Joshua Pantazelos is entering his second season as the assistant men’s soccer coach at Eckerd College.

Pantazelos recently completed his graduate degree in Sports Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University.  While working toward his degree, he worked under the tutelage of Dave Giffard as a graduate assistant for the men’s soccer program at the NCAA Division I school. 

Pantazelos spent his first three seasons of college soccer at Akron University from 2007-2009 under Caleb Porter, the current head coach of the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer. While at Akron, he was part of three conference championships and a runner-up finish for a national championship in 2009. 

After being part of a historical season with the Zips, Pantazelos transferred to Virginia Commonwealth where he finished his career.  While there, he made 28 starts in two seasons and racked up 106 saves with a goals allowed average of 1.14 to go along with six clean sheets.

Following the completion of his college career, he signed a professional contract with Richmond Kickers. The club is part of United Soccer League in the second division of American soccer. 

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the athletic department here at Eckerd,” Pantazelos said. “Coach Neagu has been successful at every level he has competed at as a player and coach and I am excited to learn and work alongside his staff as we build a championship soccer program at Eckerd. Continuing to bring hard work and desire for excellence will assist our competitive process for success and help build champions on and off the field. I am excited to be a part of this endeavor.”

A native of Birmingham, Ala., Pantazelos attended Vestavia Hills High School. He was a member of the Alabama State ODP teams from 2000-2006 and was named to the Regional ODP team in 2006.  He also played for the U16 Vestavia Steamers, which won state championships in 2004 and 2005.