Florida Tech Hires Ryan Moon as New Head Coach of Panther Women’s Soccer Program

Moon served on Panthers' men's soccer coaching staff the past nine seasons

MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech Interim Athletic Director Pete Mazzone is pleased to announce that Ryan Moon, a 2014 Florida Tech graduate, has been named the new head coach of the Panther women’s soccer program.

“It is with great excitement that we have hired Ryan Moon as our next Women’s Soccer Head Coach,” said Mazzone.

“Ryan most recently was a coach on our men’s soccer team and is a graduate and former outstanding player during his undergraduate time here at Florida Tech.

“Ryan will bring stability and leadership to our women’s soccer program. He is well versed in the game of soccer and has proven to be a great recruiter of student-athletes here at Florida Tech. He understands the importance of the “student” in student-athlete as well as the academic standards in place at our university. We feel confident our women’s soccer program is in good hands and a bright future lies ahead.”

Moon takes over the helm of the women’s soccer team after serving as an assistant coach and, most recently, associate head coach of the Florida Tech men’s soccer team since 2011.

“I’m extremely happy for the opportunity to become the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Florida Tech,” said Moon.

“It’s an honor to lead such a great program at a university that is so close to my heart. I’d like to thank Interim Athletic Director Pete Mazzone, President McCay, Jen Mercurio and everyone else involved in the hiring process for putting their trust in me.

“I’d like to thank Robin Chan for the last 12 years with the men’s soccer program. First as a player and then as a coach, I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of such a great program. I’m very thankful for the fond memories and for providing a platform that has allowed me to express myself as a coach.

“Finally, I would like to add an extended thank you to my family for their ongoing support: my wife Teresa, our daughter Evelyn and my Mum and Dad.”

Moon was a key cog for Florida Tech’s men’s soccer program as both a player for three seasons and a member of the coaching staff the past nine years.

As a player, Moon was the Panthers’ top shutdown defender from 2008-10. He started 42 of 43 games during that time while also serving as team captain two of the three seasons.

Over his career, he recorded two game-winning goals, both in 2010, and one assist. Moon was named to the All-SSC Second Team his senior season.

Prior to joining the Florida Tech coaching staff, Moon worked as the head coach of the boys’ soccer team at local Satellite High School in 2011. That season, Moon guided the Scorpions to the Florida District 2A State Championship and was recognized as the FACA High School Coach of the Year.

While working alongside Chan on the men’s soccer staff, Moon helped guide the Panthers to eight winning seasons in nine years.

Tech finished as the SSC Tournament Runner-up in 2014 and earned NCAA Tournament berths in 2016 and this past season in 2019.

The most recent trip was highlighted by the Panthers’ home win over West Florida in the third round, which is the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory in 26 years.

“Ryan has been an integral part of our men’s program for a long time and I want to thank him for his years of service to our program both as a player and a coach,” said Chan.

“This is a great opportunity for him and his family and he is more than ready for this next step in his career.”

“Ryan is a talented coach and more importantly a great person, and I’ve no doubts he will make great strides with our women’s program. I’m very proud to call Ryan part of our soccer alumni and also a close friend, and I’m excited at the prospect of working alongside him to explore avenues to grow both our programs.”

Julia Kantor, who served as assistant coach of the women’s soccer team in 2019-20, will remain on staff.

Kantor, also a Florida Tech alum, played goalie for the Panthers from 2013-16.

“I’m excited to get moving with this next chapter in my coaching career, and I’m eager to get my arms around the program,” Moon stated.

“We will be striving for the highest standards in all aspects of what we do, and that will be pivotal in building a culture we can be proud of.”

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