June 3, 2005

Brad Wilby

GENEVA, N.Y.—Hobart College Assistant Soccer Coach Brad Wilby, 25, a native of Haddonfield, N.J., died at Geneva General Hospital on Friday, June 2, after collapsing during a workout on campus.

“We are all deeply saddened by Brad’s passing,” Hobart and William Smith President Mark D. Gearan said. “He was an extraordinary young man whose presence on campus and in our community was significant in many ways. A valued friend, colleague, and mentor on our campus and in the community, Brad made an important difference in the lives of our student-athletes as well as many young soccer players in the local community.”

Wilby joined the Hobart coaching staff prior to the start of the 2004 season. He was involved with all facets of the program, concentrating on recruiting, the defense, and the goalies. In addition to his coaching duties, Wilby volunteered his time with youth groups in the community, including the YMCA, sharing his love of soccer.

A 2004 graduate of Plymouth State University, Wilby played goalie for the Panther soccer team. A starter in 67 of 71 games, he posted a 1.17 goals against average, a .797 save percentage, 19 shutouts, and a 37-24-5 record. As a senior, Wilby was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-New England first team and received Plymouth State’s Paul E. Arnold Varsity Club Male Athlete of the Year Award after leading the Panthers to a share of the Little East Conference regular season title and the semifinals of the ECAC New England Tournament.

Wilby graduated from Haddonfield Memorial High School, where he played on two New Jersey state championship soccer teams. He is the son of Robert and Susan Wilby and the brother of Rebecca and Melissa.

Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.