University of Chicago

Phillip Kroft enters his third year as the Head Men's Soccer Coach at the University of Chicago in the 2025-26 academic year.

Kroft led the team in the 2024 season with a 7–8–3 record and a 2-2-3 record in the UAA. To compliment the season, the Maroons placed four on the All-UAA teams including two first team members in Lyndon Hu and Kai Walsh. 

Throughout the 2023 season the Maroons posted a 11-3-6 overall record with a mark of 4-1-2 in UAA conference play in 2023. 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.