JR DeRose begins his third season with the Northwestern University men's soccer program in 2026. In October 2026, DeRose, who works primarily with the Wildcats' goalkeepers and defensive unit, was promoted to the role of Associate Head Coach.
“JR has been a rock for this program over the last three seasons,” Northwestern head men's soccer coach Russell Payne stated. “His commitment to the program, attention to detail, and tireless work ethic have been invaluable. I’m proud to be able to promote him to Associate Head Coach.”
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.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Coach Payne for the opportunity to expand my role within Northwestern Men’s Soccer, and for his continued mentorship, trust, and belief in me,” DeRose commented. “Being part of this program has provided me with tremendous opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute, both professionally and personally. I also want to acknowledge and thank my colleague, mentor, and friend, Ronnie Bouemboue, whose influence played an important role in bringing me to Northwestern, and whose example reminds me of the importance of developing young people with purpose, passion, and a genuine smile along the way.”
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’m excited to build on the foundation of the past while helping our student-athletes and program reach new levels, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside this team and Northwestern Men’s Soccer,” DeRose added.
DeRose earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration and a Master's of Business Administration from Mercer University, graduating Magna Cum Laude.