NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State soccer head coach Raleigh DeRose has announced the addition of Ethan Fineman to the Redbird coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season.
Fineman joins the Redbirds after a one-year tenure at Heartland Community College, where he served as an assistant coach, working with the goalkeepers for both the men's and women's teams.Â
During his tenure with the Hawks, the goalkeepers under Fineman's guidance soared to new heights. On the men's side, the Heartland goalkeepers recorded 63 saves and posted five shutouts, three more than the previous year, throughout the 2024 season. On the women's side, the Hawks tallied 48 saves and 15 shutouts across 23 matches played in 2024.
Fineman, a former goalkeeper at Illinois Wesleyan, played two seasons for the Titans before medically retiring in 2023. In his freshman campaign, Fineman appeared in nine games and recorded 26 saves, including nine in one game against North Central on Nov. 3.Â
After missing the 2022 season due to injury, Fineman made an appearance in two games for Illinois Wesleyan and helped the Titans to their first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance in 2023. Fineman was also an Academic All-CCIW honoree in his last year.
A native of Highland Park, Ill., Fineman graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business-Sports Management from Illinois Wesleyan University in May 2025.Â
Fineman also holds a USC Level 2 Goalkeeping Diploma.
Coach Raleigh DeRose on Fineman joining staff…
"I am incredibly excited to welcome Ethan to our staff. His passion for the game paired with his expertise in goalkeeping make him an excellent fit for us. Additionally, Ethan's drive and commitment to developing players through intentional training will help our goalkeeping unit grow in a positive way."
Fineman on joining Redbird staff…Â
"I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunity to join the Redbird family. I am excited to grow as a coach, learn from a great staff, and continue my education at a top university."
