DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson University head men's soccer coach Emmett Rutkowski has announced the promotion of Eddie Jimenez to Associate Head Coach ahead of the 2026 season.
Jimenez enters his fifth season on the Hatter coaching staff after joining the program prior to the 2022 campaign. Since his arrival, Stetson has qualified for four consecutive ASUN Championships, captured the 2024 ASUN Regular Season Championship and advanced to the conference semifinals three straight seasons while developing some of the conference's top talent.
"I'm excited for Eddie as it's a great step in his career and he has earned it," Rutkowski said. "He has been instrumental in the last four years in building our program at a consistent level in the top of the ASUN."
During his four seasons in DeLand, Jimenez has helped mentor four major ASUN award winners, including the 2024 ASUN Player of the Year (Charles Ahl), Defensive Player of the Year (Clarence Loriot), Goalkeeper of the Year (Nicolo Radaelli) and the 2023 ASUN Freshman of the Year (Xavi Csato). Stetson has also produced numerous All-ASUN, All-Freshman Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Region selections under his guidance.
The 2024 season marked one of the most successful campaigns in program history as the Hatters won their first ASUN Regular Season Championship since 2017, finishing unbeaten in conference play (3-0-4). Stetson produced three major conference award winners, six All-ASUN selections and three United Soccer Coaches All-Region honorees.
Jimenez also played an integral role in the continued development of goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli, who earned ASUN Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2024 after previously being named to the All-ASUN Second Team in 2023. Radaelli finished his Hatter career as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in program history.
In 2025, Jimenez helped guide Stetson to a 6-8-3 record and a postseason victory over Central Arkansas in the opening round of the ASUN Championship.
His impact was evident immediately after arriving in DeLand. During the 2022 season, the Hatters lost just three matches all year while recording victories over South Florida, FGCU, North Florida and Jacksonville. The following season, Stetson earned signature wins over NC State and eventual ASUN champion Lipscomb while developing Freshman of the Year Xavi Csato and three First Team All-ASUN selections.
Prior to joining the Hatters, Jimenez served as a volunteer assistant coach at UCF during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He helped the Knights capture the 2021 American Athletic Conference Championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.
Away from the collegiate game, Jimenez has become a key member of the Puerto Rico Football Federation. Since 2023, he has served as head coach of the Puerto Rico U17 Men's National Team while also working as an assistant coach and scout for both the U20 and Senior Men's National Teams. During that span, Puerto Rico earned promotion to League B in the Concacaf Nations League while leading all participating nations with 22 goals scored.
Before entering coaching, Jimenez enjoyed a decorated playing career. A four-year starting midfielder at UCF, he helped lead the Knights to consecutive NCAA Tournament second-round appearances in 2010 and 2011. He also played professionally with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL and represented Puerto Rico at the U17, U20, U23 and Senior National Team levels.
Stetson opens exhibition play Thursday, Aug. 6, against Daytona State before hosting New College of Florida on Aug. 10. The Hatters officially open the 2026 regular season on Aug. 20 at SMU before returning home for their regular-season opener against Webber International on Aug. 26 at the Athletic Training Center.
Admission to all Stetson men's soccer home matches is free. Every home match during the 2026 season will be streamed live on ESPN+, with live statistics available at GoHatters.com.
Fans can stay up to date with the latest team news, schedules and promotions by visiting GoHatters.com and following @StetsonMSoccer, @StetsonMSOC and @StetsonHatters on social media.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
