JR DeRose begins his third season with the Northwestern University men's soccer program in 2026. Following the 2025 season, DeRose, who works primarily with the Wildcats' goalkeepers and defensive unit, saw his role expanded to include the title of Director of Player Development.
"JR has demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovative thinking in his approach to player development," Northwestern head men's soccer coach Russell Payne said. "His new title reflects his invaluable contributions to our program and our student-athletes. We are excited about the continued positive impact he will have on their development both on and off the field."
Over the course of his first two seasons in Evanston, DeRose, who works with the program's goalkeepers and defensive unit, has helped lead the Wildcats to back-to-back winning campaigns. Under DeRose's tutelage, Rafael Ponce de León rocketed up to fifth on the program's all-time shutouts leaderboard, posting nine clean sheets across his final two seasons in Evanston to bring his career total in the category to 12.
In each of DeRose's first two years on staff, Northwestern has closed the season ranked inside the top five in the Big Ten Conference in goals against average.
"First and foremost, I am deeply thankful to Head Coach Russell Payne for the opportunity to take on a leading role in the holistic development of our student-athletes within Northwestern Men's Soccer," DeRose commented. "The environment cultivated here at Northwestern is one that provides genuine opportunities for meaningful personal, academic, and athletic growth."
Prior to joining the 'Cats, DeRose spent the 2023 season at his alma mater, Mercer University, as an assistant coach. The Peoria, Ill. native was part of a staff that guided the Bears to a Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
DeRose also served as an assistant coach at the University of North Carolina, working primarily with the Tar Heels' goalkeepers. During his time in Chapel Hill, UNC earned a berth in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. DeRose has also served as the Director of Goalkeeping at Triangle United Soccer Academy and was a volunteer assistant at Bradley University. DeRose recently completed his U.S. Soccer B License.
DeRose enjoyed a decorated career as a student-athlete at Mercer, backstopping the Bears to three SoCon Tournament crowns. Named a Second Team All-SoCon pick in 2018, DeRose was tabbed the most valuable player of the league tournament as a redshirt junior in 2019 after piling up 17 saves across three postseason victories.
"I believe Northwestern is the premier collegiate setting for young people to compete, learn, and mature into well-rounded leaders who strive for excellence in every facet of life," DeRose added on his expanded role. "I am excited to continue growing and serving our student-athletes within this exceptional environment."
DeRose earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration and a Master's of Business Administration from Mercer University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.