic department with such established success both on the field and in the classroom. I look forward to competing each day to continue the tradition of excellence here at Ithaca College."

Since 2018, the Ithaca men's soccer program has made a resurgence and amassed a record of 27-8-6. This past fall, the Bombers went 13-6-2, were nationally ranked for a large portion of the season and earned the program's first trip to the NCAA Championships since 2008. The Bombers won their opening round game against Keene State, 2-1, before falling to No. 1 Amherst in the second round. IC's victory over Keene State was the first NCAA victory since 2002.
 
"I am extremely excited for Garret and happy for the players and program," expressed Dezotell. "Garret has been an incredible asset to the program over the last two seasons and a major reason for the immense successes in 2018 and 2019. The record of the men's soccer program since Garret's arrival at Ithaca College (27-8-6) more than speaks for itself. Garret is a tireless recruiter, a talented relationship builder, and an excellent on-field coach. He was responsible for much of the work the players put in on the training field over the last two years. I have every belief and expectation with Garret at the helm that this program is in great hands and will continue to be one of the top teams in the region and country for years to come." 
 
The 2018 squad posted an overall record of 14-2-4, which was a seven-match improvement from 2017 (7-8-2). That season, IC reached the Liberty League final and tied St. Lawrence, 1-1, but did not earn the conference's automatic bid as St. Lawrence prevailed in penalty kicks.
 
"I am thrilled to have Garret take the reins of our men's soccer program and continue building the tremendous culture he has helped establish over the past two seasons," Rothermel stated. "He has an exceptional soccer IQ and we are fortunate to have him assume this leadership role."
 
Over the past two seasons, Ithaca has not lost a game at home, going 16-0-2.
 
Prior to joining the staff at Ithaca, Eldridge spent two seasons as the first assistant at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pa. Eldridge helped the Knights to one of the program's best seasons, which included a 13-6-2 overall finish, an appearance in the MAC Commonwealth semifinal and a bid to the ECAC Tournament.
 
In 2015, Eldridge was as an assistant at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. In his role at Ursinus, his responsibilities included creating training plans, scouting opponents, creating off-season workout plans and recruiting.
 
Eldridge began his college playing career at NCAA Division I Siena College before transferring to NCAA Division III Roanoke College. During his time at Roanoke, Eldridge was a three-time Old Dominion Athletic Conference All-League midfielder for the Maroons. The Wayne, Pa. native graduated from Roanoke in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in history.
 
"Congratulations to Garret and Ithaca College on this tremendous hire," said Roanoke head coach Ryan Pflugrad. "I'm excited to watch the continued success of the Ithaca men's soccer program under his leadership. Garret is one of the most driven, hardworking, and team first players I have come across during my time coaching. He has successfully parlayed those traits into his coaching career; developing into an excellent recruiter, tactician, and leader of successful teams and winning cultures."
 
"Garret's sharp interest in continuous learning and development as a coach and leader is impressive," Pflugard continued. "He will undoubtedly use the lessons he has learned from his vast experiences working at the NCAA DIII level, as well as in working alongside Coach Dezotell and others, to continuing the program's successful tradition. Ithaca College and their student-athletes will surely benefit from Garret's qualities and leadership moving forward."
 
Following his collegiate career, Eldridge headed to Australia to play professionally for the Sunshine Coast Fire FC.