OUR WORK
Reflections of players who have attended events we have held
"Coach Ilse has helped me develop into a better goaltender, not just with my fundamentals but also having a great mentality and gave me drills so I can work at home as well" - Anonymous Goalie - 2018
"The Elite 50 camp was like no other camp I have previously attended. The Coaching Staff wanted to work with each individual not just watch us compete. The experience was one that I will surely reflect on to give me insight at the next level" - Anonymous player - 2016
ABOUT US
Playing Experience:
Seton Hill University (2009-2013)
At Seton Hill University, Chris was a staple in the Griffins net by leading the defense for three years. During his career at Seton Hill, Ilse held a record of 31-14; good for a 68.8% winning percentage and the most wins in Seton Hill history. He made 512 saves and had a career save percentage of 57.3% while holding opponents with a Goals Against Average of 8.43.
Before Seton Hill, Ilse graduated from Vestal High School in 2009 where he was a two-year starter and two-time first-team all-league selection. In 2009, he was named team co-captain and was a high school all-american. He also played in the US Lacrosse National Senior Showcase in 2009 which took place in Providence, RI.
Coaching Experience:
Seton Hill University (2013 - Current)
Chris Ilse is entering his tenth season on the sideline for the Seton Hill Men’s Lacrosse team. In April 2023, Ilse was named the program's first Associate Head Coach in history and currently is the programs Offensive Coordinator. Prior to that he was named the defensive coordinator in 2015 and was promoted to recruiting coordinator in 2018 for the Griffins.
Under Coach Ilse guidance the Griffins defensive units had risen to be one of the more consistent and successful defensive units in the GMAC conference and country.
Last season the Griffins were 12th in the country in scoring defense while winning their third Great Midwest Athletic Conference title and advancing to their fourth straight NCAA Tournament.
The Griffins were second in Division II in 2020, allowing just over five goals per game before the CoVID pandemic cut short the season.
In 2019, the Griffins finished tied for eighth in scoring defense, allowing just 8.14 goals per game.
Coach Ilse has led the defensive unit to several program benchmarks. In 2015 the unit averaged 8 goals against per game which ranked them 6th in Division II, the highest such ranking for a Seton Hill defensive unit at the time. Three defensive players were named to the All Conference team.
In 2017, the Griffins had their second-best season in the programs history with a record of 12-4. They won the inaugural GMAC championship as the #2 seed with a victory over #1 seed Mercyhurst. The defense gave up 7.38 goals per game which is the lowest in program history and ranked 6th in Division II. Four members of the defense were named to the GMAC All-Conference team and one, sophomore LSM Brett Craig, was named a USILA All American.
In 2018 Ilse helped lead the Griffins to their best season in the programs 15 year history with a record of 17-2. The team won their second straight GMAC championship defeating Mercyhurst in a rematch of the 2017 final. The defense ranked 5th in Division II giving up 7.79 goals per game and was the top ranked clearing team in Division II clearing the ball at 90.0%. Sophomore goaltender Max Eisman, Senior Defender Joe Cillo, and Junior LSM Brett Craig were named to the GMAC All Conference team and also named USILA All Americans.
Coach Ilse joined the Seton Hill staff after finishing his playing career for the Griffins. Ilse was a four-year member of the Griffins, a 3 year starter and was named a USILA All-American and ECAC goalie of the year in 2013 and currently ranks first in all-time Seton Hill history in wins (31), Goals against average (8.43) and save percentage (57.3%).
A native of Vestal, NY Ilse graduated from Vestal High School in 2009 where he was a two-year varsity starter and two-time first team all-league selection. He was named a co-captain and high school All-American in 2009 and was selected to participate in the US Lacrosse National Senior Showcase.
He is married to former Seton Hill Women's Lacrosse player Ali Nicholas and the couple resides in Pittsburgh.
