JR DeRose - Men's Soccer Coach - University of North Carolina Athletics

JR DeRose

Title:
Volunteer Assistant Coach
Email:
jderose@unc.edu

JR DeRose enters his first year as the volunteer assistant coach for North Carolina men’s soccer in 2022.

Prior to joining the Tar Heels, DeRose served as the volunteer assistant coach at Bradley University. During his time with the Braves, he organized and executed goalkeeper training sessions as well as sessions for substitute, reserve and injured players. He also assisted the coaching staff with team film, scouting, tactical meetings and field set up.

A standout goalkeeper at Mercer University from 2016-21, DeRose earned a spot on the All-Southern Conference Second Team in 2018 and was named the SoCon Tournament MVP in 2019. He led the Bears to three SoCon championship titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances (2016, 2017, 2019), also claiming the league’s regular season championship in 2018.

The Peoria, Ill. native graduated with the fourth-best career goals-against average and fourth-most shutouts in Mercer program history.

A two-time Mercer alumnus, DeRose received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2019 before earning his master’s degree in business administration in 2020. He graduated with magna cum laude honors and landed on the Dean’s List each semester.

DeRose earned the SoCon Pinnacle Award in 2017, presented to the individual with the highest GPA on the championship winning team. He also received the conference's Commissioner’s Medal during the 2020-21 season and was twice named to the Academic All-Southern Conference Team.