Coaching Staff
RYAN LAKIN – Camp Director
Ryan Lakin, 38, came to Illinois Wesleyan University in 2005 after a 3 year hiatus from the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW). Prior to arriving at IWU, Lakin worked in the professional ranks of the United Soccer League (USL) “A League” Pittsburgh Riverhounds. A native of St. Charles, IL Lakin has a wealth of successful experience to draw from as he continues to build a national prominent soccer program at IWU.
Lakin first arrived in Bloomington Normal as a soccer player for Illinois State University. He arrived in town in 1990 as a walk-on athlete for then top 20 men’s soccer program at ISU. As a walk-on, Lakin went on from a freshman with limited playing time to a starter, captain and NSCAA All Regional Soccer player. His playing career landed Lakin in the coaching world upon leaving ISU.
Upon graduation, Lakin started a local soccer club, the BNSC. After developing youth players for 3 years as their Director of Coaching (DOC), Lakin got the call to interview at Millikin University. Lakin coached at MU for 5 seasons as the Head Men’s and Women’s soccer coach. During his tenure at MU, Lakin massed a 54-29-3 (.645) record with the men. He was the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin’s Coach of the Year 3 times in his time at Millikin. Lakin helped produce 14 All CCIW players, 6 NSCAA All Regional players and one CCIW championship during his 5 seasons at MU.
When the call came to go coach in the professional ranks, Lakin left the midwest for a brief but beneficial stint in Pittsburgh. He came back into the midwest to work in Barrington with FC Barrington / BASA as the Assistant Director of Coaching (ADOC) and head of the recreational program.
Again, a call came about an opportunity to get back into the college coaching ranks at IWU. It was an opportunity that couldn’t be taken lightly. Lakin has been back in the CCIW at IWU for 5 seasons. He has produced two 3rd place finishes with both trips to the CCIW tourney ending in 0-0 ties with losses due to Penalty Kicks. Lakin has developed 17 All CCIW players and 6 NSCAA All Regional players while at IWU.
Lakin has also been able to work in the grass roots of soccer throughout his entire career. As a player at ISU, Lakin worked numerous soccer camps as a counselor. Once he graduated, he has worked as DOC at the BNSC, as the head of youth development in Pittsburgh with the Riverhounds, as a ADOC with FC Barrington and finally Lakin merged two clubs (CIS and BNSC) into one “superclub” in Bloomington – the ILLINOIS FUSION. Lakin was the FUSION’s first DOC during the inseption of the club and its second year. Currently, he is a staff coach for the FUSION.
Lakin’s commitment to development extends outside the perimeter of Central Illinois as he is a staff coach for Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) on their Olympic Development Program (ODP) Staff. Lakin works with Coaching Education in the state and region and continues to serve the IYSA in their state and regional camps.
Lakin resides in Bloomington with his wife Kristin.
RYAN LAKIN:
- Bachelor of Science, Illinois State University ‘95
- United States Soccer Federation (USSF) A License
- USSF B and USSF C Licenses
- 3 X CCIW Coach of the Year (1998, 1999, 2001)
- Men’s Soccer Coach Illinois Wesleyan University (2005-present)
- IL FUSION DOC – (2006-2009)
Olympic Development Program (IYSA – 2003-present)
Don Ideran – Assistant Director
Don Ideran joined the Titan Staff during the Spring of 2009 as the Assistant Soccer Coach. Don currently works part-time at State Farm and part-time with IWU. He also is the Normal Community High School head boys soccer coach. During his tenure at NCHS, Don has accrued a record of xxx-xx.
