Camp Staff
Phillip Kroft, Head Men's Soccer Coach
Phillip Kroft was hired as UChicago's Head Men's Soccer Coach in July 2023.
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.
Kevin Schmid, Assistant Men's Soccer Coach
Kevin Schmid joined the UChicago men's soccer staff as an assistant coach in 2022.
In 2022, the Maroons captured their first NCAA Division III championship in program history by defeating Williams College 2-0 in the national title match. UChicago posted a 22-0-1 mark to set a new school record for wins in a season and its .978 winning percentage led the nation. The Maroons also won the University Athletic Association title with a 6-0-1 record. The defense recorded 13 shutouts while only allowing 11 goals. Only one opponent all year scored more than one goal versus the Maroons. UChicago trailed for only 64 minutes all season out of 2,090 minutes played.
The 2022 squad's accolades included one All-American (Richard Gillespie), five All-Region selections and seven All-UAA honorees. UChicago 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.