Coaches

Garret Eldridge

Garret Eldridge was promoted to head coach of the Ithaca College men's soccer program in May 2020 after two years as an assistant for the Bombers.


"I am incredibly grateful and excited to have been chosen as the Head Men's Soccer Coach at Ithaca College," said Eldridge. "I want to thank Director of Athletics Susan Bassett, Associate Athletic Directors Will Rothermel and Erienne Roberts for the opportunity to lead the program. I am beyond humbled to be able to continue my career with an athletic department with such established success both on the field and in the classroom. I look forward to competing each day to continue the tradition of excellence here at Ithaca College."


He earned his first-ever win as a head coach during the 2021 season in thrilling fashion leading the Bombers to a 2-1 (OT) victory over Medaille College in the season-opener. He led the Bombers to a 8-6-6 overall record where IC clinched the No. 2 seed for the Liberty League Tournament where they finished as the runner-up in the Liberty League Championship. The Bombers finished the season giving up just three goals against in nine Liberty League games.


Garret Eldridge joined the Bombers in 2018 after spending two seasons as the first assistant at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pa. Eldridge helped the Knights to one of the program’s best seasons, which included a 13-6-2 overall finish, an appearance in the MAC Commonwealth semifinal and a bid to the ECAC Tournament.


Since joining the Ithaca College program, Eldridge has helped IC to a combined record of 38-23-17, which has included reaching two Liberty League championships in 2018 and 2021 as well as one NCAA Tournament Round of 32 appearance during the 2019 season. During that stretch, the Bombers have proven to be fantastic at home going unbeaten for over two and a half seasons from 2018 until 2021.


During the 2019 season, the Bombers went 13-6-2 with a 5-3-1 conference mark. IC earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, marking the Bombers' first trip to the big dance since 2008. Ithaca's win over Keene State in the first round marked the first NCAA Tournament win since 2002.


Prior to his time at Arcadia, Eldridge spent the 2015 season as an assistant at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa.


Eldridge started his college playing career at NCAA Division I Siena College before transferring to NCAA Division III Roanoke College. During his time at Roanoke, Eldridge was a three-time Old Dominion Athletic Conference All-League midfielder for the Maroons.


Following his collegiate career, Eldridge headed to Australia to play professionally for the Sunshine Coast Fire FC.

Nick Calo

Ithaca College men's soccer head coach Garret Eldridge has announced the hiring of Nick Calo as his lead assistant coach on staff for the upcoming 2023 season. Calo will officially begin his appointment at Ithaca on July 31.


"I am incredibly excited to announce the hiring of Nick Calo as our lead assistant for the upcoming season," said head coach Garret Eldrige. "Nick has shown himself to be a tremendous relationship builder, talented tactician and excellent in game coach. I have no doubt we have added a fantastic coach for our group."


Calo joins the Bombers staff after spending the last four seasons as the assistant men's soccer coach at Utica University where he assisted in all facets of the program, including day-to-day operations, scouting, recruiting, as well as game and practice preparation.


"I am incredibly excited to start the next chapter of my career at Ithaca College," Calo said. "I would like to thank head coach Garret Eldridge and Ithaca College Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Susan Bassett '79 for the warm welcome into the Ithaca College community. I cannot wait to get to work to add to the rich history of success."


Calo brings a diverse familiarity with the Central New York region. The native of nearby Syracuse played two years at St. John Fisher University while earning his bachelor's degree in sport management, where he later coached two seasons with the Cardinals.


He's also had a presence in both professional and club soccer assisting with the Syracuse Pulse of the NISA League (US 3rd Division Professional) since 2022 along with experiences serving in a prominent capacity with one of the nation's top clubs. From August 2016 until July 2019, he was the assistant director of coaching for Orlando City Youth Soccer. Orlando City Youth Soccer is the player developmental academy system created and operated by Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer. He worked with age groups ranging from under-8 to under-19 in the Orlando Area to prepare players for high school, college, club, and professional opportunities in soccer.


As a student-athlete, he did not miss a game for St. John Fisher during the 2011 and 2012 seasons totaling a goal and three assists from the midfield.


Calo has also earned and maintained his U.S. Soccer National D Coaching License.

Nicola Lanari