Gilpin enters his first season as head coach of the Grand Rapids Community College men’s soccer program, bringing an extensive background in collegiate, professional pathway, and elite youth soccer to the Raiders.Before beginning his coaching career, Gilpin competed at the highest youth levels in Europe, playing for the Sunderland A.F.C. Academy (1998–2004), Newcastle United (2005), and Celtic FC (2005–07). He also represented Scotland at the U15, U16, and U17 national team levels. After transferring to Davenport University in 2009, he spent two seasons with the Panthers before concluding his playing career.
A native of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Gilpin moved to the United States to attend Davenport University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He holds a USSF “A” License and USSF Instructor License, along with advanced coaching credentials including the AFC Ajax Methodology Diploma, United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma, and certification as an MBP Specialist in Individual Fundamentals.
Gilpin brings 12 years of collegiate coaching experience to GRCC, with stops at Davenport University, Grand Valley State University, and Aquinas College. During that time, he has helped guide teams to multiple WHAC and GLIAC conference championships, conference tournament titles, and deep postseason runs at the NAIA and NCAA Division II levels.
In addition to his collegiate experience, Gilpin has an extensive background at the semi-professional and youth levels. He was named head coach of the Grand Rapids FC USL2 men’s team in 2020 after leading the club’s women’s side to consecutive Midwest Championship appearances, including a title in 2018. At the youth level, he oversaw the MLS NEXT program at Midwest United and previously coached within the U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy, earning multiple state cup championships and contributing to goalkeeper development across top-level teams. In 2021, he was recognized as the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association Coach of the Year.
Career Highlights
Grand Rapids FC
Great Lakes Western Conference Champions (2015)
NPSL Great Lakes Conference Champions (2016)
UWS Midwest Regional Champions (2018)
UWS National Final Four (2018)
Grand Valley State University
GLIAC Conference Champions (2017)
GLIAC Tournament Champions (2017)
NCAA Division II Elite Eight (2017)
Davenport University
WHAC Conference Champions (2013, 2016)
WHAC Tournament Champions (2013)
NAIA National Elite Eight (2013)
Aquinas College
WHAC Conference Champions (2023)
