Rhodes College Athletics is proud to announce that senior men's soccer standout Eli Pilcher has been named the 2025 Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Man of the Year, the highest individual honor awarded by the conference.

This award is given annually to a senior student-athlete who exemplifies leadership, character, academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community involvement. Voting is conducted by a committee of the SAA's athletic directors.

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Pilcher is a double major in Economics and Philosophy, and has excelled across every aspect of his college experience — as a student, athlete, leader, and contributor to his community.

"For four years, Eli has poured himself into being the best athlete and teammate on the Rhodes soccer team," said Head Coach Matt Lamb. "As impactful as he was on the field, Eli will also be remembered as an incredible student and person off the field. We're so proud of the man he's become and feel lucky to have him as part of the Rhodes community. We can't think of a more deserving recipient of the SAA Man of the Year."

Pilcher was a four-year starter on the Lynx back line, appearing in 67 games, all starts, and logging more than 5,800 minutes during his career. In his senior season, he started all 16 matches, played 1,447 minutes, and tallied 3 goals and 1 assist.

His accolades reflect the consistency and leadership he brought each year:
- 2024 Third Team Scholar All-American
- 2024 CSC Academic All-District
- 2024 First Team All-SAA
- 2023 SAA Defender of the Year
- 2023 Second Team All-Region
- 2023 Third Team Academic All-American
- 2023 First Team All-SAA
- 2022 First Team All-SAA
- 2022 Team Volgas Award Winner
- 2021 First Team All-SAA
- 2021 Intersport Rhodes Newcomer of the Year Finalist

He finishes his career with 7 goals, 3 assists, and 47 shots.

In addition to his on-field contributions, Pilcher was a model of academic success. He earned consistent honors and placed annually on the SAA Academic Honor Roll.

"A tremendous and well-deserved honor for Eli," said Rhodes Athletic Director Jim Duncan. "During his four-year career as a Lynx, Eli set the standard for the expectations of Lynx Championship Culture by exceeding in the classroom, in competition, and the community. His impact on Rhodes, Rhodes Athletics, and Rhodes Men's Soccer is immeasurable, and it's fantastic to see that impact seen by others in the SAA."

Beyond athletics and academics, Pilcher was deeply committed to service and student-athlete leadership. As President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) in his senior year, he helped rebuild and energize the committee, led the planning of events like the Leroys, Rhodes' annual athletic awards celebration, and helped coordinate campus involvement in major community projects — including volunteering at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during marathon weekend.
His contributions to Rhodes are a reflection of the core values of the SAA Man and Woman of the Year Awards, which are presented annually to senior student-athletes who demonstrate academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, and leadership. Nominees must be First Team All-SAA selections, meet academic honor roll requirements, and have no remaining eligibility.

"Eli is the type of student-athlete every coach hopes to have," added Lamb. "Driven, compassionate, unselfish, and always willing to do the work — no matter the task. His presence made our program better every day."

Rhodes College congratulates Eli Pilcher on this remarkable and well-earned recognition.