Hall of Fame
Rick Stottler - Florida Tech, Soccer Coach
Stottler was simply the most successful soccer coach ever at the Florida Institute of Technology. Prior to Stottler’s arrival at Florida Tech in 1986, Panther soccer struggled for an identity. Once Stottler took the reins in Melbourne, a new identity soon followed -- winner. Stottler inherited a team that had gone 5-9-2 the previous season. In Stottler’s first campaign, the Panthers compiled an 11-5 record. In his second season, Stottler piloted Florida Tech to the school’s first NCAA Tournament berth. The quick transformation from also-rans to champions was complete in 1988, Stottler’s third season on the Space Coast. In that magical 1988 season, just three years removed from a losing record, Florida Tech would lay claim to the first of two NCAA Division II national championships under Stottler’s guidance. The freshmen that were a part of the 1988 national championship team would end their careers at Florida Tech the same way it began, with another NCAA crown in 1991, this time captured in front of the Panthers’ home fans in Melbourne. During 14 seasons at the helm of Florida Tech’s men’s soccer program, Stottler amassed numbers that can truly be called “Hall of Fame.” Thanks to 12 winning seasons in 14 years, Stottler compiled a career record of 190-66-12. His 190 career wins ranks among the top-ten in NCAA Division II, while his career winning percentage of .731 ranks third all-time among Division II coaches. In addition to two national championships, Stottler’s teams appeared in NCAA tournament play eight times. Under Stottler’s direction, Florida Tech would also collect four South Region titles and a share of the Sunshine State Conference championship five times. Stottler has been recognized for his coaching success on numerous occasions. The SSC Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1989, Stottler was also selected as South Region Coach of the Year and NCAA Division II Coach of the Year in 1991. Florida Tech inducted Stottler into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in February 2001.