Coach McIlroy, who is a Clayton State Alumnus, comes back to his Alma Mater after starting his coaching career at Southern Nazarene University. In the 2022 season, the Crimson Storm went 12-6-3 and they went on to won Great American Conference Tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.
Coach McIlroy is also in his second year as a club coach at AFC Lightning, coaching U15 and U16 SCCL Gold team. This past summer, he was on the coaching staff at Apotheos FC. He also recently just obtained USSF "C" Licenese in October of 2024. Â
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Prior to his coaching career, McIlroy had a successful playing career from 2017-21. McIlroy started his playing career at the University of Mary. There, he played in 23 matches and knocked in five goals. Additionally, Joel accumulated 10 points and attempted 31 shots. McIlroy then transferred to Quincy University for the next two seasons. In 32 matches, he scored a pair of goals and added an assist. Joel then used his final season of eligibility to play for Coach Petersen at Clayton State. In his one season as a Laker, McIlroy notched a pair of assists in 19 matches.
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