Jacksonville University hires Ryan Moon as new women’s soccer head coach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a nationwide search, Jacksonville University Senior Vice President and Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert announced that Ryan Moon will be the next head coach of the women’s soccer program. Moon becomes the seventh head coach in program history.

“We are thrilled to announce the hiring of Ryan Moon to be the new leader of our women’s soccer program,” said Ricker-Gilbert. “Throughout the search, we kept coming back to Ryan as our choice. He is going to build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes and will embrace our University. Coach Moon is a proven winner with Florida roots who will be a great culture fit for our department. I’m proud of the search committee for their efforts, and I look forward to the future of the women’s soccer program here at JU.”

Moon makes way from Florida Tech, where he has led the women’s soccer program for three seasons, compiling a 35-12-15 record which included a postseason run to the final four in the NCAA Division II tournament. In the 2023 season, the Panthers stacked together 17 wins with an impressive 8-1-1 conference record. Moon’s side took down the 19^th ranked Flagler College in October, as well as the No.1 and No.2 seeds in the tournament.

“We are very excited to welcome Ryan to the Dolphin family,” said Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Advisor Courtney Taybron. “Ryan is a transformational coach who clearly knows how to build trusting relationships with his players and intentionally works to create environments that encourage growth and positivity. His character and values align with who we are at JU and we look forward to partnering with him to continue to develop successful student-athletes on and off the field.”

Moon, who had been associated with Florida Tech since undergrad, offered gratitude towards Jacksonville for the opportunity.

“Firstly, I am grateful to Alex Ricker-Gilbert and the entire search committee for placing their trust in me to lead the women’s soccer program here at Jacksonville University,” said Moon. “I am eager to work collaboratively with the players, staff, alumni and community to build a competitive and inspiring soccer program.”

“It is bittersweet saying goodbye to Florida Tech,” further added Moon. “As me and my family leave with so many great memories. I have been extremely lucky to have played with, coached and worked with a lot of fantastic people throughout my time as a Panther, and to that, I will always be grateful. My family and I look forward to the challenges and triumphs ahead as we embark on this new chapter.”

During his second season at the helm at Florida Tech, Moon guided the Panthers to an 8-6-3 overall record, securing a notable 5-4-1 standing in the SSC. The Panthers, under Moon’s leadership, clinched their second consecutive SSC Tournament Championship appearance. Notable victories included overcoming Barry on their home turf and defeating Florida Southern in PKs on the road. However, in a rematch of the 2021 SSC championship, Tech faced Embry-Riddle, falling 1-0.

Five Panthers garnered All-SSC honors that season, with two making first team, and three earning second-team recognition. Two Panthers further received acclaim by being named to the All-South Region team by the D2CCA and United Soccer Coaches associations.

Moon’s inaugural full season in Fall 2021 saw Tech achieve a 10-3-9 record, which included an impressive 4-2-4 mark in the SSC. The Panthers secured the NCAA South Region Championship and reached the national quarterfinal round for the second time in program history. Moon’s ten victories tied a program record for most wins by a head coach in their first full season. The Panthers displayed an impressive 3-0-1 record against ranked opponents and remained undefeated over the final eight regular-season games. The team secured the No. 6 seed in the 2021 SSC Tournament, concluding the regular season with an impressive 4-0-4 record at home.

Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Moon led the women’s soccer team to a commendable 3-1-2 record during the shortened Spring 2021 season, securing wins over Saint Leo (2-0), Rollins (1-0), and Florida Southern (1-0). Tech also made a run in the NCAA tournament that season, beating the No.4, No.1 and No.3 seeds in penalty kicks to achieve its best finish since 2010. Additionally, four panthers earned All-Conference honors and three were All-South Region.

Before taking charge of the women’s soccer team, Moon served on the Florida Tech men’s soccer coaching staff since 2011, concluding his tenure as Associate Head Coach in 2018 and 2019.

Moon’s roots with the Panther men’s soccer team extend to his three-year stint from 2008-2010, where he distinguished himself as the team’s top shutdown defender. Notably, he started 42 of 43 games and served as team captain for two seasons. Moon’s contributions included two game-winning goals in 2010 and an All-SSC Second Team selection in his senior season.

Prior to joining the Florida Tech coaching staff, Moon achieved success as the head coach of the boys’ soccer team at Satellite High School in 2011, guiding the Scorpions to the Florida District 2A State Championship. His efforts earned him recognition as Florida Today’s Boys Soccer Coach of the Year and the FACA High School Coach of the Year.

Collaborating with men’s soccer staff, Moon played a pivotal role in guiding the Panthers to eight winning seasons in nine years, with notable achievements such as a Sunshine State Conference Tournament runner-up finish in 2014 and NCAA Tournament berths in 2016 and 2019. The latter included a historic home win over West Florida in the third round, marking the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory in 26 years.

A Bideford, England native, Moon served as captain for three years for Wales National Youth and had notable playing stints with Plymouth Argyle, Cambridge United, and Boston United.

Moon’s coaching credentials include a FA Level 3 Coaching License (UEFA B), USSF National C License, and USSF National B License. Notably, he was honored with the Bob McNulty Award for his exemplary representation of coaching and its crucial role in the development of young people. Additionally, he earned a master’s degree in business administration at Florida Tech in December 2014.