Lee Hitchen has been at the helm of Illinois Tech soccer since its revival in 2003. His first season resulted in a CCAC Conference Freshman of the Year and an all-conference selection. In the same year, he was named athletic director and still oversees the department's twelve NAIA intercollegiate sports today. During his tenure as athletic director, Illinois Tech has produced multiple all-conference, all-region, and All-American selections, three national champions, and numerous academic All-American honors.

Prior to joining the Hawks, Hitchen began his career as a player in the English Premier League clubs Manchester United and Manchester City. After signing with the Blackburn Rovers F.C., he decided to instead pursue a soccer and academic career at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia. After earning individual athletic awards, coaching at the club level, winning a state championship, and earning his bachelor's degree in biology, Hitchen signed with the Orlando Nighthawks of the D3 professional league. Later, Hitchen returned to his alma mater to pursue his master's degree in business administration and management and serve as an assistant coach in the women's program. During his tenure, the women's team captured a pair of WVIAC conference championships, several All-American selections, and a nomination for NCAA II Female-Athlete of the Year.

Since coming to Illinois Tech, Coach Hitchen has taken the men's program from a fledgling team to CCAC and Region VII challengers. With many all-conference selections and a talented group of domestic and international players, the future of Illinois Tech soccer looks bright. With a philosophy of quick one- and two-touch passing and an attractive attacking style, Illinois Tech soccer is firmly establishing itself as a program respected among its peers in the NAIA.