[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 187 (Monday, November 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF BRADLEY UNIVERSITY'S MEN'S SOCCER HEAD COACH 
                               JIM DEROSE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2023

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Jim 
DeRose on his retirement as Bradley University's Men's Soccer Coach 
after 28 successful seasons.
  Beginning his career in 1996 at the age of 28 as the youngest coach 
in NCAA Division I men's soccer, Jim quickly emerged as a dominant 
figure in the soccer community. Jim guided the Braves to the regular-
season Missouri Valley Conference title in 1998, followed by the 
program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2000. Under Jim's 
leadership, Bradley's soccer program reached new heights and resulted 
in a 2007 run to the NCAA Elite Eight, where Jim was chosen as the 
Soccer America National Coach of the Year.
  Jim's record speaks volumes of his commitment and dedication to the 
game. During his tenure as head coach, Bradley held a 267-227-66 record 
with seven NCAA tournament appearances, the highest for any coach in 
Bradley University Athletics history. Jim finishes his career as the 
second-winningest coach in Missouri Valley Conference soccer history 
and coached the only four-year all-Americans in MVC men's soccer 
history.
  In addition to his accomplishments on the pitch, the accomplishments 
of his players in the classroom and post-graduation are a testament to 
his ability to grow his players into successful young men. Six former 
assistant coaches have gone on to become NCAA Division I head coaches, 
sixteen players have been selected for all-American academic awards, 
and nine have been selected in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft.
  Jim has been an integral part of growing the game of soccer 
throughout central Illinois and his legacy will last for years to come. 
It is my privilege to congratulate Jim DeRose on his retirement after 
28 years with Bradley University Men's Soccer and wish him, his wife 
Robin, and his two children, Raleigh and J.R., all the best.

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